Friday, April 07, 2017
The Post on Your Name anime and Smurfs cartoon
'Smurfs: The Lost Village' is a kitschy, psychedelic trip to nowhere [in print as Color-swirled movie has little to hold interest of anyone but tots].
'Your Name': A romantic, teeny-bopper version of 'Freaky Friday' [in print as Treat for the eyes, but not the ears].
Mitchell MacNaughton - An Artomatic Interview (updated)
by Mike Rhode
Mitchell MacNaughton's caricatures and cartoons recall the 1960s as well as today's issues. He's sharing a room at Artomatic in Crystal City and agreed to answer our usual questions.
Why do you draw and comment on characters and events from the 1960s?
I find mid-century America fascinating because the dynamic of the country completely shifted in a handful of years. President Kennedy came to office on a wave of optimism as the U.S. came to terms with it’s post-war life, then his death is the first in a dark period that saw other assassinations along with riots and strife, and the decade comes to a close with the start of one of our lowest points of the modern century - The Vietnam War. It’s span of years that starts out on a high and bottoms out in a low, and for some reason that intrigues me.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
What do you think will be the future of your field?
Mitchell MacNaughton's caricatures and cartoons recall the 1960s as well as today's issues. He's sharing a room at Artomatic in Crystal City and agreed to answer our usual questions.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
Many people would label my work as political cartooning, although that’s not quite how I would describe it. Sure, for many pieces I use ink and my subject is political, but I think that there in a certain refinement that would put it closer to the art side rather than the cartooning side.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
If I’m solely creating a black and white piece, my tools include micron pens, black India ink, and either charcoal or a black colored pencil. If I’m creating a piece in color, it could range from gouache to watercolor with certain elements re-colored digitally.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I was born in 1989 on farmlands in Western New York, where I would live for 17 years until I left for Pittsburgh.
Why do you draw and comment on characters and events from the 1960s?
I find mid-century America fascinating because the dynamic of the country completely shifted in a handful of years. President Kennedy came to office on a wave of optimism as the U.S. came to terms with it’s post-war life, then his death is the first in a dark period that saw other assassinations along with riots and strife, and the decade comes to a close with the start of one of our lowest points of the modern century - The Vietnam War. It’s span of years that starts out on a high and bottoms out in a low, and for some reason that intrigues me.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I had always wanted to live in DC, as it’s a natural fit for somebody with my artistic themes, and after years of plotting a planning I finally got my chance when I was offered a job at a political direct mail agency. While here, I have never lived in any neighborhood outside of Alexandria.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
While in studying for my degree in graphic design, I knew that my priority was becoming an illustrator. Thankfully for my perseverance, I had many teachers who insisted that I would fail or that the market was too crowded, so while I was in their classes I would look up artists and and search illustration advice websites out of spite. I took what I was learning in my design courses and let that influence certain facets of my drawing that created my current style.
Who are your influences?
Currently I am obsessed with Kukryniksy - a group of 3 artists who created work out in Russia during World War 2. In fact, I would say that the whole era of political art during World War 2 had a great effect on me. Artists used their astounding talent at a time when the world was witnessing pure evil, and the artwork was unyielding.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
I would work up the confidence to promote myself much earlier. I am the only artist in my family, so I was (and to an extent still am) blindly wandering around trying to figure out what to do, and that creates a sense of never being good enough to compete with those who seem to have it figured out.
What work are you best-known for?
To the extent that I am known, it would probably be for my drawing style and political subject matter.
What work are you most proud of?
I am most proud of creating artwork that highlights certain news stories in the world that may not get as much attention, such as the human rights abuses of Bashar al-Assad or civilian casualties of drone strikes. When you are a political artist, it can be very easy to take the easy attack on a subject, suck as making Trump bright orange, and while that can be fun it should not be at the expense of using your skill to touch on other issues.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
One project that I have had on my mind is an animated story/documentary about my uncle’s time in Vietnam and his life after being exposed to Agent Orange, but that is a hefty project that requires many steps in the build-up. Another interest I have been wanting to purse is taking classic literature and spoofing/rewriting them to mock out current political climate.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
If I’m feeling the rust coming on then I have to get up and step away from my desk, because I know that if I don’t I will just end up on Youtube and destroy my entire night. Usually I can go play video games for an hour or so to refresh myself and get back in a work mode.
