Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Cartoon Picayune Spring 2012 Issue

Each copy is only $4 plus shipping. Buy one today or subscribe for a year.
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The Spring Issue Is Here! 

Welcome readers, to the newly combined Josh Kramer and Cartoon Picayune Emails. The reason I've gathered you here today is that I have a new issue of The Cartoon Picayune. It is forty pages of excellent non-fiction comic stories. I can brag like that mostly because I've really approached this issue as Editor more than main artist — I'm only in it for two pages. However, these guys are great. Andy Warner is the featured artist this issue, with his 16-page story The Man Who Built Beirut. It's an incredible look into the story of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. This issue like the others, is only $4 (plus another dollar for shipping) and available for sale on the site.

Thanks,
-JPK

Subs!

Subscribe today starting with the new issue or the next one (to be released in September). Subscriptions are only $10 for two issues or $20 for four issues. Don't worry about missing a new issue as it is released, and enjoy the satisfaction that your subscription gives me the capital up front to be able to do this. Plus there are cool freebies that I send to you along with your issues. 

Letters!

I would love, no seriously, I would love it to no end, if you were to send me a letter. Here's the thing though, this is a handwritten zine, and I don't want your tweets, emails, etc. Write or draw me something using this template, and I'll print it or post it on the site!
shhhhh...

sshhhh...

So I'm not gonna be sharing this much around the usual social networks, but I had to tell somewhere: I'm starting a new tumblr. As often as I can bear, I'm gonna adapt articles and other works of non-fiction into short little comics like this. It's called Sequential News, and it's a way to force myself to draw more. We'll see how it goes. It doesn't explicitily relate to The CP, but who knows how it might in the future, especially for subscribers (wink, wink).
"A growing number of artists and writers are creating reported, researched, factual work these days, and a doing brilliant, memorable job of it. They're also finding an audience, and that audience wants more! So Josh Kramer has tapped into something significant by making The Cartoon Picayune a new home for this vibrant subgenre, and he keeps proving it with each issue."
 
-Rob Walker, The New York Times Magazine, Design Observer

The CP On Tour

TCAF, Toronto, May 5th and 6th ISSUE 3 DEBUT

CAKE, Chicago, June 16th and 17th

D.C. Zine Fest, Washington, D.C., July 28th

SPX, Bethesda, September 15th and 16th

Stores that sell The CP

Quimby's Bookstore - Chicago, IL
Chicago Comics - Chicago, IL
Jim Hanley's Universe - New York, NY
Forbidden Planet - New York, NY
Fat Jack's Comics Crypt - Philadelphia, PA
Atomic Books - Baltimore, MD
Politics & Prose - Washington, D.C.
SMASH! - Washington, D.C.
 
Copyright © 2012 The Cartoon Picayune, All rights reserved.
You're getting this because you signed up at the website to get the latest about us in your inbox.
Our mailing address is:
The Cartoon Picayune
2032 Belmont Road NW
Unit 632
Washington, DC 20009

 
  

Sunday, May 06, 2012

Cosplay Parade Participants Sought

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

 

DC Anime Club Presents

2012 Cosplay Parade

 

     We DC Anime Club are looking for Cosplay volunteers to participate in our 2012 Cosplay Parade, which will be a part of Fiesta Asia Parade. Volunteers are  welcome to Cosplay any character they wish as long as it is family friendly. We will march in the Fiesta Asia Parade Saturday May 19,2012 Pennsylvania Avenuebetween Third and Sixth Streets NW, Washington, DC Nearest Subway Station: Archives Navy Memorial Green line.

All cosplay volunteers are to arrive at Archives Navy Memorial Subway Station at 10am  and we will proceed to the parade route.  

THE PARADE ITSELF STARTS AT 2PM. THIS GIVES PARTICIPANTS ENOUGH TIME TO ENJOY FIESTA ASIA UNTIL IT  IS TIME FOR US TO LINE UP FOR THE PARADE.

 In order to rsvp you must click on the following link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/199955826736431/

For more Information please contact: president@dcanimeclub.org or call 202 262 2083.

This event is free and open to the public.

Ages 13 and up.

For more information please visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org .

About DC Anime Club:

DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington,DCarea about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion ofJapanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are taxed deductible to the extent allowable under the law. The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.

In addition to our bi-weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am. DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Former Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Vice President) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.

Post reviews Soglow

"Cartoon Monarch: Otto Soglow & The Little King"
By Michael Taube,
Washington Post May 6 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/cartoon-monarch-otto-soglow-and-the-little-king/2012/05/03/gIQAKN5S1T_story.html

-- I'm not sure why they needed a Canadian reviewer though.

This blog post is printed in today's paper as well --

'AVENGERS': 7 Reasons it will be a hit
By David Betancourt and Michael Cavna
Washington Post May 6 2012

Saturday, May 05, 2012

Toronto comics fest interviews DC creator Dechanique

This is a completely new-to-me local creator -

Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2012 Questionnaire: Deanna Echanique
Mark Medley  May 5, 2012
http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/05/05/toronto-comic-arts-festival-2012-questionnaire-deanna-echanique/

Q: Who are you?

