Sunday, October 25, 2009

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-28-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-28-09
By John Judy

ABE SAPIEN ONE-SHOT by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Patric Reynolds.  A story from Abe's early days with the BPRD that is haunting in all senses of the word.  Recommended.

ARKHAM REBORN #1 of 3 by David Hine and Jeremy Haun.  Arkham Asylum is being rebuilt to its original specs.  This cannot possibly bode well for anyone…

ASTRO CITY: ASTRA SPECIAL #2 of 2 by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. Not-so-little Astra and her beau have a bit of a to-do at an extra-dimensional watering hole.  Fun stuff and a nice reprieve from the grimness of "The Dark Age" epic in the regular title.  Recommended.

BLACKEST NIGHT #4 of 8 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis.  Earth is evacuated as the dead continue to rise.  Can even Hal Jordan discover the secret behind the Black Lanterns?  Well, one would hope…  Recommended.

DARK REIGN: THE LIST – WOLVERINE #1 by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic.  It's Jason Aaron writing Wolverine and he's one of the only guys on the planet who can do that and not suck.  For this reason alone we must read this comic.  Oh, and Ribic's art is choice as always.  Recommended.

FANTASTIC FOUR #572 by Jonathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham.  Things were going so well for the Justice League of Reed Richardses.  But then they stopped going well and started getting very problematic.  Can even the JLoRRs solve this one?  Big Brains and Big Fights galore!  Excelsior!

FREAKANGELS VOL.3 SC by Warren Ellis and Paul Duffield.  The third collection of the adventures of "twelve strange children."  Featuring a serial killer and a breaking of a rule.  Recommended.

GREEN LANTERN #47  by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke.  Lantern fight!  Blue Lanterns mix it up with Orange Lanterns and things are looking… Brown?  Seriously, that's what you get when you mix blue with orange.  A Brown Lantern would just be… kind of disturbing…

HULK #16 by Jeph Loeb and Ian Churchill.  "Red She-Hulk."  There, I said it.  A She-Hulk who's red.  This issue: Streaky the Hulk Cat.  I mean, why not at this point?

IGNITION CITY #5 of 5 by Warren Ellis and Gianluca Pagliarani.  The grand finale in which we finally stop hearing how crappy Ignition City is and find out why it's so crappy!  Plus, jet packs, zap guns and explodey stuff!  Recommended.

MAP OF MY HEART GN written and drawn by John Porcellino.  A little something from Porcellino celebrating the 20th anniversary of his zine KING CAT COMICS and mourning his divorce.  From Drawn and Quarterly.

NEW AVENGERS #58 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen.  The Hood, guest-starring some Avengers!  Ya remember Korvac?  Thanos?  Those were guys ya felt deserved to fight Earth's Mightiest Heroes.  The Hood?  Not so much.  Just sayin'…

NORTHLANDERS #21 by Brian Wood and Leandro Fernandez.  The new story-arc begins here!  "The Plague Widow" follows the troubles of a Russian Viking village in the year 1020.  A contagion afflicts them, as does an enemy within.  Recommended.

PREVIEWS by Marvel and Diamond Comics.  The Future of Comics!  Literally!

SUPERMAN #693 by James Robinson and Fernando Dagnino.  Lois Lane's evil military dad is torturing the super-people again.  Also Bizarro.

SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #2 of 6 by Geoff Johns and Mike McKone.  Superboy meets the Legion of Super-Heroes for the first time!  Again! Recommended!

ULTIMATE COMICS: ARMOR WARS #2 of 4 by Warren Ellis and Steve Kurth.  Ultimate Tony Stark fights a bunch of people over his stolen technology.  Ellis on the scripting so it will involve lots of "bleeding edge" references and violence.  Recommended.

ULTIMATE COMICS: AVENGERS #3 by Mark Millar and Carlos Pacheco.  Ultimate Captain America has gone rogue hunting down his son, the Ultimate Red Skull.  Seriously.  The Skull is Cap's son.  And let's not even get into the whole "cutting his own face off" thing.  Maybe not the title to give to the "Super Hero Squad" fan on your list.

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #6 by Jason Aaron and Yanick Paquette.  Wolverine's in a nut-house with a doctor who wants to cut his brain out.  And this is why Jason Aaron is the best writer ever.  Recommended.

WONDER WOMAN #37 by Gail Simone and Bernard Chang.  There's a rash among the Amazons!  Of pregnancies!  Why couldn't they have called it a spate?  Go figure…

X-FACTOR #50 by Peter David and Valentine De Landro. Big wrap-up to a year's worth of story-lines!  Or else!  Recommended.

www.johnjudy.net


     

Saturday, October 24, 2009

PR: Fellowship applications being accepted by Swann Foundation

The Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship, one of the few for scholarly work in the field, for the 2010-1011 academic year. Deadline for receipt of applications is February 15, 2011. Please email swann@loc.gov or call (202) 707-9115, if you have questions. For criteria, guidelines, and application forms, please see:
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html

Thank you for the opportunity to post this notice. My apologies for cross listing.


Martha H. Kennedy
Curator, Popular & Applied Graphic Art
Prints and Photographs Division
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington, DC   20540-4730
Ph.: 202/707-9115     Fax: 202/707-6647





Friday, October 23, 2009

Nov 2: Geppi's Entertainment Museum teacher's night

For details, see GEM’s Second Annual Teacher’s Night, Scoop October 23 2009

Crumb's appearance in Richmond

Here's a student mulling over it, and passing along the discount code - "The Good Book gets a new look," by Matt Fisher, RVA News October 22, 2009.