That’s so hard to say. The illustration and art field feels like it is and has been going through such a rapid transformation with the shifting a mediums that they depend on, such as print media and the freelancing economy. All I can do is keep making my work and hoping that I can find new ways to keep it from becoming stale.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
I have only attended Small Print Expo as a visitor, where I spent most of my time at the Fantagraphics’ tables.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
I absolutely love the amount of food choices. Possibly it’s because I’m originally a small-town rube, but I’ve become so much more adventurous in my eating here simply because the options are all present for you to try.
Least favorite?
Transportation as a whole. The Metro system only functions in various stages of broken, making a two station trip take upwards of 30 minutes. That isn’t to say that driving is any better, because the drivers here are absolutely wild. Trying to get out of D.C. on these roads with it’s drivers is like trying to escape from a Supermax prison. Nearly impossible.
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
My favorite without hesitation is the Presidential portrait room at the National Portrait Gallery.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
Cape Banh Mi in Alexandria. The catfish is one of the best things I have eaten.
Do you have a website or blog?
macnaughtonillos.com for my art and artotunion.com for my blog.
Thursday, April 06, 2017
Fantom Comics named City Paper's Best Comic Book Store (UPDATED)
It's its annual Best of D.C. edition, the Washington City Paper named Fantom Comics the city's best comics book store. Big Planet Comics and Third Eye Comics were runners up.
The issue also had a nice-size photo of Fantom Comics manager Jake Shapiro stocking the shelves.
Perennial WCP staff favorite Exotic Planterium and Card & Comic Collectorama in Alexandria also got a shout-out.
The issue also had a nice-size photo of Fantom Comics manager Jake Shapiro stocking the shelves.
Perennial WCP staff favorite Exotic Planterium and Card & Comic Collectorama in Alexandria also got a shout-out.
Kramer to host workshop at Center for Cartoon Studies
Former D.C. resident Josh Kramer and Em DeMarco, co-creators of the CoJo List newsletter and freelance journalists and cartoonists, will run a five-day workshop on creating nonfiction comics this summer at the Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont. The cost is $1,000, but you can email them to see if you're eligible for a discount.
Per email from Josh: "Em and I are teaching our first class this summer at the school I went to, The Center for Cartoon Studies. It's also the first Comics Journalism workshop ever offered by the school. We're pretty excited about it. We've come up with a week that's going to be pretty hands-on, with exercises that work for all levels of interested writers and drawers."
Per email from Josh: "Em and I are teaching our first class this summer at the school I went to, The Center for Cartoon Studies. It's also the first Comics Journalism workshop ever offered by the school. We're pretty excited about it. We've come up with a week that's going to be pretty hands-on, with exercises that work for all levels of interested writers and drawers."
Drawing Comics Episodes by Sean Hill
Our interview with Sean Hill ran earlier today, and while researching it, we ran across his Youtube channel where he's posted these process videos about drawing comic books electronically.
Drawing Comics Episode1: Page Process for Zenescopes Evil Heroes issue 4
Sean Hill
Sean Hill
Dec 12, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3htAgQdPTw
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Zenescope Entertainments DeathForce issue 2 cover process
Sean Hill
Apr 11, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuvbgyAF8iA
cover process for the cover of Deathforce issue 2,
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Zenescope Entertainments DeathForce issue 1 cover process
Sean Hill
Apr 8, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_DqeSUWJW4
its rare i get to do covers, but this was a great opportunity. this is the cover to Deathforce issue 1 due out May 18th next month. the tools used for this work are Manga Studio 5EX
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Zenescope Entertainment Tales of Terror issue 8 The Monkeys Paw process vid
Sean Hill
Apr 9, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5if6lD5RM6k
Process for Page 1 of Zenescope Entertainments Tales of Terror Issue 8, done in Manga Studio 5EX
Drawing Comics Episode1: Page Process for Zenescopes Evil Heroes issue 4
Sean Hill
Sean Hill
Dec 12, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3htAgQdPTw
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Zenescope Entertainments DeathForce issue 2 cover process
Sean Hill
Apr 11, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuvbgyAF8iA
cover process for the cover of Deathforce issue 2,
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Zenescope Entertainments DeathForce issue 1 cover process
Sean Hill
Apr 8, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_DqeSUWJW4
its rare i get to do covers, but this was a great opportunity. this is the cover to Deathforce issue 1 due out May 18th next month. the tools used for this work are Manga Studio 5EX
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Zenescope Entertainment Tales of Terror issue 8 The Monkeys Paw process vid
Sean Hill
Apr 9, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5if6lD5RM6k
Process for Page 1 of Zenescope Entertainments Tales of Terror Issue 8, done in Manga Studio 5EX
Rob Ullman, sometimes of WCP, profiled in Richmond mag
Rob Ullman: A Story in Pictures
McGuiganhttp://northofthejames.com/rob/
Longtime DC residents will remember that Rob illustrated the Washington City Paper's Savage Love column for years, and still sometimes does a cover for them.
