PR: The ACT-I-VATE PRIMER Debuts at Baltimore Comic-Con

Note DC writer Jim Dougan's in this, as well as other exciting cartoonists.

The ACT-I-VATE PRIMER Debuts at Baltimore Comic-Con Baltimore, Maryland - August 30, 2009 - Members of the premier webcomix collective, ACT-I-VATE, will debut their very first print anthology THE ACT-I-VATE PRIMER, at the Baltimore Comic-Con, October 10th & 11th.     There will be an ACT-I-VATE panel discussion featuring Dean Haspiel, Mike Cavallaro, Tim Hamilton, Joe Infurnari, Simon Fraser, Michel Fiffe, Kat Roberts, Jim Dougan, and Jennifer Hayden.  For more information on ACT-I-VATE, please visit:   http://www.act-i-vate.com/   "I'm excited that the ACT-I-VATE crew chose our show to debut their book," said Baltimore Comic-Con promoter, Marc Nathan. "Their web-comics have garnered a great deal of attention, so I am anxious to get to see fans' first look at the printed works." This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held October 10-11, 2009. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, October 10th. As we continue to get ready for this year's show, we would like to remind you to mark your calendar for next year's Baltimore Comic-Con dates: August 28-29, 2010. About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 10th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Oct 10-11, 2009. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.   About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 4 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

NPR's Weldon on Disney-Marvel media agglomeration

Weldon, Glen.  2009.

Why Disney's Delicious Snack Cakes Don't Threaten Marvel's Golden Eggs

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (September 2):

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2009/09/disney_marvel_and_the_tortured.html?sc=nl&cc=msb-20090902

Conversations with ADD free ebook!A

Alan David Doane kindly gave me permission to use his interview with Harvey in the Conversations book, and now he's put all of his comics interviews into one free e-book! He writes:

Conversations with ADD Now Available -- My third eBook is now available for download here on Comic Book Galaxy.

Nearly 300 pages in length, Conversations with ADD compiles almost all of the interviews I have conducted with writers, artists, editors and publishers since I started writing about comics ten years ago. The Foreword is by writer Christopher Allen, and the Afterword is by autobiographical cartoonist Jason Marcy.

Isn't that neat? Although to be honest, I'd buy a print copy. There's something about paper...

Harvey Pekar: Conversations - a true collector's item!

Apparently the University Press of Mississippi has sold around 600 copies of my Harvey Pekar: Conversations book which is filled with fine interviews with Harvey, covering a 25-year period. If every copy sold in the US, that's 1 copy per every half million people. And actually apparently 2 sold overseas! We're talking real scarcity here. If you want to get in before they're all gone, the Press will be glad to sell you a copy. Or two.

Big Planet Bethesda's still got a couple on the rack too...

...not that I'm begging or anything.

Nate Beeler's excellent cartoon Disney and Marvel

follow the link...

When Superhero Mutants Go Disney
By: Nate Beeler
Examiner Staff Writer
9/1/09http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/NateBeelerToons/When-Superhero-Mutants-Go-Disney-56425677.html

Comic Riffs interviews Lee on Disney buy

The 'Riffs Interview: Stan Lee Sizes Up the Disney-Marvel Deal
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 1, 2009
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/09/the_riffs_interview_stan_lee_s.html#more

W Post on Disney-Marvel deal

Deal Packs a Punch For Disney, Marvel
By Frank Ahrens
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/31/AR2009083101416.html

Peter Kuper and Comics fan at Fall for the Book in Fairfax

Tip courtesy of Ignatz-nominee Matt Dembicki -

2009 Fall for the Book festival in Fairfax

Comic-Book Fan Adam Besenyodi
When: Tue, September 22, 3pm – 4pm
Where: Grand Tier III, Center for the Arts, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Besenyodi discusses his new book, Deus ex Comica: The Rebirth of a Comic-Book Fan, praised by Wired as a “a great study in emotional psychology and the things in life that really get our brains ticking and our hearts pumping.”

Graphic Novelist Peter Kuper
Wed, September 23, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Center for the Arts, Grand Tier III, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030

Graphic novelist Kuper explores the history of comics as political art — from Thomas Nast to Diego Rivera to the artists of World War 3 Illustrated — and offers a visual tour of the art he produced while living in Oaxaca, Mexico, when striking teachers and federal troops clashed.

