Thursday, March 19, 2020

Diamond Postpones Free Comic Book Day 2020


ess Contact

Ashton Greenwood

Diamond Comic Distributors

443-318-8209

gashton@diamondcomics.com

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Diamond Postpones Free Comic Book Day 2020

 

(BALTIMORE, MD) — (March 19, 2020) — As the impact and spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, Diamond Comic Distributors is aware that Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) will be impacted to varying degrees throughout the world. With that in mind, Diamond Comic Distributors has made the difficult decision to postpone the event to a date later in the Summer.

"The severity and timing of the impact of the COVID-19 virus can't be predicted with any certainty, but the safety of our retailer partners and comic book fans is too important to risk. As always, we appreciate your enthusiasm for and support of the comic industry's best event and look forward to celebrating with you later in the Summer," said Diamond Founder and CEO, Steve Geppi.

Free Comic Book Day 2020 offers a selection of 47 titles available absolutely free at participating local comic shops across the United States and around the world. The 47 titles represent a broad range of taste, from superheroes, to sci-fi, to action-adventure, slice-of-life, manga, and so much more! The Free Comic Book Day selection is designed to appeal to every type of reader out there.

Diamond will announce additional information soon regarding FCBD non-comic merchandise. As further updates become available, we will continue to share via the Official Free Comic Book Day website, as well as the Free Comic Book Day social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD) Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture. Based in Hunt Valley, MD, DCD is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.

 

© 2020 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, Diamond Books logo, and PREVIEWS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Barney & Clyde reprints due to blown deadline

On the venerable rec.arts.comics.strips, Horace LaBadie said, 

"The March 17, 2020 strip is a rerun of the June 27, 2013 strip, for those who obsess over such things. There might possibly be a few more.

It is apparently a problem with someone missing some deadlines. (Can I vague that up a little more, or what?)"

Today's is a repeat too. I'm not sure if Horace is co-writer Gene Weingarten or artist David Clark. I probably knew once. Coronavirus' fault I'm sure.

Cavna on international coronavirus cartoons

How the world's political artists are depicting the covid-19 pandemic

Michael Cavna 

March 18, 2020

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/03/18/coronavirus-political-cartoons/

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

PR: Small Press Expo Addresses Impact of Coronavirus on SPX 2020



For Immediate Release

Contact: Warren Bernard


Small Press Expo Addresses Impact of Coronavirus on SPX 2020

Bethesda, Maryland – March 17, 2020

Media Release - SPX 2020 is scheduled to be held this coming September 12 - 13, with both Exhibitor Registration and Ignatz Submissions beginning this month. We are extremely concerned about the short- and long-term impacts of the coronavirus/COVID-19 crisis on the SPX community.

While developing this course of action, our goal was to prioritize the physical and financial well-being of the community.

The following is how SPX will be handling the coronavirus issue going forward:

  • SPX will review the status of our 2020 event in late May/early June
  • Exhibitor invitations and the lottery will proceed the weekend of March 22
  • Table payments will be deferred until more clarity about the show emerges late May/early June
  • Ignatz Award submissions will temporarily shift to a digital format, details will be released the weekend of March 29, after which we will then accept submissions
  • SPX will provide online resources to help the comics community cope with financial and other impacts of the outbreak.

In response, SPX will take several immediate steps out of a desire to, as best we are able, protect our exhibitors and our volunteer staff. The SPX planning committee will continue to monitor the national and international impact of the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19 and act accordingly.

General Status of SPX 2020

SPX does not expect to make a determination about proceeding with, postponing, or, in the worst case, canceling this September's SPX 2020 until late May/early June. In the interim, SPX will proceed with our regular schedule for exhibitor registration, including the annual exhibitor lottery. SPX 2020 invitation and lottery information will be released the weekend of March 22.

Deferred Exhibitor Payments

While exhibitor registration will take place as normal in the coming weeks, SPX will defer table and badge payment until at least the late May/early June timeframe. We understand that the many event and freelance job cancellations currently taking place have placed a substantial and unexpected burden on creators and publishers. 

By shifting our payment schedule by several months, SPX hopes to help alleviate, where we can, the short-term burden of this crisis upon the indie comics community by not tying up crucial funds at this sensitive time and not requesting any payment until the status of the 2020 Expo is confirmed.