Based on David Hagen's comment earlier this week (boy I hope I remembered that right), and a ridiculous discount on Amazon, I've ordered the book.

Martell's Calvin and Hobbes in NY Times blog

See Page Turner | ‘Looking for Calvin and Hobbes’ By Adam Kepler, New York Times' The Moment blog October 23, 2009, and remember he'll be signing the book at Big Planet Bethesda next week.

Comic Riffs looks at the 'Incredible Shrinking Comic' in the Washington Post

Michael Cavna's got some good points in When the Incredible Shrinking Comic Reaches the Reader's Tipping Point and you can't go wrong by starting an article with Henry Allen's opinion, but check out the comment section as well.

By the way, there was a 'stamp-sized comic' done on purpose - Shannon Wheeler's Postage Stamp Funnies that used to run in the Onion before they axed their comics. There's a collection one can buy.

Cartoons & Cocktails high seller NOT from DC (corrected)

Mark Streeter*** had the high-selling cartoon last night. His eulogy for Ted Kennedy went for $1,750.

There seemed to be a pretty good crowd there last night. I went as Nate Beeler's date* and saw Justin Dembicki (formerly of the NY Observer) whose work sold well, and Steve Breen -- the three did a jam cartoon of Obama holding a pit bull on one leash and Cheney on another. Matt Wuerker's pieces went for more than I could afford. David Hagen was there too with his wife, but they had to leave early for the long drive home. The mysterious #123 bought by far the most cartoons - I'm guessing at least 1/3 of what was offered.  I'm missing other people, but I'm still pretty tired. I got 4 pieces of art in the silent auctions, so I appreciate Nate's kindness** at asking me to go along.

*He's not a great date folks. First he was at least 1/2 hour late; then he kept rushing away and leaving me standing alone on the dance floor, and then I did cadge a ride home, but he dropped me off blocks from my house.

**This is the true footnote. Nate's a generous guy and an excellent cartoonist and you should all pick up the Examiner regularly to check out his work. He's got it all on his work blog too.


***my thanks to Clay Jones for the correction from Wuerker to Streeter. I shouldn't write these things when I'm tired. My apologies to anyone I misled.

Dilbert 2.0: News you can use

Borders is remaindering the massive $85 Dilbert 2.0 with its cd of 6500 comics for $20, at least at the store at 14th and F Sts, NW. They had about 10 of them last night.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Oct 24: Barrio Grrrl!: A New Musical

Barrio Grrrl!: A New Musical opens at the Kennedy Center on Saturday. The 9-year old heroine, "as her alter-ego Barrio Grrrl with her invisible sidekick Amazing Voice, is pretty busy preserving justice in the barrio and protecting her neighborhood." The play is in the Family Theatre, is for ages 9+ and costs $15.

OT: Batmobile replica for charity auction for Africa

I was asked to post about this, and it seems like a good cause. However, you will not see this under the "Mike's new acquisitions" heading.

A working replica of the 1960s Batmobile is being auctioned for The Life Project For Africa, Giving Hope To The Poor.  The replica has 705 hp 514 cu in Stroker motor with Billett alum parts, flame thrower, custom transmission, adjustable air suspension, Pioneer AZIC 3 Navigation system, and much more. 

You can view the detailed information and bid on the Batmobile here: http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/106401

 


PBS cartoon on film premieres in DC yesterday

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Lisa Henson, CEO of the Jim Henson Company, will join local DC-area school children for a screening of the new Sid the Science Kid special episode on the flu on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009. The Department of Health and Human Services has teamed up with the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR) through a cooperative agreement to work with the Henson Company and its partners to create a special episode of PBS' Sid the Science Kid, in which Sid explores the science behind flu vaccinations. The episode, which is also supported by PBS kids, will premiere on PBS on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009. The title is "Getting a Shot: You Can Do It!"

 

You can view the video at http://www.flu.gov/psa/#sid

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Belgian cartoonist postcards (and a Caribean one)

Here's some more Secret History of Comics bits - postcards found at the State Dept. booksale last weekend.

I didn't recognize the artists behind these first 3 cards at all, but the style looked vaguely familiar - it's that Franco-Belgian look.

Mazel 22.010-50 Belgium postcard
Mazel artwork. #22.010-50 Belgian postcard.

Jean-Pol  22.010-58 Belgium postcard
Jean-Pol artwork. #22.010-58 Belgian postcard.

Jean-Pol  22.010-53 Belgium postcard
Jean-Pol artwork. # 22.010-53 Belgian postcard/

Now I want the rest of the set of course...

Kerschner Caribbean Classic Series card
Caribbean Classic Series postcard. Pam Kerschner artwork. She's a cartoonist on the Virgin Islands. See "Caribbean Living With a Sense of Humor," By Pam Kerschner.

And here's the great Pat Oliphant, working for the man (or the US Postal Service)...
Stamps - Oliphant maximum card
"This maximum card was issued in connection with the U.S./ Australia commemorative stamp which was jointly issued in Washington, D.C. and Sydney, Australia, on January 26, 1988. The stamps was designed by Roland Harvey of Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia. The art shown on the reverse of this card was designed by the renowned syndicated cartoonist, Pat Oliphant.

No. 88-1

Cartoons and Cocktails tomorrow night

I'll be at Cartoons & Cocktails on Thursday night as Nate Beeler's guest. Or date. We're still negotiating.

