Friday, July 10, 2009

DC's mayoral superhero announced

Judith Freeman says


And the winner is...

Wonder Woman!   

The race was down to the wire, but we are prepared to announce that Wonder Woman will be the next Superhero Mayor of DC!

This has been an amazing race. The campaign teams of eight superhero candidates built interactive websites and dynamic graphics, wrote engaging emails that turned out a huge supporter base, created entertaining videos, and wrote successful field plans from scratch in five hours.  Our 53 BootCampers, from across the country, have met and surpassed our expectations.

We are thrilled to announce that over 6,000 people voted for their favorite Superhero. The BootCampers picked up blog coverage from NPR, Daily Kos, Huffington Post, Roll Call and nearly 30 other blogs, and garnered endorsements from a wide support base across the country.

This BootCamp was a success of the larger progressive movement, one that should make us all proud of the next generation of progressive organizers.

The race was neck-in-neck. The second-place finisher was The Atom and third place candidate was the Green Lantern. 

Thank you for your support!

  -- Judith, Heather, Zack, Anne Marie, Joy, Olivia, Lola, Santiago, James, Shayne, Nick and Kyra


Superheroes for DC mayor?

Apparently the indestructible Marion Barry is not the only superpowered being to be mayor of DC. This report - "In 'D.C.,' A Mayoral Race That's Every Bit As Tight As Spandex," by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 10 2009 - says that a faux election wrapped up today and you needed to get your vote in earlier today. Weldon came out for Batwoman (based purely in my opinion on the way the lesbian heroine looks in her costume), but I'm backing Spider-Man who understands 'With great power, comes great responsibility."

The announcement of the winner comes at 8 pm tonight. The site will email you the winner if you sign up.

Post on Blood: The Last Vampire anime spin-ff

Not-So-Fresh 'Blood'
-- Dan Zak
Washington Post Friday, July 10, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070901469.html

Iranian cartoonist interviewed at Comic Riffs

The Interview: Exiled Iranian Cartoonist Nik Kowsar
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 10, 2009;
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/the_interview_exiled_iranian_c.html#more

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Anime turned live action movie "Blood: The Last Vampire" reviewed in City Paper

Reviewed: Blood: The Last Vampire
Schoolgirls and ninjas jockey for screen time in this gory filmic retread.
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper July 9, 2009

OT: Sergio Aragones podcast interview online

He's one of the greats.

Fanboy Radio #516 - Sergio Aragones LIVE
KCTU 7 July 2009

DC Comic Books Examiner: SLJ's summer reading comics list for kids

I've signed up for Mark Ruffin's email list for his comics columns and I'll pass them along here as I get them.

In the interests of diversity, I will note that the School Library Journal has run a couple of other bibliographies lately:

The Library Don't Have a Closet: 19 Graphic Novels for Gay & Lesbian Pride Month
By Martha Cornog, Philadelphia -- Library Journal, 5/27/2009.

Black, White, Red, Brown, and Yellow: America's Growing Pains in Graphic Novels
Celebrate the Fourth of July with 14 Titles.

By Martha Cornog, Philadelphia -- Library Journal, 6/23/2009.

         

 

This week, the School Library Journal posted a second list of comic books for summer reading. The sequel article continues from the initial ... Read more »


DC Comic Books Examiner, Mark Ruffin


Mark Ruffin, a reader of comics for over twenty years, is a freelance writer who tirelessly generates awareness for the Non-Fraternity Conversation and Write-up on Comic Books. Contact Mark here.


 


Politics and Prose featured children's book is by an animator

BOOK OF THE WEEK
(20% off through 7/15)
If you've played all your board games, read all your comic books, painted pictures, baked cookies, and played every sport invented, you'll know how Frankie and Sal feel when they proclaim, "LET'S DO NOTHING!" (Candlewick, $16.99).  But doing nothing—not moving—isn't as easy as the boys thought.  Frankie's imagination always seems to get the better of him: pigeons land on Frankie when he's a statue in the park; when Frankie is a redwood, Sal's dog comes by and relieves himself.  Frankie just can't keep still.  Then Sal realizes something about the nature of doing nothing.  Feature film animator Tony Fucile captures the essence of childhood boredom and creativity in this entertaining first picture book.  Ages 4-7 • Heidi Powell

For more recommendations for kids from our staff, pick up a copy of the Children and Teens' Summer Summer 2009 in the store or browse our summer selections for children and teens on the website by clicking here.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Jen Sorenson interviewed by Daryl Cagle

Jen's sort of local, being currently based in Charlottesville...

