May 8, 2013 · 10:09 pm

SOARING PENGUIN’S PETER PAN By Régis Loisel

Peter_Pan_Soaring_Penguin

A Peter Pan book like you’ve never seen before. This is a sophisticated look for adults. And you’re getting a heads up now in the United States. This beautiful book will be available shortly in the UK and Europe: 30 May 2013. Currently, this book is only available in the UK and Europe. However, Soaring Penguin Press expect to be able to announce a North American edition later this year.
For retailers, keep the following information handy:

Peter Pan by Régis Loisel
Translated by Nicolas Rossert, with Paul Rafferty, Nora Goldberg & Cheryl Anderson
ISBN 9781908030078
Cover Price: £29.99
Publication Date: 30 May 2013
Format: 336 pages, full colour, hardcover
Rights: UK & European English Print Rights only
Available through Turnaround UK and Diamond Comics UK (Order code: MAY132444)

Peter-Pan-Soaring-Penguin-2013

PRESS RELEASE

Before he became Peter Pan, before his arrival to Neverland, he was a boy fighting for survival. Born into the suburbs of harsh, Dickensian London, to an alcoholic mother who leaves him in an almost-orphan state, Peter’s only retreat from reality is the fantastical stories given to him by a friendly neighbour — allowing him to escape temporarily from the darkness of the adult world.

Told in language as strong as his mother’s brandy, Peter’s story is no less intoxicating. While nearly devoid of comfort and compassion, Peter’s world becomes rich in magic. Lost fairies, pirates and sirens form a cast both shocking and strangely familiar — this is J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan story for an adult audience.

For the first time this six-volume bande dessinée series has been translated into English and collected in one hardcover, omnibus graphic novel. Through his emotive and engaging artwork, Loisel offers a unique take on a well-known tale that goes into a grim and dark world; the type of childhood where staying a child is not an option.

About the author: Régis Loisel is widely acknowledged as the first French author to have worked in the fantasy genre in recent decades, his style having become the standard for other European authors working in the genre. He is known best for his work on the best-selling series The Quest of the Time-Bird (La Quete de l’Oiseay du Temps) and his second series Peter Pan. Loisel has also worked with Disney on various animated films such as Mulan and Atlantis.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ENGLISH, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE UK, COLLECTING THE ENTIRE 6-VOLUME SERIES THAT’S SOLD OVER 1,000,000 COPIES WORLDWIDE

Visit Soaring Penguin Press at its website HERE and also visit at Facebook.

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Filed under Comics, European Comics, fantasy, graphic novels, Peter Pan, Régis Loisel, Soaring Penguin

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· 8:53 pm

FREE COOPER UNION: STUDENTS TAKE OVER PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

Free Cooper Union Black Banners

Free Cooper Union Black Banners

The fight is on to keep Cooper Union tuition free as was the explicit understanding of its founder, Peter Cooper. Following in the time honored tradition of a student “take-over,” students at Cooper Union are fighting to maintain a historically tuition-free education at one of the leading institutions of higher learning in the country.

Student Take Over of Office of President of Cooper Union, May 8, 2013

Student Take Over of Office of President of Cooper Union, May 8, 2013

Founded in 1859, Cooper Union has three schools, Art, Architecture, and Engineering. Notable alumni of the Cooper Union School of Art incude Seymour Chwast, Milton Glaser, Eva Hesse, Alex Katz, and Hans Haacke.

Follow developments on the move to Free Cooper Union at Twitter and at the Village Voice.

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Filed under Art, Capitalism, Cooper Union, Education, New York City, news, Occupy movement, Protest

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· 7:29 pm

KICKSTARTER: A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES FUNDED!

Kickstarter Funding on 6 May, 2013, 11 PM, PDT.

Kickstarter Funding on 6 May, 2013, 11 PM, PDT.

Good news like this takes a little time to sink in. Having done the happy dance and fully processed the fact, I am thrilled to share with you the news that my comics collection, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES has been funded at Kickstarter. I’m not sure I was ready to make this announcement yesterday but now I am. I’m just so happy.

I want to thank everyone. You can get so giddy that you feel an urge to thank random people you see on the street. Well, there’s definitely a lot of specific people attached to this project for me to focus on!

Kickstarter-Thank-You-Bear-2013

First, I want to thank all my backers!! As I said earlier to all of them via Kickstarter, they are the backbone, they ultimately turned my project into a reality.

