The following is material that will not be on display including a Maud the Mule comic strip by Opper, a Cathy comic strip by Cathy Guisewite, Big Little Books, buttons and pins, and more pages from Mickey Mouse in Plane Crazy.
Wednesday, November 07, 2018
Steve Geppi's collection goes on display at the Library of Congress
The following is material that will not be on display including a Maud the Mule comic strip by Opper, a Cathy comic strip by Cathy Guisewite, Big Little Books, buttons and pins, and more pages from Mickey Mouse in Plane Crazy.
Editorial Cartoon by artleytoons
Tuesday, November 06, 2018
The Post on Walking Dead's changes
On 'Walking Dead,' Rick's departure is just one more opportunity to hit the reset button [in print as 'Walking Dead' mainstay exits, but the show trudges on].
Black Panther costume in the Smithsonian
Black Panther Costume Revealed at NMAAHC
Monday, November 05, 2018
Comic Riffs on the Geppi collection at the Library of Congress
Want to see the first full drawings of Captain America and Mickey Mouse? Go to the Library of Congress.
Meet John Darrin: A Chat About His Anti-Trump Cartoon Book
Early this fall, some of my friends among local political cartoonists started telling me that they had a piece in a new book. Author John Darrin commissioned over a score of cartoonists to illustrate Who's That Man with Mr. Lincoln, Mommy? A Parent's Guide to the Trump Presidency. Darrin himself is from Frederick, MD, and local cartoonists in the book are Steve Artley, Barbara Dale, Al Goodwyn, Clay Jones and Joe Sutliff (see the bottom of this post for his list of all the contributors).
Darrin's website describes his book thusly:
Who’s That Man With Mr. Lincoln, Mommy? is a political parody intended to discredit the Trump Administration in a simple, compelling, and entertaining way. Set as a walking tour of the Mall in Washington, DC, two young parents and their children play the alphabet game to explain why President Trump is the greatest. The children unwittingly expose their parent’s absurd explanations with common sense. Interlaced with penetrating editorial cartoons from award-winning artists, this no-holds-barred tale takes us on a journey through the deception and hypocrisy of the Trump White House.
The slim volume (there are only 24 letters in the alphabet after all) features a page of text with an illustration and his imaginary family discussing a word that has gained prominence (or notoriety) due to the Trump administration. The facing page reproduces a political cartoon and a brief biography of the cartoonist.
Darrin was kind enough to send me a copy to preview and answer some questions for ComicsDC.
You're normally a novelist? Why did you decide to write a children's book parody?
Yes, I am a novelist, and also some business-based non-fiction. A parody of a children's book allowed me to present the pro-Trump arguments in the shortest and simplest form and have them rebutted not by partisanship and ideology, but by simple common sense and honest questions.
And why have it illustrated by cartoonists?
Steve Artley's drawing from the Lincoln Memorial |
How did you find them?
Lots of research and queries. Lists like Pulitzer and Herblock prize winners, the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, and different cartoon syndicators. Then lots of correspondence to sell the concept.
I made a comprehensive list of words that would apply to Trump's administration (page 62 of the book) and picked the ones that I felt were most important. For example. using pussy or Putin as the "P" word was an obvious choice. But I wanted this to be a catalog of Trump's failings and Puerto Rico was no longer on people's minds. With the daily barrage of lunacy, it is easy to forget earlier offenses to the American legacy. Several of my choices were changed by the cartoonist to fit their interests, such as Ingrid Rice, a Canadian cartoonist, choosing NAFTA over narcissism.
Yes, the story was drafted and then the cartoonists drew to the subject and narrative.
Joe Sutliff's drawing of the Trump Hotel (aka the Old Post Office) |
The book is available on our website and on Amazon. We have been trying to get it placed in retail stores, but we don't have a wholesaler so we'll continue to work on that.
There are two sequels planned: Who's That Man Scolding Mr. Trump, Mommy?, and Who's That Man Looking So Sad, Mommy?, about the Mueller investigation and the mid-term results, respectively.