Daryl Cagle interviews cartoonists Mikhaela Reid and Jen Sorenson, part 1-2
CagleCartoons
July 07, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zJm7XZYLAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTCh12ulKpQ

Here is another interview from this year's AAEC Convention. This time, I sit down with Mikhaela Reid and Jen Sorenson, two successful female alternative cartoonists, and discuss the state of the industry and the uphill battle female cartoonists face.

Comic Riffs reports on censored Candorville Michael Jackson cartoons

See Would You Censor This 'Candorville' Cartoon? by Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (July 8 2009): http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2009/07/wednesdays_riffs.html#more
for the story and the Michael Jackson comic strip the Washington Post Writers Group didn't want to distribute.

Monday, July 06, 2009

July 6: Superman Returns in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

July 6, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns
July 8, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns - at CCSP
July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

The Pure and Hidden Truth Comic Press Release

The following is a press release for a web comic called "The Pure and Hidden Truth,"produced in Maryland and can be viewed at www.pureandhiddentruth.com.  


"THE PURE AND HIDDEN TRUTH" REVEALED

 

Cisco Davis Jr. is a 23 year old, alien fearing, creator of a science-fiction/ fantasy comic with vampires, werewolves, Men in Black, ghosts, and genetic mutants galore.   Based in Glen Burnie, MD, a movie is also in the works.

 

Glen Burnie, MD  June 30, 2009-- Launched in October of 2008, Cisco Davis Jr. is on a mission to reveal The Pure and Hidden Truth to the masses.  The Pure and Hidden Truth is a science-fiction photographic web comic (www.pureandhiddentruth.com) that follows Art Friedman and Jillian Murphy, two down on their luck paranormal  investigators with supernatural powers of their own.  The duo's adventures are chronicled every week as they are thrown into a series of calculated coincidences leading to the greatest discovery in human history:  The Truth.

 

The Truth involves a wacky list of characters including crash-prone aliens, a sexy vampire slayer, a pessimistic werewolf, and evil-morphing Men in Black agents.  There are only a handful of  photo-comics  in the world that use actual actors  to play  the characters of the story.  The Pure and Hidden Truth is a true pioneer in the photo-comic genre.

 

The Pure and Hidden Truth is produced in Glen Burnie, MD and features a traditional long-form and full-page comic style , using actual photographs that have been stylistically altered to give the comic a distinctive look and feel.  The online comic is broken down into a basic three act structure and is updated every Friday and the first Monday of the month to keep readers on their toes. 

 

While growing up, Cisco Davis Jr. was deathly afraid of aliens and the paranormal.  After his mother's death last year and an alleged alien sighting near his home, Cisco was prompted to start a project that would help overcome his fearful emotions and create a free, fun, entertaining experience for anyone with access to the internet.  With a vivid imagination and a flair for writing, Cisco wrote a script and gathered a cast of local actors to bring his epic adventure to life.  The Pure and Hidden Truth Radio Show was also created to tie-in with the story.

 

To celebrate The Pure and Hidden Truth's one year anniversary, a movie basic on the comic will be released this October.  The movie is currently in production in Maryland.

 

 

 

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release , contact Diana King.

 

Contact Info:

 

Diana King

The Pure and Hidden Truth

King at pureandhiddentruth dot com

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Richard Thompson at Central Library pics

Here's a few shots of Richard Thompson's booksigning at Central Library last week. After some powerpoint hassles, he spoke for about 30 minutes, showing some of his caricature work and how his Cul de Sac family evolved. After that he had a line of about 30 people for book signings. The people from Arlington County took a lot of pictures so hopefully they'll show up online.

100_7648

100_7647

100_7646

Saturday, July 04, 2009

Secret Identities and Larry Hama at Geppi's museum, July 18th

Colin Solan's got the info on a booksigning at Geppi's Entertainment Museum for Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology.

Big Planet Comics 23rd birthday

Today is Big Planet Comics 23rd birthday so shoot off an extra firework for them. I will.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-08-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 07-08-09
By John Judy


100 BULLETS, VOL. 13: WILT SC by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. Collecting the final issues of the series, 89-100, in which questions get answered and secrets get turned over in their graves.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #36 by Marc Guggenheim and Patrick Oliffe. It’s a wedding in Spideyland and don’t those always go well? But who will catch the webby bouquet?

