Friday, July 10, 2020

The history of the Boondocks, starting at the U of Maryland

The untold truth of The Boondocks
By Brian Boone
Looper July 9, 2020

Linda Holmes reviews 'The Old Guard'

'The Old Guard' Is A Smart Blend Of Action And Emotion

KiKi Layne, Luca Marinelli, Charlie Theron, and Marwan Kenzari are part of The Old Guard in Netflix's film of the same name.

Netflix

Thursday, July 09, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Steve Artley

Recent Cartoon on the SCOTUS decision regarding POTUS' tax returns (click on Image for larger view)

"Themis for the Plebeians"
©2020 Steven G Artley • artleytoons • all rights reserved

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

PR: Announcing Dead Reckoning Fall 2020 Titles




Dead Reckoning announces three new graphic novels in Fall 2020.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


By Jean-Yves Delitte and Giuseppe Baiguera

In the history of civilizations, sea power has always played a preponderant role. This symbol of a nation’s scientific and military genius has very often been the deciding factor during major conflicts, putting the names of several clashes down into legend. With this collection, Jean-Yves Delitte and Giuseppe Baiguera plunge you into the heart of three of the twentieth century’s greatest naval battles:
Tsushima, Jutland, and Midway.

“This is an immersive tour of war at sea in the twentieth century that brings readers alongside sailors and pilots in the battles that shaped the modern world. Delitte and Baiguera are masters of the form, crafting elaborate comics art to recreate time and place in ways that will transport, teach, and thrill you.” —Jeff Parker (James Bond: Origin, X-men First Class, The Hulk and Batman ’66)

9781682475249 | 21 October 2020 | Paperback and eBook | $24.95

Edited by Michael J. Vassallo; Art Restoration by Allan Harvey

Atlas at War! collects fifty hard-hitting stories from Atlas Comics, the company that became Marvel Comics and published more war titles than anyone in the industry between 1951 and 1960. Comics historian Dr. Michael J. Vassallo has chosen the best of the best, many of which are coming back into print for the first time, from sixteen different Atlas war titles and featuring the artwork of twenty different artists—giants of the genre, including Russ Heath, John Severin, Bernie Krigstein, Joe Maneely, Jerry Robinson, Steve Ditko, and Jack Kirby. Each page has been meticulously restored from its first printing by comic art restorer Allan Harvey.

Atlas at War! covers the brutal pre-code period where graphic depictions of war action were rendered by artists who were World War II veterans themselves, as well as the post-code period, where code restrictions forced creators to tell stories without graphic violence but produced some of the most beautiful comic art of the genre. In addition to the artists, stories cover all aspects of war—from famous campaigns, weaponry, and personal soldier stories to political topics, Nazi atrocities, and even one story tinged with pre-code horror! Often overlooked in favor of its competitors, Atlas at War! will finally show that Atlas’ war titles were second to no one.

“Michael Vassallo knows more than anybody in the Marvel Universe about the rich history of the company's comics. His grasp and insights are astonishing! Make mine Michael's!” —Craig Yoe, curator of Don Winslow of the Navy and Marvel Masterwork Pin-Ups

Atlas at War! is a treasure trove of lost war classics.”
—PJ Holden, artist for The Stringbags

9781682474709 | 9 September 2020 | Hardcover and eBook | $65.00

Written by Salva Rubio; Drawn by Pedro J. Colombo; Colored by Aintzane Landa

This is a dramatic retelling of true events in the life of Francisco Boix, a Spanish press photographer and communist who fled to France at the beginning of World War II. But there, he found himself handed over by the French to the Nazis, who sent him to the notorious Mauthausen concentration camp, where he spent the war among thousands of other Spaniards and other prisoners. More than half of them would lose their lives there. Through an odd turn of events, Boix finds himself the confidant of an SS officer who is documenting prisoner deaths at the camp. Boix realizes that he has a chance to prove Nazi war crimes by stealing the negatives of these perverse photos—but only at the risk of his own life, that of a young Spanish boy he has sworn to protect, and, indeed, that of every prisoner in the camp.

Now a major motion picture streaming on Netflix.

