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Thursday, April 09, 2015
City Paper's Best of D.C. 2015 winners
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Phrygian Capitol"
Hey, now, Free DC! Got those Phrygian Caps ready? Because it's just about time for the DC Democracy Vigil on Tax Day, April 15. Find out more and RSVP at the DC Cannabis Coalition:
http://dcmj.org/dc-democracy-vigil/
"...At the beginning of this year we sought volunteers to staff a DC Democracy Vigil. Had Congress moved to overturn Initiative 71, we planned to stage at 24 hour a day vigil to highlight our discontent. But after our meeting last week with Representative Jason Chaffetz's staff, where we offered him a chance to reset relations with DC residents, we came away thinking Congressional leaders are not going to lift a finger for us! We have no choice but to escalate protests NOW to ruin their fake "freedom" brand and see them exposed for what they are: Oppressors."
So... y'ever wonder why the Statue Of Freedom on top of the Capitol Dome isn't wearing a Phrygian Cap? Check it out here...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap
"...In 1854, when sculptor Thomas Crawford was preparing models for sculpture for the United States Capitol, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis (later to be the President of the Confederate States of America) insisted that a Phrygian cap not be included on a Statue of Freedom, on the grounds that "American liberty is original and not the liberty of the freed slave". The cap was not included in the final bronze version that is now in the building."
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
http://dcmj.org/dc-democracy-vigil/
"...At the beginning of this year we sought volunteers to staff a DC Democracy Vigil. Had Congress moved to overturn Initiative 71, we planned to stage at 24 hour a day vigil to highlight our discontent. But after our meeting last week with Representative Jason Chaffetz's staff, where we offered him a chance to reset relations with DC residents, we came away thinking Congressional leaders are not going to lift a finger for us! We have no choice but to escalate protests NOW to ruin their fake "freedom" brand and see them exposed for what they are: Oppressors."
So... y'ever wonder why the Statue Of Freedom on top of the Capitol Dome isn't wearing a Phrygian Cap? Check it out here...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap
"...In 1854, when sculptor Thomas Crawford was preparing models for sculpture for the United States Capitol, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis (later to be the President of the Confederate States of America) insisted that a Phrygian cap not be included on a Statue of Freedom, on the grounds that "American liberty is original and not the liberty of the freed slave". The cap was not included in the final bronze version that is now in the building."
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
Wednesday, April 08, 2015
Holy slot machines, Batman!
The Maryland Live! Casino in Hanover, Md., has a special promotion called the Batman Classic TV Series Slot. It's also doing a giveaway later this month of a Batmobile replica. Of course, you gotta gamble to be eligible to participate in the drawing.
April 13: Gene Weingarten at Kramerbooks
In addition to humorous writing, he's also one of the writers of the comic strip Barney & Clyde and an author of a chapter in The Art of Richard Thompson.
- at 8:00pm
- Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe & Grill1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036
What is it? It's an evening of humorous readings--like the kind you'd see in McSweeney's, or Shouts and Murmurs--live and in person.
Also, it's free, and you can buy beer. Invite your friends!
Hosted by:
Brian Agler (The New Yorker, McSweeney's, Splitsider)
Featuring:
Jenn Tisdale (The Kennedy Center, Bentzen Ball)
Stephen Mann (Hot Hot Phone)
Justin Droms (Cracked)
Gene Weingarten (Washington Post)
Also, it's free, and you can buy beer. Invite your friends!
Hosted by:
Brian Agler (The New Yorker, McSweeney's, Splitsider)
Featuring:
Jenn Tisdale (The Kennedy Center, Bentzen Ball)
Stephen Mann (Hot Hot Phone)
Justin Droms (Cracked)
Gene Weingarten (Washington Post)
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
Lovecraft, Tesla and John Reilly
Less than a week ago, I'd never heard of John Reilly, but ComicsDC's scouts are constantly on the job. Today, I know that the first collection of his Herald: Lovecraft & Tesla out tomorrow in comic book stores throughout the country, and I've put in my order for it, and put the comic on my subscription list. Without further ado, here's John's answers to our usual questions.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I write the ongoing series from Action Lab called Herald: Lovecraft & Tesla.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
Thankfully, I don't do any of the artwork as it would likely look terrible - that job falls on Tom Rogers (who's out near Portland) and Dexter Weeks (who lives in Jersey).
