Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Comic Story Arc blog features opinion by local comic book reader
My friend John Daniels has restarted his comic book review blog, Comic Story Arc, with looks at Hatter M and Frank Beddor's new novel. Check it out.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
DC Comic Books Examiner: Costume cavalcade at Baltimore Comic-con
DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here. | |
Nevin Martell interviewed at CBR
Local author Nevin Martell is interviewed about his new Calvin & Hobbes book - "Talking Comics with Tim: Nevin Martell," by Tim O'Shea, Comic Book Recources October 12, 2009.
Martell's got a nice word about Our Man Thompson too - Richard Thompson's "Cul de Sac" has a great artistic sensibility and top-notch writing -- I describe it in the book as "[looking] like Ralph Steadman and Charles Schulz fighting over a pen to draw "The Yellow Kid" crossed with "FoxTrot," with a dollop of Watterson’s wit thrown in for good measure."
Martell's got a nice word about Our Man Thompson too - Richard Thompson's "Cul de Sac" has a great artistic sensibility and top-notch writing -- I describe it in the book as "[looking] like Ralph Steadman and Charles Schulz fighting over a pen to draw "The Yellow Kid" crossed with "FoxTrot," with a dollop of Watterson’s wit thrown in for good measure."
Herblock exhibit covered by Tom Sherwood
NBC TV reporter (and former Wash Post writer iirc) Tom Sherwood also beat me to covering the Herblock exhibit -
He interviews my friends Martha Kennedy and Sara Duke, and you get a good sense of what the exhibit looks like.
ABC has a text story on the exhibit - "Herblock: Cartoonist Who Coined 'McCarthyism' Honored at Library of Congress; Master of Editorial Cartooning: Herbert Block Cartoons on Display," By LINDSEY ELLERSON, Oct. 13, 2009.
As does the sadly-diminished Syndicate World section of Editor and Publisher - "Library of Congress Opens 'Herblock!' Exhibit," By Elaine Williams, E& P Online October 13, 2009.
He interviews my friends Martha Kennedy and Sara Duke, and you get a good sense of what the exhibit looks like.
ABC has a text story on the exhibit - "Herblock: Cartoonist Who Coined 'McCarthyism' Honored at Library of Congress; Master of Editorial Cartooning: Herbert Block Cartoons on Display," By LINDSEY ELLERSON, Oct. 13, 2009.
As does the sadly-diminished Syndicate World section of Editor and Publisher - "Library of Congress Opens 'Herblock!' Exhibit," By Elaine Williams, E& P Online October 13, 2009.
Comic Riffs on new Herblock exhibit
Michael beat me to the punch with his article -
The 'Herblock!' Show: Cartoonists, Library of Congress Pay Tribute on Legend's 100th Birthday
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 13, 2009
The 'Herblock!' Show: Cartoonists, Library of Congress Pay Tribute on Legend's 100th Birthday
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 13, 2009
Catching up with Weingarten's irregular chats
Since he took the latest Post buyout, Gene Weingarten's been chatting irregularly. He did one on September 29th where he took Zits somewhat to task (in the first poll) for racial insensitivity.
Actually, in his comments later, he says, "Gene Weingarten: I am surprised that I am in such a small minority that finds both versions of the cartoon problematic. To me, both versions are (humorously) equating the suffering of victims of terrible cataclysmic human injustices -- the Holocaust, slavery -- to the suffering of high school students in detention." He's speaking of a reference to Harriet Tubman smuggling a student in the original, versus Oskar Schindler in his modified version. For the record, neither particularly bothered me. The debate between Gene and his readers goes on for a while if one is interested.
I agree with this responder: Baltimore, Md.: "To me, both versions are (humorously) equating the suffering of victims of terrible cataclysmic human injustices -- the Holocaust, slavery -- to the suffering of high school students in detention." Really? Can't believe you, of all people, read it so literally. It's not about detention = slavery and the Holocaust. It's about Stupid Teenage Drama that equates detention with "terrible cataclysmic human injustices."
Gene Weingarten: I accept that is how most people are reading it. I'll go further: I'll accept that I must be oversensitive.
In the second poll, he took some shots at the first Our Town panel. The polls running pretty hard against Our Town, but that's perhaps due to the negative slant the questions have. On the other hand, this was a bad choice to start the feature off with. The idea of a park for handicapped kids is not an intuitive one, as most of us have never seen such a park.
As I continue reading, I find Gene says in response to someone who'd been to the park and liked it "I don't get it. If this is about a place for handicapped children, why are there no handicapped children? If it is filled with rides, why are there no rides shown? If it is a place of extreme bliss, why is no one shown having fun? Why is everyone just... standing around? Why do the words -- bliss, joy, etc. -- seem to counteract the imagery? Does it seem to anyone else as though this seemed a little ... snide and sarcastic? I cannot believe it was meant to be that, but I'm not sure it's delivering whatever it meant to deliver. Why no color, except for in an occasional insignificant place? What purpose do the asterisks serve -- none that seems consistent with any prior use of asterisks that I have seen. Why is "acronym" continuously misused?"
