VT – Graphic Memoir Panel
March 1, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Comic Strips, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Vermont, Webcomics
Cartoonists Jennifer Hayden, James Kochalka, and Glynnis Fawkes appear at Phoenix Books on Thursday, March 24th at 6:30 PM for a Graphic Memoir Panel! Our three visiting authors will each read a selection from their work, then open the floor to questions about the graphic memoir medium from the audience.
ADMISSION: Tickets are $3 per person, and include a coupon for $5 off a book by a featured author. Coupons expire at closing the evening of the event. Seating is limited.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Glynnis Fawkes draws comics, makes paintings, and does archaeological illustration. Her background is in art and art history: a BA from University of Oregon, a BFA from the Pacific NW College of Art, and MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and Tufts University. During a Fulbright fellowship to Cyprus, she published a book of paintings, Archaeology Lives in Cyprus, and a book of cartoons, Cartoons of Cyprus (2001). She spent a almost 10 years working as an illustrator on archaeological projects and excavations in Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Israel, and Lebanon, and she continues to work in Greece. She teaches a course in Comics at the University of Vermont and runs the open life drawing at Burlington City Arts. Glynnis a member of the NY-based web comic collective Activatecomix.com and publishes on Muthamagazine.com.
Jennifer Hayden, author of The Story of My Tits, came to comics from fiction-writing and children’s book illustration. Her first Top Shelf book, the autobiographical collection Underwire, was excerpted in Best American Comics 2013 and named one of “the best comics by women” by DoubleX. She is a member of ACT-I-VATE (the premier webcomics collective in New York City), her webcomic S’crapbook earned a Notable listing in Best American Comics 2012, and she continues to update the diary strip Rushes at thegoddessrushes.blogspot.
James Kochalka is the first official Cartoonist Laureate of the state of Vermont, appointed in 2011. His comics have been published internationally by almost every alternative comics publisher; he’s recorded several music albums under the name James Kochalka Superstar (making him a favorite at college radio stations across the country); and he’s developed animated cartoons for Nickelodeon and Cartoon Hangover. Among his best known works are the Monkey vs Robot series, the superpowered frathouse comedy SuperF*ckers, the beloved Johnny Boo and Dragon Puncher series for children, and his magnum opus, the decade-plus span of daily diary comics known as American Elf. James lives in Burlington, Vermont with his wife Amy, their two sons, and their cats, all of whom appear frequently in his comics.
Phoenix Books
191 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401
802.448.3350
NYC – An Evening of Graphic Novels
November 23, 2015 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, New York, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Webcomics
Dean Haspiel, Gregory Benton, and Jennifer Hayden appear at BookCourt on Thursday December 3, 2015 at 7:00PM!
Press Release:
Celebrate some of today’s top graphic novelists! Dean Haspiel, Gregory Benton, and Jennifer Hayden read from the most recent work with a special reading from the work of the late Seth Kushner.
About Beef with Tomato:
A native New York bruiser is fed up with life in the dregs of a drug-addled Alphabet City where his neighbors are shut-ins and his bicycle is always getting stolen. He escapes from Manhattan to make a fresh start in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, only to face a new strain of street logic—where most everything he encounters is not as it seems.
About Smoke:
After an accident on an industrial farm unhinges two young brothers from reality, they are guided through a weird and wonderful journey by Xolo, the Aztec’s mythological protector of souls. Follow the brothers through a typical day, from their arrival at an industrial tobacco farm bussed in with others early in the morning, throughout their grueling chores and ultimately to the event that drops them into the realm of the Xolo.
About Schmuck:
Schmuck drips with self-loathing, near-sightedness, and sexually frustrated Ashkenazi goodness. In Schmuck, Kushner tells “true” stories based on his own mishaps and mortifying memories, which are energetically illustrated by the cream of the indie comix crop.”—Megan Sass, Heeb Magazine
One man’s awkward coming-of-age-quest to find love in New York City, illustrated by twenty-two artists, whose individual short stories together tell a complete narrative.
About
When Jennifer Hayden was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43, she realized that her tits told a story. Across a lifetime, they’d held so many meanings: hope and fear, pride and embarrassment, life and death. And then they were gone. Now, their story has become a way of understanding her story. For everyone who’s faced cancer personally, or watched a loved one fight that battle, Hayden’s story is a much-needed breath of fresh air, an irresistible blend of sweetness and skepticism. Rich with both symbolism and humor, The Story of My Tits will leave you laughing, weeping, and feeling grateful for every day.