A: I'm Dechanique (Deanna Echanique), an American comic artist residing in Washington, D.C.  I draw an LGBTIQ Neo-Victorian webcomic, La Macchina Bellica and am illustrating a new comic project with writer Jason Nerad, Kindling — a post-apocalyptic tale of survival, which will begin regular postings in June (the prologue is already online). I've been drawing comics since 2000.

Also, friend of ComicsDC and former City Paper illustrator Rob Ullman is there too -

Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2012 Questionnaire: Robert Ullman

Mark Medley  May 5, 2012

http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/05/05/toronto-comic-arts-festival-2012-questionnaire-robert-ullman/


Truitt and USA Today on comic books

Geoff Johns gives out good vibes for Free Comic Book Day
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 4 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-05-05/DC-Comics-Free-Comic-Book-Day-issue/54730640/1

'Earth 2' builds a new world, one alternate hero at a time
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY April 30 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-04-30/Earth-2-comic-book-series/54642260/1

Iron Man leads the core four of 'The Avengers'
By Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY May 4 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/story/2012-05-04/marvel-the-avengers-robert-downey-jr-mark-ruffalo-chris-evans-chris-hemsworth/54738726/1

'Avengers' cast shoots for superhero spectacle
By Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY 4/24/2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/story/2012-04-23/on-set-behind-the-scenes-with-the-avengers/54494532/1

On 'Avengers' set, laughter is a powerful weapon

By Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY 4/23/2012

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/story/2012-04-23/laughs-abound-on-the-avengers-set/54494566/1


'Marvel's The Avengers' is marvelous fun
By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY May 3 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/story/2012-05-03/marvel-the-avengers/54705328/1

Smithsonian mag blog on comic book movies

Why Hollywood Loves Comic Books
Daniel Eagan
Smithsonian Magazine's Reel Culture blog May 4, 2012
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/movies/2012/05/why-hollywood-loves-comic-books/

Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman

From: Joel Pollack

Marc Nobleman is a friend of Big Planet Comics and an archeologist of comic book history. He has authored a new book on the secret intelligence behind the creation of much of the Batman mythos. In July (exact date TBA), Marc will be signing his latest creation, Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman. As a longtime Batman fan, and charter subscriber to Biljo White's Batmania, I know that I am very excited to learn the secrets that Marc has unearthed.

Here's a note from Marc:

The Avengers is not the only superhero movie opening today. I am excited to unveil the trailer for Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sf6_lyahRk

If you are able to take a moment to watch it, please stay till the end (through the credits)...

And if you like, please spread the word!

--
Marc Tyler Nobleman
http://noblemania.blogspot.com - The stories behind the stories I write


Yesterday's live Avengers chat with Marvel editors

Whoops. Well, you can still read it here:

The Avengers: Chat with Marvel editors
Axel Alonso and Tom Brevoort
May 4, 2012
http://live.washingtonpost.com/the-avengers-050412.html

Big Planet Comics FCBD - Jeremy Whitley interview

If this interview appeals to you, Whitley is still signing his comic for 2 hours (as of now) at Big Planet College Park.

Five Questions with Jeremy Whitley
Eden Miller
Comicsgirl blog Apr 30, 2012
http://www.comicsgirl.com/2012/04/30/five-questions-with-jeremy-whitley/

Free Comic Book Day today


Free Comic Book Day Approacheth!

Next Saturday, May 5, is the annual Free Comic Book Day! As always, all of our stores are participating, so stop by and get some free comics! It's also a great time to bring your friends or children in too! We have been receiving our free comic books over the last few weeks, and there are a LOT this year. Avengers, DC New 52, Simpsons, Mega Man, a HARDCOVER from Archaia, Serenity, Star Wars, Yo Gabba Gabba, Adventure Time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spider-Man, and more! You can see the full list of free comics at freecomicbookday.com

We are also having signings at two of our stores in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. Jeremy Whitley and Jorge Aguirre, who both write great all ages comics (Princeless and Giants Beware!) will be at our Vienna store from 11-1 and our College Park store from 3-5. They will be signing copies of their comics, and happy to talk to young fans and readers too! More information is below.

We might also have a few special guests (like the Ghostbusters!)

- the Big Planet Comics kids

UPCOMING May 5 - Free Comic Book Day & Jeremy Whitley & Jorge Aguirre Signing

Free Comic Book Day is just a few weeks away! Bring your friends, we have a lot of great comics to give away this year! To see the complete list, go to freecomicbookday.com!

In addition, we are proud to present 2 great comic book writers, who have just published some great all-ages fantasy adventure comics! Jeremy Whitley writes Princeless, and Jorge Aguirre writes Giants Beware! They will be appearing at our Vienna and College Park stores.

11 am-1 pm
Big Planet Comics of Vienna
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

3 pm-5 pm
Big Planet Comics of College Park
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Beyond Comics:

This year’s Free Comic Book Day will be Saturday, May 5th.


We will be giving away tons of comic books and other freebies. Meet comic book artists including Dean Haspiel, Mark Whealty, Carla Speed McNeil, Rafer Roberts, Terry Flippo, Megan Steckler and Nathan Richardson.

Also meet an abundance of costumed heroes! Fun for kids of all ages!