PR: Small Press Expo Announces Paul Karasik and Jeff Lemire as Guests for SPX 2009

Small Press Expo Announces Paul Karasik and Jeff Lemire as Guests for SPX 2009  For Immediate Release                                   Contact: Warren Bernard                         E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com  Bethesda, Maryland; August 31, 2009 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce Paul Karasik and Jeff Lemire as guests for SPX 2009.  Paul Karasik is a contributor to both The New Yorker and Nickelodeon magazine. He is the former associate editor of the ground breaking RAW Magazine and a former teacher at the Rhode Island School of Design.  As a graduate of the School of Visual Design, he studied with Art Spiegelman, Will Eisner and Harvey Kurtzman. He was the co-creator of the graphic novel "City of Glass", in collaboration with David Mazzucchelli. Paul's critically acclaimed "I Shall Destroy All The Civilized Planets" on the works of Fletcher Hanks won the 2008 Eisner Award for the category Best Archival Collection/Project-Comic Books. His latest book is another collection of the works of Fletcher Hanks "You Shall Die By Your Own Evil Creation!" published by Fantagraphics Books.     Jeff Lemire won a Xeric Award in 2005 for his book "Lost Dogs." Between 2007 and 2009 Top Shelf Productions published his Ignatz, Harvey, and Eisner-nominated "Essex County Trilogy" of graphic novels "Tales From the Farm," "Ghost Stories," and "The Country Nurse". They were collected into a single volume and issued earlier this year by Top Shelf as "The Complete Essex County". Jeff has won the 2008 Joe Shuster Award for Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist, the 2008 Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent, and the 2008 American Library Association's Alex Award (For Adult Books with Teen Appeal.) This year also saw the release of his original graphic novel "The Nobody" from DC/Vertigo. Jeff is currently writing and drawing the new monthly Vertigo series "Sweet Tooth," which will begin in September.  Paul Karasik and Jeff Lemire are in addition to the previously announced guests Carol Tyler and Josh Neufeld.  SPX will be held Saturday, September 26 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, September 27, noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $10 for a single day and $15 for both days.  For further information on the Ignatz Awards, the nominees or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at warren@spxpo.com.  For more information on the Small Press Expo and the Ignatz Awards, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

Aug 31: Batman Forever in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 09-02-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 09-02-09

By John Judy

 

AGENTS OF ATLAS #10 by Jeff Parker, Gabriel Hardman and Paul Rivoche.  Don't you hate it when your ex-girlfriend turns out to be an international super-villain and she's got way cooler stuff than you?

 

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #28 by Jane Espenson and Georges Jeanty.  A submarineless slayer must strategize success sans sorcery!  Recommended!

 

DARING MYSTERY COMICS 70^th ANNIVERSARY EDITION #1 by David Liss and Jason Armstrong.  What's that?  You say you want a previously untold solo story of Dick Jones, the Phantom Reporter?  Buddy, you won't have to wait another 70 years!  Enjoy!

 

DC LIBRARY: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA BY GEORGE PEREZ, VOL. 1 HC by Gerry Conway and George Perez.  The first of two volumes collecting GP's run on JLA in the eighties.  This one gives us #184-186 and #192-194, plus a super rare postcard set by Perez.  A must for fans of a certain age.

 

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: RUN #5 of 6 by Matthew Sturges and Freddie E. Williams II.  OK, forget that he helped kill the Martian Manhunter and taped it on his cell phone!  I like the Human Flame!  The kid's got moxie!  Recommended!

 

GHOST RIDERS: HEAVEN'S ON FIRE #2 of 6 by Jason Aaron and Roland Boschi.  "Save the Anti-Christ, save the world!"  And it's got skull-faced dudes on burning motorcycles!  Finish huffing that last bag of paint and read it!

 

IMMORTAL WEAPONS #2 of 5 by Cullen Bunn, Duane Swierczynski, Daniel Brereton and Travel Foreman.  Everything you ever wanted to know about the Bride of Nine Spiders but were too petrified down to your soul to ask.  Recommended.

 

INCOGNITO #6 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.  The final issue of Zack Overkill's wacky hijinks.  Highly recommended.

 

IRREDEEMABLE #6 by Mark Waid and Peter Krause.  The Plutonian's old team mates are looking real hard for anything that will take old Tony down.  So far they got bupkiss…

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #3 of 7 by James Robinson and Mauro Cascioli.  At this time I would also like to cry for Freddie Freeman not to be called "Shazam" as his super-hero name.  Honestly, it appears the whole Marvel Family is getting a bad case of Hawkman continuity…

 

MAGOG #1 by Keith Giffen and Howard Porter.  The horn-headed, demi-god, ex-Marine, great-grandson of Franklin Roosevelt is off to work on some issues until he has to play a role in nuking Kansas in KINGDOM COME.  Guest-starring the Justice Society of America.