Emmy award winner Dean Haspiel created Billy Dogma, illustrated for HBO’s Bored To Death, was a Master Artist at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, is a Yaddo fellow, a playwright, and the co-founder of Hang Dai Editions. Dino has written, drawn, and collaborated on many superhero and semi-autobiographical comix and graphic novels, including Fear My Dear, The Quitter, The Alcoholic, Cuba: My Revolution, The Fox, and Beef With Tomato.
Gregory Benton has been making comix since 1993. He cut his teeth on the political anthology World War 3, moving on to writing and drawing stories for Nickelodeon, Vertigo, DC Comics, Disney Adventures, Watson-Guptil, Entertainment Weekly, and his books Hummingbird and B+F.
Jennifer Hayden came to comics from fiction-writing and children’s book illustration. Her first collection of comics UNDERWIRE was excerpted in the Best American Comics of 2013. Her new book THE STORY OF MY TITS–a graphic novel about her life and her experience with breast cancer–will be released in September 2015. Her work has appeared in various anthologies and she posts two strips on the web: S’CRAPBOOK at activatecomix.com and her diary comic RUSHES at the goddessrushes.blogspot.com. She lives in New Jersey with her two cats, the dog, her husband, and sometimes their two college-age children.
Book Court
163 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: (718) 875-3677
MICE 2015 Announces Panel Schedule
October 12, 2015 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Comic Strips, Convention News, Massachusetts, Other, Video Games, Webcomics
MICE will feature two full days of comics programming with workshops and demonstrations by professional artists, along with panel discussions on topics central to comics. All of our panels and workshops are appropriate for all-ages, but look for the Kid-Friendly tag for activities geared toward families and young readers. MICE Panels are located in the Lecture Hall and Workshops take place in the Lower Level of University Hall, 1815 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Comics For Life! Cartooning Workshop (Kid-friendly Workshop)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Get ready to draw your life in comics! MICE 2015 special guest Lucy Knisley, author of Relish: My Life In the Kitchen and many other graphic memoirs, will give you pointers on caricature, and how to illustrate your experiences and tell the story that only you can tell.
Black Independent Comics and Cartoonists Panel
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Five accomplished black independent cartoonists discuss their work and careers, as well as issues of racial identity in comics, and specifically in the alternative and independent comics world.
Moderator: Tony Davis Panelists: John Jennings, Micheline Hess, Ben Passmore, Whit Taylor, Joel Gill
Storyboarding Workshop (Kid-friendly Workshop)
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Discover where comics and animation collide: the storyboard! We’ll work from existing scripts to develop your skills in sketching, pacing, and movement. Bob Flynn, art director at Fablevision Studios and storyboard artist for Spongebob Squarepants: Sponge Out of Water, will show you how easy and fun the process can be!
Instructor: Bob Flynn
Iron Cartoonist (Kid-friendly Panel)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
MICE pits top cartoonists against each other in a live drawing event. Utilizing themed “ingredients,” three artists will compete for the title of ultimate cartoonist and earn prizes for the audience.
Host: Zack Giallongo Contestants: Mike Holmes, Cara Bean, Dan Moynihan Judges: Carey Pietsch, John Green, Braden Lamb
Comics Lettering and Layout Workshop
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Join cartoonist (Diary Comics, Behold! The Dinosaurs!) and occasional letterer (Casanova, Seconds) Dustin Harbin for a hands-on workshop exploring the role of lettering in comics page layout. Lettering is a lot more than just legible handwriting: it’s often the clearest sign to a reader of what’s happening on a page, who’s speaking and when, and in what order everything should be read. Participants will work through laying out lettering for a page of comics from start to finish, with plenty of room for Q’s and A’s along the way.
Writing About Comics
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
In the midst of our review culture, how is comics criticism evolving alongside this exciting, growing art form? A panel of comics journalists, educators, and scholars examine how to write about a medium that includes both visual and literary storytelling. Moderator Brigid Alverson writes about comics at Robot 6 and School Library Journal. Our panelists write for a variety of online comics blogs including: Janelle Asselin (Comics Alliance), James Kaplan (Panel Patter), Zach Clemente (The Comics Beat), and Juliet Kahn (Comics Alliance).
First Aid for Drawing Injuries Workshop
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Drawing can be fun, but it can also be a pain! Explore safe and effective techniques for caring for minor musculoskeletal injuries that can occur while drawing. Kriota Willberg, creator of the minicomic First Aid for Drawing Injuries (Or, Pain is Your Frenemy!) helps you to discover strategies for reducing pain while you draw and the differences between treating pain and treating injuries.
Kriota Willberg makes comics and art about body-oriented sciences. As a cartoonist she is best known for (NO) PAIN! A Guide to Injury Prevention for Cartoonists. An educator and massage therapist specializing in the treatment of orthopedic injury, she has also studied fitness and exercise. Kriota has taught injury prevention and anatomy for drawers at the Center for Cartoon Studies, the Society of Illustrators, and MoCCA.
