Tuesday, June 06, 2017

Rube Goldberg says, "Beat It!"

As part of our 'Secret History of Comics,' here's a Mutt and Jeff Series Sweet Caporal cigarettes card that I picked up last weekend at a flea market. Although the back of the card says over 250 designs of "Original Pictures Illustrating Popular Phrases by 'Bud' Fisher, T.E. Powers, R.L. Goldberg, 'Tad', Gus Mager, etc., etc., Warman's Tobacco Collectibles: An Identification and Price Guide by Mark Moran, says that there's 100 cards. 

I don't see myself getting into collecting these, but I'd like to hear about other examples that people have.

 
Oddly enough, Goldberg's crazy designs for machines are making a comeback and you can buy toys with his name on in Target right now.

20170606_102812

20170606_102804

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Monday, June 05, 2017

The Post on Last Things by Marissa Moss

In graphic memoir, children's author aims to show adults what they don't see about death [in print as Jewish writer confronts grief gracefully in graphic memoir]


Washington Post June 3 2017, p. B1-2
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/06/02/in-graphic-memoir-childrens-author-aims-to-show-adults-what-they-dont-see-about-death/

Jim Berryman Drawing for a Nash car dealership

by Scott Alan Stewart


This drawing by Jim Berryman, son of Clifford Berryman (both worked for the Washington Star and each won the Pulitzer for cartooning), was given to my grandfather, Earle O. Baker, who had a Nash dealership in Georgetown from 1930 to 1963. The building later became the Biograph Theater and now is a CVS -- located on M Street across from the Four Seasons hotel. Progress.



The dealership was called Williams and Baker after my grandfather and his partner Preston Williams. Despite being the nation's capital, DC was in many ways a very provincial town and it was common to do business with well-known people. Among my grandfather's customers were members of congress, John Willard Marriott (whose first root beer stand was on 14th street), and a number of Washington Senators and Redskins. This was before air conditioning was widespread, which later led to a population boom in the 1970s and beyond to our current city's sprawl.

The car in the drawing looks to be a 1946-1947 Nash Ambassador.


Wiki entry for Berryman: James Thomas Berryman (June 8, 1902 – August 12, 1971) was an American political cartoonist who won the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning. Born in Washington, D.C., Berryman was the son of Clifford Berryman, also a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist. The two Berrymans are the only parent-child pair to win Pulitzer Prizes in the same category.



11/12/2019: updated to add author's middle name, and the name of his grandfather

Friday, June 02, 2017

Comic Riffs on Saturday's Wonder Woman day

More on Wonder Woman from The Post

Why a gay law professor is trying to shut down women-only 'Wonder Woman' screenings


Washington Post
Post Nation blog June 1 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/06/01/why-a-gay-law-professor-is-trying-to-shut-down-women-only-wonder-woman-screenings/

5 Minutes With: Lynda Carter on how the new Wonder Woman 'gets' the iconic character


Washington Post June 2 2017, p. C2
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2017/06/01/5-minutes-with-lynda-carter-on-how-the-new-wonder-woman-gets-the-iconic-character/

Sat is Wonder Woman day with free comics

I don't know who is doing this locally yet.

Celebrate Wonder Woman Day At Your Local Comic Shop This Saturday!     Celebrate Wonder Woman Day At Your Local Comic Shop This Saturday, June 3rd!   Free Comic Book Day was only the beginning! Comic shops around the world will host Wonder Woman Day activities on Saturday, June 3rd! Get free copies of two Wonder Woman Special Edition comics and join the celebration!

http://www.freecomicbookday.com/Article/194779-Whats--Comic-Shops-Wonder-Woman-Day

    MORE DETAILS    

PR: Lynda "Wonder Woman" Carter Joins “Library of Awesome”



Library of Congress logo

 
NEWS from the LIBRARY of CONGRESS
 

June 2, 2017

Public Contact: Tyanne Rodgers (202) 707-1507, tyro@loc.gov
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov

                                                                                                     

Lynda Carter Joins "Library of Awesome"

 

The Library of Congress today announced that Lynda Carter, the famed actress known for her role as Wonder Woman, will appear at Library festivities celebrating the world of comics. 