Also, I want to thank so many other people who made a difference in so many ways. The power of LIKE. Always remember that. Just LIKING the project has power. Social media, in all its forms, you gotta love it. Here’s the thing, social media has the power to connect people in very special ways. There is the initial virtual thrust that can lead to a very warm and human result.

Well, I know this graphic novel of mine is something awesome. I look forward to sharing that with you in a variety of ways. Who knows, you may be owning your own copy in the near future. The stage is set. This book, the Kickstarter funding, your grace and support, all add up to a beautiful game changer.

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Filed under 24 Hour Comics Day, A Night At The Sorrento And Other Stories, Alice in New York, Comics, Henry Chamberlain, Kickstarter

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May 7, 2013 · 10:23 pm

TCAF Comics Review: LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD

Look-Straight-Ahead-Elaine-M-Will-2013

If you’re heading out to the Toronto Comic Arts Festival this weekend, May 11-12, be sure to stop by and purchase a copy of LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD by Elaine M. Will. This is truly an outstanding work and, as you know, I don’t make comments like that lightly. It takes something to motivate me to strongly like, or dislike, something. This one I really like. LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD brings to mind Nate Powell’s SWALLOW ME WHOLE. It has its own distinctive style and voice with that same quality that Nate brings to the game. You can check it out at Elaine’s website HERE.

LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD makes its official debut at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival. Elaine M. Will has the distinction of being in the last group of Xeric Grant recipients. Keep an eye out, the plan is to see this graphic novel in comics shops by this October.

Looking-Straight-Ahead-Elaine-M-Will-2013

Meet Jeremy Knowles. He is a fine young man, trying to survive high school and struggling with manic depression. His friend, Lee, is there for him, despite the fact he has to endure taunts by another fellow student, Jen. If only things could work out for him. If only Erin, that most beautiful and intellectual girl, would notice him. If only he trusted himself, his own artwork. He has his dreams but they, in an odd twist, could consume him.

The art and writing here is spot on. I look forward to seeing this webcomic make its way to print. And, certainly, I look forward to seeing more of Elaine’s work. Make sure to stop by and visit her website HERE.

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Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Elaine M. Will, Graphic Novel Reviews, graphic novels, Mental Health, Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Xeric Grant

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· 9:17 pm

AUDI CONNECT: TECH IS NICE BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?

That amusing Spock vs. Spock ad for Audi, with Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto competing with each other, led me to the Audi Connect ads.

I think the spokesperson for these Audi Connect ads is a very charming young woman. She can appeal to a wide audience. And the car, from what we see of it, looks pretty cool. But what exactly is the focus here? So, Audi Connect is supposed to be a jaw-dropping leap into the future? Well, far be it from me to completely dismiss something that sort of makes driving safer. Sort of. It is less of an investment of your attention to talk to your car than to navigate your phone.

But, for all the bells and whistles, the scenario in this ad finds the young woman looking for a gas station after her mom has prompted her. Gasoline? In this day and age? Why not have this forward thinking consumer in an electric car already? Well, let’s give Audi a lot of credit for working towards that. They’ll get there. But first, they just wanted to focus on the most luxurious method to find your way to a gas station on your way to Los Encinos Park.

Audi used the A3 wagon to test its electric power train, in what could be its first production e-car (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)

Audi used the A3 wagon to test its electric power train, in what could be its first production e-car (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)

Check out details on Audi’s development of its own e-cars, HERE.

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Filed under Earth, Electric Car, Environment, Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek, Zachary Quinto

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May 6, 2013 · 6:41 pm

TORONTO COMIC ARTS FESTIVAL: MATT BORS, SARAH GLIDDEN, JOSH NEUFELD, AND RUTU MODAN, MAY 11

Toronto-Comic-Arts-Festival-2013For those who appreciate comics journalism, this is the perfect panel to catch while at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival this weekend, May 11-12.

You’ve got quite a lineup: Matt Bors, Sarah Glidden, Josh Neufeld, and Rutu Modan.