How did you get into writing comics?
The comic was born one evening when my wife picked up a shirt with a print by Travis Pitts - By Appointment Only - which has Lovecraft & Tesla together. When we realized it wasn't already a comic, we spent the rest of the evening feverishly discussing all the amazing plotlines that would be possible. I spent the next year planning 54 issues before writing the first script, which was the first comic I'd ever written; everything up till that point was just an excited hobby. So, to answer your question, I have no idea how any of this happened.
How did you come to work w/ your co-creators?
Finding an artist who can knock out quality pages on a regular basis is the hardest part, so we spent quite a while searching conventions and online portfolios before we found Tom. The style he's using for Herald is exactly what we wanted - not so gritty that it looks like we're taking ourselves too seriously, but not so cartoony that we can't have dramatic/suspenseful moments. Dex is a friend of the family with roughly fifteen years experience in the industry, including work on Image titles like Avengelyne. To wrangle them on the project, we pitched the idea like anyone else would and made them co-creators.
How many issues of the comic are out now? Where can you buy it locally?
The first 3 issues are out now and you can buy it at any comic store, including Big Planet Comics and (I'm told) Comic Logic opening soon in Ashburn. On April 8th, our first TPB of 1-3 comes out, "History in the Making." Is it listed in Previews, the monthly magazine for ordering comics?
We're listed in Previews with Action Lab's titles. This month you can see Tom's EC Comics homage with our cover to issue #4, with special guest Mark Twain.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I was born near Philly in 1978.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I'm living in Sterling, VA now and I teach English and writing courses at NVCC.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
I have no training in the visual arts, but I've got some powerful skills when it comes to crocheting.
Who are your influences?
Brian K. Vaughn, Neil Gaiman, Joss Whedon, Joseph Heller, Kurt Vonnegut, and Shakespeare (for good measure).
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?My career has just started, but if if I could go back, I'd start it sooner.
What work are you best-known for?
I'm not really known for anything unless people mistake me for veteran character actor John C. Reilly, who has an impressive oeuvre.
What work are you most proud of?
Is it cliche to say you're most proud of your kids? Herald is a close second.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
I'd love to take a crack at writing a short arc for a Marvel or DC title, but I suppose everyone would.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
The trick to avoiding writer's block is to keep a regular pace - you have to stop writing when you want to continue and force yourself to start when you don't want to. That sounds crazy, but if you can hit a regular quota each day and leave some ideas for tomorrow, you'll find everything gets done and there are less patches of downtime. This romantic idea we have of a writer waiting to be struck by a thunderbolt of inspiration doesn't exist - you make it happen, even if it hurts or feels forced. Later, you revise the hell out of it and walk away proud.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
I'm still trying to figure out the present state of comics before I could opine on its future, but I'll take a shot: robots are going to be HUGE in the next decade.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?The first three issues of Herald are relatively new, so we haven't had much convention presence. I'll be at San-Diego this year with Action Lab, and as more issues are released (we have 54 planned), I'd like to hit SPX, Awesome, and Baltimore when they're next up.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
The National Mall and surrounding area is a unique experience, culturally and intellectually. I love that DC feels like NYC without the claustrophobia.
Least favorite?
The traffic and parking.
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
My soft spot is the American History museum, but some of the Air and Space exhibits genuinely affect me sometimes.
Do you have a website or blog?
Do you have a website or blog?
You can reach us @ facebook.com/HeraldComic, twitter.com/HeraldComic, and HeraldComic@gmail.com.
I haven't had time to watch it yet, but Terence Dollard's Comic Culture videocast has an interview with John online.
Sandwiches in comics
Arlingtonian food designer Lisa Cherkasky did a short blog post about comics and sandwiches recently, although she skipped the ocean of references that Blondie would bring in. Instead she went with thoughts about indy cartoonist Marc Bell.Good Comics for Kids on Zodiac Starforce
Dark Horse Comics Picks Up Magical Girl Zodiac Starforce
April 6, 2015 By Lori Hendersonhttp://blogs.slj.com/goodcomicsforkids/2015/04/06/dark-horse-comics-picks-up-magical-girl-zodiac-starforce/
Mutts play wins award says Comic Riffs
'Mutts': Patrick McDonnell 'grateful' for 'Gift of Nothing's' new Helen Hayes Award
By Michael Cavna April 7 2015http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/04/07/mutts-patrick-mcdonnell-grateful-for-gift-of-nothings-new-helen-hayes-award/
Monday, April 06, 2015
April 11: Jiim Zub at Third Eye Comics
SATURDAY 4/11/15: International TableTop Day with special guest WAYWARD writer JIM ZUB
That darn Flashbacks
A condensed version of history
Daniel Lovelace, Williamsburg
Washington Post April 4 2015http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-condensed-version-of-history/2015/04/02/a6450252-d7c0-11e4-bf0b-f648b95a6488_story.html
The Mary Sue takes exception to a Frank Cho drawing
Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should
C'mon now.
