Oct 22: The Comic Book Story of Beer signing in DC & Baltimore

Oh, the places we'll drink.

The Comic Book Story of Beer will be hitting the road throughout autumn 2015 on a mission of emancipating people from ignorance of and passionless equivocation over the greatest drink in the history of man on this planet.

We, the book's creators, hope to meet you at beer and brewery events, book and comic book retailer signings, comic book conventions, and mass, spontaneous, pro-beer uprisings across the North American continent. And maybe even beyond. Who knows. I've heard Angoulême, France, is truly breathtaking in late January.

Please check back here and follow us on Twitter for updates and ever-more-specific-and-refined information about where and what we're up to.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Thursday, October 22, 2015: Book Sales, Signing; Beer. Free and open to the 21+ public.

ATLAS BREW WORKS

2052 West Virginia Avenue NE, Suite 102, District of Columbia 20002

Time TBD

 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Saturday, October 24, 2015: Book Reading & Signing. Free and open to the public.

ATOMIC BOOKS

3620 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211

Local craft brews will be available at Atomic Books' smashing in-store bar!

Time 7:00 PM

Pea Soup ephemera (UPDATED)

 

Here's a couple of post cards I bought a few weeks ago in Arlington's Civitan flea market, with a nice gag cartoon about making pea soup. The pea soup empire grew well - it still exists!

And here's Pea Soup Andesen's website since I'm posting their cartoon.Their website says about the cartoon: "In the early thirties a cartoon appeared in the old "Judge" magazine. It was one of a series by the famous cartoonist Forbell, under the heading of "Little Known Occupations." The cartoon showed the little known occupation of splitting peas for pea soup, with two comic chefs standing at a chopping table, one holding a huge chisel, splitting peas singly as they came down a chute."

More information on Charles Forbell can be found in Biographical Sketches of Cartoonists & Illustrators in the Swann Collection of the Library of Congress.

Sept 29: Gareth Hinds at One More Page Bookstore in Arlington

http://www.onemorepagebooks.com/events.html

Fall for the Book Illustrators Panel "Keystrokes and Brushstrokes" moderated by Madelyn Rosenberg and featuring Gareth Hinds, Kate Samworth, Rashin Kheiriyeh, Theodore Taylor III

Tue, September 29, 7pm – 8pm

Keystrokes and brushstrokes: Authors and illustrators talk about their processes, both in writing and in art, and their varied approaches for blending art and fiction into books for young people. The panelists will talk about everything from concept to publication and will answer the age-old question of which came first: the text about the chicken or the painting of the egg?

Panelists: Gareth Hinds: Hinds is the creator of critically-acclaimed graphic novels based on literary classics, including Beowulf (which Publisher's Weekly called a "mixed-media gem"), King Lear (which Booklist named one of the top 10 graphic novels for teens), and Macbeth (which the New York Times called "stellar" and "a remarkably faithful rendering"). Gareth is a recipient of the Boston Public Library's "Literary Lights for Children" award. His books can be found in bookstores and English classrooms across the country, and his illustrations have appeared in such diverse venues as the Society of Illustrators, the New York Historical Society, and over a dozen published video games. For more, visit www.garethhinds.com.

Oct 6: Matt Davies in Takoma Park

Matt Davies - Nerdy Birdy — at Takoma Park Library (MD)

Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 7 p.m.

Nerdy Birdy is a small-winged, glasses-wearing, allergic-to-birdseed guy who just wants to be like the cool birds. When he discovers a whole group of avian companions just like him, however, he thinks he's found the true meaning of friendship— until a new girl arrives and calls everything into question. Ages 4 – 8

Oct 13: Ted Rall in DC

Busboys and Poets 14th & V: Ted Rall - Snowden

Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Two-time winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award and a finalist for the Pulitzer, Rall got his start as a political cartoonist by posting his work on the New York City streets. His venues have become more sophisticated, but in works such as the Attitude anthologies of subversive comics, The Anti-American Manifesto, and others, he shows he's as edgy and outspoken as ever. His latest book profiles Edward Snowden, celebrating his courage in revealing the government's vast surveillance network, and drawing on Orwell's 1984 to show how much is at stake in the new era of digital technology.