Anyone else going?

Ceaseless self-promotion


I wrote about part of my comic art book collection today at Comic Book Resources for my friend Chris Mautner, who's a real journalist in Pennsylvania. Anyone who'd like to see the original photos can click through to my Flickr site for the closeups that I used to write the captions.

Paul Karasik at Politics and Prose

100_8279
Paul Karasik spoke last weekend on Fletcher Hanks, the odd comic book artist who worked from 1939-1941. Paul just compiled a second, and final collection of Hanks' works. All the pictures are here. Paul ran a little movie interview with Hanks' son, who certainly did not like his father.

Weldon on Stitches

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Crumb in Richmond reminder

Local cartoonist David Hagen writes in to remind us that -

 R. Crumb speaking in Richmond next week.  He's only doing two US stops and Richmond, for some reason is one of them.  They're charging something like $30 a ticket for the talk and I don't think he's signing anything.
http://rvamag.com/articles/full/4912/r-crumb-coming-town


Oct 2: Bechdel at American U reminder

http://www.american.edu/cas/literature/colloquium/index.cfm
An all-day Sunday event that needs an RSVP. Bechdel's Fun Home is great though, so consider going.

Oct 25, Richmond: Discussing Contemporary Comics

Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Modlin Center for the Arts at Richmond University
"Graphic Details: Discussing Contemporary Comics"
A panel discussion, moderated by Chris Pitzer of AdHouse Books, that includes Gabrielle Bell, Kim Deitch, Hope Larson and Anders Nilsen. A book-signing will follow.

Good line up - thanks to Matt Dembicki for the tip.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Oct 29: SPECIAL VIDEO SCREENING AND CONVERSATION WITH ARTIST SUN XUN


Sun XunMOVING PERSPECTIVES: VIDEO ART FROM ASIA
SPECIAL VIDEO SCREENING AND CONVERSATION WITH ARTIST SUN XUN

 
SUN XUN: FROM PAINTING TO ANIMATION
Thursday, October 29. 7:00 PM
Meyer Auditorium, Freer Gallery of Art

Artist and filmmaker Sun Xun (b. 1980, Fuxin, China), whose videos are currently on view in "Moving Perspectives" at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, will screen several of his recent video works and discuss his creative process. A graduate in printmaking at the Hangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Xun has gained considerable recognition for his drawings and complex animations. Composing hundreds of paintings and drawings on old newspapers, canvas, or entire blank walls, he then films his hand-drawn images to create densely layered works that evoke China's turbulent past. Clocks, magicians, words, insects and bleak industrial landscapes become characters flickering across the screen in dark allegories on the nature of historical consciousness and the passage of time.

The screening and presentation will be followed by a conversation with Carol Huh, curator for contemporary Asian art at the Freer and Sackler Galleries. A translator will be present.

No tickets required: seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m.
 
Click here to learn more about the Contemporary Asian Art Program at the Freer and Sackler Galleries.

 

Tea Pot

 1050 Independence Ave. SW
202.633.1000
Metro: Smithsonian

www.asia.si.edu
publicaffairsAsia@si.edu


films | performances | talks | ImaginAsia | membership | shops


 

Michael Chabon is really, REALLY liked by NY Times

I like Michael Chabon. I've got almost all of his books, maybe all, most of them signed. Kavelier & Clay, except for a gratuitous homosexual rape scene, is one of the best novels about comics you'll ever find. I've even got a complete run of the spin-off Escapist comic books.

But the Times must like him better. They've run three stories on him in two days:

Parents Burning to Write It All Dow
By MALIA WOLLAN, October 18, 2009

First-Person Masculine
By DAVID KAMP, New York Times Book Review October 18, 2009

Boy to Man: Amazing Adventures
By MICHIKO KAKUTANI, October 19, 2009

By the way, Politics and Prose has signed copies of his new book. I bought one last night.

Post redesign?

Does anyone besides me think the new Post design looks like the Wall Street Journal?

Oh wait, that's where the new editor in chief came from (and I had to look that up on Wikipedia. It just really looks like the Journal). You know, if I wanted the WSJ, I'd buy the damn thing.

Wow, just what we needed - another makeover. I guess lifting the new magazine logo from the NY Times Style Mag gave them a taste for this. I can't wait to get out of the A section to see how small the comics are now.

Oct 31: Eduardo Sanchez at Beyond Comics

Meet the Director of Blair Witch Project
and writer of the new comic book
Blackbeard Legacy of the Pyrate King
Eduardo Sanchez

Beyond Comics
Saturday October 31st
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Only at the Gaithersburg Store

<> Discounts <> Prizes <> 25 Cent Comics <>
<> Wear a Costume get a free comic book <>

Mr Media looks for Calvin and Hobbes too

Andelman, Bob. 2009.
Nevin Martell, LOOKING FOR CALVIN AND HOBBES comics historian: Mr. Media Radio Interview.
Original Air Date: 10/16/2009

Oct 20: Hajdu at Politics and Prose

Politics & Prose October 20, 2009 - 7:00pm
The music critic for The New Republic, Hajdu joins Wieseltier, the magazine’s literary editor, for a discussion of jazz, pop, movies, comics, and all manner of things cultural. In this wide-ranging collection of essays, as in his books The Ten-Cent Plague and Positively Fourth Street, Hajdu combines deep knowledge of popular art with its socio-historical context. Along with pieces on Elmer Fudd, Woody Guthrie, Ray Charles, and others, the book features a profile of Billy Eckstine which celebrates not just his talent but the daring presentation of sex appeal and black machismo that tested the limits of a racially-segregated country and transformed American music.