Details Follow From The Ad Astra Comics site (I’ve added helpful links):

Incredible Talent to Discuss Political Comics at #TCAF 2013

Posted on May 5, 2013 by NMGUINILING

Hey Y’all – It’s official. I will be moderating a panel of incredible artists on at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) – this next weekend. The panel is a presentation and discussion on Political Comics, and features Matt Bors, Josh Neufeld, Sarah Glidden, and Rutu Modan. Here are the deets:

Political Comics Panel
Saturday, May 11
at the Marriott Hotel
90 Bloor St. East
(Around the corner from the Toronto Reference Library)
5pm – 6pm

Let’s Meet the Panelists!

Matt Bors

Matt Bors

MATT BORS is a nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist and editor based in Portland, OR. He was a 2012 Pulitzer Prize Finalist for his political cartoons, which appear regularly in The Sacramento Bee, Portland Mercury, Pittsburgh City Paper, and on Daily Kos.

In the summer of 2010, Bors traveled to Afghanistan to draw comics and serves as the comics journalism editor for Cartoon Movement where he is currently editing a project on reconstruction efforts in Haiti.

In 2012, Bors was the recipient of the Herblock Prize and the Society of Professional Journalists’ Sigma Delta Chi Award for his editorial cartooning. His first graphic novel, War Is Boring, a collaboration with journalist David Axe, was published in 2010. His latest book is a collection of cartoons and essays title Life Begins At Incorporation. You can find more of his work at mattbors.com.

Sarah Glidden

Sarah Glidden

SARAH GLIDDEN’s first full-length book, a graphic-memoir was How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, based on a Birthright trip she took and was published in 2010 by DC Vertigo.

She is currently working on her second book, a work of graphic journalism following reporters into Iraqi Kurdistan, Lebanon and Syria. Her short pieces of graphic journalism have been published on Cartoon Movement, Ha’aretz, and the Jewish Quarterly. You can find more of her work at sarahglidden.com.

Josh Neufeld

Josh Neufeld

JOSH NEUFELD is a comics journalist known for his graphic narratives of political and social upheaval, told through the voices of witnesses. He is the writer/artist of the best-selling non-fiction graphic novel A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge (Pantheon). In addition, he is the illustrator of the best-selling graphic non-fiction book The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media (W.W. Norton). He is currently a 2013 Knight-Wallace fellow in journalism at the University of Michigan. Neufeld is a Xeric Award winner, and his work has been nominated for a number of other awards, including the Eisner and the Harvey. Usually based in Brooklyn, N.Y., he currently lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his wife and daughter. You can find more of his work at joshcomix.com.

Rutu Modan

Rutu Modan

RUTU MODAN was born in Tel-Aviv in 1966 and is now one of Israel’s best known cartoonists. She graduated from art school in 1992 and quickly established herself drawing strips for Israeli daily newspapers. In 1994 she was offered to job of editing an Israeli edition of MAD magazine with her classmate, Yirmi Pinkus, featuring reprints of US material supplemented with local originated material. The magazine shut down after 14 issues, but undeterred, Rutu and Yirmi founded Actus Tragicus in 1995, an internationally acclaimed collective and independent publishing house for alternative comic artists, including Batia Kolton, Mira Friedmann and Itzik Rennert. Rutu has worked as an illustrator for magazines and books in Israel and abroad, and has taught comics courses in Israel. She currently lives in Sheffield, England. You can find more of Rutu Modan’s work at her column at The New York Times and you can view her portfolio at Helfin Reps.

Modan’s newest work, The Property, is debuting from Drawn & Quarterly at TCAF this year.

For more information about TCAF 2013 – including a full list of all the kick-ass artists coming to town – head on over to http://www.TorontoComics.com

See you this weekend!

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Filed under Comics, Comics Journalism, Josh Neufeld, Journalism, Matt Bors, Political Cartoons, politics, Rutu Modan, Sarah Glidden, TCAF, Toronto Comic Arts Festival

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· 11:45 am

Red Circle Comics: Dean Haspiel and Mark Waid Team Up On THE FOX

The-Fox-Red-Circle-Comics-2013.jpg

This is definitely exciting news for fans of Dean Haspiel, Mark Waid, and the legendary comics series, THE FOX, which dates back to 1940 with Blue Ribbon Comics and as recently as part of The New 52 at DC Comics. This new version is being released by Red Circle Comics. Red Circle is an Archie Comics imprint for its superhero comics that began in the ’70s. It’s a very interesting bit of comics history. Blue Ribbon was to become Archie Comics and, subsequently evolved into Red Circle. Archie Comics leased its superhero lineup to DC Comics in the ’90s. And now, we come full circle, as it were, with Archie Comics back in control of Red Circle. What happens next with this new digital lineup of superhero comics should be fun to see.