NPR ED interviews Boss Baby book creator
The Picture Book Behind The New Movie 'Boss Baby'
Elissa Nadworny
NPR Ed April 6, 2017
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/04/06/522581126/the-picture-book-behind-the-new-movie-boss-baby
All Things Considered on comic book publisher Native Realities
With This Publisher, Native American Superheroes Fly High
http://www.npr.org/2017/04/02/522223987/with-this-publisher-native-american-superheroes-fly-high
https://ondemand.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/atc/2017/04/20170402_atc_with_this_publisher_native_american_superheroes_fly_high.mp3
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=522223987
Changing Colors In Comics
Changing Colors In Comics
Comics and graphic novels have become a flourishing space for explorations of race and identity. But what are the compromises they have to make to reach and please wide audiences?
Gene and guest host Glen Weldon (our play cousin from Pop Culture Happy Hour) explore how comics are used as spaces for mapping race and identity. Gene visits Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse in Philadelphia and chats with proprietor Ariell Johnson, who is reclaiming the comic book store, which once made her uneasy as a black fan. Meanwhile, C. Spike Trotman, another black woman, has made a name for herself as an online comics publisher of Iron Circus Comics in Chicago. We also talk to artist and designer Ronald Wimberly for his perspective as a black creator who has worked for Marvel and DC, the titans of corporate comics.
World War II animated films at National Archives' website
Private SNAFU has been pretty easy to see, but the Navy's Seaman TARFU is in the Army-Navy Screen Magazine #69.
April 9: Baltimore Comic-Con Spring Fling
April 9 2017,
Sunday at 10 AM - 5 PM
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1743 W Nursery Rd, Linthicum, Maryland 21090
Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Sean Hill
by Mike RhodeSean Hill is a local comic book artist, born and raised in DC proper, who seems poised for a breakout via his work for Zenescope. He was recently interviewed by another blog and I realized we hadn't submitted our usual questions to him.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
Well some of the very first jobs I got hired for were horror based short stories, the most recent works for those are for Zenescope Entertainment's Dark Shaman mini series. It was about long dead Native Shaman that returns from the dead to try and exact revenge/justice for the death of his tribe. Not to long afterwords I got a chance to draw Grimm Tales of Terror: The Monkeys Paw, I was really happy for that gig because it was a horror story I already knew of. I have also worked on some action/adventure for Jaycen Wise: Secret of the Rose, Route 3 for Terminus Media, and most recently issues 4 through 6 of Zenescope's E.V.I.L Heroes which was more superhero action.
| Zenescope Entertainments: Dark Shaman trade paper back |
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
It's a combination of traditional and digital, I work out my thumbnails traditionally in my sketchbook. I own an 11x17 moleskine sketchbook that I draw up 2x3 inch rectangles, then I work out all my thumbs in those. After that, I open a story file in Manga Studio 5EX (a story file is a file created by the program that has as many pages as you determine you need to draw), I scan and copy/paste all my thumbnails onto the subsequent pages and work over them.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I was born in Washington DC waaaayyyyy back when in 1981.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I grew up in the Georgia Avenue/Perworth area in DC. That area has gone through so many changes but is the nature of the city, anything can change within 15 years or so. Right now I live in Hybla Valley in Alexandria, VA.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
My grandfather, Otis Hill, used to to show me a lot of stuff when I was 6 years old, after that I was introduced to my mento Kofi Tyus, Kofi has been working as an artist in D.C. His whole life so most of my training comes from him. I also went to and arts high school, Duke Ellington School of the Arts and a short stint at Maryland college of art and design. I mostly had a lot of fine art training most of my life.
