Rafer Roberts' Archer and Armstrong preview online

EXCLUSIVE: Valiant Launches "A&A" with Animated Trailer, 10-Page Preview

February 17th, 2016
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/exclusive-valiant-launches-aa-with-animated-trailer-10-page-preview

Panetta and S Ganucheau place a book at First Second

From Publishers Weekly:

Calista Brill at First Second Books has bought world English rights to the YA graphic novel Bloom, written by Kevin Panetta and illustrated by Savanna Ganucheau. The book tells the story of Ari and Hector, who fall in love working together at a bakery. Publication is slated for winter 2018; Charlie Olsen at Inkwell represented Panetta and Ganucheau.

Tom King goes exclusive with DC

From his Facebook page:

Announced today! I've signed an exclusive with DC Comics.

To me, DC is Superman. DC is Batman. DC is Wonder Woman. DC is Swamp Thing, The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, Year One, Sandman, Preacher, All Star Superman, 52, New Frontier, Secret Six, Sinestro War, Y the Last Man, The Court of Owls, Scalped. DC is where the great comics get made. I'm honored and proud to be part of that tradition, and I'm going to do my best to write my best. I can't wait for everyone to see what's coming.

The Alliance Française de Washington's Graphic Novel Contest

The Alliance Française de Washington is launching its first “Bubble Factory” festival – “La Fabrique à Bulles” – dedicated to graphic arts. The festival will encourage and promote the emergence of new talents in this contest for graphic artists.

The idea of a “Factory” emphasizes the power of the mind and creativity of the young artists while “Bubbles” refers to, as in English,  “Speech Bubbles.”

When? The contest will  start on Monday, February 8,  2016 and will end on Friday, April 22, 2016.

The awards ceremony will take place in Washington on May. We will announce the location soon.

What? The theme for this first year’s contest is:“Résister!” “Resist!” (in English).

How? There will be two parts to the contest:
– One for teenagers: From 12 years old to 16 years old.
– One for Adults: More than 16 years old.

Contestants will be required to submit 1 “ledger size” panel (11 x 17) by April 22, 2016 (must be postmarked by 04.22.16).

Download the Contest Guidelines

Gene Yang interviewed by NEA

Award-Winning Graphic Novelist Encourages Kids to Read Outside Comfort Zones

By Cindy Long
February 11, 2016
http://neatoday.org/2016/02/11/gene-yang-encourages-kids-to-read-outside-comfort-zones/

Sutliff's new Bag of Lemons cartoon reportage is on a local underwear run

Read it here - http://joesutliff.com/BOL2-14-16.html

MARCH news from Top Shelf

MARCH is the Anti-Defamation League's Book of the Month!

Soon after the New York Department of Education honored March with its NYC Reads 365 program, we are proud to share a new endorsement for this landmark series by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.

The Anti-Defamation League has officially declared March: Book One their Book of the Month for February 2016. As the ADL puts it, reading can "help children explore the true diversity of our world. Books can also teach children to understand and challenge bias and bullying and to promote social action in order to combat injustice."

To help readers get the most out of March, the ADL offers two discussion guides, for educators and for parents & family. These, and several other resources, can be found on the dedicated March page on the Top Shelf web site.

Comic Riffs on superhero movies post-Deadpool

These are the 'R-rated' comics that Hollywood should put on screen next

By Michael Cavna and David Betancourt
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 16 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/02/16/these-are-the-r-rated-comics-that-hollywood-should-put-on-screen-next/

'Deadpool's' massive, $135 million opening has redefined the future of the R-rated superhero film

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 14 2016

in print on February 17, 2016 as 'The next box-office superhero wears an R', p. V2, 9
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/02/14/how-deadpools-massive-opening-has-just-redefined-the-future-of-the-r-rated-superhero-film/

Loya at the Old Ox Brewery

Steve Loya will have his Splotch Monster art on exhibit at at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn, Va., March through May. The opening art reception is on Friday, April 1, from 7-9 p.m.

Terry Flippo's Alex likes ComicsDC

My copy of Terry Flippo's new Axel and Alex comic book has an original drawing of Alex sporting a ComicsDC t-shirt. Thanks, Terry!

When you buy a comic from him, it comes with an original sketch on the back cover.

Okupe in 'The Guardian'

Cartoonist Roye Okupe is featured in The Guardian about his African-based comics.

Zdepski at MSV

Cartoonist Paul Zdepski is having his art featured at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va. The opening is Feb. 23 from 6 -8 p.m.

Katsucon photos online

Photos: At Katsucon, Cosplayers Find An Empowering And Safe Space

by Francis Chung
Feb 15, 2016
http://dcist.com/2016/02/at_katsucon_cosplayers_find_a_safe.php#photo-1

A review of Tom King's Vision

Marvel's The Vision Is Telling a Story Unlike Any Superhero Comic I've Ever Read

James Whitbrook

February 12 2016
http://io9.gizmodo.com/marvels-the-vision-is-telling-a-story-unlike-any-superh-1756995647

SPX 2016 Important Exhibitor Information!