The Library of Congress last week announced "Library of Awesome," a pop-up exhibit featuring items from the Library's comic-book collections presented in conjunction with "Awesome-Con," Washington, D.C.'s annual convention of comics, cosplay and pop culture, on view Wednesday, June 14 – Saturday, June 17 on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington D.C. Tickets are not required.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will interview Carter, known for her role in the 1970s Wonder Woman television series, at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 16, in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Thomas Jefferson Building, located at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. Carter will discuss how her legendary character empowered generations of girls and boys. Tickets will be available beginning at noon on Monday, June 5 at this website. The interview will be live-streamed on the Library's Facebook page at facebook.com/libraryofcongress and its YouTube channel at youtube.com/LibraryOfCongress.

The Library of Congress holds several significant issues of the Wonder Woman series. As the first female superhero, Wonder Woman first appeared in All Star Comics, No. 8 (1941) in a nine-page story as the Amazon princess Diana, who nursed American Captain Steve Trevor back to health following an airplane crash. She debuted as the lead character in the inaugural issue of Sensation Comics, No. 1 (1942) arriving in the United States with Captain Trevor. Both comic issues will be on display. Her creator, psychologist William Moulton Marston, who took the pen name of Charles Moulton, has stated that he created her to be the strong, self-reliant and confident female superhero that she became.

Following her role as Wonder Woman, Carter has performed as an actor and singer. She has appeared live in Las Vegas and has made guest appearances on television shows such as Law & Order, Smallville and Two and a Half Men. In 2005 she appeared in the film version of The Dukes of Hazzard and played Mama Morton in the West End London production of Chicago. Most recently, Carter played the role of President Olivia Marsdin in season two of the CW's Supergirl series.

Visitors who come to "Library of Awesome" programming dressed in superhero/heroine costume will receive a 15-percent discount on merchandise at the Library of Congress Shop.

Media wishing to cover the Carter interview may specify interest with their "Library of Awesome" RSVP, due by Thursday, June 8. Additional details will follow.

Follow "Library of Awesome" excitement on Twitter at @librarycongress and #LCcomics. 

The Library of Awesome is made possible by gifts to the Library of Congress Fund. Those interested in supporting free programs at the Library can contact devofc@loc.gov.

 The Serial and Government Publications Division maintains one of the most extensive newspaper collections in the world. It is exceptionally strong in United States newspapers, with 9,000 titles covering the past three centuries. With more than 25,000 non-U.S. titles, it is the largest collection of overseas newspapers in the world. Beyond its newspaper holdings, the division also has extensive collections of current periodicals (70,000 titles) comic books (over 7,000 titles) and government publications (1 million items). The comic-book collection is available for research use by scholars, collectors, and other researchers in the Newspaper and Current Periodical Reading Room; for more information please visit http://www.loc.gov/rr/news/coll/049.html.

The Library of Congress is the world's largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.

 ###

PR 17-81
2017-06-01
ISSN 0731-3527

 
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The Post, City Paper, and Express on Wonder Woman

'Wonder Woman' saves the day, in more ways than one [in print as Genre gets a swooping roundhouse kick].


Gal Gadot as Diana in "Wonder Woman." (Clay Enos/DC Comics/Warner Bros. Pictures)

How 'Wonder Woman' slyly comments on the politics of Hollywood


Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 2  2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/06/02/how-wonder-woman-slyly-comments-on-the-politics-of-hollywood/

 

Wonder Woman has been a warrior, a secretary and a sexpot. What version did the movie use?

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 1  2017

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/06/01/wonder-woman-has-been-a-warrior-a-secretary-and-a-sexpot-what-version-did-the-movie-use/


Nevertheless, She Enlisted: Wonder Woman Is the Feminist Superhero Film We've Been Waiting For

Patty Jenkins brings the iconic superhero to the big screen in a way that does justice to the character and her feminist legacy.

