2011 March
Can comics cure cancer?
Alex Simmons
Not yet, but they can make you laugh while you’re waiting for chemo.
Alex Simmons always has a couple of things going on. In addition to his work for Archie Comics (he wrote their big crossover event last year), he runs the annual Kids Comic Con in the Bronx, and last December he brought his Color of Comics traveling exhibit to Dakar, Senegal.
Now Simmons has found a new place for comics: a cancer center. Lenox Hill Hospital’s Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care, to be precise. As Simmons says in a press release sent out yesterday:
Breast cancer effects women of all ages and races, and unfortunately, uniformly inflicts terror in those that have to face the disease head- on. Quite often children find themselves facing that fear with their mothers, some times sitting in the waiting area while she meets with a doctor.
Hospitals, as anyone who has waited in one knows, can be kind of grim. Alex wants to give everyone something to smile about, so he’s planning a permanent exhibit of comics images on the walls of the center to cheer up the kids and their moms. He’s looking for artists who are willing to donate original comics art or digital images that can be blown up and put on the walls. Artists who are interested in participating can find his contact info through his website.
- March 16, 2011 @ 10:00 AM by Brigid Alverson
Welcome to the world, Helena Christine Collins!
A belated congratulations to Robot 6 contributor Sean T. Collins and Missus Collins on the sooner-than-anticipated, but welcome, birth of their daughter Helena Christine Collins! As Sean notes on his blog, although she wasn’t expected until May 2, Helena “shipped early,” arriving on Friday.
On the website Destructor, his webcomic collaboration with artist Matt Weigle, Sean posts a piece of wonderful fanart created for the occasion by Isaac Moylan and adds: “Insofar as Ms. Collins is currently being kept alive and thriving by mechanical intervention — albeit of a variety both less thorough and less fashion-forward than what you see here — a drawing of her as a tiny, jolly cyborg is not entirely inappropriate. I hope you’ll join me in wishing that she can soon doff her metaphorical suit of armor and join the human world at large.”
We hope you’ll join Robot 6 in wishing that and more for Sean and his family.
- March 16, 2011 @ 09:00 AM by Kevin Melrose
Dark Horse to unveil its digital comics app at C2E2
Dark Horse Digital
Dark Horse has announced it will offer a first look at its somewhat-delayed digital comics app this weekend during the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.
Announced in October at New York Comic Con, the planned January launch of the publisher’s digital comics program was put on hold because because of Apple’s stricter enforcement of a prohibition on in-app purchases outside the iTunes store (something Dark Horse CEO Mike Richardson confirmed earlier this month).
But now the beta version of the app is ready to be shown off at booth #601, with Dark Horse staff on hand for demonstrations, to answer questions and allow fans to take it for a test run.
Check out the official press release after the break.
- March 16, 2011 @ 08:00 AM by Kevin Melrose
Tokyo International Anime Fair canceled following earthquake
In the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake in Japan, organizers have canceled the Tokyo International Anime Fair, set for March 24-27 at the Tokyo Big Sight.
The announcement, made on the event’s official website, pointed to concerns about the safety of participants and attendees, given unstable transportation services and power shortages. Last year’s fair drew more than 130,000 attendees.
According to Anime News Network, the Tokyo Big Sight convention center, located on Odaiba island in Tokyo Bay, suffered unspecified damages during the quake.
This year’s fair, operated by the Tokyo metropolitan government, had been boycotted by a group of 10 manga publishers, including Shueisha, Shogakukan and Kodansha, following the passage of a controversial amendment further restricting the sale or rental to minors of manga and anime containing “extreme” depictions of sexual acts. As a result of the protest, the number of companies participating in the event fell dramatically, from 244 in 2010 to 161 this year.
- March 16, 2011 @ 07:00 AM by Kevin Melrose
The Middle Ground #45 | Wherein common sense goes out the window
So, I’m a complete snob when it comes to comics. I shouldn’t be, I know this; comics are comics, and there’s no such thing as a bad idea, only ideas badly executed (Case in point: DC’s Animal Man shouldn’t have been the wonder it was under Grant Morrison’s pen, if judged purely on the “man with the animal powers discovers animal rights” high concept behind it). And yet, there are comics that I just can’t quite bring myself to read.