Gaithersburg Artists:  Dean Haspiel, Carla Speed McNeil, Casey Jones and Nathan Richardson from 11am to 4pm.

Frederick Artists:  Mark Wheatley, Rafer Roberts, Megan Steckler, and Terry Flippo.

Gaithersburg Store

18794 B North Frederick Rd
Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 216-0007
Hours: M,Tu 11-8; W-Sat 10-9; Sun 12-6

Frederick Store
5632 Route 85
Frederick, MD
(301) 668-8202
Hours: M,Tu 10-8; W-Sat 10-9; Sun 12-6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Game On! Comics

Saturday, May 5th from 11am to 6pm

Come out to Game On! Comics for Free Comic Book Day! Once per year, comic shops around the country give out comics for free.

We will have a great selection of comic books for you and your friends, for FREE. LOTS of children's comics!

Over 40 titles! One Free Thor Heroclix! Widest variety of comics available in our area!

Super-Hero appearances throughout the day!! Starting around 12 noon till 3ish

Batgirl
Sabretooth
A G.I. Joe
Flash
Phoenix

Artist Appearance: 11am to 6pm

Tim Dzon!
Tim has worked on many comics over the years including these:
Avengers West Coast
Avengers Spotlight
What If..
Marvel Comics Presents
Fantastic Four Unplugged
Spiderman Unlimited
Hawkeye Mini-Series
Northstar Mini-Series
WarMachine
Ironman

Tim will be here to sign autographs and even draw commisioned pieces just for you, for an extra cost.

Louis the Magician

11:30am to 12:30pm
Louis the Magician will be performing close up magic in the lobby for the kids!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

BAMN Comics - free downloadable comic from local creators Jay Payne, Troy Jeffrey Allen and David Dean on May 5th at http://www.bamncan.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Third Eye Comics in Annapolis:
THIS SATURDAY IS ALSO FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2012 and THIRD EYE'S 4th ANNIVERSARY!


Yes, it's our favorite day of the year, in fact, this is why we chose it as the day of our big grand opening celebration. FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. Every year, we work hard to bring you guys the best Free Comic Book Day on the East Coast, and this year, we've pulled out all the stops. A huge sale, loads of special guest creators, Stormtroopers!, and so much more!

Click here to get the full rundown of what we have shaking at BOTH Third Eye locations this Saturday for FCBD 2012!

Today: Cinco de Sandra tonight

CINCO DE SANDRA: A CELEBRATION OF COMIX, STORYTELLING, AND MUSIC
On Saturday, May 5, 2012, @8pm sharp, an all-star lineup of DC and NYC storytellers will come together to blow your mind with live performances of poetry, comix, and stories at the Hillyer Art Space in Dupont Circle. Venues represented include Trip City, Act-i-vate, and Barrelhouse. And after that? We'll get the music spinning.
CINCO DE SANDRA's lineup of performers includes:
Sandra Beasley (author of DON'T KILL THE BIRTHDAY GIRL, I WAS THE JUKEBOX)
Dean Haspiel (Emmy winner for BORED TO DEATH title sequence, artist of THE ALCOHOLIC w/Jonathan Ames and THE QUITTER w/Harvey Pekar, creator of BILLY DOGMA)
Molly Lawless (cartoonist of HIT BY PITCH, FROG & OWL)
Jim Dougan (comics writer, SAM & LILAH, CRAZY PAPERS, others at ACTIVATEcomix)
Jennifer Tress (DC-based storyteller, author of YOU'RE NOT PRETTY ENOUGH)
Natalie E. Illum (Spoken word poet, mothertongue organizer)
Tony Mancus (BARRELHOUSE contributor and co-editor of Flying Guillotine Press)
Plus, the whole shebang will be hosted by man-about-town Brandon Wetherbee (YOU, ME, THEM, EVERYBODY) and featuring the sweet sounds of DJ P-Vo (Hometown Sounds DC). We will have a merch table. We will have beer and non-beer. We will have a helluva lotta hijinks. And, in case you were wondering, we will have a birthday girl on hand: Sandra Beasley.
Be there, or be…
...Just be there.
Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/255811644513842/

TRIP CITY Blog: http://welcometotripcity.com/2012/05/cinco-de-sandra/



Friday, May 04, 2012

'Persepolis' conviction in Tunisia and local 'Avengers' reviews

Tunisian who showed 'Persepolis' on TV fined in free speech case [in print: TV mogul convicted in Airing of movie, May 4th]
By Marc Fisher, Published: May 3 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/tunisian-who-showed-persepolis-on-tv-fined-in-free-speech-case/2012/05/03/gIQA0GpzyT_story.html
 
Crime fighting pays in 'Marvel's The Avengers'
May 03, 2012
 Kelly Jane Torrance
http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/movies/2012/05/crime-fighting-pays-marvels-avengers/568821
 
Superheroes with team spirit
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post May 4, 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/marvels-the-avengers,1059548/critic-review.html
 
Marvel's hero-worshiping spectacular isn't exactly a religious experience.
By Tricia Olszewski • May 4, 2012
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/42610/marvels-the-avengers-reviewed-marvels-hero-worshiping-spectacular-isnt-exactly/
 
All-Out ‘Avengers’
By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express May 04, 2012, p. 24
http://www.expressnightout.com/2012/05/all-out-avengers/

Art Rhode's 70th birthday

My Dad turns 70 today. Coincidentally, the Avengers movie opens today. Both events are rather personally surprising.  I still think of Dad as somewhere around 45 (and I'm older than that now) and never expected to see a live-action Avengers movie because of expense, special effects and rights issues.


