Tag Archives: Illustration

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: MARC PALM

It is always a delight to talk with fellow cartoonist and friend, Marc Palm. In this interview from Stumptown Comics Fest, in Portland last weekend (April 27-28), we joke around a bit, although both of us were pretty weary by then, as the festivities were drawing to a close that Sunday. Among the various places you can find Marc, try HERE.

Intruder-Number-6-comics

Marc Palm is a cartoonist based out of Seattle. He is involved with the ongoing comics anthology, INTRUDER. And Mr. Palm will be busy this Saturday, Free Comic Book Day, over at Fantagraphics Bookstore in support of FREAK COMIC BOOK, a Fantagraphics mini that he’s a contributor in. So, if you’re in the Seattle area, you’re going to be busy too checking out your favorite local comics shops including, of course, Fantagraphics Bookstore.

Freak-Comic-Book-Fantagraphics

From the Press Release:

“Fantagraphics Bookstore will issue an exclusive 16-page Freak Comic Book mini featuring a stellar cast of local alternative artists. Edited by Intruder contributor Marc Palm, the book includes new works by Max Clotfelter, Kelly Froh, Eroyn Franklin, Tom Van Deusen, Ben Horak, Darin Shuler, David Lasky, Aidan Fitzgerald, Pat Moriarity, John Ohannesian, Max Badger, and James Stanton. As May 4 is also Star Wars Day – (“May the Fourth Be With You”) – the mini concludes with touching tributes to Yoda by Peter Bagge, Ellen Forney, Jim Woodring, and Kazimir Stzrepek. Freak Comic Book is limited to 100 copies. Many of the contributing artists will be in attendance to sign their work.” FBI informant — with Max Badger Woodring, Jim Woodring, James Stanton, Peter Bagge, Ellen Forney – Cartoonist and Kazimir Strzepek at Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery.

1 Comment

Filed under Alternative Comics, Anthologies, Comics, Comix, Fantagraphics, Fantagraphics Books, Intruder, Marc Palm, mini-comics, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest, Underground Comics

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: ELLEN LINDNER

Ellen Lindner is an accomplished illustrator and cartoonist. She is a cheerful, passionate, and whipsmart person with talent to spare. It was very nice to get to meet her and her friend, Robin Ha, an excellent artist in her own right. You’ll definitely want to check out the work of both of these ladies.

In the above interview, we focus on Ellen’s work on the anthology series she co-edits, THE STRUMPET, which showcases women cartoonists. To do justice to this project, I’ve written a separate review that you can scroll down and find or you can read it here.

Ellen-Linder

Ellen’s work has a bold and joyful way about it and a keen sense of humor. Ellen has an intriguing webcomic you’ll want to check out, THE BLACK FEATHER FALLS, on ACT-I-VATE Comics. It is set in the aftermath of World War I. It revolves around, Tina Swift, a woman who is caught in a web of intrigue surrounding a murder in 1920s London. You’ll want to jump in on a read if you haven’t already. You’ll be hooked.

The-Black-Feather-Falls-Ellen-Lindner

You can follow THE BLACK FEATHER FALLS HERE. The series will be collected by Soaring Penguin Press. And you can visit Ellen’s website HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Comix, Ellen Lindner, Independent Comics, Portland, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet, Webcomics

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013: ROBIN HA

Robin Ha and Ellen Lindner are two very distinct cartoonists who happen to have a lot in common. For one thing, they are neighbors, as their art studios are next door to each other. They also share a certain cosmopolitan sensibility. This led Robin to contribute to the anthology that Ellen co-edits, THE STRUMPET.

We talk about THE STRUMPET and Robin’s work in general. You can view a sample of Robin’s work, as well as Ellen’s, from THE STRUMPET, in the previous post.

The-Red-Dress

Robin Ha’s work has a delicate ethereal quality balanced by a wry and worldly vibe. Her latest project is a webcomic about a haunted vintage dress, THE RED DRESS. You can keep up with it HERE.