Busboys and Poets 14 & V

2021 14th Street NW

WashingtonDC20009

Oct 5: Ben Hatke in town

Ben Hatke - Little Robot

Monday, October 5, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

In this graphic novel for early readers, a young girl exploring the junkyard near her trailer happens upon a robot as diminutive as she is. After using her mechanical skills to bring it to life, she and her new friend experience a series of small adventures—until an enormous factory robot comes to take Little Robot away. Ages 6 – 9

Politics and Prose

5015 Connecticut Ave NW

WashingtonDC20008

Ben Hatke - Little Robot — at Takoma Park Library (MD)

Monday, October 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

In this graphic novel for early readers, a young girl exploring the junkyard near her trailer happens upon a robot as diminutive as she is. After using her mechanical skills to bring it to life, she and her new friend experience a series of small adventures—until an enormous factory robot comes to take Little Robot away. Ages 6 – 9

Takoma Park Library (MD)

101 Philadelphia Ave

WashingtonDC20912

Sevara novel giveaway on Goodreads.

Enter the Giveaway May the odds be ever in your favor,
The Goodreads Team

Sevara: Dawn of Hope
by Damian Wampler

The Post interviews Dr. Katz (from the cartoon)

Dr. Katz will see you now

By Roger Catlin
Washington Post September 27 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/dr-katz-will-see-you-now/2015/09/25/13f3509c-5e21-11e5-9757-e49273f05f65_story.html

Dr. Katz Live with Jonathan Katz, Janeane Garofalo, Jim Gaffigan, Tig Notaro and Morgan Murphy at 8 p.m. Thursday; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $35. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St NW. 202-888-0050 or www.bentzenball.com.

The Post on ‘Hotel Transylvania 2’

'Hotel Transylvania 2' review: Sequel is just enough of a Halloween treat

By Sandie Angulo Chen
Washington Post September 25 2015
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/hotel-transylvania-2-review-sequel-is-just-enough-of-a-halloween-treat/2015/09/23/50a44ee6-6151-11e5-b38e-06883aacba64_story.html

Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) welcomes half-human, half-vampire baby Dennis (Asher Blinkoff) into his frightening family — but he's anxious for the kid to show some fangs. (Sony Pictures Animation/AP)

Comic Riffs on SPX

Sketchbook: From creativity to diversity, a line-by-line reflection on Small Press Expo 2015

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 25 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/09/25/sketchbook-from-creativity-to-diversity-a-line-by-line-reflection-on-small-press-expo-2015/

Spirit exhibit opens Saturday across from Baltimore Comic-Con

Will Eisner's The Spirit Exhibit Opening at GEM

Scoop September 25 2015
http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/Home/4/1/73/1012?ArticleID=169097

I love the Geppi Entertainment Museum. It's always got something interesting to see.

Comics Alternative Podcast on SPX

Episode 154: SPX 2015 and the Ignatz Awards

by Derek Royal and Andy Wolverton

  September 23, 2015 

http://comicsalternative.com/episode-154-spx-2015-and-the-ignatz-awards/
http://media.blubrry.com/comicsalternative/p/comicsalternative.com/Episodes/ComicsAlternative-154.mp3

On Location: Talking with Creators at SPX 2015, Pt. 1

  September 24, 2015
http://comicsalternative.com/on-location-talking-with-creators-at-spx-2015-1/
http://media.blubrry.com/comicsalternative/p/comicsalternative.com/Episodes/ComAlt_OnLocation22.mp3

On Location: Talking with Creators at SPX 2015, Pt. 2

  September 25, 2015
http://comicsalternative.com/on-location-talking-with-creators-at-spx-2015-pt-2/
http://media.blubrry.com/comicsalternative/p/comicsalternative.com/Episodes/ComAlt_OnLocation23.mp3

Part 3 appears tomorrow.

Charles Vess reveals Christmas poster for Washington Revels

Charles Vess

I'm getting ready to head out the door to attend the Baltimore Comic Book Convention (Booth # 2314) this weekend but I though that I would upload the finished color painting I just finished for this years Christmas Revels to be held in Washington DC. I'm very happy with this one! - from Charles' Facebook page.

I'll be stopping by and getting whatever I can on Sunday at BCC.

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "New Hungarian Flag"

New Hungarian Flag
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=1789

After a brief pause out of respect for the photogenic drowned refugee child, the EU member governments resumed their program of making Syrian war refugees as miserable as possible. Hungary, of course, is keeping to the high standards set by the infamous TV camerawoman by sending police to brutalize refugees. And needless to say, like Claude Rains in "Casablanca", the United Nations is shocked -- shocked -- to discover that Hungary is treating war refugees like dirt.