Washington City Paper June 1, 2017
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts/film-tv/blog/20863310/wonder-woman-reviewed

Before she became Wonder Woman, she was Diana. Just like the rest of us. [in print as Hope and wonder: How much Diana is still inside you?]


Express June 2 p. 2017, p. 24
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2017/06/02/before-she-became-wonder-woman-she-was-diana-just-like-the-rest-of-us/ 

The Post and Express on Captain Underpants

'Captain Underpants' barely stretches [in print as 'Underpants' barely stretches].


Captain Underpants (right) takes a wipe out of crime. (Fox)

'Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie' is — ahem — a gas [in print as A heroic excuse for grown-ups to giggle at toilet humor]


Washington Post June 2 2017, p. Weekend 32
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/captain-underpants-the-first-epic-movie-is--ahem--a-gas/2017/06/01/c3b54056-454e-11e7-98cd-af64b4fe2dfc_story.html

Snow White parody movie accused of body-shaming

Snow White parody movie accused of body-shaming

June 1, 2017
https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/entertainment/snow-white-parody-accused-of-body-shaming/2017/06/01/90658092-469f-11e7-8de1-cec59a9bf4b1_video.html

The animated film "Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarfs" is being slammed for body-shaming after two promotional ads were released. The actress who voices the character Snow White, Chloë Grace Moretz, said she was "appalled" by the film's marketing.

Thursday, June 01, 2017

This Sunday's New York Times Magazine will be all comics

Here's two pictures advertising it, from today's paper.


June 14: FRESH TALK: Who are the new superwomen of the universe? (with discount)

 
 
For much of comics history, women characters were introduced as plot devices for the leading male characters with disheartening regularity. Join us for a conversation about the new wave of superheroines entering the comic universe, leading the fight for justice and dispelling traditional stereotypes in fiction and beyond. 

Joining the conversation are:
Moderated by Emily Whitten, ComicMix.com writer and Awesome Con moderator, based in Washington, D.C.


Sign up now for your Friend Discount Rate of $15! Discount tickets are limited. (Regular price: $25 general; $20 members, seniors, students). Price includes museum admission and Catalyst cocktail hour. Galleries open to attendees from 3 p.m - 6:45 p.m. Museum store will have speaker's books and comics for sale before and after the program

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__nmwa.us12.list-2Dmanage.com_track_click-3Fu-3Dc9a0cfd7a0c2b162ef936a052-26id-3D5ede2abb49-26e-3D225df7de93&d=DQMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=5Ly55I131CjW7KAYeC5suAHy2fYqba0vo9mjUwJEo_w&m=ce2NPwRJ-I5M0XHjq4vgdyrvk9lXI-LgB80LNRyDv9M&s=HvKJv2n7d1dUuM0MRsQehGPL_yuMDmYm7qn_t3xhO1w&e=

Comic Riffs on Wonder Woman's director

How 'Wonder Woman' director Patty Jenkins cracked the superhero-movie glass ceiling [in print as Director cracks a glass ceiling with 'Wonder Woman']

Washington Post June 1 2017, p C1-2

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/05/31/how-wonder-woman-director-patty-jenkins-cracked-the-superhero-movie-glass-ceiling/

Battle of the Network Shows focuses on Wonder Woman tv show this week

20170520_135018

Comics writer Mike Cowgill (left) sends us a note about his podcast:

Battle of the Network Shows explores the TV of the '70s and '80s. Each Thursday, hosts Rick Brooks and Mike Cowgill cover a different episode of a different show in a free-flowing discussion. Season one topics have included The Incredible Hulk, The Six Million Dollar Man, a musical episode of Happy Days, a Lowenbrau commercial, and even a Family Circus Christmas special. So far, season two has covered well-known shows like Diff'rent Strokes, Magnum P.I., and The Golden Girls, as well as rarities like Run, Joe, Run and Search.

On Thursday June 1, the latest episode focuses on--what else--Wonder Woman, starring Lynda Carter.