Back in the 1970s, I started reading comics as a kid - my parents bought DC's Superman, Mad magazine and Archie regularly. The Avengers were my favorite though, because, thanks to a cousin, I had some of the early issues and got hooked on Marvel. Mom never went over to the Marvel side, but Dad and I would both read them. When I got old enough, I'd bike up to 7-11 and buy whatever I could find on the spinner rack.


By the time I was in high school, Dad and I were delivering the Sunday NY Times for extra pocket change. On Fridays (new comic book day back then), we'd go to the Bergen Mall in Paramus and I'd buy comics at Collectors Comic Shop while he and Mom went to the bank to deposit his paycheck. After I finished the comics late on Friday night, usually in my bed after 11, I'd pass them along to Dad to read before stacking them up in the corner. I kept this up into college, until the stacks coming home would be 3 or 4 feet high and too much for anyone to get through. At one point, I was trying to have a complete collection of Avengers, but gave up for various reasons (especially Heroes Reborn), so Dad's got a good familiarity with that particular comic book.

There were also tons of books around the house because we're all great readers. Dad and I still swap books whenever see each other.

We're not that big on family celebrations, so I just mailed him a card and gave him a call. However today's one of those big number ones divisible by 10 and I've got my own bully pulpit here, so I'll say

Happy Birthday, Dad, and thanks for everything.

Thursday, May 03, 2012

May 5: Free Comic Book Day in the DC-area


Free Comic Book Day Approacheth!

Next Saturday, May 5, is the annual Free Comic Book Day! As always, all of our stores are participating, so stop by and get some free comics! It's also a great time to bring your friends or children in too! We have been receiving our free comic books over the last few weeks, and there are a LOT this year. Avengers, DC New 52, Simpsons, Mega Man, a HARDCOVER from Archaia, Serenity, Star Wars, Yo Gabba Gabba, Adventure Time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spider-Man, and more! You can see the full list of free comics at freecomicbookday.com

We are also having signings at two of our stores in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. Jeremy Whitley and Jorge Aguirre, who both write great all ages comics (Princeless and Giants Beware!) will be at our Vienna store from 11-1 and our College Park store from 3-5. They will be signing copies of their comics, and happy to talk to young fans and readers too! More information is below.

We might also have a few special guests (like the Ghostbusters!)

- the Big Planet Comics kids

UPCOMING May 5 - Free Comic Book Day & Jeremy Whitley & Jorge Aguirre Signing

Free Comic Book Day is just a few weeks away! Bring your friends, we have a lot of great comics to give away this year! To see the complete list, go to freecomicbookday.com!

In addition, we are proud to present 2 great comic book writers, who have just published some great all-ages fantasy adventure comics! Jeremy Whitley writes Princeless, and Jorge Aguirre writes Giants Beware! They will be appearing at our Vienna and College Park stores.

11 am-1 pm
Big Planet Comics of Vienna
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

3 pm-5 pm
Big Planet Comics of College Park
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Beyond Comics:

This year’s Free Comic Book Day will be Saturday, May 5th.


We will be giving away tons of comic books and other freebies. Meet comic book artists including Dean Haspiel, Mark Whealty, Carla Speed McNeil, Rafer Roberts, Terry Flippo, Megan Steckler and Nathan Richardson.

Also meet an abundance of costumed heroes! Fun for kids of all ages!

Gaithersburg Artists:  Dean Haspiel, Carla Speed McNeil, Casey Jones and Nathan Richardson from 11am to 4pm.

Frederick Artists:  Mark Wheatley, Rafer Roberts, Megan Steckler, and Terry Flippo.

Gaithersburg Store

18794 B North Frederick Rd
Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 216-0007
Hours: M,Tu 11-8; W-Sat 10-9; Sun 12-6

Frederick Store
5632 Route 85
Frederick, MD
(301) 668-8202
Hours: M,Tu 10-8; W-Sat 10-9; Sun 12-6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Game On! Comics

Saturday, May 5th from 11am to 6pm

Come out to Game On! Comics for Free Comic Book Day! Once per year, comic shops around the country give out comics for free.

We will have a great selection of comic books for you and your friends, for FREE. LOTS of children's comics!

Over 40 titles! One Free Thor Heroclix! Widest variety of comics available in our area!

Super-Hero appearances throughout the day!! Starting around 12 noon till 3ish

Batgirl
Sabretooth
A G.I. Joe
Flash
Phoenix

Artist Appearance: 11am to 6pm

Tim Dzon!
Tim has worked on many comics over the years including these:
Avengers West Coast
Avengers Spotlight
What If..
Marvel Comics Presents
Fantastic Four Unplugged
Spiderman Unlimited
Hawkeye Mini-Series
Northstar Mini-Series
WarMachine
Ironman

Tim will be here to sign autographs and even draw commisioned pieces just for you, for an extra cost.