Mike Flugennock: Political Cartoons

www.sinkers.org/

In Supermansion #1, the Washington Monument suffers

EXCLUSIVE: SUPERMANSION Episode 1 - Groaner's Wild HD (2015) Bryan Cranston Seth Green Superhero

CBR Trailers

Sep 23, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=89&v=eDc56F5izvU

http://www.comicbookresources.com - EXCLUSIVE: SUPERMANSION Episode 1 - Groaner's Wild HD (2015) Bryan Cranston Seth Green Superhero Animation

John Gallagher will be at Baltimore Comic-Con with new books

Comics Runs in This Family at Baltimore Comic-Con: John Gallagher Teams with His Children to Debut New Books in Baltimore

  By Kids Love Comics Staff on September 24, 2015
http://www.kidslovecomics.net/comics-runs-in-this-family-at-baltimore-comic-con-john-gallagher-teams-with-his-children-to-debut-new-books-in-baltimore/

Former Washington City Paper author to write Black Panther comic

Ta-Nehisi Coates to Write Black Panther Comic for Marvel

By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES

SEPT. 22, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/23/books/ta-nehisi-coates-to-write-black-panther-comic-for-marvel.html

and The Post has thoughts on this.

Marvel Comics was smart to hire Ta-Nehisi Coates to write Black Panther. Here's why.

By David Betancourt
September 23 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/09/23/heres-why-marvel-comics-is-smart-to-hire-ta-nehisi-coates-to-write-black-panther/

Ta-Nehisi Coates, 'Black Panther' and superhero diversity [in print as Black Panther gets the hero he needs].

By Yanan Wang
Washington Post's Morning Mix blog September 23 2015, and Express (September 24): 47.
online at http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/09/23/ta-nehisi-coates-black-panther-and-superhero-diversity/

Personally, and with all due respect to Coates who's a very good writer, I'm not sure about this trend of having to have black creators write black characters. It feels like reverse-tokenism to me, although I'm sure everyone involved has only the best of reasons.

PR: Baltimore Comic-Con 2015 Kicks Off Tomorrow!