What’s My Style? Panel
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Stylistic chameleon Robert Sikoryak sits down with four outstanding independent comics creators to explore the development of personal style. How has experimentation with graphic and storytelling techniques, media, format or other aspects of drawing comics challenged and shaped their visual styles? What breakthroughs, revelations, influences or inspirations have led to artistic growth? Moderator: R. Sikoryak Panelists: Luke Howard, Sophie Goldstein, Sophie Yanow, Jason Little
Comic Life Drawing (Kid-friendly Workshop)
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
This introduction to figure drawing gives cartoonists of all skill levels an opportunity to draw from a live model! Explore the basics of dynamic movement, weight, and human anatomy. Easels, paper, and charcoal will be supplied. Zack Giallongo is the illustrator of Broxo, Ewoks: Shadows of Endor, and The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents series.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Fable Comics Workshop (Kid-friendly Workshop)
11:30AM – 12:30 PM
Presented by The Eliot School
Looking for your next great comic idea? You can start with one of the oldest stories you know – fables! Chris Duffy, editor of the Fable Comics Anthology, along with artists George O’Connor (The Olympians) and Shelli Paroline (Adventure Time) will give you some pointers in drawing your own comic from well-known fables.
Art of the Mini-Comic (Kid-friendly Panel)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
The humble mini-comic is one of the basic forms of expression for independent cartoonists, and it ranges from simple fold and staple photocopies, to exquisite handmade artists’ books. Jon Chad (Leo Geo, Bikeman) explores the form, and talks to some of the most creative mini-comic makers at MICE.
Jon Chad has been producing handmade mini-comics and zines since 2006. Jon has illustrated books for clients including the Atlanta Braves, the FBI, and has been commissioned to make minicomics for Cartoon Network’s Regular Show and Adventure Time. Jon Chad’s books Leo Geo and his Miraculous Journey through the Center of the Earth and the sequel, Leo Geo and the Cosmic Crisis are published by Roaring Brook Press. Jon lives in Northampton, MA and teaches book-making and screen-printing at the Center for Cartoon Studies.
Unexpected Cartoons (Kid-friendly Workshop)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Presented by The Eliot School
A playful workshop for kids and all ages. Participants are led into various drawing exercises that would encourage improvisation and strengthen creative ability. We will approach drawing from new angles and discover unexpected results. All you need is a sheet of paper, pencil, eraser, and an open mind.
Cara Bean is an artist and Educator in Lexington, MA. Cara excels in both poetic self introspection, and silly storytelling. Her Gorilla Year series has received critical praise for tackling autobiographical issues in an innovative form.
Comic Life Drawing (Kid-friendly Workshop)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
This introduction to figure drawing gives cartoonists of all skill levels an opportunity to draw from a live model! Explore the basics of dynamic movement, weight, and human anatomy. Easels, paper, and charcoal will be supplied. Instructor: Zack Giallongo
Spotlight on Ryan North and Gene Luen Yang Panel
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, Boxers and Saints) and Ryan North (Dinosaur Comics, Adventure Time) have each made major contributions to defining contemporary forms like webcomics and young adult graphic novels, as well as crossing over into the “mainstream” world: North has brought his absurdist wit to Marvel’s Squirrel Girl, while Yang is currently writing Superman for DC. MICE is proud to present these two original, category-defying creators in conversation with writer and educator Alexander Danner.
Mini-Comic Workshop (Kid-friendly Workshop)
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Sometimes the best ideas come out of play, improvisation, and collaboration. In this workshop, you’ll participate in a few fun, collaborative, drawing games and create some wildly unexpected characters and stories with your fellow attendees.
Dan Moynihan lives in Brookline, Massachusetts where he draws and writes comics. His work has appeared in Nickelodeon Magazine and various anthologies. His first picture book, Hiding Dinosaurs, is out this year.
Parenthood and Comics Panel
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cartoonists who have taken the daring leap into parenthood — or parents who have taken the daring leap into cartooning — discuss how having children affects their work. How have they dealt with the challenges of maintaining a creative work schedule with the demands of parenthood? How has being a parent influenced the content of their work?
Moderator: Dan Mazur Panelists: Jennifer Hayden, Jason Little, Glynnis Fawkes, Charles Snow, Sage Stossel
MICE will be held at Lesley University’s University Hall at 1815 Massachusetts Avenue in Porter Square. The hours of the show are Saturday, October 17th, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Sunday, October 18th, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is FREE. Special Guests include: Gene Luen Yang, Lucy Knisley, Dustin Harbin, Ryan North, and Jennifer Hayden! Click their website for more information: www.micexpo.org
IDW Announces Signing Schedule & Exclusives for NYCC 2015
October 5, 2015 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Comic Strips, Convention News, Horror, Movies, New York, New York Comic Con, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Webcomics
Press Release:
This week, IDW Publishing is headed back to New York Comic Con and bringing a host of captivating panels, talented signings, and essential exclusives with it! Located at booth #1844, IDW and Top Shelf will be your destination throughout the weekend!
