Tuesday, March 10, 2009

OT: Haspiel on Simonson

My buddy Dean talks on his blog about visiting his mentor Walt Simonson - "Walter Simonson." Man_Size blog (March 9).

Boy, I loved that run on Thor, even with the frog.

March 25: Library of Congress Swann talk on Nast

Thomas Nast and French Art
The Topic of Swann Grantee’s Talk on March 25

Swann Foundation grantee Marie-Stéphanie Delamaire will present a lecture entitled, "The Artist as Translator: Thomas Nast and French Art,” Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 12 noon, in the West Dining Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, DC.

In her illustrated talk, Delamaire will examine American cartoonist Thomas Nast’s appropriation of the visual language used in prints and photographs of grand manner and history paintings in his political cartoons of the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. The analysis of Nast’s cartoons suggests that they functioned much like visual, cultural, and political translations of the era’s leading issues and articulated the cartoonist’s artistic identity.

Thomas Nast (1840-1902) began his career as a newspaper illustrator in the antebellum era for the growing illustrated press of the 1850s in New York. During the Civil War years, Nast developed a new style of large-scale cartoons that made extensive use of the visual vocabulary of old masters and contemporary French academic painters, particularly those whose works were reproduced in prints then being disseminated by the American branch of Goupil & Cie in New York. Nast referenced or alluded to specific French paintings as a means of capturing and engaging his viewers’ interest in major political developments of the day as seen in such cartoons as “Democracy” or “The Tammany Tiger Loose” (published respectively in Harper’s Weekly on November 11, 1865 and November 11, 1871). In so doing, Nast not only translated “facts into black and white,” as suggested by Clarence Cook (Putnam Magazine, July 1869), but also transformed history painting into a mass medium and appropriated the significance of foreign images into the American national or local political sphere.

Delamaire contends that looking closely at Nast’s cartoons demonstrates that the artist deliberately emphasized the discontinuity between the original painting and his final image in order to construct the cartoon’s underlying meaning. Nast’s translations of history paintings into cartoons can thus be seen to question the authority and priority commonly associated with the grand tradition of European history painting. Delamaire suggests that Nast’s appropriations reveal a shift from his role as a newspaper illustrator to that of a translator of fine art’s visual language mediating the political significance of foreign works of art widely
disseminated in print form to his American audience.

Delamaire is a Ph.D. candidate in Art History at Columbia University. Her dissertation project entitled, “Art in Translation: Franco-American exchanges in the Civil War and Reconstruction Era,” has been awarded a Terra Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution and a Swann Foundation grant. Her research interests focus on transnational exchanges in relation to the development of reproductive technology in nineteenth century visual culture, the international art market and the emerging apparatus of international exhibitions. She completed a Master’s Degree in Egyptian Archaeology. She has published several essays on the American perception of ancient Egypt, the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle, and the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition.

This presentation is part of the Swann Foundation’s continuing activities to support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. The Swann Foundation’s advisory board is composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members. The foundation strives to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon. Applications for the academic year 2009-2010 are due Feb. 15, 2010. More information about the fellowship is available through the Swann Foundation’s Web site: www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swannhome or by emailing swann@loc.gov.

Express Poll on comics movies generates little interest

"Do you think graphic novels are good source materials for making movies?" was the question asked. As published in this morning's paper it was split 50-50, but when you go to the site only 12 people voted.

Horsey interview concludes on Comic Riffs

The Interview (Pt. 2): David Horsey of the (RIP?) 'Seattle Post-Intelligencer' has some really interesting viewpoints in it. Like "I decided I needed to get to know the president of Hearst Newspapers. It helps. Two Pulitzers also helps. I recommend that to anyone."

Monday, March 09, 2009

Lone Wolf and Cub at Satisfactory Comics


Journalista
points out Michael Wenthe's reviews of all 28 volumes of Lone Wolf and Cub. Michael's a local prof at American University and I apologize for not linking to his blog more. Satisfactory Comics, the experimental minicomic he does with Isaac Cates is a lot of fun and you can buy them on the site.

Comic Art Indigene reviewed at Comicsgirl blog

I'm guessing Comicsgirl is local since she popped into Comic Art Indigene on the first day it was open and wrote up her impressions. She also linked to Marcus Amerman, a bead artist who had two (both commissioned, according to the curator) pieces in the show - this George Perez's Wonder Woman bracelet and a Jae Lee's Batman belt buckle.

I'll be writing a full review of this show sometime soon...

Amazon advertises my own book to me

This got emailed to me over the weekend:





Yes, my own book, Harvey Pekar: Conversations, was one of the featured Pekar titles. I immediately considered ordering another five copies, it was so convincing.

Flora in old New York Times

James Flora is largely forgotten these days, except for Fantagraphics' fine book about him. Here's a couple of drawings from the NY Times Magazine on April 11, 1965 - the day I was born - that I found on the back of a clipped article.