Baltimore Comic-Con 2015 Kicks Off Tomorrow! BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - September 24, 2015 - The 16th Annual Baltimore Comic-Con kicks-off tomorrow afternoon, Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center! The show floor will open at 1:00 pm (12:00 pm for VIP Ticket holders), but box offices will be open as early as 8:00 am Here are a few last-minute reminders for attendees: We are in the Pratt and Howard Street Lobby this year (which is the same entrance as last year). Online ticket sales end Thursday. Be sure to arrive early, as lines to enter when the show floor opens will begin to form early. All attendees need to bring their receipt from their online ticket purchase or their physical tickets and a photo ID, and follow directions of staff members to guide them to the proper lines where their receipts will be collected and wristbands issued. Those who purchased the VIP Packages should go the VIP booth near WILL CALL to attain their packages. New this year, we have celebrity photo ops and tickets for media guests. The 7th Annual Costume Contest, sponsored by StylinOnline.com, will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2014 at 3:00 pm for adults (professional and amateur), and Sunday, September 27, 2014 at 2:30 pm for children. Registration will begin as soon as the show opens at 10:00 am and lasts until 1:00 pm each respective contest day. Contest Registration forms will be handed out at the Costume Contest Booth located in the lower Pratt Street lobby for all patrons interested in entering the costume contest. Over-18 registration will cost $10 for professionals and $5 for amateurs. Under-18 registration will be free. There will be ATMs available throughout the show for your convenience. Maps for the show are now posted. To ensure everyone has a safe and fun weekend, please familiarize yourself with the Baltimore Comic-Con Harassment Policy and Weapons Policy. Bring your comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for all the latest updates and announcements throughout the show. Regretfully, we have to announce that a few of our guests have had last-minute cancellations. Bret Blevins, Jaime Hernandez, Paul Levitz, Jamar Nicholas, Matteo Scalera, Chris Schweizer, Robert Tinnell, Peter Tomasi, and Rick Veitch will all unfortunately be unable to make it to this year's event. Save the Date! Baltimore Comic-Con 2016! That's right! Mark your calendars now for the Baltimore Comic-Con's 17th Anniversary Show, which will take place the weekend of September 2-4, 2016 at the Baltimore Convention Center. You definitely won't want to miss it! We'll see YOU in Baltimore! TICKETS General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!   GUARANTEED PARKING  To make parking easy and stress free, we have partnered with Parking Panda, the nationwide leader in online parking reservations, to allow attendees to purchase guaranteed parking near the Baltimore Comic-Con. View real-time availability and pricing at many convenient locations within easy walking distance to the convention center.   Once purchased, parking is 100% guaranteed even if the location otherwise fills up. Simply present your purchase confirmation at the selected location, and this serves as your payment with no additional payments or fees ever. Parking availability is very limited, so it is strongly recommended that you purchase your parking in advance, if driving.   HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS While they are available, be sure to take advantage of discount rate arrangements we have made with hotels near the Baltimore Convention Center. For all the details, see: http://baltimorecomiccon.com/about/hotels/   In addition to on-site CGC grading, this year's confirmed guests for the show include: Neal Adams (All-New Captain America); Zeea Adams (Neal Adams Monsters); Brooke A. Allen (Lumberjanes); Scott Ambruson (Azteca: Ciudad Paradiso); Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); Marty Baumann (Pixar artist); John Beatty (Secret Wars); Carolyn Belefski (Curls); Gregory Benton (Smoke); Paul Blackthorne (Arrow, Saturday and Sunday only); Christy Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood); Martin Brandt (Kidthulhu); Ryan Browne (God Hates Astronauts); Harold Buchholz (Archie Comics); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Bob Budiansky (courtesy of Hero Initiative, Transformers); Dave Bullock (Wednesday Comics); Buzz (JSA); Talent Caldwell (Grimm Fairy Tales Presents White Queen: Age of Darkness); Frank Cammuso (Salem Hyde); Chris Campana (Kantara); Joe Carabeo (Black Magic Tales); Jerry Carr (Trickster: Native American Tales); Richard Case (Doom Patrol); Christa Cassano (Ghetto Klown); Katie Cassiday (Arrow, Sunday only); Tommy Castillo (Squarriors); Jacob Chabot (SpongeBob Comics); Sean Chen (Secret Origins); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Jungle Girl); Amy Chu (Strange Sports Stories); Rich Clabaugh (The Graveyard Gang); Steve Conley (Bloop); Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn); Katie Cook (Gronk); Darwyn Cooke (Richard Stark's Parker); Mike Curtis (Dick Tracy); Matt Daley (Lantern City); Keith Davidsen (Reanimator); Kristina Deak-Linsner (Dawn/Vampirella); Rachel Deering (In the Dark: A Horror Anthology); Vito Delsante (Stray); Todd Dezago (Perhapanauts); Charles Dowd (Lilith Dark); Joe Eisma (Morning Glories); Tod Emko (A Piggy's Tale); Joe Endres (Colossians); G.D. Falksen (The Ouroboros Cycle); Jules Feiffer (Kill My Mother); Tim Fielder (Dieselfunk Studios' Matty's Rocket, Saturday and Sunday only); David Finch (Wonder Woman); Chris Flick (Capes & Babes); Ramona Fradon (Spongebob Annual-Size Super-Giant Swimtacular); Otis Frampton (Oddly Normal); Francesco Francavilla (Secret Wars: Battleworld); Franco (Itty Bitty Hellboy); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Katie Gallagher (Zoey and Ketchup); Jack and Will Gallagher (E.P.i.C. Bros.); S.L. Gallant (G.I. Joe); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman '66: The Lost Episode); Bryan J.L. Glass (The Mice Templar); Mike Gold (Hawkworld); Jimmy Gownley (The Dumbest Idea Ever!); Keron Grant (Father's Day); Mike Grell (courtesy of Hero Initiative, Action Comics); Dawn Griffin (Zorphbert & Fred); Eric Grissom (Planet Gigantic); Allan Gross (Cryptozoo Crew); Laura Lee Gulledge (Will & Whit); Laura Guzzo (Princeless: Short Stories for Warrior Women); Cully Hamner (Convergence: The Question); Scott Hanna (The New 52: Futures End); Tony Harris (Justice League United); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Jennifer Hayden (The Story of My Tits); Russ Heath (G.I. Combat); Marc Hempel (Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream); Eric Henson (The Perhapanauts: Danger Down Under); h-eri (Ivory Dragon Studios); Ken Hunt (Talon); Jamal Igle (Molly Danger); Geof Isherwood (Suicide Squad); Klaus Janson (Superman); Dave Johnson (Inhumans: Attilan Rising); Dani Jones (My Sister the Freak); JG Jones (Strange Fruit); Justin Jordan (Legacy of Luther Strode); Chris Kemple (Red Vengeance); Tom King (Grayson); Denis Kitchen (The Best of Comix Book: When Marvel Went Underground); Barry Kitson (Empire: Uprising); Jonathan "Swifty" Lang (Feeding Ground); Greg LaRocque (The Avengers); Dan Leister (Grimm Fairy Tales); Mike Lilly (Grimm Fairy Tales Presents: Robyn Hood); John Lind (Harvey Kurtzman's Jungle Book: Essential Kurtzman Vol. 1); Joe Linsner (Red Sonja); Nate Lovett (Midnight Tiger); Kevin Maguire (Justice League); Mike Maihack (Cleopatra in Space); Mike Manley (Darkhawk); Mark Mariano (The Other Side of Hugless Hill); Laura Martin (Star Wars); Ron Marz (Convergence: Batman and Robin); Mike McKone (Justice League United); Bob McLeod (Secret Wars); Pop Mhan (He-Man: The Eternity War, Saturday only); Kevin Miller (The Cat Maiden); Chris Miskiewicz (Thomas Alsop); Sheldon Mitchell (The Darkness); Terry Moore (Rachel Rising); Mark Morales (Convergence); Nen (The Memory Collectors); Edward James Olmos (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.); Chris O>Matic (The Chris O>Matic Show); John Ostrander (Suicide Squad); Chris Otto (A Dog's Life); Greg Pak (Storm); Tom Palmer (The Avengers); Jimmy Palmiotti (The Con Job); Dan Parent (Archie); Jeff Parker (Justice League United); Doug Paszkiewicz (Arsenic Lullabies); Brent Peeples (Legenderry: Green Hornet); Andrew Pepoy (Afterlife with Archie); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Uncanny X-Men); Khoi Pham (X-Men Legacy); Mark Poulton (A Cat Named Haiku); Andy Price (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic); Kyle Puttkammer (Hero Cats); Ron Randall (Convergence: Catwoman); Tom Raney (Avengers Vs.); Mary Reed (The Cat Maiden); Ireland Reid (Cosplay); Sara Richard (Jem and the Holograms); Rafer Roberts (Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream); David Rodriguez (Skylanders); Dave Roman (StarBunny Inc.); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Don Rosa (Donald Duck); Craig Rousseau (Batman Beyond); Andy Runton (Owly); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time, Saturday only); Dan Schkade (The Spirit); Arlen Schumer (Silver Age of Comic Book Art); Brian Shearer (G.I. Joe); Jeff Shultz (Betty and Veronica); Bart Sears (Bloodshot); Brian Shearer (G.I. Joe); Louise Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Walter Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Matt Slay (The Sakai Project: Artists Celebrate Thirty Years of Usagi Yojimbo); Andy Smith (Earth 2); Matthew Dow Smith (X-Files Season 10); JK Snyder III (Doctor Mid-Nite); Scott Snyder (Batman Eternal); Charles Soule (Uncanny Inhumans); Mark Sparacio (Sgt. Rock); Jim Starlin (Thanos: The Infinity Relativity); Joe Staton (Dick Tracy); Brian Stelfreeze (Day Men); Peter Stone (Shattered Krystal); Paul Storrie (Sheena, Queen of the Jungle); Karl Story (Thors); Joe St. Pierre (New Zodiax); Marcio Takara (Armor Wars); Eric Talbot (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); Ben Taylor (A Dog's Life); Ben Templesmith (Gotham by Midnight); Mark Texeira (Ghost Racers); Frank Tieri (Suicide Squad); Vivek J. Tiwary (The Fifth Beatle); John Totleben (Swamp Thing); Jeremy Treece (King: Mandrake the Magician); Tim Truman (Hawkman); Billy Tucci (Shi); Ted Tucker (Caricature art); James Tynion (Constantine: The Hellblazer); Ethan Van Sciver (Green Lantern); Emilio Velez Jr. (The Dodgeball Teens); Charles Vess (Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream); Brennan Wagner (Django/Zorro); Matt Wagner (Grendel); Mark Waid (Daredevil); John Watson (Red Sonja); Todd Webb (Mr. Toast Comics); Ming-Na Wen (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Saturday only); Mark Wheatley (Jungle Tales of Tarzan); Matt Wieringo ('Ringo Scholarship Fund); Marcus Williams (Hero Cats); Marv Wolfman (courtesy of Hero Initiative, Convergence: New Teen Titans); Rich Woodall (Kyrra); Brian Woodward (Baltimore Comic-Con 2015 Yearbook); Bernie Wrightson (The Ghoul Treasury Edition); Annie Wu (Black Canary); Kelly Yates (Doctor Who); Thom Zahler (My Little Pony: Friends Forever); and Mike Zeck (Secret Wars).      In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.   Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con: press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries   About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 16th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Tom Spurgeon's SPX