Louis the Magician

11:30am to 12:30pm
Louis the Magician will be performing close up magic in the lobby for the kids!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

BAMN Comics - free downloadable comic from local creators Jay Payne, Troy Jeffrey Allen and David Dean on May 5th at http://www.bamncan.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Third Eye Comics in Annapolis:
THIS SATURDAY IS ALSO FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2012 and THIRD EYE'S 4th ANNIVERSARY!


Yes, it's our favorite day of the year, in fact, this is why we chose it as the day of our big grand opening celebration. FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. Every year, we work hard to bring you guys the best Free Comic Book Day on the East Coast, and this year, we've pulled out all the stops. A huge sale, loads of special guest creators, Stormtroopers!, and so much more!

Click here to get the full rundown of what we have shaking at BOTH Third Eye locations this Saturday for FCBD 2012!

May 4: Bechdel at Politics and Prose

Friday, May 4, 7 p.m.

Alison Bechdel - Are You My Mother?: A Comic Drama (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $22)
In her acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home, Bechdel focused on her father, his secret life, and his death. Now she turns to her talented, emotionally repressed mother, exploring the family psychology and the tentative mother-daughter truce the two achieved via D.W. Winnicott , Dr. Seuss, and Bechdel's own vivid memories.

This event is co-sponsored by Small Press Expo, an annual festival that provides a forum for artists, writers and publishers of comic art in its various forms to present to the public comic art not normally accessible through normal commercial channels. SPX 2012 is September 15 and 16 at the Marriot Bethesda North Hotel and Conference Center and will feature such special guests as Chris Ware, Daniel Clowes, and the Hernandez Brothers. More information at www.spxpo.com.

Buy a copy of Are You My Mother? from P&P, get it signed by Alison, and receive a free single-day pass to SPX 2012!

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - May 3, 2012



Big Planet Comics

May 3, 2012

Free Comic Book Day Saturday!

This Saturday, May 5, is the annual Free Comic Book Day! As always, all of our stores are participating, so stop by and get some free comics! It's also a great time to bring your friends or children in too! We have been receiving our free comic books over the last few weeks, and there are a LOT this year. Avengers, DC New 52, Simpsons, Mega Man, a HARDCOVER from Archaia, Serenity, Star Wars, Yo Gabba Gabba, Adventure Time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spider-Man, and more! You can see the full list of free comics at freecomicbookday.com

We are also having signings at two of our stores in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. Jeremy Whitley and Jorge Aguirre, who both write great all ages comics (Princeless and Giants Beware!) will be at our Vienna store from 11-1 and our College Park store from 3-5. They will be signing copies of their comics, and happy to talk to young fans and readers too! More information is below.

We might also have a few special guests (like the Ghostbusters!)

Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Thanks!
 
- the Big Planet Comics kids

UPCOMING May 5 - Free Comic Book Day & Jeremy Whitley & Jorge Aguirre Signing

Free Comic Book Day is on Saturday! Bring your friends, we have a lot of great comics to give away this year! To see the complete list, go to freecomicbookday.com!

In addition, we are proud to present 2 great comic book writers, who have just published some great all-ages fantasy adventure comics! Jeremy Whitley writes Princeless, and Jorge Aguirre writes Giants Beware! They will be appearing at our Vienna and College Park stores.

11 am-1 pm
Big Planet Comics of Vienna
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

3 pm-5 pm
Big Planet Comics of College Park
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

___________________

Fallen Words SC

by Yoshihiro Tatsumi

Right after finishing his amazing autobiographic history of Japanese comics A Drifting Life, Tatsumi started a series of shorts based on humorous traditional moral stories, and this book has 8, from a poor man pretending to be rich, a man haunted by the ghosts of his wife AND his mistress, a dad trying to deal with his bratty kid, to a man who makes a deal with death! Strange twists, great stories, funny moments! Amazing!

Fury: My War Gone By #1

by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov

In 1954, Nick Fury is stationed in Saigon as CIA station chief as the French try to hold on against the nationalist revolution of the Vietnamese. An idealistic young spy, a mysterious woman, and a tough French officer lead him out to an ill-positioned outpost deep in the jungle. Stark and fantastic, you can feel the danger building.

The Spider #1

by David Liss and Colton Worley
 
Richard Wentworth returns as the classic pulp vigilante, The Spider! He stalks and eliminates the scum of his city, but soon is confronted with what may be his worst foe yet, in a scene of shocking violence!

Dogs of War SC

by Johnny Zito, Tony Trov, Christian Weiser and Paul Maybury
 
A science team trying to terraform Mars is confronted by rebellion in the ranks as their leader seems to lose control, equipment malfunctions, and the possibility that they are not alone on Mars after all! An action-thriller in the mode of John Carpenter's The Thing.

Teen Boat HC

by Dave Roman and John Green

The angst of being a teen! The thrill of being a boat! Who needs werewolves when you have a wereboat? Teen Boat has all the usual problems at school, but luckily he can also change into a boat! But what happens when the cool kids want him to take them out to international waters for a gambling weekend? Or pirates come after him? Drama and romance and hilarity!