Who are your influences?
Too many to name but from a kid I was inspired by Bernie Wrightson, Jim Lee -- that kind of stuff -- also artists like Mshindo Kuumba, Ivan Reis -- the list goes on.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
It's kinda funny, but whenever I get asked for advice by a artist wanting to do comics, I typically advise they first start making there own books, it's more fulfilling working on your own thing and telling your own stories. But when I was trying to break in I thought I needed to start working for a publisher, any publisher. I think if I could do it over I would take my own advice.
What work are you best-known for?
I'm not really sure, I guess it would be between Route 3 or E.V.I.L Heroes right now.
Zenescope Entertainments: Grimm tales of Terror: Monkeys Paw
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I'm honestly really proud of my work on Route 3 and some upcoming work I did on a book called the Guilded Age (issue 3). I put a lot work in trying to make sure that story had the vibe of taking place in its own multi-layered world.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
I have two personal projects I would like to have done. One is Nazireth, a fantasy retelling of the Christ story, drawing from the historical social and political issues that influenced the narrative of those events. The other is Yasuke: Lineage a story of a former slave turned Samurai, based on the historical figure Yasuke whom served under Oda Nabunaga.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I think all visual story-telling is a form of problem solving, so when I'm in a rut, I honestly look at as many artists as I can to open up my mind to the possibilities of solving a story-telling issue.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
Comics is a slow changing river: it flows, the current changes but not to dynamically. I hope the Indy Comics market will grow in the sight of the consumers. Much of the diversity that's being called for in mainstream comics is already available in Indy Comics. In Japan, Manga is marketed towards almost every youngster's walk of life, but here it's dominated by adult male audiences. I'm fine with those male audiences holding the share of consumerism they have, but if the medium were marketed to even wider audiences, it could only grow stronger.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
Not too many Cons. I'm typically at Awesome Con and I have attended Baltimore and New York Comic Con pretty recently. I hope to expand on that in the near future.
| Terminus Media: Route 3 trade paperback |
What's your favorite thing about DC?
Honestly, it's because we're so small, you could grow up here with you childhood friends and make something of yourself, without loosing contact, because we still have some of the opportunities of a metropolitan city.
Least favorite?
Sometimes DC seems like it's trying to be a mini New York, in how it advertises to business and resources outside the city, while not making as much use of its resources in the city. Not to get too political, but so much of the growth in DC for the last 20 years have been stimulated from outside the city. I sometimes think "Come on, we don't have to be New York, we're D.C. -- we got this" but I digress.
| Zenescope Entertainments E.V.I.L Heroes #5 |
What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?
Oh man, the National Gallery of Art, The Portrait Gallery is a definite favorite, I love the African American museum, and most definitely the American Indian Museum.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
The Good Stuff Eatery -- no question.
Do you have a website or blog?
Yup, it is www.nazirstudios.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 05, 2017
April 8-9: Studio Ghibli series at West End Cinema
West End Cinema in D.C. continues its spring Studio Ghibli series with "My Neighbor Totoro" on
April 8 and 9 at 1:00 p.m.
April 8: Paul Zdepski comics-making workshop
Paul Zdepski will host a comics-making workshop this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va., which also has an exhibit by Alex Ross. The workshop is $35 for the general public. Registration is required.
Here's a fun live Facebook interview recorded with Paul to promote the workshop.
Here's a fun live Facebook interview recorded with Paul to promote the workshop.
April 8: Hello Kitty truck in Arlington; thousands expected
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Is Stopping At Pentagon Row On Saturday
Tuesday, April 04, 2017
School Library Journal recommends March vol. 3
"March" Madness: Congressman Lewis's Graphic Novel Wins SLJ's Battle of the Books
By on March 31, 2017
Continued at http://www.slj.com/2017/03/books-media/march-madness-congressman-lewiss-graphic-novel-wins-sljs-battle-of-the-books/
April 26: March vol 1 bookclub meeting at East City Bookshop
Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30pm
Reality Literature Book Club reads MARCH: BOOK ONE by John Lewis, et al.