by Sam Maggs
The Mary Sue April 6th 2015
http://www.themarysue.com/spider-gwen-sketch-cover/
The Mary Sue April 6th 2015
http://www.themarysue.com/spider-gwen-sketch-cover/
Sunday, April 05, 2015
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Phrygian Protest!"
"Phrygian Protest!"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1680
Hey, there, Free DC! Time to bust out your Phrygian Caps and get together for the Tax Day protest at Congress, featuring the DC Cannabis Coalition's legendary Liberty Pole!
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1680
Hey, there, Free DC! Time to bust out your Phrygian Caps and get together for the Tax Day protest at Congress, featuring the DC Cannabis Coalition's legendary Liberty Pole!
___________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org
SPX 2014 Panel - Micro-Press and Beyond
SPX 2014 Panel - Micro-Press and Beyond 
Robyn Chapman has been documenting the movement in comics towards very small publishing, otherwise know as micro-publishing. Robyn briefly shares findings from her upcoming publication (The Tiny Report: Micro-Press Yearbook 2013) and speaks with a range of publishers—from the micro-press to traditional small press—to discuss how they print, sell, and distribute their comics. Panelists include Chuck Forsman (Oily Comics), Keenan Marshall Keller (Drippy Bone Books), Justin Skarhus and Raighne Hogan (2D Cloud), and Anne Koyama (Koyama Press).
Cartooning Classes Press Release
This came in over the e-transom. I don't know Mr. Merklein yet.
PRESS RELEASE
Do you like drawing cartoons? Do you want to be a cartoonist?
Washington DC-based cartoonist Paul Merklein is teaching 2 Cartooning
Classes starting Sunday April 19 at The Walter Reed Community Center in
Arlington, Virginia.
Classes focus on writing and drawing cartoons, and how to get your
cartoons published. Bring your ideas and talent, and get ready to have
fun!
Paul Merklein's cartoons have appeared in newspapers, magazines, books and
online media since he was a college student in the 80's.
The first Cartooning Class is already almost full, but the second class is
open to teens, tweens and adult students.
To register, click here -
https://registration.arlingtonva.us/wsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsearch.html?wbsi=a16bb969-0520-b2a3-e411-6dd6dc79db7f
- and select "Drawing/Painting" classes.
You can also register at Paul Merklein's Facebook page here...
https://www.facebook.com/greatbigfaces
See Paul Merklein's new cartoons here...
https://www.facebook.com/dabneyanddad
Thanks,
Paul Merklein
Do you like drawing cartoons? Do you want to be a cartoonist?
Washington DC-based cartoonist Paul Merklein is teaching 2 Cartooning
Classes starting Sunday April 19 at The Walter Reed Community Center in
Arlington, Virginia.
Classes focus on writing and drawing cartoons, and how to get your
cartoons published. Bring your ideas and talent, and get ready to have
fun!
Paul Merklein's cartoons have appeared in newspapers, magazines, books and
online media since he was a college student in the 80's.
The first Cartooning Class is already almost full, but the second class is
open to teens, tweens and adult students.
To register, click here -
https://registration.arlingtonva.us/wsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsearch.html?wbsi=a16bb969-0520-b2a3-e411-6dd6dc79db7f
- and select "Drawing/Painting" classes.
You can also register at Paul Merklein's Facebook page here...
https://www.facebook.com/greatbigfaces
See Paul Merklein's new cartoons here...
https://www.facebook.com/dabneyanddad
Thanks,
Paul Merklein
Barney & Clyde slips one into the Post
The Washington Post regularly censors the cartoons it runs, but Gene and Dan Weingarten and David Clark slipped not one, but two pubic hair jokes into the April 4, 2015 strip that ran in the paper. It's online here.