Mind the Gap #1

by Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, and Sonia Oback

A young woman is mysteriously assaulted and put in a coma. Which of the characters we meet in this first issue did it? And now that see can leave her comatose body as a spirit, she is confronted by the strange supernatural world, even as she tries to wake up again. Strange, compelling, and detailed!

Dial H #1

by China Miéville and Mateus Santolouco
 
Sci-fi novelist Miéville comes to comics with one of his favorite classics, a phone that will turn anyone who uses it into a hero - but a random one each time! Strange, surreal, and rather funny, this is a great start, especially Captain Lachrymose!

Animal Man 1: The Hunt SC

by Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman
 
Buddy Baker is trying to quit being a hero, but now his young daughter Maxine is manifesting her own powers, and they are forced to take a journey into the opposition to his animal-based powers, the zone called The Red. Jeff Lemire created one of the smash hits of the New 52, now get the first 6 issues! Great art by Foreman too.
American Vampire Vol 2 SC
Avengers Black Widow Strikes #1 (Of 3)
Avengers vs. X-Men #3 (Of 12)
Bart Simpson's Pal Milhouse #1
Batman and Robin Vol 3 Batman and Robin Must Die SC
Danger Club #1 2nd Ptg
Epic Kill #1
Exiled #1
Garfield #1
GI Joe 2: Retaliation Movie Prequel SC
The Influencing Machine SC
Justice League Vol 1 Origin HC
Kiki De Montparnasse SC
Locke & Key Vol 4 Keys To The Kingdom SC
Lou! Vol 2: Summertime Blues SC
Planet Of The Apes Vol 2 SC
Rex Zombie Killer One Shot
Robert Wells Trilogy Vol 1 Sacrifice SC
Skeleton Key Color Special One Shot
Smallville Season 11 #1
Roger Langridge's Snarked Vol 1 SC
Jack Kirby's Spirit World HC
Worlds' Finest #1
X-O Manowar #1

Big Planet Comics Podcast #43
Kevin, Nick and Jared discuss Before Watchmen a LOT, and review some great comics! Download now or subscribe on iTunes!
 
PODCAST REVIEWS:
Dial H #1 by China Miéville and Mateus Santolouco
Dogs of Mars SC by Johnny Zito, Tony Trov, Christian Weiser and Paul Maybury
Earth 2 #1 by James Robinson and Nicola Scott
Epic Kill #1 by Raffaele Ienco
Fallen Words SC by Yoshihiro Tatsumi
Fury: My War Gone By #1 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov
G.I. Combat #1 by J.T. Krul, Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, Ariel
Olivetti, and Dan Panosian
Mind the Gap #1 by Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, and Sonia Oback
Shooters HC by Eric Trautmann, Brandon Jerwa and Steve Lieber
The Spider #1 by David Liss and Colton Worley
Teen Boat HC by Dave Roman and John Green
Worlds' Finest #1 by Paul Levitz, George Pérez, and Kevin Maguire
X-O Manowar #1 by Robert Venditti and Cary Nord

Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com or call us at 1-703-539-CAST! (1-703-539-2278)
 
5/5 - Free Comic Book Day
All stores!
freecomicbookday.com

5/5 - Jeremy Whitley
Signing Princeless 11am-1pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Signing Princeless 3pm-5pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

5/5 - Jorge Aguirre
Signing Giants Beware! 11am-1pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

Signing Giants Beware! 3pm-5pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

5/26 - Jerry Gaylord
Signing Fanboys vs. Zombies
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

6/2 - Russ Kick
Signing The Graphic Canon
4849 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-6856
joel@bigplanetcomics.com

6/9 - Nick Abadzis
Signing Hugo Tate
4849 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-6856
joel@bigplanetcomics.com

7/4 - 20% off Sale
All stores!

7/28 - Matt Dembicki
Signing Xoc 11am-1pm
7315 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD 20740
301-699-0498
bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com

Signing Xoc 3pm-5pm
426 Maple Ave. East
Vienna, VA 22180
703-242-9412
vienna@bigplanetcomics.com

New Next Week 5/9

(Let us know if you want any of these!)
 