Digital Submissions for the Ignatz Awards

Full details on the Ignatz submission process will be made available the weekend of March 29.

Prior to this information being made available, please do not send any Ignatz submissions to SPX.

Given the recently reported likelihood that coronavirus/COVID-19 can remain active on cardboard and other surfaces for several days at a time and in order to protect our volunteer staff, who in a typical year process hundreds of submissions from all over the world, SPX will be moving temporarily to a digital submission process.

In previous years, potential Ignatz nominees were asked to submit six physical copies of their works to be distributed to the Ignatz Jurors, with one copy being preserved in the SPX permanent collection at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. For the 2020 Ignatz awards, SPX will request digital copies of all submissions, along with an optional single physical copy earmarked for the Library of Congress. 

Along with curtailing the potential spread of infection, the shift to digital submission will, we hope, also reduce the financial burden during this uncertain time on individual creators who wish to submit their works for consideration.

Online Resources for the SPX Community

Part of the Small Press Expo's mission is to help, as best we can, the SPX Community in uncertain times such as these. To that end, SPX has identified some online resources that contain information about various grants, relief funds and other mechanisms to hopefully aid the SPX Community in weathering the current circumstances:

Small Press Expo (SPX) is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons. SPX is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings together more than 650 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics, and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. The expo includes a series of panel discussions and interviews with this year's guests.

The Ignatz Award is a festival prize held every year at SPX recognizing outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, with the winners chosen by attendees at the show.
Small Press Expo
P.O. Box 5704
Bethesda, Maryland
20824
STAY CONNECTED
Small Press Expo | P.O. Box 5704, Bethesda, MD 20824

ICv2 talks to 3rd Eye Comics

April 25: Rafer Roberts at Fantom Comics





April 25 2020

Pop Culture Uncovered Live with Rafer Roberts!


· Hosted by Fantom Comics


  • Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 4 PM – 5:30 PM

  • Fantom Comics
    2010 P St NW, 3rd Floor, Washington D.C. 20036

PCU is back with a spotlight interview with Rafer Roberts, co-creator of Grumble, Modern Fantasy, and writer of many other comics!

You can check out more great pop culture content check out PCU on their various social media platforms and on their website for articles you can enjoy!

Rescheduled from Saturday, March 28, 2020 

Monday, March 16, 2020

Washingtonian on Mo Willems' doodle project

Mo Willems Is Hosting a Livestream Doodle Every Week, Starting Today

Yes! Said every parent of littles everywhere.

Chicago's Flyboy and Lil Mama in the Post

In Chicago, muralist Hebru Brantley's outdoor art moves inside [in print as Chicago muralist creates a lair for his street-art superheroes].

Editorial Cartoon by Steve Artley


Catching up with editorial cartoonist Al Goodwyn

by Mike Rhode

You're one of the few rare conservative political cartoonists...

And getting rarer, along with political cartoonists in general.  It's tough to see great cartoonists being let go by their home newspapers.  But it's happening more and more frequently. 

We last did an interview in 2011. The field has been shrinking for everyone, but you've been keeping busy since then.

At that time I wasn't doing much in the way of political cartoons, mostly gag cartoons.  I blame it on my day job for keeping me so busy.  Commuting into and out of DC every day was also cutting into my available time.  As I got near retirement age, I decided to give the political cartooning a new push to see if it would keep me occupied in retirement.  That happened to work out better than I thought, so I hit the virtual retirement button last June. 

You started a political newsletter/blog Confederacy of Drones in 2017, retired from your full-time job in 2019, been hired as an editorial cartoonist by SC's Aiken Standard, provided an illustration for an anti-Trump book, and now you've done the illustrations for the polemical children's book "Help! Mom! The Swamp is in my School".

The blog was something I always wanted to do but just kept putting off.  As they say, starting's the hardest part.  Over a couple of beers, a friend of mine provided encouragement for a collaborative effort and Confederacy of Drones was born.  Beer is amazing. The blog let me exercise my editorial satire, political cartooning and general snarkiness.  On a whim, I approached the Washington Examiner.  They were very open to discussing my political cartoons and ended up using a few and even gave me an opportunity to do several covers for the magazine.  From there I did work for The Hill, local Virginia newspapers, the Aiken Standard, online political sites and the books.  I even managed getting cartoons recently in the Washington Post and Politico. 