It’s the front page of CBR that brought this to mind, I should admit: I was looking this afternoon at what stories were on the site today, saw the link to Ron Marz talking about his plans for Top Cow’s books and had a response that was pretty much the definition of turning my metaphorical nose up in something approaching disgust. It’s an entirely unfair response, of course. For one thing, I’ve liked some of Marz’ work in the past, and for the much more important and pertinent other thing, I can’t think of a Top Cow book that I’ve even read since the first issue of Paul Dini’s Madame Mirage back in… what, 2007? So that’s four years of uninformed prejudice guiding my nose turning, instead of just reading the article.
- March 15, 2011 @ 04:00 PM by Graeme McMillan
Food or Comics? | This week’s comics on a budget
Welcome to Food or Comics?, where every week we talk about what comics we’d buy on Wednesday based on certain spending limits — $15 and $30 — as well as what we’d get if we had extra money or a gift card to spend on what we call our “Splurge” item.
Check out Diamond’s release list or ComicList if you’d like to play along in our comments section.
The Arctic Marauder
Chris Mautner
If I had $15:
I’d start with the third issue of Casanova: Gula ($3.99), a series I’m somewhat surprised to find I’m enjoying more the second time around, and add to that New Character Parade, Johnny Ryan’s third (and, presumably, final) collection of sketchbook strips ($12 — I’d sell some blood to get the extra dollar). Not for the faint of heart, this is nevertheless frequently hilarious (and occasionally disturbing) collection of strips that points the way towards Ryan’s more Grand Guginol work in Prison Pit.
If I had $30:
It’s a toss-up between the latest volume of Mome ($15), the second volume of Joe Daly’s great stoners-meet-D&D fantasy Dungeon Quest ($12.99) and Mattt Howath’s new Downsized, the latter courtesy of AdHouse.
Splurge:
Two big books out this week from Fantagraphics, both must-buys, at least for me. The first is Krazy & Ignatz 1919-1921 which collects more wonderful Herriman goodness. The second is The Arctic Maurader, the latest release in Fanta’s ongoing Jacques Tardi library. This one is particularly interesting as it’s a) a parody/homage of sorts to the classic Jules Verne/H.G. Wells/19th-century pulp stories; and b) done in a scratchboard-style motif designed to emulate woodcuts that apparently all but drove the artist around the bend. Since I’m splurging, I’ll get them both.
Continue Reading »
- March 15, 2011 @ 01:00 PM by Michael May
Nominees announced for 2011 Stumptown Comic Arts Awards
Organizers of Stumptown Comics Fest have announced the final list of nominees for the 2011 Stumptown Comic Arts Awards. Nominees were selected by a panel of judges — Michael Allred, Brandon Graham, Laura Hudson, Michael Ring and Jason Leivian — from among the entries submitted earlier this year.
The online awards ballot can be found at the Stumptown website. Winners will be announced during the eighth annual Stumptown Comics Fest, held April 16-17 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.
The nominees are:
Best artist
• Emily Carroll, His Face All Red
• Roman Muradov, “Etc,” A Cave
• Stuart Immonen, Moving Pictures
• Brian Hurtt, The Sixth Gun
• Brecht Evens, Night Animals
Best writer
• Carla Speed McNeil, Finder: Voice
• Cullen Bunn, The Sixth Gun
• Greg Rucka, Stumptown
• Aaron Renier, The Unsinkable Walker Bean
• Ben Marra, Benjamin Marra’s The Incredibly Fantastic Adventures of Maureen Dowd (A Work of Satire and Fiction)
- March 15, 2011 @ 12:00 PM by Kevin Melrose
IDW’s Infestation crossover goes digital
IDW Publishing has announced its crossover event Infestation is not only infecting comic stores, but has also found its way to Apple’s iTunes store. This unique zombie-fied crossover among IDW’s licensed titles Transformers, Star Trek, G.I. Joe and Ghostbusters has been coming out with a series of one-shots and miniseries over the past few weeks, and IDW’s new Infestation app offers all of the titles of the event in one place.
“We’re excited to bring out Infestation as a stand-alone comics app,” Jeff Webber, IDW’s director of ePublishing, said in the press release. “While all of the issues are also available in our IDW Comics app for our regular readers, creating a stand-alone Infestation Comics app allows us to introduce the whole event to fans of the individual brands. This way, casual readers of Transformers, Star Trek, G.I. Joe and Ghostbusters digital comics can see what this big comics cross-over event is all about!”