Location:
Politics and Prose
5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20008


Heroes and Villains: Essays on Music, Movies, Comics, and Culture (Paperback)
By Hajdu, David $17.95
ISBN-13: 9780306818332
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Da Capo Press, 10/01/2009

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Cartoon reporting concept explained in Our Town

Today's Our Town explains the idea of using a cartoon drawing in reporting. I've got a bibliography of similar works I could post here if anyone wants to see it.

Did I link to last week's panel on the C&O Canal Boatride?

For those who like this type of thing, Politics and Prose has some remaindered copies of James Stevenson's excellent Lost and Found New York collection. These pages originally appeared in the NY Times.

Crumb features in Wash Post and NY Times

A book review - "An Artist Drew God & Saw That It Was Good," By Henry Allen, Washington Post Staff Writer, Sunday, October 18, 2009.

And an interview (you need to click through to the slide show) - "Sketching His Way Through Genesis," By ALLEN SALKIN, New York Times October 18, 2009.

Any readers bought this yet? I did not, under the assumption I was in no hurry to read it and it would be remaindered in a year. Did I err?

Tonight 5 pm - Karasik at Politics & Prose

Paul Karasik writes in

Just a head's-up that I will be coming to Politics & Prose on Sunday, October 18th to present "The Fletcher Hanks Experience". My first collection of stories by Maryland homeboy, Fletcher Hanks, netted an Eisner Award, and the second book, "You Shall Die By Your Own Evil Creation!" has been recently released. Together the two volumes comprise the Complete Works of the long forgotten cartoonist whom R. Crumb, himself, called, "a twisted dude"!
--
www.fletcherhanks.com

I've bought both volumes already.

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 10-21-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-21-09
By John Judy

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #609 by Marc Guggenheim, Marco Checchetto and Luke Ross.  The post- Clone Saga continues as we scratch our heads and wonder why everyone in the world hasn't figured out that Peter Parker is Spider-Man already.

ANGEL VS. FRANKENSTEIN ONE-SHOT written and drawn by John Byrne.  Should be listed as "Angelus vs. Frankenstein" but what are you going to do?  Read it!  For some reason Byrne is able to recapture his old comics magic when working on this character.  Recommended.

ARCHIE #602 by Michael Uslan and Stan Goldberg.  Archie and Veronica have twins!  Can a tummy-tuck be far behind?  Fun stuff from the land where they're all imaginary stories.

BATMAN: THE UNSEEN #2 of 5 by Doug Moench and Kelley Jones.  Oh, sure "skinless meat-man", go completely invisible! See if it helps.  Batman doesn't need to see your @$$ to kick it!

BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN #3 of 3 by James Robinson and Eddy Barrows.  In which we learn if a code against killing still applies when one's opponents are already dead.

BRAVE AND BOLD #28 by J. Michael Straczynski and Jesus Saiz.  Barry "The Flash" Allen meets the Blackhawks!  He runs at the speed of light!  They fly planes!  It's spectacle galore!

CHEW #5 by John Layman and Rob Guillory.  The conclusion of the first story-arc of this twisted work of genius.  A cop who gains psychic information from everything he eats.  Read it before Hollywood screws it up as a movie!  Recommended!

DARK AVENGERS #10 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato.  You know trouble's a-brewing when all the main characters are on the cover looking up at you with fear and surprise.

EX MACHINA #46 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris.  Mayor Hundred's newest foe plans on killing everyone on the planet!  And you thought teacher's unions were tough!  Recommended.

HELLBLAZER #260 by Peter Milligan and Simon Bisley.  You would think by now London crime lords would know not to screw with John Constantine.  And you would be wrong…

INCREDIBLE HULK #603 by Greg Pak and Ariel Olivetti.  Hulk and Hulk-Boy duke it out with Wolverine and Wolver-Lad.  Also that back-up feature with the crazy alternate-future She-Hulk in Thundra's costume continues.  If you're looking for characters you want to see die horribly this is the book for you!

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #38 by James Robinson and Mark Bagley.  The new creative team begins this issue and it looks like some of the old guard won't be around much longer.  Gotta look!

MIGHTY AVENGERS #30 by Christos Gage, Dan Slott and Sean Chen. The Mighty, New, Dark, Young and Initiative Avengers all team up to hit someone!

SCALPED VOL. 5: HIGH LONESOME SC by Jason Aaron, R.M. Guera, Davide Furno and Francesco Francavilla.  Collecting issues #25-29, in which Agent Dash Bad Horse descends into the chaos of drug addiction in the wake of his mother's murder.  Best ongoing series being published today.  Highly recommended.

SPIDER-WOMAN #2 by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev.  The lady in the skintight bodysuit heads to a sleazy city to work for a group called "SWORD."  This does not sound at all porny.

THE STAND: SOUL SURVIVORS #1 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins.  Once again we join the best Stephen King comics adaptation ever, already in progress.  Recommended.

SUGARSHOCK ONE-SHOT by Joss Whedon and Fabio Moon.  A rock band battles in space!  This won an Eisner Award for Best Web Comic and is awesome in all the ways one expects from the guy who gave us Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Dr. Horrible.  Recommended.