2000 AD #1778
Alabaster Wolves #2 (Of 5)
Amazing Spider-Man Parallel Lives #1
America's Got Powers #1 (Of 6) 2nd Ptg
Artifacts #17
Astonishing X-Men Vol 7 Monstrous SC
Atomic Robo Vol 6 Ghost Of Station X SC
Avengers Assemble #3
Avengers Private War Of Dr Doom HC
Avengers X-Sanction HC
Avenging Spider-Man #7
Babys In Black HC
Batgirl #9 (Night Of The Owls)
Batman #9 (Night Of The Owls)
Batman And Robin #9 (Night Of The Owls)
Batman Arkham Unhinged #2
Batman Vol 1 The Court Of Owls HC
Betty & Veronica Double Digest #201
Bible HC
Brightest Day Vol 2 SC
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 9 Freefall #9
Captain America #11
Captain America And Hawkeye #630
Captain America By Ed Brubaker Vol 2 HC
Choker Vol 1 SC
Courtney Crumrin #2
Crossed Badlands #5
Dan The Unharmable #1
Dark Shadows #5
Deadpool #51 2nd Ptg
Deadpool #52 2nd Ptg
Deadpool #54
Deathstroke #9
Dejah Thoris & White Apes Of Mars #2
Demon Knights #9
Doctor Who Classics Series IV #4 (Of 6)
Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms #1
Essential Black Panther Vol 1 Sc
Fairest #3
Fatale #5
Ferals #5
FLCL Omnibus GN
Forgetless: Live To See Last Call SC New Ed
Fracture Vol 1 SC
Frankenstein Agent Of Shade #9
Frankenstein Alive Alive #1
GI Joe Vol 2 #13
Green Lantern #9
Green Wake Vol 2 Lost Children SC
Grifter #9
Higher Earth #1
Hulk #51
Hulk Smash Avengers #2 (Of 5)
Incorruptible #29
Invincible #91
Izombie #25
Journey Into Mystery #637 Exiled
Justice League International Vol 1 Signal Mast SC
Legion Lost #9 (The Culling)
Lobster Johnson The Burning Hand #5 (Of 5)
Lord Of The Jungle #4
Magneto Not A Hero SC
Manara Erotica Vol 1 HC
Manhattan Projects #2 2nd Ptg
Marvel Universe Avengers Earths Heroes #2
Marvel Zombies Destroy #1 (Of 5)
Mastering Comics SC
Mega Man #13
Megalex Complete Story HC
Memorial #5 (Of 6)
Mmw Avengers Vol 12 HC
Morning Glories #18
Mystery In Space #1
Naruto Vol 56 SC
New Avengers #26 Avx
Night Force #3 (Of 6)
Night Of 1000 Wolves #1 (Of 3)
Nonnonba GN
Oz Ozma Of Oz SC
Pokemon Black & White Vol 07 SC
The Pro SC New Ptg
Punisher #11
Resurrection Man #9
Scarlet Spider #5
Scooby Doo Where Are You #21
Secret #1 2nd Ptg
Silver Surfer Parable HC
Skullkickers #14
Space Ducks: Infinite Comic Book Musical HC
Spider-Man Identity Crisis SC New Ptg
Spider-Man Inside World Of Friendly Neighborhood HC
Spider-Man Season One HC
Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic War #5 (Of 5)
Story Of Saiunkoku Vol 7 SC
Suicide Squad #9
Superboy #9 (The Culling)
Superman Grounded Vol 1 SC
Takio #1
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics #1
Thief Of Thieves #3 Var Cvr 2nd Ptg
Thing Serpent Crown Affair HC
The Tick #100 The Tick Meets Invincible
Trio #1
Ultimate Comics Ultimates #10
Ultimate Comics X-Men #11
Ultimate Spider-Man Vol 12 HC
Uncanny X-Force #25
Walking Dead #97
Wasteland #37
Robert Jordan Wheel Of Time Eye Of The World #24
Wolverine #306
Wolverine And X-Men #10 AVX
World Of Archie Double Digest #17
X-Men Legacy #266 AVX
Copyright © 2012 Big Planet Comics, All rights reserved.
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Wash Post on Stan Lee and Avengers movie

'The Avengers' to 'Spider-Man': Nearing 90, Marvel mastermind STAN LEE shoots from the still-hip (about Whedon, Kirby and RDJ)
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 3 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-avengers-to-spider-man-nearing-90-marvel-mastermind-stan-lee-shoots-from-the-still-hip-about-whedon-kirby-and-rdj/2012/05/03/gIQADiKDzT_blog.html#pagebreak

and what I assume is tomorrow's print review -

Essay: 'Avengers' proves actors still matter
By Ann Hornaday, May 3, 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/essay-avengers-proves-actors-still-matter/2012/05/03/gIQA3nwQzT_story.html

Persepolis cartoon screening overreaction in Tunisia profiled in Post

Tunisian court case exposes rift over free speech in new democracy
By Marc Fisher,
Washington Post May 3 2012, p. A1, 9
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/tunisian-court-case-exposes-rift-over-free-speech-in-new-democracy/2012/05/02/gIQAj4cexT_story.html

This story had hit the wires months ago, but now there's this good followup article.

Express on Avengers characters

Meet the Unsung Avengers: Black Widow and Hawkeye never got their own movies. They clearly should!
By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express May 3, 2012 p. E8
online at http://www.expressnightout.com/2012/05/meet-the-unsung-avengers/

 

May5: "Cinco de Sandra" featuring Sandra Beasley, Dean Haspiel, Jim Dougan + Much More!

CINCO DE SANDRA:  A CELEBRATION OF COMIX, STORYTELLING, AND MUSIC
 
On Saturday, May 5, 2012, @8pm sharp, an all-star lineup of DC and NYC storytellers will come together to blow your mind with live performances of poetry, comix, and stories at the Hillyer Art Space in Dupont Circle. Venues represented include Trip City, Act-i-vate, and Barrelhouse. And after that? We'll get the music spinning.
 