Thursday October 8th
11:00 – 12:00 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Troy Little
12:00 – 1:00 G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Larry Hama
(*Check out the show exclusive variant!)
12:00 – 1:00 Ragnarök – Walter Simonson*
1:00 – 2:00 Dirk Gently, Onyx – Chris Ryall, Ilias Kyriazis
2:00 – 3:00 Jem and the Holograms – Amy Mebberson, Sara Richard, Agnes Garbowska, Arielle Jovellanos, Rebekah Isaacs*
3:00 – 4:00 The X-Files – Joe Harris
3:00 – 4:00 Long Distance – Thom Zahler
4:00 – 5:30 King of the Comics: 100 Years of King Features Book Debut! – Ray Billingsley (Curtis,) Jeff Keane (The Family Circus,) Patrick McDonnell (Mutts,) Hilary Price (Rhymes With Orange,) Brian Walker (Hi and Lois)
5:30 – 7:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated Series – Brandon Auman, Eric Bauza, Greg Cipes, Ciro Nieli, Rob Paulsen (Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
Friday October 9th
11:00 – 12:00 My Little Pony – Agnes Garbowska, Sara Richard, Jeremy Whitley, Tony Fleecs, Thom Zahler
12:00 – 1:00 The Rocketeer At War – Dave Bullock
1:00 – 2:00 Ragnarök – Walter Simonson*
1:00 – 2:00 Junction True – Ray Fawkes
2:00 – 3:00 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Troy Little
2:00 – 3:00 The Story of My Tits – Jennifer Hayden
3:00 – 4:00 The Infinite Loop – Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet
3:00 – 4:00 Boy-1 – H.S. Tak, Amancay Nahuelpan
4:00 – 5:00 Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – Mike Johnson, Derek Charm
5:00 – 6:00 G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Larry Hama (*Check out the show exclusive variant!)
6:00 – 7:00 Transformers – Andrew Griffith, Corin Howell, John Barber
Saturday October 10th
11:00 – 12:00 Killogy – Alan Robert
11:00 – 12:00 Tet – Paul Allor, Paul Tucker
1:00 – 3:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Kevin Eastman, Robert Rodriguez (Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
4:00 – 5:00 Skylanders – Ron Marz, David A. Rodriguez
5:00 – 6:00 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Troy Little
5:00 – 6:00 The Story of My Tits – Jennifer Hayden
6:00 – 7:00 Star Trek/ Green Lantern – Mike Johnson, Elsa Charretier
6:00 – 7:00 Judas: The Last Days – W. Maxwell Prince
Sunday October 11th
11:00 – 12:00 Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – Mike Johnson, Derek Charm
11:00 – 12:00 The Infinite Loop – Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet
12:00 – 1:00 My Little Pony – Jay Fosgitt, Amy Mebberson, Jeremy Whitley,Tony Fleecs, Andy Price
1:00 – 2:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Caleb Goellner, Billy Martin, Paul Allor, Cory Smith
2:00 – 3:00 Transformers – Livio Ramondelli, Corin Howell, John Barber
PORTFOLIOS
MICHAEL GOLDEN’S G.I. JOE: ARTIST’S EDITION PORTFOLIO
The legendary G.I. JOE Year Book #2 by Michael Golden, cover and all 22 interior pages, are presented here on individual plates that mimic Golden’s gorgeous original art. As an added bonus, each page is printed twice, one with the original lettering in place, the second version without. As with all Artists’ Edition portfolios, this comes in a handsome hardcover case.
$40, Limited to 200 copies, 3 per person
WALTER SIMONSON’S RAGNARöK: ARTIST’S EDITION PORTFOLIO
Walter Simonson’s Ragnarök Artist’s Edition Portfolio features all 12 covers—main and variants—from the acclaimed writer/artist’s first six-issue story arc. Simonson, an Eisner Award-winning creator of such classics as Thor, Alien: The Illustrated Story, Manhunter and Star Slammers, has returned to his love of Norse mythology in the pages of Ragnarök. Like all our AE books and portfolios, each image has been meticulously scanned and reproduced to the same exacting standards that have made Artist’s Editions the most imitated line in comics.