9781682476277 | 11 November 2020 | Paperback and eBook | $19.95



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Politics and Prose sessions with Tom Angleberger, Breena Bard, Maria Scrivan, and Rob Harrell

I watched both of these live, and bought most of the books. I've read Harrell's Wink so far and it's excellent.

Graphix Panel - Tom Angleberger, Breena Bard, and Maria ScrivanJoin us for an afternoon with three graphic novelists as they discuss their delightful new releases. Each artist will share their art onscreen or do a live drawing demonstration. In the first graphic novel starring the world-famous mystery-solving mouse, Geronimo Stilton tries to uncover the source of a terrible smell pervading New Mouse City. Self-doubt is a major theme in Nat Enough, which follows a middle schooler who constantly compares herself to others. Difficult decisions abound in Trespassers, as a 13-year-old and her new friend break into an abandoned lake house to investigate the disappearance of the wealthy couple who lived there. Ages 8-13.


Rob Harrell, "Wink"
Ross Maloy's life was "normal" until he discovered a lump over his right eye. Now he's navigating seventh grade with a terrifying cancer diagnosis—and a cowboy hat to keep UV rays off his face.  As he tries to deflect some classmates' well-meaning yet exhausting pity and others' cruel memes, he finds an outlet in music. With his old best friend and an unlikely new one, Ross channels his rage into this thrilling new language. Inspired by the author's life, this empathetic and absolutely uproarious novel will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the value of blending in. Ages 9-12.

Monday, July 06, 2020

The Post on animation voice actors and race

'The Simpsons' and 'Big Mouth' are recasting nonwhite roles. But it's about more than finding the right voices. [in print as As animated shows recast nonwhite roles, it's about more than the right voice].

Cartooning in the hands of idiots can be dangerous

Kansas GOP official apologizes for cartoon comparing mask mandate to the Holocaust

Post's best of Covid-19 art includes 3 cartoonists


Natalie Dupille, Tomás Serrano, and Graeme MacKay are the 3 cartoonists who have work selected.

The best art created by Washington Post readers during the pandemic

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post JULY 6, 2020
https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2020/07/06/art-pandemic-readers/

The Washington Post recently asked readers to share artwork that they have been creating during the pandemic, and received more than 650 submissions.

Art came from near (Washington and its surrounding states) and far (Germany and England, with a nod to Guatemala). The entrants spanned from tweens to artists in their 90s. And the choice of media included oil and acrylic, flowers, cinder blocks, a dryer sheet and hot glue.

The Post considered not only the quality and creativity of the art, but also the fascinating accompanying backstories. Enduring quarantines, some artists rendered what isolation and loneliness felt like, while others depicted longed-for social scenes from a pre-pandemic time.

Sunday, July 05, 2020

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Covid Brunch"

From Mike Flugennock, DC's anarchist cartoonist -

"Covid Brunch"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=3022

Here in Washington, DC, we're in Phase II of Pretending It's All Over And Everything's OK — that is, "reopening the economy". Right about now, some restaurants are re-opening for socially-distanced dine-in — meaning, of course, lots of waitstaff and bartenders working for crap wages plus tips, many threatened with firing, desperately trying to avoid infection by getting themselves up like dentists in order to serve maskless, feckless, blissfully ignorant bougie America.

Yet another one inspired by this classic tweet from Benjamin Dixon:

"Bruh, if your waiter looks like this, that means you need to take your bourgeoisie ass home and learn to cook until this thing is over"
https://twitter.com/BenjaminPDixon/status/1278451410351394819

Angouleme comics museum bookstore recommends Bloom by Panetta

This is a translation of their Facebook post. It's a very good museum and a great bookstore. I loved visiting it last year. (Thanks to Greg Bennett for the tip)
la librairie de la bande dessinée et de l'image
July 4 2020

🕶☀️ Summer selection ☀️🕶

Here we go again for our summer reading tips! 🤩
Every Sunday, we will share a perfect comic book to accompany your beautiful and big holidays, your nice little weekend or simply to relax in the evening at home

Starting today with the choice of Lou and his favorite title, presented on the page not long ago: "The flavor of spring", by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau at the éditions Jungle.
Ideal when the sun goes down and the air cools, the story of a rising love between a few notes of music and a lot of kneaded bread dough.