SPX lottery is open as of this weekend.

Hello Everyone!  We've Missed You So Much SPX 2016 is coming together faster than you can say Super Mutant Magic Academy. We're lining up special guests, locking down sponsors and just generally trying to make the best possible show we can for you. We've learned a lot over the past two years so before we start the process of exhibitor registration for SPX 2016, we wanted to bring you up to speed on what we are doing. If you are interested in exhibiting at SPX this year — and we sincerely hope that you are — here's what you need to know for 2016.   An SPX Exhibitor Registration Primer   As you know, SPX has a two phase registration system that combines invited exhibitors with a lottery that in past years has led to a roughly 50/50 split. The two phases are staggered, which allows us to maximize the number of tables available for the lottery.  In moving to this approach, we based the selection of our invitations on a long association with the show, a "legacy" list for lack of a better word. As we enter our third year, we're going to begin making some changes to this list.    Changes for 2016 – Letting Go of "Legacy" Starting with SPX 2016, we'll be evaluating our list of invited exhibitors on an annual basis. This will help us ensure that we can continue to bring in diverse, talented creators that we feel will enrich the SPX experience for everyone.  Year by year, we'll do out best to ensure that invitees to SPX will include a diverse, vibrant cast of characters — a mix of our long time exhibitors, large and small independent publishers, self-publishing cartoonists, international creators as well as newcomers to comics. Key Dates For Invitations: February 4th - Invited exhibitors will begin receiving notices. February 20th - Last day for invited exhibitors to confirm their table space. For the Lottery: February 12th - The SPX table lottery opens. February 26th - The SPX table lottery closes. SPX Table Lottery winners will be notified shortly after the close of the lottery. Depending on the number of submissions it may take us a few weeks to review the entrants for duplicates or other issues before actually pulling the winning numbers. We expect this to take roughly about two weeks, so you should hear from us by early March. More Questions, You Have Them   We know many of you will likely have further questions about this change! So, here's a few quick notes on the way ahead and our process for 2016 exhibitor registration:  SPX REGISTRATION: Invited Exhibitors  How will I know if I have been invited?   Invited exhibitors will begin receiving notices from SPX on February 4.  Invitees will have until February 20 to confirm their table space, with a few reminders sent in between.  Any invitee tables not claimed by February 20 will roll over to the lottery pool.   How does SPX decide who gets a reserved table?   The SPX executive committee will collectively review the invitation list each year to make this determination.    If I was invited last year does that mean I am guaranteed an invitation this year?   No, not necessarily. It is possible you will receive an invitation again, but two years into the process, we recognize the need to begin shaking up this list. Doing so will allow us to, for example, ensure that we can invite the previous year's Ignatz winners.   If I wasn't invited this year does that mean I'll never be invited again?   Not at all. The invitation list will change annually. There will not be a formal rotation or cooling off process but our goal is ensure that the process is equitable. Not being invited one year does not mean you won't be invited the next.    If I am not on this year's invitee list, can I enter the table lottery?   Absolutely.     SPX REGISTRATION: Lottery Entrants   When will the lottery take place?   The 2016 table lottery registration period will open up starting February 12. You'll have two weeks, until February 26, to enter your information.  SPX will post lottery information widely on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr as well as our website. You won't be able to miss it.   How do I apply for the lottery?   When lottery registration opens we'll post an online form that collects some basic information. Everyone who completes the form will receive a randomly generated six digit number. Don't lose it.   How will I find out if I won a lottery table (or half table)?   We will notify the winners via email in early March. Winners will then have until March 22 to confirm and pay for their table. Any unused tables will be carried over to the wait list.   For more on how the lottery works, see our full lottery FAQ.   Do I really have a shot at a table from the lottery?   Heck yes. We earmark a minimum of 100 tables (out of our total of 270) for the lottery. When you look at this in terms of exhibitors behind those tables over the last two years we've been filling about half of SPX via the lottery.   Will there be a wait list?   Absolutely. We store the next 50 names after filling our lottery tables and folks get pulled in every year from this wait list.  SPX REGISTRATION: Other Questions    I HATE this system. SPX, why are you so dumb? Listen, in order for us to pull this show off each year (no mean feat...), we need to balance limited table space against a bunch of ravenous groups that eagerly devour tables like Godzilla! Big publishers, small publishers, self-publishers, local favorites, international guests, old faces, new hotness — all worthy and all welcome! Our registration process helps us manage overwhelming interest in the show in a manner consistent with our core values. Most comic arts festivals are by invitation only. We knew that wasn't for us.  But a pure lottery wouldn't work either.  Community is what makes SPX. We had to find a balance that honored both — and helps us manage massive demand to exhibit at the show.   Why not just more add more space?   There is quite simply no larger facility anywhere in the Washington, DC area with the crucial combination of hotel and convention space — but the more important issue is that the indie comics industry is growing even faster than SPX, drawing more and more passionate, talented creators to the medium. It would be impossible for us to expand enough to meet demand. Even if we could locate a venue with a similar set-up and more space — and one that wouldn't totally blow our budget — consider that over two days SPX runs only about 14 hours. With 650 to 700 creators exhibiting, assuming an attendee stays on the show floor every single minute and wasted only seconds moving from table to table, that leaves a barely one minute per creator. We want folks who exhibit at SPX to have the best chance possible to make money at our show. For the time being — and we're at the Marriott through 2020 — it simply does not make sense to seek a larger exhibition hall space.   Still have questions?   Hit us up on Tumblr, Twitter or Facebook for a quick reply. When SPX switched from a paper-based "first come, first served" registration model to the current two part system, we knew it would be a learning experience for everyone.  We're continuing to refine our process based on the feedback from our community and in the interest of making the best show possible.  We appreciate your care and investment in SPX and we'll never take it for granted. Thanks so much,   Jen, Mike, Eden, Greg, Sam, Esther, Dan, Megan, Yitzy, Bailey, Bill, Charles, Catherine, Joe, Sarah, Rusty, Meagan (yes, we do get confused…), Tom and Warren Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Mark Giaimo's cartoon fine art