My, isn't it funny how the article is still topical today?

Editorial cartoonist Horsey interviewed at Comic Riffs

Michael Cavna's got part one up today - "David Horsey: How a Cartoonist Survives If Ink Newspaper Dies," Washington Post's Comic Riffs March 9, 2009.

Art Daily features Comic Art Indigene

See "Comic Art Exhibition Opens at the National Museum of the American Indian," Art Daily March 8 2009.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-11-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-11-09
By John Judy

30 DAYS OF NIGHT: 30 DAYS TIL DEATH #4 written and drawn by David Lapham. So it looks like vampires and self-control don’t always go hand in hand….

ACTION COMICS #875 by Greg Rucka and Eddy Barrows. Traditionally Superman comics without Superman have not been very good. But this is written by Greg Rucka so it will be as good as it can possibly be.

ALAN MOORE’S LIGHT OF THY COUNTENANCE GN by Moore and Felipe Massafera. A new tale from the creator of WATCHMEN about television, ghosts and old gods. Contains no giant blue phalluses that we know of.

BATMAN BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 of 3 written and drawn by Tony Daniel. Lotsa people fighting to wear Bruce Wayne’s old undergarments. I think it should be Bucky!

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #11 by Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk. It takes a certain brass to write stories in which Dracula trades catty remarks with Doctor Doom on his secret vampire moonbase before going off to fight limey superheroes. It’s something you don’t see everyday and thus evokes a sense of “Gotta Look.” Make of this what you will.

EX MACHINA SPECIAL #4 by Brian K. Vaughan and John Paul Leon. More weirdness from Mayor Hundred’s superhero past comes creeping into the present day. A political thriller with jetpacks. Recommended.

GHOST RIDER #33 by Jason Aaron and Tony Moore. After everything blowed up real good last issue it is time to reassess. Do Ghost Riding and Vengeance Spiriting really have a future in today’s economy? And, based on previous Ghost Riders’ experiences, is it really something you’d want to pursue in the best of times? Maybe community college ain’t so bad….

IMMORTAL IRON FIST #23 Duane Swierczynski and Travel Foreman. Our heroes are getting their asses kicked in the Eighth City of Hell. And that, ladies and gentlemen is how you tell a Great Kung-Fu Story! Recommended.

LOSERS BY JACK KIRBY HC written and drawn by “The King.” Collecting OUR FIGHTING FORCES #151-162 and featuring the adventures of Johnny Cloud, Captain Storm, Gunner and Sarge. Stories influenced by Kirby’s own service in WWII. Featuring a foreword by Neil Gaiman.

NORTHLANDERS #15 by Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly. The penultimate issue in which we learn of Magnus’s past and what has made him so relentless in his vendetta against the Viking invaders. Great stuff. Recommended.

PERRY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP ALMANACK HC written and drawn by Nicholas Gurewitch. The final volume collecting the comic strips that claim such diverse fans as Jim Woodring, Scott McCloud, Tony Millionaire and the woman who wrote “Juno.”

PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #68 by Duane Swierczynski and Michel Lacombe. Frank’s got three hours left to live and most of Philadelphia is still breathing. This will not do!

SCALPED #26 by Jason Aaron and Davide Furno. A stand-alone issue spotlighting Diesel, the rogue FBI, wanna-be Indian and his adventures behind bars. Among the best comics being published today. Highly recommended.

SPECIAL FORCES #4 of 6 written and drawn by Kyle Baker. Okay, so this title comes out about as often as Boo Radley. It’s still Kyle Baker so it’s gorgeous, clever and edgy as all get out. If the Iraq War and its accompanying military recruitment policies still have you mad you need to be reading this book. Highly recommended.

THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #1 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins. The second arc of this amazingly high-quality graphic adaptation begins here. The super-flu has destroyed the world and now the survivors have to cowboy up and keep living. Turns out there’s a guy named Randall Flagg in town and they’re gonna have to choose a side. Recommended.

THE STAND: CAPTAIN TRIPS PREMIERE HC by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins. As noted above, Aguirre-Sacasa and Perkins have brought Stephen King’s epic to vivid life. This collects the first five issues to whet your appetite for what’s yet to come.

SUPER HUMAN RESOURCES #1 of 4 by Ken Marcus and Justin Bleep. A humorous look at a world-class super-team through the eyes of a temp worker. Hopefully no one tries to set the building on fire…

TOP 10 SEASON TWO #4 of 4 by Xander Cannon and Gene Ha. A jail-break in Neopolis, the city of science heroes. Now that’s how you wrap up a mini-series! Recommended.

WALKING DEAD #59 Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. After the past couple of issues it’s kind of a relief to see some old-fashioned “drive over the zombies with a big car” action. Not for kids or otherwise squeamish folk.