Actually, in his comments later, he says, "Gene Weingarten: I am surprised that I am in such a small minority that finds both versions of the cartoon problematic. To me, both versions are (humorously) equating the suffering of victims of terrible cataclysmic human injustices -- the Holocaust, slavery -- to the suffering of high school students in detention." He's speaking of a reference to Harriet Tubman smuggling a student in the original, versus Oskar Schindler in his modified version. For the record, neither particularly bothered me. The debate between Gene and his readers goes on for a while if one is interested.
I agree with this responder: Baltimore, Md.: "To me, both versions are (humorously) equating the suffering of victims of terrible cataclysmic human injustices -- the Holocaust, slavery -- to the suffering of high school students in detention." Really? Can't believe you, of all people, read it so literally. It's not about detention = slavery and the Holocaust. It's about Stupid Teenage Drama that equates detention with "terrible cataclysmic human injustices."
Gene Weingarten: I accept that is how most people are reading it. I'll go further: I'll accept that I must be oversensitive.
In the second poll, he took some shots at the first Our Town panel. The polls running pretty hard against Our Town, but that's perhaps due to the negative slant the questions have. On the other hand, this was a bad choice to start the feature off with. The idea of a park for handicapped kids is not an intuitive one, as most of us have never seen such a park.
As I continue reading, I find Gene says in response to someone who'd been to the park and liked it "I don't get it. If this is about a place for handicapped children, why are there no handicapped children? If it is filled with rides, why are there no rides shown? If it is a place of extreme bliss, why is no one shown having fun? Why is everyone just... standing around? Why do the words -- bliss, joy, etc. -- seem to counteract the imagery? Does it seem to anyone else as though this seemed a little ... snide and sarcastic? I cannot believe it was meant to be that, but I'm not sure it's delivering whatever it meant to deliver. Why no color, except for in an occasional insignificant place? What purpose do the asterisks serve -- none that seems consistent with any prior use of asterisks that I have seen. Why is "acronym" continuously misused?"
Monday, October 12, 2009
Baltimore Comic Con photos continued - Cosplay
All photographs are by Claire.
Hawkwoman.
The Joker - an excellent version that reminded me of Marshall Rogers' art.
The Ghostbusters posed with a family, and doesn't the one on the right really look like Dan Ackroyd?
Rorschach, Nite Owl and Poison Ivy - a teamup that Alan Moore will never want to see.
Hawkwoman.
Scarlet Witch and the White Queen.
Scarlet Witch, #21 henchman of the Monarch from the Venture Bros cartoon, and the White Queen.
Here's an article about the cosplay contest - "Comic book fans get in character: Baltimore Comic-Con's debut costume contest draws dozens of colorful entrants," By Tricia Bishop, Baltimore Sun October 12, 2009.
I'm sure Bruce Guthrie will have plenty of photographs on his website of the cosplayers (link towards the right - over there).
Hawkwoman.
The Joker - an excellent version that reminded me of Marshall Rogers' art.
The Ghostbusters posed with a family, and doesn't the one on the right really look like Dan Ackroyd?
Rorschach, Nite Owl and Poison Ivy - a teamup that Alan Moore will never want to see.
Hawkwoman.
Scarlet Witch and the White Queen.
Scarlet Witch, #21 henchman of the Monarch from the Venture Bros cartoon, and the White Queen.
Here's an article about the cosplay contest - "Comic book fans get in character: Baltimore Comic-Con's debut costume contest draws dozens of colorful entrants," By Tricia Bishop, Baltimore Sun October 12, 2009.
I'm sure Bruce Guthrie will have plenty of photographs on his website of the cosplayers (link towards the right - over there).
Another Jeff Kinney interview
"Nothing 'Wimpy' about local author's success," By Heather McCarron, Milford Daily News Oct 12, 2009.
DC Comic Books Examiner: Baltimore Comic-con celebrated 10 year anniversary
DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here. | |
Our Town, #3
The third Our Town appeared in the Washington Post Magazine yesterday. This piece of cartoon journalism is by Michael Cavna on the C&O Canal Boat Ride. Like the first one, I like the selection of the place, and the idea, but the strip is hampered by its small size. A half-page of a small magazine is not enough room to put in commentary and a drawing.
Washington Examiner editorial on Danish Islam Cartoons and Yale
I wouldn't have remotely written a column such as this one, but I am appalled by Yale's actions, inactions and stance regarding their Press' refusal to publish the Danish Islam Cartoons in a book about them, and then the over-reaction to Westergaard's visit. See "Yale chose Shariah over U.S. Constitution," by Diana West, Washington Examiner Columnist, October 11, 2009. I will note snarkily that the Constitution's guarantee of free speech doesn't mean that one has to take advantage of it.
Ann Telnaes has a new blog
Ann Telnaes writes in, "I'm doing a blog- not much writing, but reposting past print editorial cartoons which are still relevant today and linking to interesting news items: http://anntelnaes.blogspot.com/ "
Anyone interested in editorial cartooning should definitely check this out. Ann's one of the best cartoonists around, and her line is lovely.