THUNDERBOLTS #137 by Rick Remender and Mahmud A. Asrar.  Norman Osborn now has Luke Cage and Iron Fist as his personal assassins!  That guy…!

UNDERGROUND #2 of 5 by Jeff Parker and Steve Lieber.  It's noir suspense set in a cave!  You want edgy?  This is cave-noir edgy!  Recommended.

X-MEN LEGACY #228 by Mike Carey and Daniel Acuna.  Emplate is back and he wants to suck mutant bone marrow!  That guy…!

www.johnjudy.net

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Nov 11: Metropolis at JICC

Metropolis to be screened at the Japan Information and Culture Center,  Embassy of Japan.

DC Anime Club in collaboration with Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan Present screen Metropolis on
Friday November 13, 2009 6:30 pm at Lafayette Center III (Lower Level) 1155 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).

Kenichi and his detective uncle, Shunsaku Ban, leave Japan to visit Metropolis, in search of the criminal, Dr. Laughton. However, when they finally find Dr. Laughton, Kenichi and Shunsaku find themselves seperated and plunged into the middle of a larger conspiracy. While Shunsaku searches for his nephew and explanations, Kenichi tries to protect Tima (a mysterious young girl), from Duke Red and his adopted son Rock, both of whom have very different reasons for wanting to find her.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.

RSVP to jiccrsvpfall09@embjapan.org.

Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.

For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/index.htm or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.


CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083 president@dcanimeclub.org

Another Luna Brothers interview

The End of the Luna's THE SWORD ... Incommminngggg!
By Vaneta Rogers
Newsarama 15 October 2009

Tomorrow - Karasik at Politics and Prose

Paul Karasik writes in

Just a head's-up that I will be coming to Politics & Prose on Sunday, October 18th to present "The Fletcher Hanks Experience". My first collection of stories by Maryland homeboy, Fletcher Hanks, netted an Eisner Award, and the second book, "You Shall Die By Your Own Evil Creation!" has been recently released. Together the two volumes comprise the Complete Works of the long forgotten cartoonist whom R. Crumb, himself, called, "a twisted dude"!
--
www.fletcherhanks.com

I've bought both volumes already.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Comic Riffs' Herblock article also in today's hardcopy Post

A trimmed-down version of Cavna's Comic Riffs' article on Herblock is in today's paper - "Herblock, Through The Eyes Of History," By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

Ian Sattler reminisces about being Big Planet prole

Ian, who used to write a good bit of the Big Planet Orbit newsletter even when he went Hollywood, is now a DC honcho and gave a shout out to the old home store at the Baltimore Comic Con. Another BP alum is Dan Nadel of Picturebox publishing fame.

Weldon on Matt Kindt

A Big-and-Tall Tale: See The Lovely, Haunting Images Of Matt Kindt's '3 Story'
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog 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


On Charles St. a Wonder Woman walks next to Tank Girl, her freind pushes a baby carriage away from the Baltimore's Convention Center, that marked the weekend occasion, towards the downtown stores and eateries. The two women set an image for conventioners... Read more »


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."

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 -

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcwashington.com/video.



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

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?"

Monday, October 12, 2009

Baltimore Comic Con photos continued - Cosplay

All photographs are by Claire.

100_8238 Hawkwoman
Hawkwoman.

100_8269 The Joker
The Joker - an excellent version that reminded me of Marshall Rogers' art.

100_8268 Ghostbusters
The Ghostbusters posed with a family, and doesn't the one on the right really look like Dan Ackroyd?

100_8261 Rorscach, Nite Owl and Poison Ivy
Rorschach, Nite Owl and Poison Ivy - a teamup that Alan Moore will never want to see.

100_8237 Hawkwoman
Hawkwoman.

100_8223 Scarlet Witch and White Queen
Scarlet Witch and the White Queen.

100_8224 Scarlet Witch, Bee, 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


Saturday's Baltimore Marathon and Sunday's Raven's game at M & T Bank Stadium were not the only events that percolated city commerce and contribute an exhuberant crowd this past weekend. The Baltimore Comic-con lit up the downtown area near Inner... Read more »


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.


Her animations are still appearing regularly on the Washington Post website.

Baltimore Comic Con photos continued

100_8221 Don Rosa
Baltimore Comic Con. Don Rosa correcting Scrooge's eyeglasses. He said he draws the view through the lenses but European publishers blank them out.

100_8222 Robert Montgomery and Don Rosa
Baltimore Comic Con. Robert Montgomery and Don Rosa.

100_8225 Rob Ullman
Rob Ullman. Rob said that he did well at the show, although Sunday was slower.

100_8227 Frank Cho
Frank Cho.

100_8228 Image booth
Image Comics booth.

100_8229 Dark Horse Booth
Dark Horse Comics booth.

100_8230 Tim Sale
Tim Sale, racing the hourglass for some reason.

100_8233 George Perez
George Perez.

100_8234 Scott Kurtz
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.

Baltimore Comic Con photos

100_8273 Dean Haspiel 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.

100_8166

Steve Conley original strip art from Socks and Barney - ahh, that Mark Trail.

100_8167

History judges George W. Bush.

100_8168

'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.

My Baltimore Comic Con plans

I'll be going up on Sunday, as early as I can get there. I just heard from Richard and he's not feeling well enough to go. Anyone who wants to try to reach me on the floor can probably find me on the artist's side most of the day, but my cell is 703-623-66-84.