X-MEN NOIR #4 of 4 by Fred Van Lente and Denis Calero. Wrapping up my favorite X-MEN mini-series in years: The X-Men re-imagined as hard-boiled pulp fiction characters from the thirties. Crackling dialogue with danger and double-crosses on every page. Highly recommended!

www.johnjudy.net

Staake and Thompson in New Yorker

Bob Staake, who regularly appears in the Post on Saturday, did the March 9th cover for the New Yorker. Our Man Thompson has a small caricature of a fugitive American millionaire who may be ruining sports in England. The issue also has Anthony Lane's negative review of Watchmen.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Book of Esther comic exhibit in Baltimore

The exhibit opened today. See "New-age depiction of Esther's age-old story: Exhibit at Jewish Museum focuses on graphic novel's retelling," By Edward Gunts, Baltimore Sun March 8, 2009 for JT Waldman's graphic novel story.

Here's the basic information - "Drawing on Tradition: The Book of Esther," runs through July 26 at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students and free for members. Call 410-732-6400 or go to jewishmuseummd.org.

Dave Astor continues his humor column

His third is up today - and it's funny, but pointed just like his two previous ones.

Zadzooks, superheroes and Watchmen at Washington Times

On superheroes is "EDGE: Saving the world ain't what it used to be," Peter Suderman, Washington Times Friday, March 6, 2009.

Zadzooks is still on toys - "Zadzooks: More from toy fair; Legions of action figures on parade," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, March 5, 2009.

But his blog has a piece by someone who doesn't know anything about Watchmen or comics - "Remembering Watchmen," By Heidi Haynes, Washington Times Zadzooks Blog March 04 2009.

And finally, here's the paper's review - "MOVIES: 'Watchmen' leap into action," Sonny Bunch, Washington Times Thursday, March 5, 2009.

Greg Houston covers Washington City Paper














I like Greg Houston's illustrations for the City Paper quite a bit. There's only one online, but the current issue has 4 or so in it.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Post on the Unbearable Whiteness of Superbeings

See "What Color Is Your Superhero?" By Adam Serwer, Washington Post Sunday, March 8, 2009; B05. I'm afraid I'm not convinced, although if the demographics are changing I'm sure it's from movies about superheroes and not comic books.

Kronenberg interview on Batcave Companion

Here's another interview with the former DC-ite, and now telecommuter, Michael Kronenberg on his new book:

Sheriff, Amanda. 2009.
Inside The Batcave Companion.
Scoop (March 6): http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=265&ai=80649

Another Wimpy Kid interview

See "Talking to `Wimpy Kid' author Jeff Kinney" -Bo Book Club, TimeforKids.com, Buffalo News March 4 2009.

Sara and Mike go to Charlottesville

Sara Duke and I went to Charlottesville yesterday to see an exhibit, but we also stopped at a bunch of antique stores to exercise our comics-senses. So here's some of what I found:

100_7051 Opus 'n Bill On the Road Again screen saver 1

100_7052 Opus 'n Bill On the Road Again screen saver 2
Opus 'n Bill On the Road Again screen saver box covers. Unfortunately, I have no idea how one could view the animated segments now.


100_7053 Eat Right 01 Eat Right to Work and Win, a 1942 book using King Features Syndicate characters. "Contributed by Swift & Companyto America's All-Out Effort through the National Nutrition Program. Office of Defense Health and Welfare Services." To read the whole booklet, click here.

100_7049 Foxy Grandpa doorstop Foxy Grandpa doorstop by Carl 'Bunny' Schultze. This is the second Foxy Grandpa thing I've found around Charlottesville - the first was a bank of his head. Sara and I both think this was repainted, but that doesn't much matter to me.

100_7050 Ferd'nand 1957 bookWordless comic strip Ferd'nand 1957 collection.

100_7061 Sagendorf Davy Crockett gameBud Sagendorf's Davy Crockett game, done around the time he was doing Popeye. I love the fact that someone saved this out of the Sunday comics and mounted it. I'll probably make a color copy and play it with my daughter. If there's any interest, I can do a hi-res scan for you readers.

100_7047
100_7046
100_7045
100_7043
100_7042
100_7041
100_7040
100_7044
Seven plates from Merry Masterpieces Fine Porcelain plates, Dayton Hudson, 1999. Anybody know anything more about these? Is it a New Yorker artist? They look vaguely like Danny Shanahan to me.

I bought a few more books and some Puck lithographs too.

Acquisitions considered, but not made: Raymond Briggs' Snowman place setting, 4 pieces by Royal Doulton - $40; Wood bas relief carving of Charles Dana Gibson cartoon - ? (some non-buyer regret over not at least checking the price); Raymond Briggs' Snowman porcelain box by Royal Doulton - $18; James Thurber house 50th anniversary commemorative plate - $40;