So how's retirement treating you? 

My worry prior to retirement was that I wouldn't have enough activities to occupy my time.  I don't know how it's possible but I feel busier now than when I was working full time and cartooning.  

How did you get the "Help! Mom! The Swamp is in my School" book job with Katharine DeBrecht? It appears the three previous books in the series are illustrated by Jim Hummel.

Katharine had seen some of my work and reached out to gauge my interest.  Her book would involve around 20 illustrations, plus be needed in a condensed time frame.  This schedule didn't work out for Hummel so she reached out to me.  Katharine had already written the book and knew what she wanted in the illustrations, so it was clear from the start what was needed.  

Is this book a work-for-hire job, or something closer to a partnership?

Strictly work-for-hire but I still considered it a partnership.  We spoke by phone or email almost daily as I put together roughs, offered suggestions for each illustration's layout and got feedback from her.   She was phenomenal to work with and it turned into a great collaboration.   

How did you do the art? Did the author provide any guidance, or leave it up to you? Are you digital at all yet?

She provided the illustration's message, identified the setting, and who she wanted in it.  I'd generally sketch something out really rough if I wanted her to consider changes and what those might look like, otherwise, I'd provide a more final product for her review.  I drew them on Bristol board by hand, scanned them and then did all color and clean up digitally.  That's typical of how I do all cartoons. 

Does the book match with your personal politics? We don't often get into politics on this blog, but I'm curious. Do you support the current turn the Republican Party has taken?

I wouldn't do an illustration that I couldn't get behind, so yes the book was a good match.  The author of the anti-Trump book I supported a couple of years ago had asked me to do many of the cartoons but I knew those wouldn't have hit the mark he wanted.  The one cartoon I provided was on Trump's rash of firings at the time.  As far as the Republican Party, I support many of their efforts as a conservative but they've failed when it comes to fiscal responsibility.  I do like that Trump's helped them find a collective spine.  Unfortunately, his spine-development efforts also come at a price that includes dumb tweets, name-calling, and a new standard for narcissism.  

What other conservative cartoonists do you follow regularly?  

Michael Ramirez, Lisa Benson, Gary Varvel,  Rick McKee, Steve Kelley, David Hitch, plus others.
 
Are there any liberal cartoonists you keep up with? 

Quite a few actually.  Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Signe Wilkinson, Jimmy Margulies, Rob Rogers, Joe Heller, and more.  There are several sites that provide a great cross-section of cartoonists such as Arcamax.com.  You can find my cartoons there as well. 

How about other types of cartooning? We most recently saw each other at a Pixar movie talk. Anything or any one you'd like to recommend?

I really appreciate anyone who pours out their creativity via cartooning and animation.  There's something about the drive to create that keeps people engaged regardless of the obstacles they face.  My recommendation is to support all of those creative types, buy their books, see their movies and recognize the creative passion that goes into their work.

Here's a recent Virginia Press Association interview with Al.

PR: Spend lunchtime with Mo Willems! via the Kennedy Center

Lunch time is way more fun with Mo! Grab your paper and pencil and bring your imagination to life.

Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle, and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo's studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. You can see each weekday's new video at 1 p.m. ET.

Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence at Home 

A note from Mo!

When I became the Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence, I didn't realize the most impactful word in that title would be "Residence."

With millions of learners attempting to grow and educate themselves in new circumstances, I have decided to invite everyone into my studio once a day for the next few weeks.

Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons. We are going to doodle together and explore ways of writing and making.

If you have questions for me, send them to LUNCHDOODLES@kennedy-center.org and I might get to answer them.

You might be isolated, but you're not alone. You are an art maker. Let's make some together.

I'll see you at 1 p.m. ET weekdays for LUNCH DOODLES and I hope you'll keep making art even after my visit!

Call us at (202) 467-4600 | Toll Free (800) 444-1324 | Groups (202) 416-8400

For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by David M. Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program.

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2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 

(202) 467-4600

Big Planet Comics Bethesda Special notice on coronavirus - changed hours


Dear Customers,

In light of the current situation, we will be changing the hours at the Bethesda store in order to protect Joel, who at age 70 is considered high risk.