BATMAN #688 by Judd Winick and Mark Bagley. Judging by the cover of this book the new Batman appears to have been shot in the face with… something… And that’s really all I think I’m going to say about that.

BPRD 1947 #1 of 5 by Mike Mignola, Joshua Dysart, Fabio Moon, and Gabriel Ba. So, BPRD 1946 wasn’t enough for ya, Fanboy?! Well, how about THIS?!?! Featuring Nazis and other monsters.

DARK X-MEN: BEGINNING #1 of 3 by James Asmus, Paul Cornel and Humberto Ramos. Y’know, I hate to say it but the Dark X-gang sound like the most intriguing line-up of mutants I’ve seen in a long time. Except for Wolver-Lad, but few comics are perfect. Gotta Look!

GREEN LANTERN #43 by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. The Black Hand is raising the dead to form his Black Lantern Corps. Guess who’s first? Recommended.

NO HERO #6 of 7 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp. The continuing adventures of our tragic, castrated, largely psychotic super-chap from that nice Mister Ellis.

THE NOBODY HC written and drawn by Jeff Lemire. The Xeric Award-winning creator of THE ESSEX COUNTY TRILOGY re-imagines H.G. Wells’ story of “The Invisible Man” in graphic novel form. Recommended, especially if you miss the old rascal from LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN.

NORTH 40 #1 of 6 by Aaron Williams and Fiona Staples. An interesting look into what happens when some dummy uses a magic book without knowing what he’s doing and turns a Midwestern American county into Hell on Earth. It’s a lot like when Texas first elected Governor Bush.

PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #72 by Victor Gischler and Goran Parlov. Frank vs. cannibal rednecks in the Bayou. The wild card appears to be a huge freakin’ alligator who eats frat boys on command. Anyone else wanna see the gator get his own book? Recommended. Not for kids.

THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #4 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins. This “End of the World by Super-Flu” story remains top-notch morbid entertainment. Stephen King should be writing this creative team a sincere thank-you note because they’re handling his novel better than any of the TV movies ever did. Recommended.

SUPERMAN: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW HC by Alan Moore, Curt Swan, Murphy Anderson and Others. Don’t let the title fool you. This is not merely another re-printing of the title story, but also a deluxe hardcover including Moore’s other two Superman classics “For the Man Who Has Everything” from ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #11 and “The Jungle Line” from DC COMICS PRESENTS #85. Highly Recommended.

SUPERMAN WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #5 of 12 by James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods. You would think a world as advanced as New Krypton would have moved beyond caste systems and the death penalty. But you would be wrong. Typical behavior from people too dumb to listen to their leading scientist when he tells them the world’s going to end… Recommended.

UNWRITTEN #3 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. Wow, is this a great book, mixing the best traits of the Harry Potter novels, Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman with a twist of mystery and illustrated to the nines by Peter Gross. Read it! Recommended.

WEDNESDAY COMICS #1 of 12 by Many, Many Amazing Writers and Artists. This one is too big to sum up in a Quick Review. Just trust me that this is the most awesome thing on the stands this week and you need to sell a kidney if that’s what it takes to add it to your stack. Highly Recommended Times a Million.

X-MEN LEGACY #226 by Mike Carey and Dustin Weaver. Some old X-Men return to San Francisco only to encounter the new Dark X-Men. You would think that a group calling itself “The Dark X-Men” would stir some measure of mistrust, but you would be wrong. Because this is America and we watch a lot of TV.

www.johnjudy.net

Friday, July 03, 2009

Government Printing Office employee works on animation, comic books

See "Designer works on the creative side of government," By Adam Behsudi, Frederick News-Post Staff, July 03, 2009 for John Tobiason’s story.

Washington Times on animation

'Disney's 'hetero' bias,' Amanda Carpenter, Washington Post Friday, July 3, 2009 is a not-particularly-interesting, nor shocking article, but there's an excellent article on animation voice Jim Cummings - "The 'stealth celebrity': Cummings' voice is famous, but his face is not," By Kelly Jane Torrance,
Washington Times Friday, July 3, 2009.

Thursday, July 02, 2009