Saturday, July 04, 2020

Al Goodwyn takes 2nd place in Green Eyeshade Awards



Editorial Cartoon / Newspapers

  • First Place: Freelance – Robert Ariail, 2019 cartoons
  • Second Place: Aiken Standard – Al Goodwyn, Al Goodwyn Collection
  • Third Place: Chattanooga Times Free Press – Clay Bennett, The Editorial Cartoons of Clay Bennett
Since 1950, The Green Eyeshades have recognized the very best journalism in the southeastern United States – which now includes print, television, radio, and online.

Thanks to DD Degg of the Daily Cartoonist for spotting this.

Tom King writes the American Way for Superman

Cavna on the latest political cartoon controversy

How a newspaper cartoon with a swastika-wearing Trump roiled a Florida community

Alexandra Bowman talks to India's "Wade" animation directors



"Wade" Co-Directors on Discussing Climate Change Through 2D Animation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nNKLXQZkK4&t=1s

"Wade" Co-Directors on Animation Inspiration, Production, and Self-Distribution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWWjJfPMxlk&t=2s

"Ghost Animation" Co-Founders on Creating an Animation Studio, and Animating for Amazon and Google https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13X3_mGkGI8&t=2s


From the press release -
Upamanyu Bhattacharyya and Kalp Sanghvi's 'Wade' addresses the dangerous sea rising levels in Kolkata, India



Upamanyu Bhattacharyya and Kalp Sanghvi's Wade addresses the importance of climate change by focusing on the dangerous sea rising levels in India. This stunning animation will be screening online as part of Annecy International Animated Film Festival in June and Palm Springs International Shortfest also in June where it will be competing for the Best of the Festival Award and Best Animated Short.

In an imagined future where Kolkata is rendered unlivable by rising sea level, things take a dark turn when a family of climate change refugees are ambushed by a tiger in the flooded streets.

Co-director Upamanyu Bhattacharyya is an animator, filmmaker, comic artist and illustrator. Upamanyu co-directed the highly acclaimed short film Wade with Kalp Sanghvi. As a founding partner of Ghost Animation in Kolkata, he has worked on a wide range of animation and illustration projects for clients including Google, Amazon, and Penguin. Bhattacharyya worked on the title sequence for acclaimed director Mani Ratnam's film OK Kanmani, storyboarded his other film Kaatru Veliyidai and has also worked with Academy Award winning composer A.R. Rahman to create storyboards for his VR project Le Musk.  Currently, he is finishing his work on his next solo animated short Ten, a dark comedy about the mass exodus from Bangladesh in 1971 and is developing his animated feature City of Threads, set in Ahmedabad in the 1960's.

Co-director Kalp Sanghvi is also an animation filmmaker and illustrator who co-founded Ghost Animation in Kolkata in 2015. He has worked on various animation and illustration projects for clients including Amazon and Sony Entertainment India. Kalp has worked on title sequences for feature films including acclaimed director Umesh Shukla's 102 Not Out, featuring Amitabh Bachchan & Rishi Kapoor. 
He is developing his first animated series Rajbari: The Ancestral House, a fantasy family drama set in Kolkata and working on an animated short film about tiger conservation in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India called Remains.

Wade has currently applied to over 60 festivals and its selections so far include 
Palm Springs International Short Fest, Brooklyn Film Festival (Best Film, Audience Award), ITFS Stuttgart, Krakow Film Festival, Animayo Film Festival (Best Art Direction) and OFF Odense International Film Festival.

This film screened online as part of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on June 15th to June 30th and won the "City of Annecy" Award and at Palm Springs International ShortFest on June 16th to June 22nd.

Editorial Cartoon by Steve Artley

Recent Cartoon (click on Image for larger view)

"Saint Putingrad"
©2020 Steven G. Artley • artleytoons • all rights reserved

Friday, July 03, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Steve Artley

Reprise of a 2014 Cartoon following Redskins owner declaring there will be no name change, It uses the famous 1911 sculpture by James Earl Frazier on the shameful treatment and ultimate defeat of Native Americans — (click on Image for larger view).