$40, Limited to 250 copies, 3 per person
LITHOGRAPHS
ROCKEETER AT WAR! LITHOGRAPH
The upcoming Rocketeer At War series is celebrated with a classic World War II style propaganda poster of one Dave Bullock’s stylish covers! Measuring 13 x 20 inches, this gorgeous print is suitable for framing!
$10, Limited to 1,000 copies
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES LITHOGRAPH
This convention exclusive lithograph measuring 24 x 24 inches features the stunning interconnecting covers of TMNT #45 through to the landmark 50th issue by Mateus Santolouco.
$10, Limited to 1,000 copies
COMICS
Jem and the Holograms Outrageous Annual #1
(Convention Debut!)
Sophie Campbell (Convention Exclusive Cover)
Kelly Thompson (writer) • Jen Bartel, Amy Mebberson, Agnes Garbowska, Arielle Jovellianos (artists)
MOVIE NIGHT! JEM and her sisters relax with some popcorn and on-demand… but their subconscious minds have other ideas, as their favorite films… shine a spotlight on each HOLOGRAM’s fears!
$10, Limited to 300 copies, 3 per person
DANGER GIRL: RENEGADE #1
J. Scott Campbell (Convention Exclusive Cover)
Andy Hartnell (writer) • Stephen Molnar (artist)
Abbey Chase is renowned across the globe as a brilliant young archeologist and (a bit less renowned) as a member of the super-secret spy organization known as Danger. But what set of circumstances lead Abbey to become who she is—who trained and shaped her into the remarkable person she is? Now, for the first time ever, Danger Girl readers will find out the answer to these questions and more… in Danger Girl: Renegade!
$5, Limited to 400 copies, 3 per person
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #50
Kevin Eastman (Convention Exclusive Cover)
Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman (writers) • Mateus Santolouco (artist)
The epic conclusion to over four-years worth of storylines! The Turtles stand against Shredder for one final battle that will determine the fate of NYC, and the world, for years to come!
$10, Limited to 500 copies, 3 per person
G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO: COBRA WORLD ORDER PRELUDE
Paolo Villanelli (Convention Exclusive Cover)
Larry Hama (writer) • S L Gallant (artist)
It’s zero hour for Real American Hero! This table-setter leads into a mammoth 6-part bi-weekly event kicking off with next month’s RAH #219 and #220! G.I. JOE has been fighting the evil forces of COBRA for decades, but now COBRA is ready to unleash its master plan on an unsuspecting G.I. JOE!
$5, Limited to 300 copies, 3 per person
Kids Comics Day at MICE 2015
October 2, 2015 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Comic Strips, Convention News, Horror, Massachusetts, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Webcomics
Press Release:
The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE) is a whole weekend of books, fun, and events for every age, with free admission to all, located at University Hall in Porter Square. Sunday, October 18th is Kids Comics Day, featuring our best kid-oriented activities and comics! Meet the authors of some of the best kids comic books, including Ryan North (Adventure Time), Gene Luen Yang (Avatar: The Last Airbender, American Born Chinese), George O’Connor (The Olympians) and Bob Flynn (Spongebob Comics). Discover your new favorite comics and cartoonists in our exhibit hall. Just keep an eye out for balloons attached to tables: that’s how find kid-friendly comics!
Kids can learn how to make their own cartoons and comics in three workshops and activity sessions…
Fable Comics Workshop
Oct 18th, 11:30 AM – 12:30PM
Looking for your next great comic idea? You can start with one of the oldest stories you know – fables! Chris Duffy, editor of Fable Comics Anthology, and artists George O’Connor (The Olympians) and Shelli Paroline (Adventure Time) will give you some pointers in drawing your own comic from well-known fables.
Unexpected Cartoons
Oct 18th, 1:00 PM – 2:00PM
Cartoonist Cara Bean leads a playful workshop for kids and all ages. Participants are led into various drawing exercises that would encourage improvisation and strengthen creative ability. We will approach drawing from new angles and discover unexpected results. All you need is a sheet of paper, pencil, eraser, and an open mind.
Mini-Comic Workshop
Oct 18th, 2:30 PM – 3:30PM
Sometimes the best ideas come out of play, improvisation, and collaboration. In this workshop, you’ll participate in a few fun, collaborative, drawing games and create some wildly unexpected characters and stories with your fellow attendees.
Join us at MICE on Sunday, October 18th to explore the best in kids comics, and check out our full schedule for even more events offered all weekend.
Kids Comics Day at MICE is sponsored by The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA which offers comics classes year-round to all ages. Sign up for the Fall session today at www.eliotschool.org
MICE will be held at Lesley University’s University Hall at 1815 Massachusetts Avenue in Porter Square. The hours of the show are Saturday, October 17th, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Sunday, October 18th, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is FREE. Special Guests include: Gene Luen Yang, Lucy Knisley, Dustin Harbin, Ryan North, and Jennifer Hayden! Click their website for more information: www.micexpo.org
NYC – Brooklyn Book Festival Signing
September 11, 2015 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, New York, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Press Release:
Comic Book Jones is proud to present an upcoming signing as part of the Brooklyn Book Festival on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM!