CINCO DE SANDRA's lineup of performers includes:
Sandra Beasley (author of DON'T KILL THE BIRTHDAY GIRL, I WAS THE JUKEBOX)
Dean Haspiel (Emmy winner for BORED TO DEATH title sequence, artist of THE ALCOHOLIC w/Jonathan Ames and THE QUITTER w/Harvey Pekar, creator of BILLY DOGMA)
Molly Lawless (cartoonist of HIT BY PITCH, FROG & OWL)
Jim Dougan (comics writer, SAM & LILAH, CRAZY PAPERS, others at ACTIVATEcomix)
Jennifer Tress (DC-based storyteller, author of YOU'RE NOT PRETTY ENOUGH)
Natalie E. Illum (Spoken word poet, mothertongue organizer)
Tony Mancus (BARRELHOUSE contributor and co-editor of Flying Guillotine Press)
Plus, the whole shebang will be hosted by man-about-town Brandon Wetherbee (YOU, ME, THEM, EVERYBODY) and featuring the sweet sounds of DJ P-Vo (Hometown Sounds DC). We will have a merch table. We will have beer and non-beer. We will have a helluva lotta hijinks. And, in case you were wondering, we will have a birthday girl on hand: Sandra Beasley.
Be there, or be…
...Just be there.
Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/255811644513842/

TRIP CITY Blog: http://welcometotripcity.com/2012/05/cinco-de-sandra/



PSA: Honoring Our Veterans of Post 24

This Public Service Announcement is from cartoonist Steve Artley who has been working on this program.


JOIN US AT THE AMERICAN LEGION THIS SATURDAY FOR A FUNDRAISER AND SCREENING OF "Heroes of Post 24." This is the first in an on-going series of video documentaries preserving the oral history of our veterans. 

The project was established to preserve oral history of members of American Legion Post 24 in Alexandria, VA through a series of documentaries. A fundraiser is being held at the Post this Saturday (May 5) to help underwrite this ongoing project by filmmaker John Napolitano, USMC. If you are in the Alexandria area, stop in on Saturday 5:00 to 8:00 for the launch party and screening of the first installment. We'll have food, beverage specials, and raffles. Meet the filmmaker. Meet the first interviewees, including Bill MacNamara who published Stars & Stripes during WWII. On the video he tells of getting out the first issue in Normandy shortly after the D-Day invasion. Come on in for good food, fascinating conversation, and honorable history. 

If you can't make the event, stop down to Market Square for the Farmers Market in Old Town Alexandria earlier in the day. Fellow Sons of the American Legion member Russ Crager and I will be manning the "Heroes of Post 24" booth from 8:30 to 11:00 AM. We'll be collecting donations, selling event tickets, and acquainting the public with our projects.

SEE YOU THERE!

Graphic design, art and creative direction services provided by Steve Artley of Artley Design, Inc.
Signage and collateral materials produced by Russ Crager of Mobile Signz in Alexandria.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

On the 12th Day of Interviews...

...ComicsDC gave to me -- a sense of a job finally completed, and better knowledge of a lot of local webcartoonists and animators.  Please check out any you might have missed.

            "Meet a Local Cartoonist: Michael Webster," ComicsDC blog (May 2, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/05/meet-local-cartoonist-michael-webster.html

            "Meet a Local Cartoonist: Jason Axtell," ComicsDC blog (May 1, 2012):

            "Meet a Local Animator: Neil Dittbenner," ComicsDC blog (April 30, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-local-animator-neil-dittbenner.html

            "Meet a Local Animator: Todd Churn," ComicsDC blog (April 29, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-local-animator-todd-churn.html

            "Meet a Local Cartoonist: Chris Mararac," ComicsDC blog (April 28, 2012):

            "Meet a Local Cartoonist: Monica H. or "MonMon"," ComicsDC blog (April 27, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-local-cartoonist-monica-h-or.html

            "Meet a Local Cartoonist: Gregory Uchrin," ComicsDC blog (April 26, 2012):

            "Cartoonist Guy Delisle on His Year in Israel and Creating Jerusalem: Chronicles From the Holy City," Apr. 25, 2012, http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2012/04/25/meet-a-visiting-cartoonist-a-chat-with-guy-delisle/

            "Meet a Local Cartoonist: Garth Graham," ComicsDC blog (April 25, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-local-cartoonist-garth-graham.html

            "Meet Two Local Cartoonists: Mike Isenberg and Oliver Mertz, writers of "First Law Of Mad Science"," (April 24, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-two-local-cartoonists-mike.html

            "Meet a Semi-Local Cartoonist: Chris Otto," ComicsDC blog (April 23, 2012):

            "Meet a Formerly Local Cartoonist: T Campbell," ComicsDC blog (April 22, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-formerly-local-cartoonist-t.html

            "Joel Pollack on moving Big Planet Comics' Bethesda store," ComicsDC blog (April 22, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/joel-pollack-on-moving-big-planet.html

            "Meet a Local Children's Book Creator: K. Michael Crawford," ComicsDC blog (April 21, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-local-childrens-book-creator-k.html
            "Meet a Local Cartoonist: Michael Munshaw," ComicsDC blog (April 20, 2012): http://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-local-cartoonist-michael-munshaw.html