"End of the Scale"
©2020 Steven G Artley • All Rights Reserved

New Kickstarter from Rafer Roberts



Nightmare the Rat Strikes Again!


Nightmare the Rat Strikes Again!

The second tabloid-sized Nightmare the Rat collection, an homage to early 1900s comic strips, printed like an actual newspaper!

by Rafer Roberts


Story

My name is Rafer Roberts. You may (or may not) know me from such comics as GRUMBLE (from Albatross Funnybooks), MODERN FANTASY (from Dark Horse Comics), HARBINGER or ARCHER AND ARMSTRONG (from Valiant Entertainment), or the internet-famous THANOS AND DARKSEID: CARPOOL BUDDIES OF DOOM. But, right now, I'm here to tell you about NIGHTMARE THE RAT.

NIGHTMARE THE RAT is a mischievous little monster who preys upon the populace of Hell City by stealing their teeth. I began drawing his comics in 2010 and released a collection in 2014. Since then, I've been working diligently to complete Nightmare's tale. That day has finally arrived.

This Kickstarter is meant to raise the funds to publish the second, and final, NIGHTMARE THE RAT collection. 

NIGHTMARE THE RAT - The NEW collection!

About the collection:

NIGHTMARE THE RAT is an homage to early 1900s comics and the collected editions reflect that influence. This 32-page collection will be printed oversized (10.5"x16") on good old-fashioned newsprint with bonus comics and a sketchbook. It's the same format as the first collection, so they'll look great together! 

Put them side-by-side! They look great together!

This second collection completes Nightmare's tale, concluding with a finale that might be the most messed-up thing I've ever drawn. It is creepy and hilarious and unlike any other comic you have ever read.

Seriously. What the hell is this about?

Nightmare the Rat is a demon who steals people's teeth, forcibly sometimes.

His nemesis is a tiny owl named Morningbreath who poops in people's mouths.

The mayor and his goon squad are always trying to take Nightmare down!

Also, there's a cult and some kind of apocalyptic prophecy???

You can currently read most of Nightmare's adventures online, however, the collected editions are the intended reading experience. 


Baltimore's David Plunkert interviewed by Steve Heller


The Daily Heller: A Commingle of David Plunkert’s Line and Collage

Steven Heller
June 30 2020
https://www.printmag.com/post/the-daily-heller-a-commingle-of-david-plunkert-s-line-and-collage

Malaka Gharib's coronavirus cartoon for the New Yorker

How to Guilt People Into Wearing a Face Mask

Thursday, July 02, 2020

Goodwyn Cartoons 7/3/20

Goodwyn Cartoons 7/3/20 is Al Goodwyn's latest newsletter.

Bianca Xunise in The Lily

It's not my job to absolve your white guilt

It should not take our deaths for people to realize our worth

It's not my job to absolve your white guilt

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "So Over Quarantine"

From Mike Flugennock, DC's anarchist cartoonist -

"So Over Quarantine"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=3016

All across the US, the economy is "reopening". Despite new cases hitting a new record, cities all over the country are beginning to re-open bars and restaurants so that selfish, pasty-assed, whiny, non-mask-wearing America can go out and be served by people working with little or no adequate protection for crap wages and crap benefits  — or often, no benefits at all. In my own hometown of Washington DC, we're currently in Phase II of Pretending It's Over And Everything Is OK.

      "Bruh, if your waiter looks like this, that means you need to take your bourgeoisie ass home and learn to cook until this thing is over"

             —Benjamin P. Dixon @BenjaminPDixon on Twitter, 07.01.2020

Cavna on protest and mask editorial cartoons

How cartoons are chronicling the battle between mask wearers and Trump

Is Tom King writing a Watchmen sequel?

Bleeding Cool thinks he is.

Will Tom King and Jorge Fornés' Watchmen Comic Be Announced Soon?

Dave Whamond influenced by Richard Thompson

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

Cinema Rex animation interview parts 3-5 online now

"Cinema Rex" Co-Directors on Telling a Story through a Child's Eyes (Interview Part 3/5)

Jul 1, 2020

We sat down with Mayan Engelman and Eliran Peled, co-directors of the upcoming 2-D animated film and recent winner of the Canal + Youth Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, "Cinema Rex," to talk about how to tell a story from the perspective of a child--particularly a ten-year-old. 