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "The Primo Nutmeg Interview"
"The Primo Nutmeg Interview"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2635
Hey, folks! My interview on the Primo Nutmeg show just dropped; I'm talking cartooning, media, politics, and it's... well, primo. Give a listen...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c-XeIvZ_8w
Nov 9: Nora Krug - Belonging at Politics and Prose Union Market
Nora Krug - Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home — in conversation with the Washington Post's Nora Krug — at Politics and Prose at Union Market
Like Art Spiegelman's Maus, Krug's graphic memoir centers on events she experienced at one remove, by inheritance—and that for that reason may have marked her all the more deeply. A member of the second generation of Germans born after World War II, Krug draws on letters, photos, flea-market artifacts, and archival materials for a powerful exploration of Heimat, the place that first forms us. Now an award-winning artist and member of the faculty of the Parsons School of Design, Krug researched her grandparents' role in the Third Reich, and her sifting of layers of history is as vital a story as what she discovered. Krug will be in conversation with Washington Post "Book World" writer and editor Nora Krug.
Click here for more information.
Sunday, November 04, 2018
Bruce Guthrie's pictures of RO Blechman
Saturday, November 03, 2018
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Blue Wave no. 3: Pukin' Blue, No Matter Who"
"Blue Wave no. 3: Pukin' Blue, No Matter Who"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2630
Welp... I've finally nailed it down. Between Ocasio-Cortez waffling on Palestine, Andrew Gillum flip-flopping on Medicare For All, all the ex-CIA types running as Democrats and all the doorknobs screaming "vote Blue, no matter who", I think I've finally figured out what the Blue Wave is going to be: the Democratic Party choking to death on its own vomit.
Root Boy Slim And The Sex Change Band: "Boogie 'Til You Puke", 1978:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY3eMd3Jp7I
Friday, November 02, 2018
Thursday, November 01, 2018
Tonight: Slovenian cartoonists at Big Planet on U St
Today at 7 PM – 9 PM |
Big Planet Comics of Washington DC 1520 U St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20009 |
They will also presenting a history of Slovenian comics at the Slovenian Embassy that weekend.
Library of Congress' Swann Foundation is accepting fellowship applications
The Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship, one of the few in the field, for the 2019-2020 academic year. Deadline for applications is February 15, 2019. Please see the following for criteria, guidelines, and application forms:
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html
Please email swann@loc.gov or call (202) 707-9115 if you have questions.
New Herblock exhibit on 1968 up at Library of Congress
ICv2 on Geppi's Library of Congress press preview
Editorial Cartoon by Artleytoons
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Clifford Berryman exhibit in DC city hall
Exhibit Honors Cartoonist Who Championed D.C. Voting Rights (And Invented The Teddy Bear)
The Post on Jeff Kinney's upcoming DC visit
Jeff Kinney puts on a show to launch new 'Wimpy Kid' book [in print as Author takes 'Wimpy Kid' from page to stage].
Nov 2: Sara Duke talks about Herblock at Library of Congress
Geppi press conference at Library of Congress covered by Baltimore Magazine
Steve Geppi Unveils Collection at Library of Congress For the First Time
Baltimore magazine publisher offers a preview of rare comic art that goes on display next week.
By Jane Marion | October 30, 2018,
I took some vacation time and attended this as well, so I'll have my own article about it.
Comic Riffs on Black Panther costume controversy
Yes, any kid can wear a Black Panther costume, say creators who helped shape the character [in print as An all-inclusive Wakanda: Kids and 'Black Panther' costumes]
Frankenstein comics on display at Library of Congress
The Evolution of Frankenstein in Comics and Culture: Monster, Villain, and Hero
Nov 8: Jarrett J. Krosoczka HEY, KIDDO reading and presentation in DC!
Jarrett J. Krosoczka HEY, KIDDO reading and presentation in DC!
Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 7 PM – 9 PM |
West End DC Public Library 1101 24th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037 New location and time from original events posting. West End library branch of the DC Public Library. Book sales by Politics and Prose! Join Jarrett J. Krosoczka as he reads from his young adult graphic memoir, HEY, KIDDO. Finalist for a National Book Award! ★ "Honest, important, and timely." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ "A must have, this book will empower readers. —School Library Journal, starred review ★ "A nuanced graphic memoir...tells a story of identity." —Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ "Krosoczka has meticulously crafted a severely honest portrayal of addiction, resilient familial love, and the healing power of art..." —The Horn Book, starred review ★ "Deeply vulnerable..." —Booklist, starred review ABOUT HEY, KIDDO: A true story about how complicated the truth can be. In preschool, Jarrett Krosoczka's teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett's family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett's life. His father is a mystery -- Jarrett doesn't know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents -- two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along. Jarrett goes through his childhood trying to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding a way to express himself through drawing even as so little is being said to him about what's going on. Only as a teenager can Jarrett begin to piece together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother and tracking down his father. Hey, Kiddo is a profoundly important graphic memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction and finding the art that helps you survive. |
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
The Post on the death of Asterix translator Anthea Bell
Anthea Bell, deft translator of Asterix comics and literary classics, dies at 82 [in print as Anthea Bell, 82; Her literary fame came through deft translations].
TCJ looks at Annapolis' Dead Reckoning
New Publisher Dead Reckoning Tries A Big Entrance to the War Genre
Editorial cartoon from artleytoons
Monday, October 29, 2018
Editorial Cartoon from Artleytoons
—Steven G. Artley, artleytoons
©2018 Steven G. Artley • artleytoons • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
Dec 17: Smithsonian Associates hosts Garry Trudeau as a premium offer
Exclusive New Member Offer
Join as a Smithsonian Associates member and get free tickets to see Garry Trudeau of "Doonesbury" fame. Don't wait! We anticipate that this popular program will sell out to our members, so we are offering you early access.
Garry Trudeau and His "Doonesbury" World
Evening Program with Book Signing
Monday, December 17, 2018 at 6:45 p.m.
Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum
For nearly 50 years, "Doonesbury" has been more than a comic strip: It's a satirical, hilarious, and often unsettling examination of American political and cultural life through the eyes of Garry Trudeau. He takes a look at the world he invented—and the wider one today—in a conversation with Michael Cavna of the Washington Post's Comic Riffs blog.
Offer valid through December 17, 2018, 2 p.m. Subject to ticket availability. One-time-only offer. The offer does not apply to current Smithsonian Associates members. Please note that tickets will be released for sale to the public starting November 15, 2018.
Nov 2-4: Charles Vess in Baltimore
November 2-4, World Fantasy Convention in Baltimore MD. There'll also be an exhibit of many of the originals for The Book in the art room.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Meet a Visiting Comic Book Writer: A Chat with Nejc Juren of Slovenia
Early next month, DC will have the rare treat of two Slovenian cartoonists visiting to sign their Animal Noir graphic novel and open an exhibit of comic art at the Embassy of Slovenia. Last week, we interviewed Izar Lunaček.Today, we chat with Nejc Juren, the co-author of Animal Noir.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I write scripts. I'm so bad at drawing that I never dared to hope I could do any work in comics. However, I've always loved comics, and since I consider myself more of a storyteller then a writer, I jumped at the chance when Izar suggested we tell some stories together in comic book form. I truly believe comics are one of the best storytelling mediums. The possibilities here are endless.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
I try to adapt to the process of the illustrator. If he needs a panel by panel script, I try to write it that way, but I prefer the process to be more loose. I tell the illustrator the broad story and then I let his visual ideas guide and shape the script. With Izar, the process was just incredible. When we did Animal Noir we spent a couple of months just world-building. We really went into the foundation of the world those animals created. Then we created the long arc of the story (which has yet to be told and I guarantee is really epic) and only then all the small arcs, the first of which came out last year from IDW.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
I was born in 1982. Slovenia was a part of Yugoslavia and a socialist country. Yugoslavia dissolved when I was 8 years old and I grew up watching a lot of American television.
Where do you live now?
I live in Ljubljana, our nation's capital.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
I always got the worst marks in drawing. But I also always got the worst mark in music and now I make ends meet by writing comic scripts and running a semi-popular swing band. As for formal education, I finished law school.
Who are your influences?
René Goscinny, Allan Moore, Joan Sfar, Christophe Blain.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
I don't think I'd change anything. I kinda take it like this: it takes around 20 years to become a good storyteller. So that's a really long journey. And the more you meander, the more you get lost and side-tracked, the more walls you hit, all that should - by this theory - just add to your journey. That's why I'm trying to cherish all the wrong turns I take.