We will now be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and closing at 7 on Wednesdays. Otherwise, all operations should remain the same. Joel will continue in a back-office role, just from his home office. And Greg will be behind the counter Wednesday-Sunday to serve your comic and graphic novel needs.

Sorry for the inconvenience. We hope to return to normal operations whenever it is prudent to do so.

Thanks,

Joel & Greg


Our mailing address is:
Big Planet Comics
4849 Cordell Ave.
Bethesda, Md 20814

Friday, March 13, 2020

Cavna on Comic Con's Coronavirus Cancellations

Fan conventions are being postponed amid covid-19 concerns — but Comic-Con is still a go

Michael Cavna 

Washington Post March 13, 2020

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/03/13/fan-conventions-are-being-postponed-amid-covid-19-concerns-comic-con-is-still-go/

Herblock Prize ceremony and lecture cancelled

I received the following email today:

The Herblock Prize & Lecture event at the Library of Congress on April 6, 2020 has been cancelled.

 

Due to the closing of the Library of Congress and concerns over coronavirus The Herb Block Foundation decided that it is in everyone's best interest to cancel the event.

 

We will let you know if this event will be rescheduled or if we will see you in 2021.

Latest Liz at Large in City Paper

Liz At Large: "Forever"

And ever?

Liz Montague
March 13 2020

The Post reviews Bloodshot

In 'Bloodshot,' Vin Diesel glowers and growls as a bionic assassin [in print as Vin Diesel glowers and growls as a comic book-inspired assassin]

Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo To Close March 14

As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), all Smithsonian museums including the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the National Zoo in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and in New York City, will temporarily close to the public starting Saturday, March 14.

The health and safety of Smithsonian visitors, staff and volunteers is a top priority. We are closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and maintain ongoing communication with local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on a week-to-week basis on our websites.

Follow the Smithsonian on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for immediate updates @smithsonian.

In the meantime, we invite you to explore the Smithsonian's online resources by visiting www.si.edu and www.asia.si.edu for more information on virtual exhibitions, online collections and educational resources.

We appreciate your understanding at this time and we look forward to seeing you when we are able to reopen.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Malaka Gharib vs Coronavirus transmission

COMIC: I Spent A Day In Coronavirus Awareness Mode. Epidemiologists, How Did I Do?

March 22: (A Mini) Zine Fest @ Femme Fatale DC CANCELLED

A Message from Allie Anindita/@sanedoodles :

Hi everyone – I'm sorry to announce that this event is postponed for the time being. The other artists and I are putting our public health-hats on and agree that it is best to delay until the COVID-19 virus is contained in the DMV, for our health and yours. I will hopefully provide an update in early May as to if/when it's back on.

In the meantime, all of us will be sharing the zines and artwork on Instagram on the original date of the zine fest! Search #FFDCzinefest on Sunday, March 22 to check out the good stuff. You can also follow each of the artists for their usual content:

Stay healthy, and hopefully see you in a few weeks!

Library of Congress closed to visitors as of this evening

Library of Congress Announces Limited Access to Facilities until April 1

Out of an abundance of caution, all Library of Congress buildings and facilities will be closed to the public starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 12, until Thursday, April 1, 2020 at 8 a.m. to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 coronavirus. Library employees, contractors, authorized visitors and other credentialed Capitol Hill staff will continue to have access to the buildings. During the closure, all Library-sponsored public programs are postponed or cancelled through the end of March.

Whenever possible, the Library will reschedule the public programs originally scheduled during the closure period. We will also provide regular public updates on the operating status of Library facilities.

Because the health and safety of Library employees and visitors is our first priority, the Library is carefully and continuously monitoring information from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention, local area health departments, and our Federal partners so the Library can respond rapidly as conditions change regarding COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Library has increased cleaning of restrooms, public spaces and elevator lobbies, and has installed additional hand sanitizer stations.

The public can still access many Library resources through LOC.gov, Ask a Librarian and Congress.gov. If you are a user of the U.S. Copyright Office's services, submit your applications online, browse FAQs, and submit emails with questions through copyright.gov. You may also reach the Copyright Office by phone at (202) 707-3000.

More information about the Library of Congress' response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic can be found at: https://www.loc.gov/coronavirus/

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. 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 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.