In addition to offering digital equivalent to the stories in print, IDW has also teased a special “TOP SECRET digital-only crossover” for the app. The press release murkily teases that, saying: “This will be one huge surprise for comic fans everywhere. All we can say right now is, bring a life vest!”
What could it be? Maybe the undersea-born Godzilla, which IDW recently started the license for? Maybe. Or it could be the launch of something new … maybe zombies vs. Jaws?
- March 15, 2011 @ 11:00 AM by Chris Arrant
Not comics: Nicholas Gurewitch switches from comics to Westerns
It seems Nicholas Gurewitch of Perry Bible Fellowship fame is at it again. And he’s leaving comics for the high plains.
Last night, the celebrated cartoonist released online the first part of a 12-part Western serial movie titled Trails of Tarnation. According to the website, it follows “the exploits of Derek and Jeff, two cowboys on the run from the corrupt Sheriff Maynard Lumbar.”
The first episode, titled “Black Coffee,” is less about being on the run and more about drinking a bad cup of joe. Gurewitch created the film in collaboration with Derek Walborn and Jeff Stanin (who stars in the serial).
Although best known for his comics work, Gurewitch studied film at Syracuse University; his comics were just a part-time gig for the school newspaper.
- March 15, 2011 @ 10:00 AM by Chris Arrant
Bat-mystery solved! Bruce Wayne is a Yale graduate!
From Batman #93, "Batman's College Days"
Apparently unsatisfied with such alumni as Presidents Ford, Bush, Clinton and Bush, Secretary of State Clinton, several Supreme Court justices and senators, and holographic doctor Robert Picardo, Yale University has laid claim to one more distinguished graduate: billionaire playboy-philanthropist Bruce Wayne.
To make the case for the (secretly) Dark Knight as a Yalie, the Yale Alumni Magazine turned to author, designer and Batman devotee Chip Kidd, who turned to … the 1960s Batman television series. Specifically Episode 33, in which Aunt Harriet reveals that Bruce’s grandfather actually founded the secret society Skull and Bones.
“This is a rather neat conceit when you think about it,” Kidd writes in the magazine’s March/April issue. “The implication is that it’s in the nature of the Wayne men to create a unique identity for themselves that is both public and yet fiercely private. For what is ‘Batman and Robin’ but the ultimate secret society, with only two members?”
- March 15, 2011 @ 09:00 AM by Kevin Melrose
Borders Group may close another 75 stores
Borders
Borders Group, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Feb. 16, plans to close another 75 stores — that’s in addition to the 200 locations announced last month.
The Detroit Free Press reports the retail chain will use the closings as leverage in negotiations on lease terms for its 633 stores. Landlords have until Wednesday to indicate whether they’ll accept rent concessions. The closings, which could end up closer to 20 to 25 depending on the outcome of negotiations, will only affect superstores, not Borders Express or airport locations, which Borders Group President Mike Edwards said are performing well.
Meanwhile, the newspaper also reports, the retailer is expected back in federal bankruptcy court today to request more time to decide what to do with those leases. The extension is opposed by a number of Borders landlords.
Borders, the second-largest book chain in the United States, hopes to present a formal business plan to publishers and other creditors in April with an eye toward exiting bankruptcy in August or September.
When it emerges from Chapter 11, the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based bookseller is expected to be much leaner, even beyond the significant decrease in the number of locations (anywhere between 358 and 413). Edwards indicated to The Wall Street Journal that the 25,000-square-foot superstores will be reconfigured, with about 15,000 square feet reserved for books. The remaining space will be dedicated to a cafe, children’s books and educational toys, and consumer electronics. The chain may also add used books.
- March 15, 2011 @ 08:00 AM by Kevin Melrose
LA anime and art communities join in We Heart Japan benefit
Comics artist, designer and photographer Pinguino Kolb, and voice actress, director, writer and producer Stephanie Sheh have pulled together an art auction, under the name We Heart Japan, to benefit the victims of last week’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The event will take place at Meltdown Comics in Hollywood on Thursday. Yes, this Thursday: In less than a week, the two have pulled together donations from a number of local artists as well as the anime companies Bandai and Geneon, the anime streaming site Crunchyroll and the anime convention AM2. They are still looking for donations, though; if you are a Los Angeles-area artist and want to contribute framed sketches, paintings or digital art, contact information is on their website (or direct-message them via Twitter). Anime actors and cosplayers will also be there to mingle and sign autographs; check the Facebook page to see who’s coming.