I saw him briefly across the room, but Tom Spurgeon was at SPX right before launching CXC in Columbus.

Hang Dai Studios at Baltimore Comic-Con: Chris Miskiewicz speaks

by Mike Rhode
 
Baltimore Comic-Con is one of the best and friendliest of the mid-size superhero focused cons. Under the leadership of Marc Nathan and Brad Tree, it's grown quite a bit in a decade and a half, but still remains enjoyable for all ages and interests. Hang Dai Studios is based in Brooklyn, but as usual will have a big presence at Baltimore. My friend Dean Haspiel (and Hang Dai Studios founder) will be there with the whole studio, a week after he, Christa Cassano and Gregory Benton attended the Small Press Expo. Just when you think there's nobody left in the Studio to talk with, our sixth interview is with writer and actor Chris Miskiewicz.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do? 

 I’m a Brooklyn-based writer and actor. In comics, I’m best known for writing the critically acclaimed series, Thomas Alsop alongside artist Palle Schmidt (dubbed Best Mini-Series of 2014 by USA Today) published by BOOM! Studios. And the comic anthology Everywhere published by ActivateComix. As an actor I’ve appeared on HBO's Bored to Death, USA Networks White Collar, and various others.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born? 
 
I’m a native New Yorker. I’m 4th generation Italian and 1st generation Polish, born in Brooklyn, NY.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
 
I took up writing and drama in college, but I’ve been a comic book reader since I was ten years old. It was the first type of fiction I got, and I never fell out of love with the episodic nature of the industry.

Who are your influences?
 
Warren Ellis, Mark Millar, Ed Brubaker, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Brian K. Vaughn, Charles Bukowski.


What work are you best-known for? 
 
Currently Thomas Alsop published by BOOM! Studios.

What work are you most proud of?
 
Thomas Alsop and a webseries I co-wrote with my cousin Christopher Piazza called The Adventures of Shakespeare & Watson: Detectives of Mystery. It’s absolutely bonkers and I wish Adult Swim would call me up right now to buy it. 


What would you like to do or work on in the future?
 
I write in all forms. Prose, comics, screenwriting, as well as physical storytelling in acting, and a bunch of short films. I’d like to continue exploring every way you can tell a tale. I mean, if Shakespeare were alive he’d probably have a blog…

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
 
Drugs, drinking, go up to the roof and crawl into a bawl crying that all of my life choices have been wrong and that I’m a failure, play “Simpson’s Tapped Out,” breaking and entering somewhere I shouldn’t be to snap a picture.

You know, the normal things a person with voices in their head does during a crisis.

What do you think will be the future of your field? 
 
I think comics will continue to be a testing ground for properties that larger media are considering for live action works.

Why are you at the Baltimore Comic-Con this year? 
 
I’m hanging with some old friends at Hang-Dai’s table, as well as appearing on a panel with them on Sunday 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm in room 343-344 which is followed by a quick signing at BOOM!’s booth #2001 from 3 to 4 pm.

What other cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, or others? Any comments about attending them? 
 
This year I’ve been to MOCCA, SDCC and Copenhagen Comic Con for the release of the Danish translated edition of Thomas Alsop vol. 1. Copenhagen Comic Con was awesome, and I want someone to adopt me so I can move to Denmark.

I’ll also be appearing at NYCC in October…

What's your favorite thing about Baltimore? 
 
The Wire.

How about a favorite local restaurant?
 
Hit me up again after this convention.

Do you have a website or blog?
 
My site is being completed, but you can follow me on twitter at @CMMiskiewicz and track me down at: http://welcometotripcity.com/contributors/chris-miskiewicz/

The Post's obituary for Jimmy Olsen

Jack Larson, who played Jimmy Olsen in TV's 'Superman' series, dies at 87 [in print as Jack Larson, 87; Cub reporter Jimmy Olsen in 1950s 'Superman' series].