Reality Literature, East City Bookshop's narrative nonfiction book club, will discuss the first volume in John Lewis's graphic novel memoir of his childhood through his young adulthood in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Learn More
East City Bookshop
Reality Literature Book Club reads MARCH: BOOK ONE by John Lewis, et al.
Reality Literature, East City Bookshop's narrative nonfiction book club, will discuss the first volume in John Lewis's graphic novel memoir of his childhood through his young adulthood in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Learn More
East City Bookshop
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20003
April 8: Cecil Con in Md.
Cecil Con is a family-friendly, fantasy, gaming, anime and sci-fi convention
hosted by the Geekdom Club at Cecil College in North East, Md. Admissions is $3. Free for Cecil College students, 55 and older, and 5 and under.
According to the Facebook event page, it's the show's 4th year. "Last year we had 600+ attendees and this year we're expecting 800+!"
According to the Facebook event page, it's the show's 4th year. "Last year we had 600+ attendees and this year we're expecting 800+!"
Monday, April 03, 2017
Flashback Comics YouTube channel
Flashback Comics of Woodbridge, Va., has a YourTube channel where it features explanations of comics characters, tidbits on comics collecting, etc.
Sunday, April 02, 2017
Kickstarter for a photo book of cartoonists
I loved Greg Preston's first volume of The Artist Within, and I hope you'll consider backing his second. I am.
Saturday, April 01, 2017
April 10: Gene Yang signing at Big Planet
National Ambassador of Young
People's Literature and best-selling comic book creator Gene Luen Yang comes to Big Planet Comics on U St. on Monday, April 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 31, 2017
April 1: Alex Ross at Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
MEET ALEX ROSS!
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Alex Ross Art Exhibit & Signing
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Renowned Comic Book Artist Alex Ross Signing
The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
April 1
Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross
Winchester, VA 03/23/17 Alex Ross fans will have the opportunity to meet the artist at a free signing event on Saturday, April 1, at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) in Winchester, Virginia.
This rare public appearance - the only scheduled signing for
Alex Ross in 2017 - is organized in conjunction with the display of the
new exhibition Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross.
The MSV is the first venue to host this traveling exhibition,
which has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge,
Massachusetts. On view in Winchester through May 14, 2017, the exhibition's MSV display is sponsored by Shenandoah Country Q102.
A lithograph of Ross's The World's Greatest Superheroes ($50) will be released at the April 1 signing.
Painted in 2005 and on view in Superheroes and Superstars, the work
features DC Comics' most recognizable superheroes. In addition to the
new print, a variety of Alex Ross merchandise will be available for
purchase in the Museum Store, including books, mini-canvasses ($150),
and a limited supply of prints ($50). A signed, framed set of Ross's
Yellow Submarine portraits of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr,
and George Harrison is also available for purchase at the MSV ($1,500).
The Museum Store will open at 9 a.m. on April 1.
Before or after meeting Alex Ross, attendees are encouraged
to see Superheroes and Superstars: The Works of Alex Ross in the
Museum's Changing Exhibition Gallery. The exhibition presents more than
100 original works created by Alex Ross, all on public display for the
first time. Most of the works in the exhibition are on loan from Ross's
personal collection.
Superheroes and Superstars features Alex Ross's
well-known images of superheroes, villains, and his recent paintings of
popular culture icons, such as The Beatles and Monty Python. Paintings,
sketches, and models from his childhood and college years are also on
view, including "Spidey" booklets that Ross created at the age of four,
action figures he made when he was 11 years old, and a self-portrait for
a high school art class. Some of Ross's more recent works in the
exhibition include A Tale of Two Reeves, a 2016 painting illustrating
the two actors audiences most identify with Superman; the 2016 Hulk
Marvelmania poster painting; Flash Gordon, a 2015 painting marking the
35th anniversary of the Flash Gordon film; and Ross's variant cover for
Star Wars #1, an homage to the original 1977 issue for Marvel's relaunch
of the classic Star Wars comic book series.