Weingarten and Thompson talk Almanacs: An Art of Richard Thompson excerpt
The Art of Richard Thompson book excerpt: Thompson and Gene Weingarten talk
http://www.richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-art-of-richard-thompson-book_5.html
Here's another excerpt of the conversation from The Art of Richard Thompson, which you can buy right now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or order and wait for a copy signed by Richard from One More Page. Part 1 of the Bill Watterson excerpt is here. Part 2 of the Bill Watterson excerpt is here.Saturday, April 04, 2015
Ronnie Joyner, sports cartoonist
Check it out at:
Maryland's Ronnie Joyner May be America's Last Sports Cartoonist
And here's some minor clips of material that didn't make it into the City Paper, just for the record:
Why are you in the Washington area now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
My wife and I had three kids and stayed in Accokeek until moving to Charlotte Hall, MD, in 2001. We're still in Charlotte Hall. It's about fifty minutes south of DC, right on the Charles County-St. Mary's County line.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
To be honest, I've never been to a con, so I'm not too clued in on them. I think I need to get to one and see what's up. I'll report back! Least favorite thing about DC?
This is probably not a very original answer, but I hate the DC traffic.
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
I never get tired of visiting the Air and Space museum. I spent a year as a graphic artist at the US Senate in 2012, and I went down to Air and Space three times. The Apollo program was such a big deal when I was growing up that I'm still in awe of the astronauts of the 60s and 70s. To go to Air and Space and look into John Glenn's Friendship 7 capsule is pretty awesome.
What's the background on being an artist for the Senate?
After working at the same graphics firm in Old Town for 25 years, I took a job at the Senate graphics department (PGDM — Printing, Graphics and Direct Mail) down at the Dirksen Building next to the Capitol. Basically, there are two 5-team shifts of designers there that work to fill any of the graphic needs of the Senators and their support staff. Things like posters to support floor speeches, brochures, newsletters, direct mail letters and postcards, etc. It was interesting work and a neat atmosphere to work in. I stayed there a year, but I left to join a shop that was more local to me where I could work alongside a longtime friend of mine.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
I worked in Alexandria for 25 years, so I never really did much dining in DC. I'm pretty easy to please (and low brow) when it comes to food, though, so I'm happy just to eat at Chipotle in Chinatown!
Splotch Monsters invade The Griffin Art Center, Frederick, Maryland!
That's right. A little shameless plug - I've got a big art exhibit featuring Splotch Monster art, both big and small, old and brand spanking new, hanging at the beautiful front gallery of The Griffin Art center in historic, downtown Frederick, Maryland. The art reception will be a week from today, on Saturday, April 11, from 5-8pm, and it's going to be awesome. Below is a sneak peek at a fraction of what will be on display at the exhibit. There's also plenty more to see and do in the area. So, mark your calendars and hope to see you there next Saturday night! -Steve
Friday, April 03, 2015
"Superman stamp" on display in Arlington Public Library's Central branch
This painting by a student of a "Superman stamp" is on display in Arlington Public Library's Central branch. I really like it. Unfortunately I can't quite read the caption to properly credit the artist.
Post's ActFour blog on "She Makes Comics" film
Intermission: Joke's on me
By Alyssa RosenbergWashington Post's ActFour blog April 1 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/04/01/intermission-jokes-on-me/
PR: Cards, Comics & Collectibles Annual Easter Sale Happening Now
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April 4: Luther Strode signing in Annapolis
at THIRD EYE ANNAPOLIS
Click here for event info on FACEBOOK.
First 30 In Line Receive a FREE Special Gift!
Signing from 11AM-1PM
Thursday, April 02, 2015
Meet a Local Cartoonist: Dennis Johnson and Dedsquad
by Mike Rhode
Dennis Johnson, Jr. tabled at Smudge with his minicomics last month. I was dashing out to check the parking meter and missed a photograph (so all images are from his blog), but I did buy his minis before leaving. Priorities!
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I am a self-taught artist, and have tried to learn everything about making comics. Currently I am doing a little bit of everything. I am working on writing, drawing, inking, and coloring my own original comics such as “The Ded Squad”, and “The New Frontier.” My stories tend to range from slice of life, to superheroes. I am very versatile, and have also learned other types of art forms such as acrylic painting, and digital art.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination? |
| Scott McCloud and Dennis Johnson at Politics and Prose |
Dennis Johnson, Jr. tabled at Smudge with his minicomics last month. I was dashing out to check the parking meter and missed a photograph (so all images are from his blog), but I did buy his minis before leaving. Priorities!