“Japan has always been a huge inspiration for those working in anime and comics, and we’re doing this show as a way to give back to the community there,” Kolb said in an e-mail to Robot 6.
Proceeds will go to the Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund, which will work with Japan’s Give One initiative to relay the money directly to local charities that are helping with the relief efforts. And more events are in the offing; follow them on Twitter to get the latest news.
- March 15, 2011 @ 07:00 AM by Brigid Alverson
Smile! Creators react to Japan disaster with optimism
One of Takehiko Inoue's Smile drawings
Even as rescue operations continue and officials scramble to avert a nuclear disaster in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on Friday, some manga artists are reaching out to their fans with a message of hope.
Takehiko Inoue, the creator of Vagabond and Slam Dunk, has been posting pictures of ordinary Japanese people smiling with the Twitter hashtags #prayforjapan and #tsunami, as a sort of prayer. Shoujo manga creator Arina Tanemura (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, The Gentlemen’s Alliance Cross) also drew one of her characters with a big smile. Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) posted a lively drawing with a message of support on the Shonen Jump website. And Itou Noizi, who illustrated the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya light novels, has drawn a picture of Haruhi in prayer.
A number of well-known creators, including Naoki Urasawa (Pluto, 20th Century Boys), Natsume Ono (House of Five Leaves) and Kanata Konami (Chi’s Sweet Home) have posted drawings and messages of encouragement at the website of Kodansha’s Morning magazine. Anime News Network has a full list of contributors in English.
Japanese-Canadian artist Nina Matsumoto (Yokaiden) is doing commissioned drawings of her characters for $25 each, with the proceeds to go to the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund.
- March 14, 2011 @ 06:00 PM by Brigid Alverson
Mars on the mind: Two new comic series about the red planet
Free Mars
This week we got news over the transom of two new comic series set on the red planet of Mars. One is a sequel to a series from a year or so back, and the other is a webcomics collection.
The Martian Confederacy: From Mars, With Love follows up on the 2008 first volume by Jason McNamara and Paige Braddock, and this new volume takes the rogues on what the writer describes as “a romantic comedy involving child slave labor” (that’s a joke). These two cosmic confederates get news of child kidnappings to supply an underground workforce, and they’re on the hunt for the secret and the salvation of these children — while trying to keep things professional between each other. Robot 6 ran a preview of the book last fall, and the writer & artist did a back-and-forth with us back in January.
The sci-fi webcomic Free Mars is getting a print collection this week, in time for a debut at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. Free Mars is set in the far-flung 24th century and features a garage band that gets caught up in a grass roots revolution on Mars. Described by the authors as a “space rock opera,” Free Mars mixes sci-fi with six strings and has some great art to boot. This slimline compilation collects the first two chapters of this online story, as well as extras including a foreword by cosmic comics vet Dan Abnett.
- March 14, 2011 @ 05:00 PM by Chris Arrant
Kelly Sue DeConnick and ChrisCross take on Supergirl
Supergirl #65
DC Comics’ Supergirl has been in a state of flux since the departure in December of the regular creative team of Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle. They were followed, if only briefly, by Nick Spencer and then James Peaty and Bernard Chang.
And now, with June’s Supergirl #65, Kelly Sue DeConnick, ChrisCross and Marc Deering will take a three-issue turn on the series, marking the writer’s first work for the publisher.
DeConnick, who co-wrote 30 Days of Night: Eben & Stella with Steve Niles, is best known for her recent Marvel miniseries Osborn and her one-shots Sif and Rescue. She’s also contributed stories to Marvel’s Girl Comics and Image’s The Comic Book Tattoo and 24seven.
A DC veteran, ChrisCross has drawn Firestorm, The Outsiders and Superman/Batman, as well as Milestone’s Blood Syndicate and Heroes.
Here’s the solicitation for Supergirl #65, which hits stores on June 15: “Co-ed of Steel? Supergirl goes undercover on a college campus to help Lois Lane uncover the truth behind a string of recent student disappearances! What they uncover, though, leads Supergirl directly into a confrontation with one of the DCU’s deadliest villains!”
- March 14, 2011 @ 04:00 PM by Kevin Melrose