Join us as we host Jennifer Hayden; creator of the memoir The Story of My Tits as well as Julian Hanshaw the creator of Tim Ginger. Both books are published by Top Shelf.
Comic Book Jones
2220 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10303-1700
781-448-1234
MICE 2015 Returns on October 17-18
September 3, 2015 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Comic Strips, Convention News, Massachusetts, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Webcomics
Press Release:
MICE is back! On October 17th and 18th independent graphic novelists and cartoonists will converge on University Hall at 1815 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge’s Porter Square. The event is free, family friendly, and offers a weekend of activities as the Boston area’s only show dedicated to independent and alternative comics.
MICE attendees are invited to discover their new favorite comic books from over 150 local comic creators. The exhibition area at MICE will present a wide range of art and books: hand-made mini-comics and zines, anthologies, graphic novels, art prints, and sketches. Panel discussions will provide insightful conversations about the world of contemporary comics and graphic novels. Artists will share techniques, tips, and tricks for creating your own comics in a variety of workshops for all ages and skill levels. Sunday’s “Kids Comics Day” workshops are especially geared toward younger readers and budding cartoonists.
This year’s show will also welcome a number of guests — professionals from the world of independent comics and graphic novels — and MICE is pleased to welcome Ryan North, Sam Bosma, Lucy Knisley, Jennifer Hayden, and Dustin Harbin to this year’s line-up.
MICE will be held at Lesley University’s University Hall at 1815 Massachusetts Avenue in Porter Square. The hours of the show are Saturday, October 17th, 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, October 18th, 11 am – 5 pm. Admission is free.
The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo was established in 2010 to create a showcase space for artists and writers in the greater-Boston area working in the field of comics. The event is a joint project between the Boston Comics Roundtable, an independent arts collective, and Lesley University College of Art and Design. Unlike traditional comics shows, which emphasize commerce and memorabilia, MICE puts a focus on the art of making comics. We connect local creators with local audience. We also run a number of workshops for children and adults, as well as panel discussions on the craft and relevance of the comics form. We’ll be featuring several special guest creators, along with an expanded line-up of programming.
Visit www.micexpo.org for more information
SPX 2015 Announces International Guests
August 21, 2015 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Comic Strips, Convention News, Maryland, Other, Webcomics
Press Release:
SPX is pleased to announce international creators, Frederik Peeters, Dylan Horrocks, and Brecht Vandenbroucke as guests at SPX 2015. This is in addition to the previously announced guests Kate Beaton, Luke Pearson, Noelle Stevenson, Michael DeForge, Gemma Correll, Noah Van Sciver, Matt Bors, Lilli Carré, Theo Ellsworth, C. Spike Trotman, Jennifer Hayden, Stuart Immonen, Scott McCloud, Bill Griffith, Kathryn Immonen, Derf, Jessica Abel (Sat. Only) and Ted Rall.
Additional international guests appearing at SPX 2015 will be announced next week.
SPX 2015 is honored to have the very first United States appearance of critically acclaimed, Swiss graphic novelist Frederik Peeters. This year saw the release of the final volume of his well reviewed planet hopping space epic, Aama Vol. 4: You Will Be Glorious, My Daughter, published by SelfMadeHero. Peeters has been nominated five times in the Best Book category at Angoulême and has done a number of posters and other illustration work in Europe. Peeters lives with his wife and daughter in Geneva, Switzerland.
Dylan Horrocks is returning to Small Press Expo for the first time in over a decade. Horrocks began his diverse career with the publication of Pickle, which ran from 1993-97 published by Black Eye Press. Pickle included the serialization of Hicksville, a groundbreaking story that was collected into a graphic novel that won plaudits from reviewers around the globe. Horrocks has had international success in alternative and mainstream comics with books like Atlas from Drawn & Quarterly, and as writer for DC Comics and Vertigo. In 2014, Fantagraphics published Sam Zabel and his Magic Pen to wide critical and fan acclaim. Horrocks is an Eisner Award winner and in 2006 he was appointed University of Auckland/Creative New Zealand Literary Fellow. Horrocks currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife and sons.