Rick writes the blog Cultureshark http://cultureshark.blogspot.com/ and a TV column reviews for ClassicFlix.

(Unfortunately, his ClassicFlix articles are behind a subscription wall, or I'd give you a link to that).

Mike writes fiction and writes and draws comics and is a member of the DC Conspiracy. His work appears in Magic Bullet, and you can see more at michaelcowgill.com and local comics shows such as SPX and Bmore Into Comics.

(Fair warning I've been having some issues with my site, but hopefully they'll be resolved soon).

Some other links.


(Everything below is or will be linked there)




Twitter: @battnetshows

Instagram: @battleofthenetworkshows

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Teresa Logan profiled (even though she's not in DC anymore)

Apatoff on Fuchs

This is about illustration, not comics, but Fuchs' biographer David Apatoff is a friend of mine who also writes about comics. And he's a good, thoughtful writer. So read this, and then buy his new book:

The Reign of Bernie Fuchs

By: |

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

PR: Fantom Comics events

Upcoming Week at Fantom – May 31 Edition

Wonder Woman Day on Saturday!

Followed by Femme Night: Amazon Edition

 

Welcome to this week's dashboard post, intended to keep you updated on all that's happening at ol' Fantom.

 

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS

 

Friday, June 2 – Friday Night Magic – Booster draft and casual play! Everyone's invited.

Saturday, June 3 – Wonder Woman Day – To celebrate the release of the Wonder Woman film and her 75th anniversary, we'll be doing all sorts of sales, giveaways, activities, and more. And in the evening, it's Fantom Femme Night: Amazon Edition! ANY AND ALL WONDER WOMAN COSPLAY ENCOURAGED!

Saturday, June 3 – Fantom Femme Night: Amazon Edition – In honor of Wonder Woman's 75th anniversary and Wonder Woman Day, we're turning Fantom into Paradise Island! Don your Amazonian best, grab some snacks and get ready for a night of fun worthy of the original Warrior Princess!

Sunday, June 4 – Black Excellence Book Club: Your Black Friend – "Ben Passmore's necessary contribution to the dialogue around race in the United States, Your Black Friend is an open letter from your black friend to you about race, racism, friendship and alienation."

Monday, June 5 – Comics & Cocktails – Join us for drinks, food and geeky talk! All are welcome!

NPR: "Kids Craft Comics To Explore Immigration Fears"

 Ray Padgett of Shore Fire Media sends in:



"I feel sad, angry, and not cheerful. I would not like it in Mexico because I don't speak Spanish."


A nine-year old girl said that in the recent after-school class "Illustrated Migration Stories," where Latino kids create comics based on their personal immigration history and fears. NPR visited the class to tell the children's stories in a powerful video:

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/05/28/527059265/watch-kids-craft-comics-to-explore-immigration-fears

"One thing that's been really nice about it is the kids talking about how they can sleep better," instructor Nora Litz says in the video. "They're not so worried like they were in the beginning."

"Illustrated Migration Stories" is only one of many writing classes Mighty Writers puts on for children. Their summer offerings include classes on girl power, political protest, sports and hip-hop, poetry, web design, cinema, and much more.



Photo barrage - RFK award, AAAS' STEAM Exhibit, Heroic Aleworks and Vanessa Bettencourt

Here's pictures from some of the recent events in Washington and the area (click through to go to Flickr for more pictures):

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American Association for the Advance of Science (AAAS)'s S.T.E.A.M. exhibit on educational comics, Within the Panels, with Matt Dembicki.

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Heroic Aleworks brewery in Woodbridge, VA held a mini comics-con with DC Conspiracy members.

RFKPR4_170523_118 Annette Krause,  Mike Rhode & Mike Thompson

RFK awards 2017 - Mike Thompson won the cartoon award for a series on Flint, Michigan's water.

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Vanessa Bettencourt at Alexandria's Hooray for Books

Comic Riffs reviews Wonder Woman

'Wonder Woman' marks DC's triumphant return to great storytelling