Anyone interested in editorial cartooning should definitely check this out. Ann's one of the best cartoonists around, and her line is lovely.
Her animations are still appearing regularly on the Washington Post website.
Baltimore Comic Con photos continued
Baltimore Comic Con. Don Rosa correcting Scrooge's eyeglasses. He said he draws the view through the lenses but European publishers blank them out.
Baltimore Comic Con. Robert Montgomery and Don Rosa.
Rob Ullman. Rob said that he did well at the show, although Sunday was slower.
Frank Cho.
Image Comics booth.
Dark Horse Comics booth.
Tim Sale, racing the hourglass for some reason.
George Perez.
Scott Kurtz, with Greg Horn's booth signs showing oddly behind him.
Quick Reviews for Comics Due 10-14-09
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-14-09
By John Judy
ABSOLUTE DEATH HC by Neil Gaiman and Various Really Talented Artists. If you are a Goth and a Neil Gaiman fan (but I repeat myself) you need to have this for your coffee table. Or for that place on the floor where a coffee table one day will be. Recommended.
MARVELS PROJECT #3 of 8 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. The Super-Soldier gets infiltrated, the Torch becomes a hero and Namor shows up looking for a fight! A big one! Recommended!
PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #75 by Various Creators. An anniversary issue containing five stories about the day Frank Castle lost it all and the world gained the Punisher. And best of all, an eight page preview of the new Punsher series by Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon. Recommended. Not for kids.
SCALPED #32 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. Another mind-roasting issue of Indian Reservation Noir as Dash Bad Horse finds himself the object of attention of a jailed murderer and a drunk mystic (who is also a murderer). And you think your Facebook stalkers are bad! Highly recommended. Not for kids.
UNCANNY X-MEN #516 by Matt Fraction and Greg Land. Magneto!
UNWRITTEN #6 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. Tommy Taylor, having barely escaped the horror story murders last issue, must now get himself in tune with the Song of Roland. And he's better be on tempo or else! Recommended.
WALKING DEAD #66 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. Last issue Rick and the gang got the jump on the cannibals who ate Dale's leg. This issue, are they really gonna do what Rick said? Just when you think Kirkman can't twist the emotional knife any deeper…. Recommended. Not. For. Kids.
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #1 by Various Creators. It's a new Spidey number one!
YOU ARE THERE HC by Jean-Claude Forest and Jacques Tardi. A classic little something from Fantagraphics: An English language release of a key French book from the eighties, sort of a weird riff on Chekhov's "Cherry Orchard" about a once well-off landowner who loses the family plot to new money. High-brow comics that look good. Recommended.
And finally, perhaps the best geek news of the week: More DC Promo Green Lantern rings! But not just in Green! This week, in honor of the wildly successful and exciting "War of Light" storyline in the Green Lantern books, your finer retailers across the land will finally have Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet power rings!
I'm not saying that one out of every hundred of them really work, but I'm not denying it either…
Zadzooks on Marvel Ultimate Alliance videogame.
"Zadzooks: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 review," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times October 8, 2009.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Stitches reviewed in today's Post
It can take a while to find a book review since they're now hidden in the opinion (ie Outlook) section so I finally got to this review of David Small's Stitches - "Silenced Voice, Searing Pen," By Michael Sims, Washington Post October 11, 2009.
There's also an interview with Small on their website - "How Cinema Influences the Memoir "Stitches"," By Steven E. Levingston, Washington Post's Short Stack blog October 9, 2009.
There's also an interview with Small on their website - "How Cinema Influences the Memoir "Stitches"," By Steven E. Levingston, Washington Post's Short Stack blog October 9, 2009.
Baltimore Comic Con photos
Dean Haspiel defacing a copy of The Act-i-vate Primer.Here's my photographs from Sunday at the Baltimore Comic Con. Labels to follow, and more pictures will be put up here too. Most of the photographs were taken by Claire. (If you click through the link, several people are unidentified in the photo names, and if you know who they are, please comment).
Steve Conley original art
Here's a couple of pieces of Socks and Barney art I bought from Steve Conley at SPX. He ran out of them at Baltimore Comic Con or I probably would have bought some more. As you can see, you should definitely seek him out and buy some.
Steve Conley original strip art from Socks and Barney - ahh, that Mark Trail.
History judges George W. Bush.
'History' closeup - click through to note the blue line sketch behind the inks.
Steve Conley original strip art from Socks and Barney - ahh, that Mark Trail.
History judges George W. Bush.
'History' closeup - click through to note the blue line sketch behind the inks.
Jeff Kinney interview in Balitmore Sun
See "'Wimpy Kid' is becoming a popular kid: Part novel, part comic, the series by a Maryland alum is being turned into a film," By Mark Gross, Baltimore Sun October 11, 2009.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Whoops - happy birthday to Richard Thompson
Our Man Thompson turned 52 a couple of days ago, and I spaced out and missed it. So here's an 'artistic' picture for him too.
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