Brecht Vandenbroucke is a Belgian cartoonist and illustrator. His debut graphic novel,White Cube, took the Angouleme International Comics Festival by storm in 2013. Vandenbroucke’s distinctive painted panels and brightly colored spreads intermingle pop culture influences and commentary on the fine art world, offering an absurdist view of the institutions of that world. White Cube has been published in Belgium, Finland, Norway, Spain, Germany, France, and in English by Drawn & Quarterly. Since graduating from art school a few years ago, he has worked for numerous periodicals, including the New York Times, and has participated in group shows all over the world. Vandenbroucke lives in Antwerp, Belgium.
SPX 2015 takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, and will have over 650 creators, 280 exhibitor tables and 22 programming slots to entertain, enlighten and introduce attendees to the amazing world of independent and small press comics.
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.
As in previous years, profits from the SPX will go to support the SPX Graphic Novel Gift Program, which funds graphic novel purchases for public and academic libraries, as well as the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), which protects the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, visit their website at www.cbldf.org. For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit www.spxpo.com.
MoCCA Fest 2012 Programming Schedule
April 27, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Comic Strips, Convention News, New York, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Webcomics
Press Release:
MoCCA Fest Programming!
We’re pleased to announce final times, guests, and agendas for our panels and programs at MoCCA Fest this year. We have two buzzing floors of activity, that include downstairs panel discussions as well as our main exhibitor floor upstairs. Whether you’re perusing the show floor for your favorite finds, catching up on the latest with Gary Panter, or learning to make your very own accordion book, there’s something for everyone.
-And Families!
Don’t forget about our Kids Programming on Sunday morning; four devoted programs in a row, designed to be entertaining and fun for the whole family.
–Sunday April 29th, Kids Programs start at 9:30am. Families arriving to the Fest at 9:30am get a special price; $5 for children 6-12 (under 6 free, over 12 normal) with a paying adult.
PRE-SALE TICKETS ARE ONLINE UNTIL APRIL 26!
Look below for a complete run of MoCCA Fest programming. Also, be sure to check out moccafest.org for news!
ROOM A
SATURDAY
11:15 Kids Comics Sarah Couri (NYPL), Jorge Aguirre, P. Craig Russell, Matt Forsythe,
Colleen AF Venable
You know that old cliche about comics not being just for kids anymore? Well, thankfully some of them still are. The New York Public Library’s Sarah Couri talks to cartoonists who have ventured into world of kids comics and books.
12:15 A History of Comics Censorship
Alex Cox (CBLDF)
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Alex Cox takes you on guided tour of censorship in comics, from Frederic Wertham to Friendly Franks.
1:15 The State of Small Publishing
Heidi MacDonald (The Comics Beat), Box Brown, Craig Yoe, Barry Matthews
What’s it like running a small publishing company in 2012? The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald talks to an array of publishers about the state of print.
2:15 Klein Award
Gary P anter, Bill Kartalopoulos
Gary Panter receives the 2012 Klein Award.
3:15 A Nordic Roundtable
Fredrik Strömberg (SE), Peter Madsen (DK), Kaisa Leka (FI), Bendik Kaltenborn (NO) and Mattias Elftorp (SE)
The comics culture of northern Europe is brimming with energy, talent and innovation, among other things visible in the new anthology Kolor Klimax from Fantagraphics. Come and meet some of the Nordic artists present at MoCCA.
4:15 Harvey Pekar’s Final Projects
Jeff Newelt, Joy ce Brabner, Joseph Remnant , Rick Parker , Sean Pryor, Dean Haspiel, JD Waldman
Celebrating the life and work of comics pioneer Harvey Pekar with his widow, and writer in her own right, Joyce Brabner, joins a group of his artist collaborators.
5:15 Carousel
R. Sikoryak with Michael Kupperman, Domitille Collardey, Shannon Wheeler, Leslie Stein, and Lauren Weinstein. With voices by Julie Klausner, Dave Hill, Scott Adsit.
Live comics brought to life by cartoonists and a team of talented voice actors.
ROOM A
SUNDAY
11:15 Graphic Novels for Young Adults
Betsy Bird (NYPL), Raina Telgemeier, Kevin Pyle, MK Reed, Derek Kirk Kim
The New York Public Library’s Betsy Bird talks to some of the brightest talents in one of comics’ fastest growing demographics.
12:15 To Run a Comic Stop
Alex Cox (Rocket Ship), Tucker Stone (Bergen Street Comics), Thor Parker (Midtown Comics), Gabe Fowler (Desert Island)
Representatives from some of the area’s top comic stores discuss the trials and tribulations of running your own shop.
1:15 Digital Distribution and the Future of Comics
David Steinberger (Comixology), Evan Dahm, Leigh Walton, Brian Heater
A frank discussion about sequential art’s move into the digital age.
2:15 Memoir
Calvin Reid, Derf, Peter Kuper, Jennifer Hayden, Mike Dawson
Maker s of autobio comics discuss filter their lives through sequential art.