Mike

The Jet Age - a comic? No, a band

Big Planet Comics owner Greg Bennett plays in a local band - The Jet Age. They've got a new album coming out on October 27th, and you can hear snippets online now. It sounds good - check it out.

Harvey's Heads, an amusing conceit

Jeff Newelt of Smith Magazine's invited artists to draw Harvey Pekar for his 70th birthday, and the results are on their Harvey's Heads page.

I'm no artist, but I think I'll try my hand, using the magic of digital cameras and Photoshop.

Post Magazine follows up on legally-blind cartoonist

See "Whatever Happened To .... Andre Campbell?: The art of kindness," By David Rowell, Washington Post Magazine Sunday, October 11, 2009.

To refresh your memory, I quote the first line, "Last December, the Magazine published an article about legally blind artist Andre Campbell and his determination to make it as a comic book author and illustrator."

Friday, October 09, 2009

Comic Riffs interviews Luckovich on Obama

They did it before the Nobel announcement though, which probably would have recast the whole conversation - "'Riffs Interview: As 'SNL' Satirizes Nobel-Winning Obama, Is Mike Luckovich Ready to Go Down That Same Road?" By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 9, 2009.

Oct 18: Paul Karasik at Politics and Prose

Paul Karasik writes in

Just a head's-up that I will be coming to Politics & Prose on Sunday, October 18th to present "The Fletcher Hanks Experience". My first collection of stories by Maryland homeboy, Fletcher Hanks, netted an Eisner Award, and the second book, "You Shall Die By Your Own Evil Creation!" has been recently released. Together the two volumes comprise the Complete Works of the long forgotten cartoonist whom R. Crumb, himself, called, "a twisted dude"!
--
www.fletcherhanks.com

I've bought both volumes already.

Oct 17: Poe comic signing in Baltimore

Colin S writes in:
 
The creators of Boom Studios' Poe comic are signing at GEM on Oct 17th.
 


Thursday, October 08, 2009

Weldon on comics fashion

Superhero Meets Supermodel: A Short History of Comics' Weirdest Crossover

By Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See Blog October 7, 2009

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2009/10/superhero_meets_supermodel_a_s.html?sc=nl&cc=msb-20091008
The cover of Models, Inc. featuring Tim Gunn and Iron Man.

Yes, that's Iron Man. Yes, that's Tim Gunn. We can explain. (Marvel Entertainment)


I enjoyed his post quite a bit, and just shot him a note saying so and adding a few bits as he requested:

He missed Mizrahi's Sandee the Supermodel and there's a bunch of swimsuit issues.  MSU's Comic Art Collection lists 2, but there are more -

Amazing Heroes Swimsuit Special. -- Seattle, WA :
Fantagraphics Books, 1990- . -- ill. ; 26 cm. -- Began with
no. 1 (June 1990) -- HOLDINGS: no. 1-3.
1. Pinup art. I. Swimsuit Special. II. Fantagraphics Books.

Call no.: PN6725.A47S9
-----------------------------------------------------
Marvel Swimsuit Special. -- New York : Marvel Comics, . --
col. ill. ; 28 cm. -- HOLDINGS: no. 2-3 (1993-1994)

1. Superheroine comics--Miscellanea. 2. Superhero
comics--Miscellanea. 3. Pinup art. I. Marvel Comics. I.
Swimsuit Special. Call no.: PN6728.6.M3M35In other comic art media,

Marisa Acocella did cartoon journalism for the NY Times Style section in 2000-2001 until she was fired when one of the subjects of the strip wasn't happy with her. Others have done some cartoon journalism too -

Burns, Charles. 1998. Clothes Encounters [cartoonist illustrates fashion show]. Details (August): 128-133.

and

Crumb, Robert and Aline.  2003. Fashion Week in New York OR Glamour and Free Lint Removers, September 12-19, 2003 [cartoon journalism]. New Yorker (October 13): 75-77




Oct 9: Chabon at GWU tomorrow

Comics-friendly authors Jonathan Lethem and Michael Chabon will be in town, reading from new books this fall.

Oct. 9; Chabon is at Lisner Auditorium, at 7:00, free.

Nov. 2: Lethem is at Folger Elizabethan Theatre, at 7:30, $15.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Oct 13: Baddies – Between Image and Text



From: Matt Dembicki 
FYI, this was posted at the DC Conspiracy messageboard...

The Program for Jewish Civilization
 
at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
presents

Baddies – Between Image and Text
David Stromberg, Israeli Writer, Artist, and Journalist
Tuesday, October 13
4:00 PM - MSFS Conference Room, 7th Floor Intercultural Center (ICC) RSVP AT http://events.georgetown.edu/events/index.cfm?Action=View&CalendarID=349&EventID=69057

BADDIES looks aslant at everyday life, unearthing its most hilarious and ridiculous aspects amidst even our darkest fears and phobias. Inhabited by an antic and eclectic assortment of odd-ball characters, who star in chapters such as "Action and Its Doubt," "The Day and Its Battle," "Mystery and Its Carnality," these captioned cartoons capture a world forever veering off from the normal, the rational, and the "well adjusted."

http://www.mhpbooks.com/book.php?id=239

David Stromberg is a writer, artist, and journalist. His publications include three collections of single-panel cartoons—Saddies, Confusies, and Desperaddies—and he has written on art and culture for The Believer, Nextbook, St. Petersburg Times, Jerusalem Post, and Ha'aretz. His fiction has appeared in the UK's Ambit. Born in Ashdod, Israel, to ex-Soviet parents, Stromberg grew up in urban Los Angeles and currently resides in Jerusalem.