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I am a self-taught artist, and have tried to learn everything about making comics. Currently I am doing a little bit of everything. I am working on writing, drawing, inking, and coloring my own original comics such as “The Ded Squad”, and “The New Frontier.” My stories tend to range from slice of life, to superheroes. I am very versatile, and have also learned other types of art forms such as acrylic painting, and digital art.
When creating comics I use a combination of techniques but most of the time I start with traditional pencil and paper. I am a huge fan of using brush and ink because the lines come out livelier. Afterwards, I scan my artwork into Photoshop and digitally color it.When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I was born December 6, 1988 in Maryland.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I have lived most of my life in Maryland. Currently I reside in Gaithersburg.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
Most of my education in cartooning came from reading and practicing. I never was able to go to school for it so I tried to learn from everything I could get my hands on.
Who are your influences?
My biggest influence has to be Scott McCloud. He was a crucial part of why I am committed to comics. Through reading many of his books, I realized that comics aren’t just great art or a great story, they are a form of communication. He made me realize that comics are more than just superheroes. After I read his books everything about comics and life just clicked. I also tend to draw inspiration from cartoons, manga, and animated movies.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
If I could roll back the hangs of time to improve my career I think I would have started to practice making comics earlier. Since I am a self-taught artist, a lot of my work has been trial and error. If I had taken more time to learn more about making comics when I was younger, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble.
I was born December 6, 1988 in Maryland.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I have lived most of my life in Maryland. Currently I reside in Gaithersburg.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
Most of my education in cartooning came from reading and practicing. I never was able to go to school for it so I tried to learn from everything I could get my hands on.
Who are your influences?
My biggest influence has to be Scott McCloud. He was a crucial part of why I am committed to comics. Through reading many of his books, I realized that comics aren’t just great art or a great story, they are a form of communication. He made me realize that comics are more than just superheroes. After I read his books everything about comics and life just clicked. I also tend to draw inspiration from cartoons, manga, and animated movies.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
If I could roll back the hangs of time to improve my career I think I would have started to practice making comics earlier. Since I am a self-taught artist, a lot of my work has been trial and error. If I had taken more time to learn more about making comics when I was younger, I could have saved myself a lot of trouble.
What work are you best-known for?
At this point in my comic book life I’m not sure if anyone knows my work. I am working on self-publishing my comics, and networking at conventions to get myself out there. In the future I hope to be known for my comic “The Ded Squad.”
What work are you most proud of?
Not too long ago I submitted a very personal piece to the 10th edition of the Magic Bullet newspaper. The one-page comic illustrated depression, stress and anxiety to the best of my ability. It was tough for me to write about the pains that I have experienced for years, but the comic turned out to be a great release for me. When it was completed I was so proud of the piece, and it felt like I reached out into the world. Although it did not get accepted, I have displayed the comic at various conventions. I decided that I wanted to connect to those struggling with the same disorder. I feel like this work could really make people think about mental illness and how they can help someone else or help themselves.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
At this point in my comic book life I’m not sure if anyone knows my work. I am working on self-publishing my comics, and networking at conventions to get myself out there. In the future I hope to be known for my comic “The Ded Squad.”
What work are you most proud of?Not too long ago I submitted a very personal piece to the 10th edition of the Magic Bullet newspaper. The one-page comic illustrated depression, stress and anxiety to the best of my ability. It was tough for me to write about the pains that I have experienced for years, but the comic turned out to be a great release for me. When it was completed I was so proud of the piece, and it felt like I reached out into the world. Although it did not get accepted, I have displayed the comic at various conventions. I decided that I wanted to connect to those struggling with the same disorder. I feel like this work could really make people think about mental illness and how they can help someone else or help themselves.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
My future plan is to cultivate and continue to grow the art community that I’m trying to build. I believe that comics have a great healing power within them just like any other creative art. It also wouldn’t hurt to get “The Ded Squad” underway!
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
When a creative block hits I normally just take a break. I try to switch up my routine to try to break the cycle. Often times I turn to other mediums when I have a block or I try to learn new tricks. I have learned that trying to push through a creative block normally only causes frustration.