"Cinema Rex" Co-Directors on Creating Films and Characters for a Wide Audience (Interview Part 4/5)

Jul 1, 2020

We sat down with Mayan Engelman and Eliran Peled, co-directors of the upcoming 2-D animated film and recent winner of the Canal + Youth Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, "Cinema Rex," to talk about how they have created a story and characters with the goal of appealing to children as well as viewers of all ages.

"Cinema Rex" Co-Directors on the Future of Movie Theaters Post-COVID (Interview Part 5/5)

Jul 1, 2020
We sat down with Mayan Engelman and Eliran Peled, co-directors of the upcoming 2-D animated film and recent winner of the Canal + Youth Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, "Cinema Rex," to talk about what they envision for the future of the movie theater in light of COVID-19.


Co-Directors Mayan Engelman and Eliran Peled on Personal and Historical Storytelling in "Cinema Rex"

Co-Directors Mayan Engelman and Eliran Peled on Personal and Historical Storytelling in "Cinema Rex"

Alexandra Bowman.

We sat down with Mayan Engelman and Eliran Peled, co-directors of the upcoming 2-D animated film and recent winner of the Canal + Youth Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, "Cinema Rex," to talk about how they are using their personal stories to adapt historical events into an animated film. Hosted and edited by Alexandra Bowman.

Pop Mhan Comix has a new YouTube Channel

Local cartoonist Pop Mhan has started a tutorial channel on YouTube and has about fifteen videos online now at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCipchgDgYFXKCkfXtIBwkOQ

"Cinema Rex" Co-Directors on Animation vs. Live-Action Filmmaking

"Cinema Rex" Co-Directors on Animation vs. Live-Action Filmmaking

Alexandra Bowman

We sat down with Mayan Engelman and Eliran Peled, co-directors of the upcoming 2-D animated film and recent winner of the Canal + Youth Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, "Cinema Rex," to talk about storytelling in live-action vs. animation and how they have navigated the Israeli film market. Hosted and edited by Alexandra Bowman. "The Hilltop Show" is Georgetown University's political comedy webseries and talk show. If you get your news from us, you have our condolences. Buy Hilltop Show merch here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...

Steve Geppi returns to leading his companies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Message from Steve Geppi

 

(BALTIMORE, MD) — (July 1, 2020) —

Good Morning, 

Today I am announcing an organizational change that will help us lean even further into the many opportunities to elevate our industry, our business and our brands in this fast-moving and evolving marketplace. 

Effective immediately, I am reassuming the role of President, Geppi Family Enterprises (GFE), in addition to my position as Chairman & CEO. Stan Heidmann will be departing the organization. I thank him for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.  

As you know, I have a strong history of growing and leading this organization for several decades and I am energized about our next phase. I am supported by an exceptionally talented executive leadership team with deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to our industry as well as by the incredible teams they have built. I am proud and privileged to work with such amazing people. 

Under my guidance, the executive leadership team will support a comprehensive strategic review to position the enterprise for future growth. I feel a tremendous responsibility to our employees and the industry, and I fully intend to set all Geppi Family Enterprise brands on a path for robust growth. I am confident we have the right leadership with talented teams in place and I see enormous opportunities for GFE. 

You will be hearing more from me in the coming weeks as I am committed to keeping you all informed and involved. Be well, and I hope you find some time this holiday weekend to relax and recharge. Thank you for your continued support. I appreciate all you do. 


Image
Steve Geppi
Chairman, President & CEO
Geppi Family Enterprises 

 

***

 

ABOUT GEPPI FAMILY ENTERPRISES (GFE) Geppi Family Enterprises (GFE) has served as the nexus of comics and pop culture since 1982. GFE is comprised of 11 brands in the US and the UK, including Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors. GFE provides a multi-channel platform of publishing, marketing and fulfillment services, coupled with an unparalleled global distribution network for retailers, publishers and vendors. What started as one man's hobby, with a single warehouse and 17 retail customers, has evolved into the Geppi Family Enterprises of today: the largest distributor of English language comics, graphic novels and pop culture related merchandise worldwide.