By Matt Schudel September 23 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/jack-larson-who-played-jimmy-olsen-in-tvs-superman-series-dies-at-87/2015/09/22/a637a024-6142-11e5-b38e-06883aacba64_story.html

George Reeves, as Superman, lifts Jack Larson, as Jimmy Olsen, in the 1950s TV series "Adventures of Superman." (ABC Photo Archives)

PW on SPX

PW on SPX - http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/68145-spx-2015-women-cartoonists-sweep-the-ignatz-awards.html

The article isn't just on the Ignatz

Hang Dai Studios at Baltimore Comic-Con: Dean Haspiel speaks (UPDATED!)

by Mike Rhode

Baltimore Comic-Con is one of the best and friendliest of the mid-size superhero focused cons. Under the leadership of Marc Nathan and Brad Tree, it's grown quite a bit in a decade and a half, but still remains enjoyable for all ages and interests. Hang Dai Studios is based in Brooklyn, but as usual will have a big presence at Baltimore. My friend Dean Haspiel (and Hang Dai Studios founder) will be there with the whole studio, a week after he, Christa Cassano and Gregory Benton attended the Small Press Expo. We hope to have interviews with everyone in the studio throughout the week. Our fifth interview is with Dean Haspiel.

Where did "Hang Dai" come from? 

 "Hang Dai" was derived from HBO's "Deadwood." Whenever Al Swearengen and Mr. Wu would curse their way through a private deal and come to an agreement, Wu would cross his fingers and say "Hang Dai." Or, something that sounded like that and which meant "Brotherhood." Or, as my studio mate Christa Cassano likes to say, "Sisterhood."

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

I hopscotch between superhero and memoir and psychedelic romance comix. My recent effort is called Beef With Tomato, co-published by Alternative Comics and Hang Dai Editions. It's about my escape from Manhattan to Brooklyn.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

Blue pencil, occasional brush pen and Micron pens + digital shading/coloring.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

1967. New York Hospital.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

The comic book rack on the newsstand at the corner of 79th street and Broadway in NYC was my comix kindergarten. Later on I discovered a steady flow of pop art pulp treasures at West Side Comics, opened a weekly account at Funny Business, and discovered American Splendor and Yummy Fur at Soho Zat. After that, any inklings of pursuing a normal life went out the window when dreams of drawing comix for a living took over and held my sway. I never learned how to draw comix in school because school didn't teach comix. School shunned comix. Comix taught me how to make comix. And, I'm still learning how, one panel at a time.

Who are your influences?

Ron Wilson, Jim Aparo, Jack Kirby, C.C. Beck, John Byrne, Steve Ditko, Alex Toth, Will Eisner, Frank Robbins, Jim Starlin, Michael Golden, Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Zeck, Frank Miller, Katsuhiro Otomo, John Romita Jr., Frank Quitely, Goran Parlov, Darwyn Cooke, Marcos Martin, Chris Samnee, Gregory Benton, Josh Bayer, Stan Lee, Warren Ellis, Jason Aaron, Brian K Vaughan, Joe R. Lansdale, Jonathan Ames, Mickey Spillane, and Richard S. Prather.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

The Thing: Night Falls On Yancy Street. I wasn't ready. I would ask to change the dark ending, too, so me and Evan Dorkin could make it Marvel canon rather than Marvel folklore.

What work are you best-known for?

I believe I'm best known for my collaboration with Harvey Pekar on The Quitter. Possibly, the ten-issues of The Fox I recently co-wrote and drew for Archie Comics. Maybe, some Billy Dogma.

What work are you most proud of?

Billy Dogma in Fear, My Dear. And, Heart-Shaped Hole.

What would you like to do or work on in the future?

I aim to focus on creator-owned comix but, given the opportunity, I'd like to write and draw The Fantastic Four, Captain Marvel (Shazam), O.M.A.C., Deathlok, and bring back Marvel Two-In-One, featuring The Thing. I also have a great Batman & Superman story that features cameos of the JLA, done in the spirit of a cross between Sullivan's Travels and On The Road.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

Wash dishes. Work on something wholly different. Mix it up. Your mind is always working. Let it work by letting it relax and think different.

What do you think will be the future of your field? 

Patronized digital comix produced one panel at a time; published one per day, delivered directly to your phone, and story arcs get collected into print (if necessary).\

Why are you at the Baltimore Comic-Con this year?