Free Admission 

Program for Jewish Civilization
Georgetown University 
37th and O Streets
Washington, DC 20057 
pjc.georgetown.edu

Questions or comments? E-mail us at cjcinfo@georgetown.eduor call (202) 687-4245
 
Missed a lecture? Visit http://pjc.georgetown.edu/events/audio/ to download it to your iPod.

The team-up you never thought you'd see! Today in the Post!

Today’s illustration for the Carolyn Hax / Tell Me About It / Ask Carolyn advice column by Nick Galifianakis is his dad, artist Peter Galifianakis and … BATMAN! See it on page C2.

 

Oct 21-25: Disney on Ice Celebrations!

Oct 21-25: Disney on Ice Celebrations! is at George Mason's Patriot Center. These shows are good fun for younger children - I took Claire to see the Incredibles on ice there a few years back, and we all enjoyed it.

Oct 22: Cartoons & Cocktails auction

Oct 22 at the National Press Club at 6 pm is the annual Cartoons & Cocktails fundraising auction.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Important Travel Information for the 2009 Baltimore Comic-Con

I got this from the BCC people today, so I'm pretty sure Our Man Thompson and I will be attending on Sunday instead.


Important Travel Information for the 2009 Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore, Maryland - October 6, 2009 - The 10th annual Baltimore Comic-Con falls on October 10-11, 2009, and this year, the Baltimore Marathon will occur on our opening day, October 10th.  This will be different than the standard Orioles or Ravens game, so we want to pass on what information we can to make your commute into Baltimore as easy as possible.
 
Getting to the Show on Saturday, October 10th. 
Due to the Baltimore Marathon, traffic might be a little strange due road closures on nearby streets.  Here are our suggestions for avoiding traffic problems on your way to the show Saturday morning.
 
Even more than in past years, the Baltimore Comic-Con recommends taking the light rail when attending the show this year.  We're excited to be sharing the stage with the Baltimore Running Festival on Saturday, October 10th, but as you can imagine, the races will affect traffic off and on during the day.  There are no road closures going directly to the Convention Center, but there will be periodic road closures in the downtown area into the afternoon, potentially causing delays. 

Light Rail: The Light Rail makes it an easy trip to the Baltimore Comic-Con, costing $1.60 for a one-way pass or $3.50 for a full-day pass and dropping you within 1.5 blocks of the Sharp Street entrance of the Convention Center, our location this year.  Please click on the link below for the Light Rail stops:
 
Please click on the link below to find the most convenient Light Rail schedule for you:
 
http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/bus/schedule/LRMAP209.pdf
 
Parking: If you do intend to drive into the city for the show, we recommend leaving extra time in your schedule on Saturday to account for the extra people the Baltimore Marathon will be bringing downtown as well that morning.  Please follow the link to the Baltimore Convention Center Recommended parking:

http://www.bccenter.org/downloads/userfiles/Parking_Web_Map.pdf

As a reminder, we are in the Baltimore Convention Center and our halls can be accessed from the Sharp Street entrance.
 
Tickets

Tickets are available at Cards, Comics & Collectibles of Reistertown, MD and Laughing Ogre Comics in Northern Virginia.  You can also buy your ticket in advance via http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets.htm to avoid the ticket line the day of the show.
 
Harvey Awards Ticket Sales
Ticket for the 2009 Harvey Awards and Banquet are now on sale.  Place your order with a credit card by calling 410-526-7410.
 
 
We will continue to providing details on guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming leading up to the show.  The latest developments can always be found at our website, Facebook, TwitterMySpace, and ComicSpace pages.

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.
 
  

Monday, October 05, 2009

Fwd: DC Comic Books Examiner: Bamn creators step into comics ring as champion contenders Part 2


"It was two artists who definitely had no business writing." Dave outlines the beginning stages. "At least me, not Jay, he's writing now. And Troy being a writer knew how to use words well and had a knowledge of wrestling with a background... Read more »


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.
 

 


Baltimore Comic Con Marathon?

So I was sitting around at work today, chatting over lunch and one of my coworkers mentioned that she was running in the Baltimore Marathon this weekend. To which my response was "Huh?"

Me and RT were planning on going up on Saturday, but this marathon map makes me think that we should postpone until Sunday.

You know, I hate these things in DC because I can't get into the city (oddly enough they never block the Maryland approaches), and now they're following me up the coast. Does anyone more familiar with Baltimore have an idea of how bad the roads will be?

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 10-07-09


QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-07-09
By John Judy
 
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #608 by Marc Guggenheim and Luke Ross.  In which we re-visit the glory days of Spidey history known as "The Clone Saga."  Because who doesn't want to be reminded of that?
 
ASTONISHING X-MEN #31 by Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez.  It's X-Men versus Aliens!  I mean "The Brood."  Yes, that's what I meant.  Never want to confuse the two.  Because they are totally different.  Marvel's lawyers assure me this is true.
 
BATMAN AND ROBIN #5 by Grant Morrison and Philip Tan.  The Red Hood and Scarlet think they're so tough.  Yeah, a lot of fools in Gotham used to think that…
 
BATMAN: THE UNSEEN #1 of 5 by Doug Moench and Kelley Jones.  Nobody does The Bat quite like these guys.  In this one the Dark Knight gets to fight a guy who is turning himself invisible, one layer at a time.  "Educational visuals."  That's what you should tell your parents, kids.  Recommended.
 
BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2009 HC edited by Charles Burns, Jessica Abel and Matt Madden.  The editors read a lot of comics from all over the place.  This is what they like this year.  Chances are you will too.  Recommended.
 
BLACK PANTHER #9 by Jonathan Maberry and Will Conrad.  And now Black Panther is fighting a villain called "Predator."  Oh, Marvel…!
 
BLOOM COUNTY COMPLETE LIBRARY VOL. 1 HC written and drawn by Berkley Breathed.  From the days when Reagan was President and the weird looking penguin was funny.  Or was it the other way around?
 
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #29 by Jane Espenson and Georges Jeanty.  If you have to fight a demon army without using slayer magic it is a good thing to have guns, missiles and grenades.  I think Sun-Tzu said that…
 
CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD: LAST BATTLE #1 of 6 by Garth Ennis and Oscar Jimenez.  The anti-Christ and Jesus team up and Pope Jacko takes over Hell.  Soooooo not for kids.  Fun stuff though.
 
CRIMINAL: SINNERS #1 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.  Tracy Lawless is back, solving a crime only a guy who's not a cop can solve.  Highly recommended.
 
DAREDEVIL #501 by Andy Diggle and Roberto De La Torre.  Exploring what it means to be half lawyer, half super-hero and half ninja crime lord.  Nevermind the math, just read and enjoy.  Recommended.
 
DOCTOR VOODOO: AVENGER OF THE SUPERNATURAL #1 by Rick Remander and Jefte Palo.  Brother Voodoo is now the Sorcerer Supreme of this universe.  Somebody once suggested this would be a good idea and Marvel Comics published it.  Remember this the next time you're ready to give up on your crazy little dream.
 
DOOM PATROL #3 by Giffen, DeMatteis, Clark and Maguire.  Mento is not a breath mint and Metal Men is not the name of a band.  This is what we learn from comics.
 
EC ARCHIVES: FRONTLINE COMBAT VOL. 1 HC by Various Geniuses.  Collecting the first six issues of this masterful series of war comics from 1950-51.  Still some of the best ever done.  Highly recommended.
 
FINAL CRISIS: AFTERMATH: RUN #6 of 6 by Matthew Sturges and Fredie E. Williams II.  Even though he helped roast the Martian Manhunter like a green marshmallow, I have come to love the Human Flame and hope he will not die forever in this final issue of his mini-series which has read like CRIMINAL if it were written by Mel Brooks.  Recommended.
 
HAUNT #1 by Robert Kirkman and Todd McFarlane.  A man must solve his brother's murder with the help of his ghost!  It's sort of like "Captain Triumph Meets Spawn." Hey, anything by Robert Kirkman gets a look.
 
IRREDEEMABLE #7 by Mark Waid and Peter Krause.  So Tony the super-hero was responsible for the sound plague that killed all those people.  But was that what pushed him over the edge into villainy?  Great stuff by Waid.  Recommended.
 
JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #4 of 7 by James Robinson and Mauro Cascioli.  The series is more than half over but we are getting really close to having the entire team in the same place at the same time.  Plus, some of the heroes debate using torture to save lives.  Don't they know torture only works for Batman?  Who knew Dick Cheney was writing comics?
 
KILL AUDIO #1 of 6 by Claudio Sanchez and Sheldon Vella.  An immortal man seeks his purpose in life amidst a "musical landscape."  From the author of AMORY WARS.
 
MASTERPIECE COMICS HC written and drawn by R. Sikoryak.  This one is a true Must-Have if you are a fan of classic literature, classic comics and ingenious mash-ups.  This one lives up to its name.  Highly, highly recommended.
 
PLANETARY #27 by Warren Ellis and John Cassaday.  In April of 1998 the first issue shipped.  Eleven years and change later here it is:  The final issue, three years after #26.  For those of you who wait for the trades, I admire your discipline.  Gotta look.
 
STRANGE TALES #2 of 3 by Various Creators.  Indy creators take on the Marvel heroes and there are no lawsuits because Marvel hired them to do it!  Featuring variant Red and Green Hulk covers so it must be good!  Recommended.
 
SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #8 of 12 by James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods.  Supes and the Kryptonians have to face down the Thanagarian Army, all of whom have the power of… Hawkman?  Ummm, how to put this delicately?  "Much as I respect the power of flying and swinging a mace…?"
 
TORCH #2 of 8 by Mike Carey, Alex Ross and Patrick Berkenkotter.  The Mad Thinker tortures Toro, who is no longer dead, in order to learn more about the original Human Torch who is dead.  Mostly.  Watch out for low-flying continuity!
 
WAR HEROES #3 of 6 by Mark Millar and Tony Harris.  If distant memory serves this is a comic about super-powered soldiers in the middle east.  Hard to say.  Issue #2 came out in September of 2008.  I imagine Mark Millar sitting in a bar looking at Kevin Smith, muttering "Damn, that guy's fast…"
 
X-BABIES #1 of 4 by Gregg Schigiel and Jacob Chabot.  Let's say the Devil appeared to you one night and said he'd give you a shot at writing or drawing a book for Marvel featuring non-traditional versions of their iconic characters.  The catch is you'd have to drink yourself into unconsciousness every night for the rest of your life.  At least you can console yourself knowing that two other guys have already taken that deal.
 
X-MEN VERSUS AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 of 2 by Jeff Parker and Ed McGuinness.  For some reason these two groups are engaged in a Big Fight!