 

MARVEL ZOMBIES RETURN: SPIDER-MAN #1 by Fred Van Lente and Nick Dragotta.  For those of you still interested…

 

MYSTIC COMICS 70^th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 by David Lapham and Juan Doe.  A little number featuring the Golden-Age Vision, who was frankly much more of a bad-ass than the modern-day android version ever thought about being.  Gotta look!

 

NORTHLANDERS #20 by Brian Wood and Davide Gianfelice.  The return of Sven the Returned!  Sven the Returned is awesome and we have missed him.  Recommended.

 

RED TORNADO #1 of 6 by Kevin van Hook and Jose Luisi.  If you like your androids possessed by the spirits of benign air elementals then this is the book for you!

 

STRANGE TALES #1 of 3 by Tons of Twisted Indy Comics Creators!  Imagine what some of your favorite indy creators would do with Marvel's iconic characters if they had no fear of getting sued by Von Doom and Sons, Attorneys at Law!  Well, you're gonna get three issues of it starting right here.  How does "The Incorrigible Hulk" by Peter Bagge sound to you?  Highly recommended.

 

STUDS TERKEL'S WORKING GN by Harvey Pekar and Various Artists.  An adaptation of the late journalist's anthology of first-person accounts of what it was like working various jobs in 1974 America.  Recommended.

 

SWEET TOOTH #1 written and drawn by Jeff Lemire.  Sort of like "The Stand" meets "Island of Dr. Moreau."  Lemire's been doing a lot lately and it's all interesting.  Gotta look.

 

TORCH #1 of 8 by Mike Carey, Alex Ross and Patrick Berkenkotter.  Okay, the good news is it looks like they're bringing the original Human Torch back (again).  The disturbing news is they're allowing Alex Ross to do something other than paint it.  Also, somehow Toro's not dead anymore either.  Maybe in eight issues it'll make sense…

 

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #2 by Brian Michael Bendis and David Lafuente.  Wow, it's almost like ULTIMATUM never even happened.  Maybe there's a lesson there somewhere…

 

WEDNESDAY COMICS #9 of 12 by Lotsa People.  Worth it just for Kamandi and Hawkman alone.  Lots to love here!

 

www.johnjudy.net

Matt Dembicki interview by DC Comic Books Examiner

Matt's nominated for an Ignatz this year - here's an interview with him -

Matt Dembicki loans sharks a re-introduction
DC Comic Books Examiner Mark Ruffin
August 30, 2009

Animator Mike Judge's live-action movie

Cavna's got a story on animator Mike Judge in today's paper, but had the full interview on his blog yesterday.

The 'Extract' Interview: Filmmaker Mike Judge After 'Office Space'
By Michael Cavna | August 29, 2009;
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog

Here's the story -

It Took a Decade, But the Boss of 'Office Space' Is Back in Business
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 30, 2009

- and here's a similar one at the NY Times -

Men at Work: Finding Humor in Missteps
By DENNIS LIM
New York Times August 30, 2009

Cartoons for the Classroom - Berryman's Teddy Bear

The August 30 2009 Cartoons for the Classroom features Washington Star cartoonist Clifford Berryman and the teddy bear he created.

Review of Harvey Pekar: Conversations I missed

A friend just sent me a link to this, asking if I'd seen it. I hadn't so I'm sharing it with you all (we're south of the Mason-Dixon line, so I use that instead of youz).

Bredehoft, Tom. 2009.
Harvey Pekar Conversations,
VillageGrouchy blog Sunday, November 30, 2008
http://villagegrouchy.blogspot.com/2008/11/harvey-pekar-conversations.html

Dean Haspiel art on HBO

I got a tip! One of my buddy's is doing some art for tv:

 Dean Haspiel's art was in the first episode of the upcoming HBO  show "Bored to Death" starring Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis based on a story by Jonathan Ames.

Haspiel and Ames did The Alcoholic graphic novel together last year.

LEGO Brickfest 2009 continued

Kids - don't buy ice cream from Uncle Joker's trucks. Presumably this came with a specialty Batman set when the movies were released.

Washington Post editorial on Danish Islam Cartoons

Here's a good editorial, opposed to Yale's decision, and written by an Egyptian-born columnist.

Yale's Misguided Retreat
By Mona Eltahawy
Washington Post Saturday, August 29, 2009

LEGO Dilbert

Unlike Calvin and Hobbes, this is a 'mosaic'.

As is this Mickey Mouse in the Sorcerer's Apprentice.



And this Wall-E.

LEGO Brickfest 2009

There's always some comic art-types at Brickfest, which was held last weekend in Tyson's Corner. Here's a favorite of mine.