From the official press release:

Award winning creators Dean Haspiel and Mark Waid will collaborate on The Fox

New York, NY – Eisner Award winning writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, Thrillbent) and Emmy winning writer/artist Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, HBO’s Bored To Death) are teaming up to launch a brand new series – THE FOX. Taking place in the Red Circle universe, this exciting creative team will deliver an innovative, action-packed superhero story starring the fabled pulp hero.

This thrilling new addition is a shake up to the Red Circle lineup. The previously solicited New Crusaders: Dark Tomorrow will receive a new release date in early 2014. The critically acclaimed New Crusaders series received high praise and year-end “best of” acknowledgements, dubbed “one of the most enjoyable and surprising books on the stands” and response to THE FOX will no doubt echo that sentiment.

The first volume, New Crusaders: Rise of the Heroes, is now available for order in Previews. In addition, this summer’s forthcoming New Crusaders: Legacy TPB features both new and iconic stories including Alex Toth‘s run on The FOX, and contributions from comic book legends Steve Ditko, Carmine Infantino, and more.

For more information stay tuned to RedCircleComics.com

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Filed under Archie Comics, Comics, DC Comics, Dean Haspiel, Mark Waid, Red Circle Comics, Superheroes, The Fox, The New 52

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· 3:58 am

KICKSTARTER: A RETWEET FROM HUGH HOWEY

Hugh-Howey-Retweet-5-May-2013

This campaign is on fire! There’s been a flurry of activity and things just keep heating up!

Within only a small span of time, I have ten new backers to welcome. Everyone who has backed the project will, of course, get a special mention in the book.

And, earlier today, I got a ReTweet from author Hugh Howey! I cherish those ReTweets even if some people might think they don’t actually bring about interest in pledging to a Kickstarter project. You just never know.

Nope, it wasn’t a ReTweet that inspired my recent support. It was just me and my project. Which is how it should be, right? Absolutely! However, ReTweets are still nice. You gotta love ‘em. A Kickstarter campaign is made up of many, many components so you’re best to go with the flow, make your own opportunities, and be very grateful. Always be grateful!

Perhaps a ReTweet from Hugh Howey will lead to more people considering my project. You can’t beat that, right? Well, sure, I keep it perspective, no doubt. As they say, those who have ridden the mighty Kickstarter wave, it’s all about the project. At the end of the day, people are interested in whatever the project is, whether film, book, what have you. Ah, but the campaign is just as much about connecting with your prospective backers and getting them to consider your project in the first place. It’s truly fascinating. If Hugh Howey chooses to lend a hand, yes, I’m very grateful.

That said, I welcome you to consider my project, a quirky collection of comics in the spirit of the original television series, “The Twilight Zone,” to put it in a nutshell description. Check it out HERE.

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Filed under 24 Hour Comics Day, A Night At The Sorrento And Other Stories, Alice in New York, Art, Books, Comics, Crowdfunding, Hugh Howey, Kickstarter, Marketing, Media, Publishing, Social Media, Twitter

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May 4, 2013 · 11:10 pm

What It Feels Like To Ride The Kickstarter Beast

Kickstarter_Logo

I love Kickstarter. The ride has been exhilarating. You learn so much when you do a Kickstarter campaign. It really does come down to basics. You learn about yourself, what you’re trying to communicate, how you communicate. This video is interesting to me. I like it. And I know it could be improved upon, believe me. But, overall, I like it. I even love it. And I love my campaign that you can view HERE.

I like myself. Wait, check that, I lOVE myself. That’s important because you have to have a thick skin and accept whatever happens during a campaign. You need to keep perspective. You need to be able to step back and ask yourself if you’ve reached as many people as you’re going to reach during a campaign. I’m still gauging that. Maybe there are some people that I reached but wasn’t able to get them to that last step, the actual pledge. Maybe I missed a whole lot of people somehow. Well, so it goes. That’s the healthy approach. But, yes, there’s plenty of people still to reach. Big hint here to WordPress to make this a Freshly Pressed post! I will state here, without a doubt, I also love WordPress!