What do you think will be the future of your field? I think that comics will continue to grow in popularity. Especially the indie comic scene because right now publishing is the easiest it’s ever been. It seems like artists and writers are popping up everywhere. It’s only a matter of time before indie publishers like Retrofit and Koyama Press begin to acquire more talent and begin to compete with companies like Darkhorse and Image. The world also seems to take to movie or show adaptations of comics like The Walking Dead. Other industries seems to be taking more comic book writers and illustrators seriously because they are seeing that their work is no different from the work of a novelist or fine artist.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
So far I have exhibited at DC Zinefest 2014, SPX2013, Awesome-Con 2014, UFB-Con and Smudge Expo 2015. I will be exhibiting at Awesome-Con 2015 and Creator-Con 2015.
What's your favorite thing about DC? Least favorite?
I love how diverse the DMV is. D.C. is an amazing place to get to know many different people. My least favorite thing about D.C. is driving. The traffic lights, speed cameras, and one-way roads drive me crazy.
What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?
I love to visit the Hirshorn and the National Art Gallery. It’s fun to see the contrast of styles and ideals.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
My favorite restaurant in the DMV is a little sushi place called Yuraku in Germantown. Everything always tastes exquisite!
Do you have a website or blog?
My website is dedsquad.tumblr.com or you can find me on facebook.com/dedinkart.
Comic Riffs on Cartoonists Rights Network
Crowdfund of the week: Free-speech cartoonists vs. legal and mortal threats
By Michael CavnaWashington Post Comic Riffs blog April 2 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/04/02/crowd-fund-of-the-week-free-speech-cartoonists-vs-legal-and-mortal-threats/
NoVa's Cartoonists Rights Network International Advocates for Political Artists in Trouble
by Mike Rhode Washington City Paper's Arts Desk blog Mar. 16, 2015
Thompson and Bill Watterson talk comics some more
The Art of Richard Thompson book excerpt: Thompson and Bill Watterson talk comics some more
http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-art-of-richard-thompson-book.html
Wednesday, April 01, 2015
April 9: Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio Garcia Sanchez
Takoma Park Maryland Library
Graphic
novelists Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio Garcia Sanchez will present their
new book for kids, "Lost in NYC: A Subway Adventure" on Thursday, April
9, at 7:30 p.m. In the book, Spiegelman and Sanchez tell the story of a
boy named Pablo, who gets separated from his schoolmates on a class
trip and has to figure out how to navigate the NYC subway system. In a
starred review, Kirkus noted that the book is "required reading for
anyone, tourist or resident, mystified by or anxious about using
arguably the greatest public-transportation system on the planet.." At
our event, Politics & Prose will be selling copies of "Lost in
NYC," but the event is free and no purchase is required to attend.
Thursday, Apr. 9, 7:30 p.m.
2nd Zodiac Starforce interview online
Magic, Girl Power & Humor Combine to Create "Zodiac Starforce"
Cardner Clark
Comic Book Resources April 1 2015
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/magic-girl-power-humor-combine-to-create-zodiac-starforce
Dembicki's Wild Ocean listed as a 'Great Environmental Comic'
14 Great Environmental Comics
by Matt White
Nukees goes to Washington
The webcomic Nukees by Darren Bleuel has been set in DC for several months, but mostly in Congress. The DC strips start roughly at December 19 2014, and this week giant robot ants move into the Metro.
Joe Sutliff's April Fool's day Kickstarter (updated)
Of his 'project,' Joe says, "While easily perceived as a prank, my campaign is (or was) an attempt to tap into the gestalt of crowd funding. Rather that present a complex experience all at once, I wanted to see what would happen if something simple and silly would be appreciated by the community. Now I'm challenged to come up with a response to this. As everyone knows, a wounded cartoonist is the most dangerous beast in the jungle… At least I've become more annoying!"
The Art of Richard Thompson book excerpt: Thompson and Bill Watterson talk comics
Not a hoax. Not a joke. Not an April Fool's day trick. Here's an excerpt of the conversation of Richard Thompson and Bill Watterson from The Art of Richard Thompson, which you can buy right now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or order and wait for a copy signed by Richard from One More Page.BILL WATTERSON: When I was a kid, I loved Peanuts, so I wanted to be the next Charles Schulz. I didn’t understand what that meant of course, but it seemed like a plan. You came to your comic strip from a different path,
however.