Those interested in attending the April 1 signing event may bring up to three items per person (no sketches and/or portfolio reviews).
While a fee is not required to attend the signing and meet Alex Ross,
MSV admission will apply to view Superheroes and Superstars.
Where: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601
Who: Alex Ross to appear from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase in the Museum
Store and Winchester's Jack Knuckle Gourmet Food Truck will be at the
MSV from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the day of the signing.
A regional cultural center, the MSV is located at 901 Amherst
Street in Winchester, Virginia. The MSV includes galleries, the Glen
Burnie House, and seven acres of gardens. The galleries and exhibitions
are open year-round; the house and gardens are open April through
December. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January through March). Admission is $10 or $8 for seniors and youth
ages 13 to 18. General admission is always free to youth ages 12 and
under and to MSV Members. Thanks to sponsor Howard Shockey & Sons,
Inc., admission is free to all every Wednesday. Additional details are available at www.theMSV.org or by calling 540-662-1473, ext. 235.
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Valiant ad for Vans Warped Tour on back page of Wash City Paper
There's an ad for Vans Warped Tour on back page of March 31, 2017 Washington City Paper that uses Valiant characters. I can't quite figure out the connection from the Vans' website at http://vanswarpedtour.com/
'It's All Journalism' interview on alt-press graphic novel
Local journalist, podcaster and comics fan Michael O'Connell interviews graphic novelist Ethan Persoff about his biography of John Wilcock and the alternative press scene of the '60s and '70s. Check out Michael's podcast It's All Journalism #246: "Journey down the underground press rabbit hole"
The Post (and NYT) on Ghost in the Shell live action remake
'Ghost in the Shell' brings an anime classic to life, with mixed success [in print as 'Ghost in the Shell' and the spirit of the times].
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post March 31 2017, p. C1-2
In 'Ghost in the Shell,' a Cyborg With Soul
By MANOHLA DARGIS
A version of this review appears in print on March 31, 2017, on Page C1 of the New York edition with the headline: A Cyborg With a Soul.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/movies/ghost-in-the-shell-review-scarlett-johansson.html
Anatomy of a Scene | 'Ghost in the Shell'
The director Rupert Sanders narrates a scene featuring Scarlett Johansson.
By MEKADO MURPHY on Publish Date March 30, 2017.
https://www.nytimes.com/video/movies/100000005016686/anatomy-of-a-scene-ghost-in-the-shell.html
The Post on Boss Baby and Ghost in the Shell
'The Boss Baby': Grown-up life lessons in a family-friendly animated comedy [in print as More mature than it might appear].
Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin) and his 7-year-old brother, Tim (Miles Christopher Bakshi), work on a secret mission to stop what poses the direst threat to what the film posits is babies' already tenuous hold on parental love: puppies. (DreamWorks Animation)
The four words I wish I didn't say during 'The Boss Baby' [in print as Don't give a yuck: I picked the wrong time to be a critic]
Express
'The Boss Baby' Puts Alec Baldwin in Diapers, Sort Of
A version of this review appears in print on March 31, 2017, on Page C7 of the New York edition with the headline: Baby Talk for Grown-Ups.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/movies/the-boss-baby-review-alec-baldwin.htmlAndrew Williams - An Artomatic Interview
by Mike Rhode
Andrew Williams cartoon-based painting series at Artomatic in Crystal City is the religious-themed The Good News, but he also did a school newspaper comic strip called Mike and Moop. He's agreed to answer our usual questions.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
Well I mainly do newspaper style comic strips on paint canvases.
How do you do it?
I use a combination of pencil and acrylic paint. I really want to get back into digital artwork, so I just bought an IPad Pro. We'll see how that works out.
When and where were you born?
I was born on July 16, 1987 in Washington D.C.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I actually live in Prince Georges County, Maryland now, but most of the time I'm in DC with my artwork, the city brings out my creativity.
What is your training and/ or education in cartooning?
Well, I'm a self-taught artist but I have done one year at the Art Institute of Washington for graphic design. As far as cartooning, I read a lot of comics and watch a lot of cartoons.
Who are your influences?
Jesus Christ, Aaron McGruder, Hanna-Barbera and Banksy.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
I would have copyrighted all of my images and stayed motivated fresh out of high school.