3:15 Daniel Johnston in Conversation
Daniel Johnston, Brian Heater
Join the idiosyncratic singer-songwriter for a discussion about his art, including his debut graphic novel, Space Ducks.
4:15 An Interview with Gary Hallgren
Gary Hallgren, Danny Fingeroth
Gary Hallgen, interviewed by Danny Fingeroth, discusses his career from his days as one of the creators of the notorious Air Pirates, through his illustration work for a zillion publications, from the NY Times and MAD through You: The Owners Manual.
5:15 Animation from Augenblick Studios and Ugly Americans
Aaron Augenblick, Devin Clark, R. Sikoryak
Aaron Augenblick (founder of Augenblick St udios), Devin Clark (creator of “Ugly Americans”), and more show animated clips and shorts from their television, film, and independent projects.
ROOM B
SATURDAY
12:15 With Nicolas Mahler and Tom Gauld
Nicolas Mahler, Tom Gauld, Brian Heater
Brian Heater interviews two artists; Tom Gauld of Scotland, and Nicolas Mahler of Austria.
1:15 Checklist for a New Comic: A Guide to Getting Started
Jess Abel, Matt Madden
In this brief seminar, Jessica Abel and Matt Madden will walk you through the many considerations you should keep in mind when you embark on a new comic of any kind. Abel and Madden will help you strategize and come up with a working plan for your next project, and will cover: creative block and coming up with ideas; choosing a format and platform that makes sense; setting goals and scheduling your time so that you can reach them; finding an audience and looking for collaborators and/or publishers. So bring some paper and be ready to take notes on your next big (or small) project!
3:15 Hans Rickheit in Conversation
Hans Rickheit, Brian Heater
Brian Heater takes on Hans Rickheit–musician, performance artist, cartoonist.
4:15 Big City Dare2Draw
Hosted by TJ Glenn & Charles D Chenet
Featuring dynamic figure drawing, with action poses, using props and, then, the signature “Quick Draw” Contests, with all art done on Blue Line Pro boards, for charity. Prizes provided by our sponsors. Dare2Draw is a non-profit, platform organization for artists, providing mentoring, networking and resources for artistic development, while encouraging goo d health and business practices for cartoonists and providing the opportunity to connect with each other, face-to-face.
ROOM B
SUNDAY
9:30 Kids Program: Comics Are Awesome!
John Green (Teen Boat!)
Learn how an idea in your head becomes a comic on a page. John Green and Colleen AF Venable will take you on a collaborative journey through the process of creating characters and stories for comics.
10:15 Kids Workshop: From Concept to Comic
John Green (Teen Boat!, Phineas and Ferb), Colleen AF Venable (Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye, First Second Books)
Kids Program continues!
11:15 Workshop: Drawing with Rick Parker
Rick Parker (Beavis & Butthead, and Papercutz)
Join cartoonist Rick Parker for an insightful, funny and hands-on workshop in cartooning! This workshop is great for cartoonists of all ages.
12:30 CCS Presents: The Expanding Comic Workshop
Robyn Chapman (Center for Cartoon Studies)
If you think that a comic book is just a bunch of pages between two covers, think again! There is a wide variety of book making techniques that allow you to fold, flip, and turn your comics in unusual ways. Jon Chad, author of Leo Geo and His Miraculous Journey Through the Center of the Earth, will team up with comics educator Robyn Chapman to introduce three unique book forms. Then the workshop participants will construct and illustrate their own expanding comic books!
2:00 A Discussion with Josh Neufeld and Shannon Wheeler
Josh Neufeld (A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge), Shannon Wheeler (Oil and Water, Too Much Coffee Man)
These two creators interview one another about their work in comics, especially as it relates to their approaches documenting tragedy on the Gulf Coast.
4:00 Coming to America
Emma Hayley (Publishing Director, SelfMadeHero)
Reporting on the flourishing UK and European comics scenes and the launch of a new graphic novel imprint in the US.
4:45 Euro comics: Kiki de Montparnasse and the French Comics Scene
Doug Wallace, Jose-Louis Bocquet
Jose-Louis Bocquet (Senior Editor, Dupuis – France / Author, Kiki de Monparnasse) and Doug Wallace (Marketing Director, SelfMadeHero)
discuss the European comics scene and Catel & Jose-Louis Bocquet’s first US graphic novel Kiki de Montparnasse.
NYC – Live Comix Block
November 14, 2011 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, New York, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Comments Off on NYC – Live Comix Block
Jennifer Hayden, Leslie Stein, George O’Connor and Dean Haspiel appear at Book Court on Wednesday Nov. 16 at 7pm!
Book Court
163 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