What work are you best-known for?
In comics, it's Animal Noir. However, in Slovenia I'm more known as a musician. This is my band, Počeni Škafi, if you want to check us out. I write all the lyrics and most of the music. In English, it means The Cracking Buckets. Our original singer's surname was Škafar, which means the bucket maker.We have an album on Spotify and all the other streaming sites, but a good sample is here: https://youtu.be/WM5yLKnJwl0
What work are you most proud of?
You'd make me choose among my children? Okay, check this video out. It's the first thing Izar and I did together. Dive is a short comic that was done as a music video for Fed Horses, a band I also write lyrics for. I'm really happy the way it turned out but I don't think the Youtube algorithm likes it too much.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
Izar and I are working on a comic called Thursday Girl that I think will be great. We're hoping to find a publisher soon so we can get our claws into it. I'm also preparing a collection of short stories that's going to get released next year.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I stop and let my brain solve it on it's own. I have a constant writer's block and usually resolves it self around deadlines. Or I find that a long walk or a long shower really helps.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
Who knows? But stories will always be important. And if by some chance the world gets overrun by amazing storytellers and will have no use for me, I'll just go back into law.
What conventions do you attend?
I usually go to the Angouleme festival in France. It's super nice.
Have you visited DC before?
Yes. I visited in 98. I was an international student at the Governor's school of South Carolina and we make a field trip.
If so, favorite thing? Least favorite? If not, what do you want to do?
I remember putting my finger into Einstein's nose.
If you've visited, what monument or museum do you like?
I guess the answer is again Einstein. I'm not into the big phallic monuments. I did enjoy the Air & Space Museum.
What can you tell us about your book that you're signing at Big Planet Comics?
One of Goodreads reviewers called it: so intensely overthought that it's hard to tell if it's good or just totally insane. I guess that's my work.
Did Animal Noir when we appear in the United States, or did it appear in your country first? How did you guys bring it to the attention of IDW? Did you do the English script yourselves?
Animal Noir came out in the US first. Some publishing houses in Slovenia liked it, but none wanted to risk the investment. The Slovenian comics market is very small. Our original plan was to find a publisher in France and the first few pages were drawn in a little larger format. When IDW showed interest, we adapted it to the floppy format and we re-wrote the script to fit it into 20-page episodes.
Izar met Ted Adams at the comics festival in Barcelona, pitched him the story and showed him a few pages. Ted liked it so much, he also took on the editing duties. It was surreal for us.
Yeah, we wrote Animal Noir in English. When in came out in Slovenia 6 months later, we needed to translate it into our mother tongue. Moreover, when we did the world-building we named everything in English with some reckless abandon, so we put ourselves in some tight spots when we needed to translate those names into Slovenian.
Do you have a website or blog?
No. But you can follow me on Instagram.
As Izar Lunaček noted on our blog last week:
The first days of November will see a double hit of Slovenian comics descend on Washington DC. On Thursday November 1st at 7PM, Nejc Juren and Izar Lunaček will swing by Big Planet Comics on U St., NW to talk about and sign their book Animal Noir, a comic thriller about a giraffe detective in a world of lion politicians and hippo mobsters that came out with IDW last year, and on the 2nd the same guys will open an exhibition on the vivid history of their own country's comics scene at the Slovenian embassy on California Street. Admission to both events is free and food and drinks might be served. Come on, come all, it'll be wonderfully fun!
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "It's Da' Bomb!"
"It's Da' Bomb!"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2623
So, this is how it ends – not with a whimper, but with a bang.
Mind you, the Democrats haven't given us anyone or anything to vote for since about 1972, and nowhere was this fact more glaring than in the past twenty-odd years since Bill'n'Hillary showed up and sucked all the oxygen out of the place.
So, here they are now, with no real record of progressive achievement in the past thirty years to point to, no real vision of a better future, pretty much nothing except to run against Russia and constantly scream at us to vote all friggin' day and night.
...and, while inspired by the Post headline, here's the song that was stuck in my head as I drew this; everybody has sappy old tunes they love in spite of themselves, and this is one of mine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPOy7TPjfkE