Mark Giaimo

by Mark Jenkins

Washington Post February 14 2016, p. E5
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/in-the-galleries-celebrating-nature/2016/02/10/98b66494-ce7f-11e5-88cd-753e80cd29ad_story.html

Nick Galifianakis contest at the Post

Valentine's reader cartoon contest: Write a great caption and win this Nick Galifianakis art!

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post February 12 2015
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/02/12/valentines-reader-cartoon-contest-write-a-great-caption-and-win-this-nick-galifianakis-art/

4 more SPX 2015 videos online

SPX 2015 Panel - Dear Internet: Today I Made a Comic. Now What?

SmallPressExpo

 Feb 1, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOiwIBE18tM

So you made a comic on the internet. Now how do you make sure it gets seen, read, and supported? We've assembled a crack team of internet-saavy creators and organizers to show you their ways so that you can make your own way. Join Molly Ostertag (Strong Female Protagonist), Aatmaja Pandya (Travelogue), Matt Bors (The Nib), and John D. Roberts from Comixology Submit, the digital self-publishing platform, for a journey through comics on the Internet in the 21st century. Moderated by Jen Vaughn.

SPX 2015 Panel - Animate Your Life!

SmallPressExpo

 Jan 25, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFVqpgtiKoQ

Animation is a thrilling medium that's changed so much just within the last decade! This panel features a lively discussion of the various paths people took to animation and what it currently means to them. Lilli Carre (Eyeworks Festival of Experimental Animation), Sam Spina (Regular Show), Ian McGinty (Welcome to Showside), and Monica Ray (Harvey Beaks) participate in the panel which is moderated by Michael Cavna.

SPX 2015 Panel - SPX Spotlight on Dylan Horrocks

SmallPressExpo

Feb 8, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpc4M9iQWgM

Dylan Horrocks's beloved 1998 graphic novel Hicksville gave readers a sensitive and bittersweet fictionalized account of comics history, and imagined a whole world of possibilities for the form. 2015 saw Horrocks's return to regular publication with the new graphic novel, Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen, and Incomplete Works, collecting a body of short stories produced in the interim. Horrocks discusses his recent work and the responsibilities of fantasy with Best American Comics series editor Bill Kartalopoulos.

SPX 2015 Panel - Drawing The News: Comics Journalism

SmallPressExpo

 Jan 23, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnHMWV_QGzE

Chris Kindred is a cartoonist, illustrator, and contributor to The Response. Peter Kuper is the co-founder of World War 3 Illustrated and the author of numerous graphic novels including, most recently, Ruins. Ted Rall is an author, columnist and syndicated editorial cartoonist; his most recent book is Snowden. Matt Bors, founder of The Nib and The Response, leads this group in a conversation about the intersection between cartooning and politics today.

TMNT voice actors encounter on Fantastic Forum

Fantastic Forum Interview with RAY, TIM AND ROB

by Ulysses Campbell

Fantastic Forum Feb 13, 2016

Ray Francis, Tim Craggette and Rob Spencer are the creative masterminds behind RAY, TIM AND ROB. This dedicated team combines talent in artistry, writing, coloring as well as the various business elements of the comic book industry to form a dynamic creative collective. They also produce a podcast! Producer/host Ulysses E. Campbell talks with the team about their encounter with vocal artists from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! And Ray, Tim and Rob LOVE the turtles! Taped on location at Awesome Con DC!

The Beat on Batman, Bill Finger and Marc Nobleman

How Marc Tyler Nobleman Rescued the Legacy of Batman Co-Creator Bill Finger

02/11/2016 by Alexander Lu 

http://www.comicsbeat.com/how-marc-tyler-nobleman-rescued-the-legacy-of-batman-co-creator-bill-finger/