Baltimore Comic-Con is my favorite show, bar none. A perfect combo of rookie and veteran cartoonists among old and new comic books and just the right amount of cosplay. I've also been a regular guest for almost 15 years.

What other cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, or others? Any comments about attending them?

Besides BCC, I usually attend SPX, NYCC, MoCCA, CAB, and Locust Moon Comics Festival. I was a guest of Wizard World six times this year. They treat me very well.

What's your favorite thing about Baltimore?

Marc Nathan and Brad Tree.

Least favorite?

I've yet to encounter anything in Baltimore to make me dislike its innate charm.

What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
 

One day I plan to stay an extra day or two so I can personally visit Baltimore's culture.

How about a favorite local restaurant?
 

Out of pure proximity and laziness, I tend to grab dinner at the M&S Grill on E Pratt Street and soak in the Inner Harbor sights.

Do you have a website or blog?

http://deanhaspiel.com/

Kickstarter: Square City Comics anthology

The comics collective Square City Comics has a new Kickstarter campaign (goal: $2,250) to fund its next anthology, which has a theme of "the cure." The group says it is its third anthology.

Hang Dai Studios at Baltimore Comic-Con: Gregory Benton speaks

by Mike Rhode

Baltimore Comic-Con is one of the best and friendliest of the mid-size superhero focused cons. Under the leadership of Marc Nathan and Brad Tree, it's grown quite a bit in a decade and a half, but still remains enjoyable for all ages and interests. Hang Dai Studios is based in Brooklyn, but as usual will have a big presence at Baltimore. My friend Dean Haspiel (and Hang Dai Studios founder) will be there with the whole studio, a week after he, Christa Cassano and Gregory Benton attended the Small Press Expo. We hope to have interviews with everyone in the studio throughout the week. Our fourth interview is with Gregory Benton.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do? 

Alternative comics leaning towards wordless and stream of consciousness.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination? 

My latest book Smoke has two story threads. One is executed in watercolor and ink, the other digital. My other recent books are all traditional media (watercolor, gouache, crayon, pen and ink).

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born? 

I was born on a steamy summer's day in NYC, sometime toward the end of the last century

What is your training and/or education in cartooning? 

I went to RISD, majoring in illustration. At the time there was no "cartooning" discipline, but there were plenty of us who loved the art form and would hang out together to figure it out. Jason Lutes and painter Eric White among our group.

Who are your influences? 

Artistically, the Euro artists Mattotti, Chaland, Baru, Muñoz really jazzed me as a young cartoonist. These days there is too much to love artist-wise. I find myself relying on nature and life drawing to inform my work.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change? 

I would probably just have told my younger self to finish the projects started. That's a huge thing: keep the ball rolling.

What work are you best-known for? 

 Probably B+F (AdHouse). Hopefully soon for Smoke (Hang Dai Editions).

What work are you most proud of? 

I did a book in 1996 called Hummingbird for Slave Labor Graphics. It was my first long work at 48 pages and it taught me a heck of a lot about comix-making: pacing, technique, storytelling. It is a completely unorthodox story, but I love it. It was recently reprinted in The Mammoth Book of Cult Comics.

What would you like to do or work on in the future? 

I would like to keep making comics, simple as that. For me it is not a gateway to another media. I love it as a discipline, warts and all.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block? 

Walks are nice. Stepping away for a while to take your mind off the story, getting involved in something unrelated to let your subconscious work on the problem. Also, talking with studio mates (like the fine ones I've got at Hang Dai) is massive in seeing the problem from a different perspective. Rending of clothes works in a pinch.

What do you think will be the future of your field? 

The increasing legitimacy of comics art as literature. It has come a very long way since I began my career, but I don't think we've gotten anywhere near the ceiling.

Why are you at the Baltimore Comic-Con this year? 

I've never been before! Really excited to meet some good people and hopefully turn them on to my work.

What other cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, or others? Any comments about attending them? 

This year I've been to SPX and will be attending BCC, CXC, NYCC, CAB, Genghis Con and Angouleme. I will also be a Visiting Artist at Center For Cartoon Studies in October.

What's your favorite thing about Baltimore? 

I've never really spent time in Baltimore, but I'm looking forward to it!

Do you have a website or blog? 

I can be found at www.gregorybenton.com, on Twitter @gregory_benton and Facebook. On both Instagram and Tumblr my handle is @gregorybenton.