And I love all my readers: Hey, go for it! Support this campaign as best you can! Repost this. Give it an official LIKE. Spread the word in any which way you can. Maybe I just had to ask.

You learn, in a pretty significant way, what really matters in goal setting. You set out to achieve a compelling goal that is within your grasp and is in need of funds. Sounds pretty simple. And it can be. For me, my project came naturally to me. And, with only hours left in this campaign, I am so glad I did it, even if I don’t reach my goal. However, who wouldn’t like to reach their goal, especially one that has been carefully thought out and nurtured as mine has? Well, you’re right, I do dearly want to see my comics project make it.

This is a work years in the making and something that will attract readers from many directions: horror, sci-fi, humor, even romance. It will attract readers who love good quirky and offbeat stories. You know who you are! It will attract readers of good solid alternative comics with attention to slice-of-life details. If you love the more artful and literary comics, then this is for you. Each of the short works is an unusual story of self-discovery. One involves a man who must come to grips with killing a bear. Another, the title work, is about a luxury hotel with charming ghosts who are disturbed my a couple of guests with way too much emotional baggage. This story, set in the Sorrento Hotel, refers back to a lot of Seattle history and has a steampunk quality to it. There are a total of four short works that originated from 24-Hour Comics Day experiments. The long story is a coming-of-age piece about a young man’s first adventure in New York City. You can interpret that story in more than one way. So, I’ll keep fighting the good fight. I will. Because it’s so worth it.

You need to carry yourself like you’ve already won, even if it seems like there’s a certain level of indifference. You do this because you trust in yourself the most.

And I’ll definitely keep you posted after this campaign comes to a close on May 6. I’d love to read your feedback and share more of what I’ve learned. But, for now, there’s a campaign still under way! How bad do I want this thing? Pretty bad! You’ve got all the rest of this weekend and all the way through Monday. After that, we’ll talk and see how it goes. Just go to Kickstarter, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES on Kickstarter thru May 6, and head over HERE.

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Filed under 24 Hour Comics Day, Alternative Comics, Comics, Comix, Generation X, graphic novels, Henry Chamberlain, Horror, Humor, Independent Comics, Kickstarter, Romance, Sci-Fi, science fiction, Sex, Steampunk

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· 9:08 pm

INTERVIEW: ARLEN SCHUMER and COMIC BOOK ART HISTORY: THE FIRST 25 YEARS!

Arlen-Schumer-Comic-Book-Art-History-First-25-Years

Arlen Schumer is your perfect guide into the world of comics and pop culture. He is a leading authority on comic book art. He knows the subject inside and out. After graduating with a degree in Graphic Design from RISDI, Mr. Schumer apprenticed with legendary DC Comics artist Neal Adams. Subsequently, Mr. Schumer went on to a career not as a comic book artist but as a comic book-style illustrator. A member of the Society of Illustrators, Mr Schumer took his already impressive career one step further and began to lecture on the artistic merits of the comic book art form. This led to his book, the award-winning “The Silver Age of Comic Book Art.” He regularly provides VisauLectures about comic book art that educate, inspire, and bring up for discussion intriguing and exciting aspects of comic book art.

This Sunday, May 5, will be an opportunity to see Mr. Schumer’s latest VisuaLecture, “Comic Book Art History: The First 24 Years!” If you’re not in the NY metro area, then you can still see this presentation streamed live. Just visit www.arlenschumer.com for details. You can also read the previous post just below this post.

Here is the Comics Grinder podcast interview below. We chat about comics and childhood. We also talk about how comics can be misunderstood and what can be done about it. One thing, no doubt, that is helping to motivate and educate the public about comics is Mr. Schumer and his VisuaLectures. They aren’t just lectures. They are lively engagements with the subject and, most definitely, visual. Keep an eye out for many more to come, including a tribute to Joe Kubert, Carmine Infantino, and a look at the development of the Black Panther character at Marvel Comics, a creation led by Jack Kirby. You can read the VisuaLecture about Jack Kirby’s Black Panther in a special Avengers issue of Alter Ego, details here. And you can read the VisuaLecture tribute to Joe Kubert in Comic Book Creator, details here.

Click the link below for the interview:

Visit Arlen Schumer at his website HERE.

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Filed under Arlen Schumer, Art, Art History, Batman, Comic Book Art, comic books, Comics, Graphic Design, Print Magazine, Superheroes, Superman

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