What work are you best-known for?
I have to say Mike and Moop, only because I've been working on it for over 11 years. Mike and Moop originally appeared in Prince George's County Community College newspaper The Owl. However the Good News seems to be taking the spotlight nowadays.
What work are you most proud of?
The Good News, because I really feel like the series is bigger than myself.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
As of right now I'm working on combining all of my strips into one book. AND Comics will be an anthology of all the comic strips I'm working on which will consist of Mike and Moop, GOODNEWS and Automatic Water pistols.
Does Good News tell a story?
Good News does tell a story. Unlike Mike and Moop and Automatic Water Pistols the story for GOODNEWS is already written (The Bible). So the purpose for the paintings and comic strip is less dialogue and more visual story telling. The maximum amount of text I want in the GOODNEWS is 10 words. The GOODNEWS ties into Mike and Moop and Automatic Waterpistols, because of the way the characters conduct themselves and the end moral of the stories, even though the characters never come out and say "Hey look, I'm a Christian".
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I like to watch artist and hip-hop documentaries. I feel like whenever I'm in a rut or have writers block, its best to look at other established artist for motivation. Exit through the Looking Glass has been on replay ever since I've started doing art shows again.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
Everything seems to be going digital now, so old-school inking and pencil cartooning will either be obsolete or seen as retro treasures. As far as storytelling goes, I'm interested to see what future kids will have to talk about.
What local Cons do you attend?
This year is the first year I applied to Awesome Con in Washington DC. I do plan on attending a few throughout the year.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
The People, Art and Chicken Wings with Mambo sauce.
Least favorite?
Violence.
What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?
MLK memorial.
How about your favorite local restaurant?
Ben's Chili bowl.
Do you have a website or blog?
Instagram: @fir3inmybones
http://www.rawartists.org/dr3wwilliams
Andrew Williams cartoon-based painting series at Artomatic in Crystal City is the religious-themed The Good News, but he also did a school newspaper comic strip called Mike and Moop. He's agreed to answer our usual questions.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
Well I mainly do newspaper style comic strips on paint canvases.
How do you do it?
I use a combination of pencil and acrylic paint. I really want to get back into digital artwork, so I just bought an IPad Pro. We'll see how that works out.
When and where were you born?
I was born on July 16, 1987 in Washington D.C.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I actually live in Prince Georges County, Maryland now, but most of the time I'm in DC with my artwork, the city brings out my creativity.
What is your training and/ or education in cartooning?
Well, I'm a self-taught artist but I have done one year at the Art Institute of Washington for graphic design. As far as cartooning, I read a lot of comics and watch a lot of cartoons.
Who are your influences?
Jesus Christ, Aaron McGruder, Hanna-Barbera and Banksy.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
I would have copyrighted all of my images and stayed motivated fresh out of high school.
What work are you best-known for?
I have to say Mike and Moop, only because I've been working on it for over 11 years. Mike and Moop originally appeared in Prince George's County Community College newspaper The Owl. However the Good News seems to be taking the spotlight nowadays.
What work are you most proud of?
The Good News, because I really feel like the series is bigger than myself.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
As of right now I'm working on combining all of my strips into one book. AND Comics will be an anthology of all the comic strips I'm working on which will consist of Mike and Moop, GOODNEWS and Automatic Water pistols.
Does Good News tell a story?
Good News does tell a story. Unlike Mike and Moop and Automatic Water Pistols the story for GOODNEWS is already written (The Bible). So the purpose for the paintings and comic strip is less dialogue and more visual story telling. The maximum amount of text I want in the GOODNEWS is 10 words. The GOODNEWS ties into Mike and Moop and Automatic Waterpistols, because of the way the characters conduct themselves and the end moral of the stories, even though the characters never come out and say "Hey look, I'm a Christian".
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I like to watch artist and hip-hop documentaries. I feel like whenever I'm in a rut or have writers block, its best to look at other established artist for motivation. Exit through the Looking Glass has been on replay ever since I've started doing art shows again.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
Everything seems to be going digital now, so old-school inking and pencil cartooning will either be obsolete or seen as retro treasures. As far as storytelling goes, I'm interested to see what future kids will have to talk about.