RICHARD THOMPSON: Yeah. Off in my own little world of being a pretend cartoonist. Without a plan.
BW: So how did you envision cartooning? What was your experience of it as a kid?
RT: Well, Schulz pretty much defined “cartoonist.” But I remember in fifth grade, a friend’s older sister had some Pogo books and we spent the day poring over them. That was the first time I understood some of the jokes. It was pretty intimidating and dense for a kid.
RT: Yeah, mostly strips. Comic books were hard to find. And a strip is a one-person deal. Not like animation, where you’ve got to work with other people.
BW: As a kid, animation just seemed out of the question to me. I wouldn’t even know how to go about doing it.
RT: It was interesting. But even when I was old enough to maybe try it, I always hated the idea of working with others.
BW: Plus, you needed film equipment and all that.
RT: Yeah. Really, though, I did cartoons without any clear thought of having a future in it.
BW: Any other strips or cartoons that had any impact as a kid?
RT: Some strange ones. There was a panel called Mr. Tweedy about a hapless little guy. I don't remember who drew it. And there was Freddy by a guy who signed as Rupe. I think he was local.BW: I don't know either one.
RT: I think it was probably in one paper. Also, Wizard of Id... BC... And Mad Magazine of course. I discovered that when I was probably ten.
BW: I remember there was some shock value in bringing Mad home.
RT: Right. (laughs) I remember the first time I picked it up in the grocery store and said I wanted to buy this. My parents looked at it and went ickkk. But my dad finally read it and started giggling. He had a good sense of humor, thankfully.
BW: My next-door neighbor bought it regularly, and he'd bring it over and I'd pore over the drawings. Eventually I worked up the nerve to ask my mom if I could get it. There were a number of years when I really thought Mad was the cat's pajamas, although now I think it was pretty formulaic. But even as a kid, it seemed out of the mainstream of cartooning. It was off in its own world.
RT: It seemed to open up this whole subculture.
BW: Could you imagine yourself doing something in that direction?
RT: Kinda vaguely.
BW: I could never see a way in. I couldn't imagine myself drawing movie and TV satires. I guess Don Martin did the closest thing to a regular cartoon, but in that grotesque style. Or Dave Berg's whatever....RT: The Lighter Side Of (laughs). I'd often read it first. It was always so square!
BW: Right! So what did you respond to in Mad? What aspect?
RT: Oh, the art. The Aragones drawings in the margins and stuff like that. There was no one thing. Spy vs Spy, which was kind of exotic. And of course the parodies, where you discover caricature.
BW: I marveled at Mort Drucker, but I didn't see any road between here and there. At that age, my drawing skills were pretty much limited to drawing things in side-view outlines.
RT: I would try, but... I do remember seeing David Levine drawings of Nixon in like, sixth grade, in my classroom. My teacher was an anti-Nixonite. These beautiful, elegant drawings of Nixon--I remember being fascinated by it. He was using ink like paint, almost.
BW: What, the hatching?
RT: Yeah. So elegant.
BW: I never really responded to Levine. The likenesses were strong, but sort of like stone sculpture, or something- -not warm. I dunno. I remember Oliphant's caricatures really impressed me--so wild and cartoony, compared to Drucker. But getting a likeness is really hard. What made you want to do that?
RT: Caricature was something that'd always interested me. Later, as a freelancer, I thought the more arrows in my quiver the better. When I showed the art director at the Post, Mike Keegan, some pages of caricature sketches, he was delighted. I was suddenly taken more seriously too. I remember the British show Spitting Image had just premiered, and it gave me the kick I needed.
BW: Hm, I'm trying to think what else was in the air back then...
RT: I remember we had a bunch of New Yorker cartoon books in the classroom. This is like fifth or sixth grade. The teacher would bring them from home or something.
BW: OK, you moved in more sophisticated circles than I did!
RT: I didn't quite understand them. There's a Roz Chast drawing about her as a child finding Charles Addams cartoons, and I remember finding those too, and how gruesome they were. And the painting in them was soft and..BW: The grays?
RT: Yeah, like no one else.
BW: I was probably a bit older when I saw New Yorkers. You know, if it was a cartoon, I'd jump to read it, but I don't remember them making much impact. Well, actually, I still like George Booth a lot. He's one of the few New Yorker cartoonists whose drawings are funny.