What local Cons do you attend?
This year is the first year I applied to Awesome Con in Washington DC. I do plan on attending a few throughout the year.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
The People, Art and Chicken Wings with Mambo sauce.
Least favorite?
Violence.
What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?
MLK memorial.
How about your favorite local restaurant?
Ben's Chili bowl.
Do you have a website or blog?
Instagram: @fir3inmybones
http://www.rawartists.org/dr3wwilliams
Thursday, March 30, 2017
'Pigheaded' quoted on NYT obit on Skip Williamson
Sean Hill interviewed in Tessera
The arts blog Tessera interviews comics creator Sean Hill on his approach to art and storytelling. Sean will also be an exhibitor at the Heroic Minicomics Show May 20 at Heroic Aleworks in Woodbridge, Va.
Herblock Award photos
Here's pictures from last night's political cartooning award to Ruben Bolling for his Tom the Dancing Bug strip and the following speech by Rep. John Lewis at the Library of Congress.
Ace local photographer Bruce Guthrie is the go-to man for these.Formal Presentation:
Everything else:
My pictures, taken with a cell phone and as yet unedited, are at https://www.flickr.com/photos/42072348@N00/albums/72157681909955356
Gordon Thomas Frank - An Artomatic Interview
by Mike Rhode
Gordon Thomas Frank's art is influenced by cartoons including DC and Disney. A selection is on display at Artomatic 2017 in Arlington, VA. He's answered our usual questions.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
Scanned images manipulated through Photoshop.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I'm a child of the 70's.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I grew up on the D.C. border in P.G. County. I've lived in Alexandria since 2001.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
Self-taught. I never finished school.
Who are your influences?
Tumblr is a great source for inspiration. I have spent hours cataloging old comic book panels for future reference for my artwork.
What work are you most proud of?
It's hanging in Artomatic right now...it's called 'Once You Go Black' and it depicts Sleeping Beauty holding a dildo. The show hadn't even opened, and it caused a few complaints. The woman using the wall space next to me to said it was borderline child pornography. (She went ballistic and moved to the 3rd floor after someone else hung a floor-to-ceiling-sized painting with a penis on it). Another artist told me the Sleeping Beauty piece was 'kinda sorta' pornography, but was more upset with it because, 'as a Black woman', she felt it was racist.
Do you have a website or blog?
I am the creator of the tumblr blog Love Boat Insanity (loveboatinsanity.tumblr.com). It's a collection of Love Boat celebrities (and even fictional characters) that might've been...such as John Waters, Divine, Pam Grier, Ultraman, Jeffrey Dahmer and Tommy Wiseau, etc.
Gordon Thomas Frank's art is influenced by cartoons including DC and Disney. A selection is on display at Artomatic 2017 in Arlington, VA. He's answered our usual questions.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
My work has been described as digital pop art.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
Scanned images manipulated through Photoshop.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I'm a child of the 70's.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I grew up on the D.C. border in P.G. County. I've lived in Alexandria since 2001.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
Self-taught. I never finished school.
Who are your influences?
Tumblr is a great source for inspiration. I have spent hours cataloging old comic book panels for future reference for my artwork.
What work are you most proud of?
It's hanging in Artomatic right now...it's called 'Once You Go Black' and it depicts Sleeping Beauty holding a dildo. The show hadn't even opened, and it caused a few complaints. The woman using the wall space next to me to said it was borderline child pornography. (She went ballistic and moved to the 3rd floor after someone else hung a floor-to-ceiling-sized painting with a penis on it). Another artist told me the Sleeping Beauty piece was 'kinda sorta' pornography, but was more upset with it because, 'as a Black woman', she felt it was racist.
Do you have a website or blog?
I am the creator of the tumblr blog Love Boat Insanity (loveboatinsanity.tumblr.com). It's a collection of Love Boat celebrities (and even fictional characters) that might've been...such as John Waters, Divine, Pam Grier, Ultraman, Jeffrey Dahmer and Tommy Wiseau, etc.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Comic Riffs on Ruben Bolling and tonight's Herblock Award
How the Internet and Trump led to a cartoonist's Herblock Prize
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog
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