RT: I remember being impressed with New Yorker cartoons, but I probably didn't understand much.
BW: How about comic books? Nothing?
RT: Some. They were hard to find. I'd find them occasionally, and then I'd probably whine 'til I got them. If they were Batmans.
BW: Really, they were hard to find? My town had three drugstores that used to carry them, and I'd get them sometimes, but superhero comics didn't do a lot for me.
RT: Archie and whatnot... I had a few of those but I was never really into them.
BW: One summer my neighbor gave me this huge box of Archie comic books, and I read them in the car on some family vacation. I have no idea where he got them, but there were a zillion of the things, so my brother and I sat in the back seat reading one after another until it nearly killed us. We read ten thousand Archie comic books and they were all exactly the same.RT: And the drawings are so clean.
BW: Yeah, very slick. Even then I thought they were dumb and outdated. It's a bizarre memory. How about underground comix? Did they have any impact on you?
RT: Some. I came late to undergrounds. I had friends who collected them (Henry Allen has Zap #0) but my main exposure was all in histories and anthologies. I liked, revered Crumb, though he is overwhelming, and thought Wonder Warthog was freaking hilarious.
BW: I saw some in college and I liked Wonder Warthog too, but on the whole, the undergrounds didn't make much connection. I preferred sillier, more cartoony stuff, I suppose.
What non-cartoon things made an impression on you as a kid?
RT: My folks liked doing things and making me a part of it. I remember when the Mona Lisa came to town. I was about six. We stood in line for a long time. Red draperies and guards every few feet, and then ventually, there it is. My mom liked it a lot. The whole way, she was telling me what an important painting it was and the story of it. She had a great appreciation for culture. She didn’t have any great understanding of it so much as just liked it, I guess.
BW: Wow, I guess you’re one of the few people who’s ever seen it without a foot of bulletproof glass in front of it.
RT: I think so. You couldn’t get right up to it--there were velvet ropes. But you could breathe the same air. (BW laughs)
BW: I don’t remember much exposure to fine art--just the popular culture of the day. I think of my childhood as the Batman TV show, the Beatles, and the moon landings. Although I do remember in middle school there were a few years when I read all the Doctor Dolittle books. I loved those--the idea of talking to animals. A PETA sensibility ahead of its time. It probably had some subliminal influence on my strip. What aspects of pop culture did you participate in?
RT: Well yes, the moon landings and take-offs. You knew it was important when the teacher pushed the TV into the classroom.
Jump over to Richard's Cul de Sac blog for more discussion on comic strips.
Wonder Woman's invisible plane on display at Air & Space Museum today
Wonder Woman's Invisible Jet Now on Display
Beth Wilson
Posted on April 1, 2015 by The National Air and Space Museum
http://blog.nasm.si.edu/behind-the-scenes/wonder-womans-invisible-jet/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig4aJey9QZMApril 15: Animezing: The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
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PR: A New Updated ComicBacks list!
(Ray's a real-life archivist at the National Archives too, and this is a great bibliography resource)
From R Bottorff <carchivist@yahoo.com>
From R Bottorff <carchivist@yahoo.com>
I have just updated my ComicBacks list and this time I have it for you in an Excel spreadsheet! 9080 entries, 5.5 MB in size so I can email anyone who wants a copy.
Email me direct please and I will get it sent to you in the next few days. Oh yes, its free. I welcome all updates and corrections.
And for those who do not know, my ComicBacks list is a database of all comic book, comic strip, cartoon, pulp hero, and superhero-related mass-market (aka Pocket Book size) paperbacks. Well, at least an attempt at all of them! I am sure there are many more discovered. The list focuses on United States and Canadian ComicBacks, and any international ones distributed in the United States (which means you may see an occasional title from the United Kingdom).
It includes all editions and printings that I have discovered to date going back to early Pocket Books up to current Marvel and DC prose novels. And Peanuts, cartoons gag, Dennis the Menace, Doc Savage, Family Circus, B.C., Beetle Bailey, Tarzan, scholastic titles joke and gag books, Lone Wolf and Cub, Marvel Ilustrated Books, and a few thousand others in between!
I hope you like it and can find use for it!
So email if you are interested and I shall send it to you.
my best
-Ray Bottorff Jr
(a monster PDF version, over 500+ MB, is also available, feel free to inquire!)
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