Robin-Ha-2013

And you can keep up with Robin’s work HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under Alternative Comics, Comics, Illustration, Independent Comics, Portland, Robin Ha, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet, Webcomics

Stumptown Comics Fest 2013 Review: THE STRUMPET #2

THE STRUMPET #2 Cover by Jeremy Day

THE STRUMPET #2 Cover by Jeremy Day

What’s THE STRUMPET about, you ask? Well, it is a collection of comics showcasing female cartoonists. It follows in the footsteps of WHORES OF MENSA, an anthology that set the bar high on quality. Not only that, it brings together new talent from around the world. THE STRUMPET #3 is in the works and is currently seeking submissions with a deadline of September 1, 2013. Visit THE STRUMPET website HERE.

Let’s place our attention squarely upon the current issue, THE STRUMPET #2. It is edited by the multi-talented Ellen Lindner and Jeremy Day. All the cartoonist talent here bring together a cohesive and compelling collection with a travel theme in mind. What does travel mean to you? When was the last time you were on a trip? Just a few hours ago at your desk at work whilst you daydreamed? My word, did you think there was only one way to travel?? If you did, then catch yourself please because you’re due for an adventure and an education. Let the ladies from THE STRUMPET encourage, engage, and entertain you on all manner of thought and conjecture regarding the subject of travel.

This collection is 21 cartoonists strong: Patrice Aggs, Rachael Ball, Badaude, Juhyun Choi, Marguerite Dabaie, Jeremy Day, Shamisa Debroey, Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg, Karrie Fransman, Robin Ha, J Homersham, Kripa Joshi, Emily Ryan Lerner, Ellen Lindner, Tanya Meditzky, Kat Roberts, Alison Sampson, Maartje Schalkx, Julia Scheele, Nicola Streeten, and Myfanwy Tristram.

Did I miss anyone? Well, I certainly hope note. I feel like this is a very special endeavor and everyone contributed to make it so.

Let me share with you some of the work in this wonderful anthology.

"Mr. Murray" by Ellen Lindner

“Mr. Murray” by Ellen Lindner

Ellen Lindner’s wry sense of humor is spot on in this tale about the search for the seemingly elusive Mr. Bill Murray.

"Trenitalia" by Robin Ha

“Trenitalia” by Robin Ha

Robin Ha is full of wanderlust on this adventure on an Italian train.

"The 171 Bus Route" by Julia Scheele

“The 171 Bus Route” by Julia Scheele

Julia Scheele immerses us in this richly detailed look at a bus commute through London.

"Deaf" by Patrice Aggs

“Deaf” by Patrice Aggs

Patrice Aggs has a hilarious story to tell in this comedy of errors.

"Homesick" by Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg

“Homesick” by Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg

Lisa Rosalie Eisenberg’s “Homesick” is a deliriously wild ride that floats, flies, and dreams its way through to charming results.

"The Next Life of Ruzzell" by Kat Roberts

“The Next Life of Ruzzell” by Kat Roberts

Kat Roberts gives us a most inventive take on the concept of travel. It is full of magic and whimsy.

"Miss Moti Can Go Places" by Kripa Joshi

“Miss Moti Can Go Places” by Kripa Joshi

We end with the back cover by Kripa Joshi. She’s an engaging artist and this next issue’s co-editor with Ellen. We look forward to what results.

And be sure to pick up your copy of THE STRUMPET #2 which you can find HERE.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come from the Stumptown Comics Fest held in Portland, Oregon, April 27-28. That includes video interviews with Ellen Lindner and Robin Ha.

3 Comments

Filed under Alternative Comics, Art, Comics, Comix, Ellen Lindner, Illustration, Independent Comics, Kickstarter, PDX, Portland, Publications, Publishing, Robin Ha, Self-Published, Stumptown Comics Fest, The Strumpet

Editorial Cartoon: BOSTON MARATHON MEMORIAL

Editorial Cartoon by Daryl Cagle, published with permission

Editorial Cartoon by Daryl Cagle, published with permission

This editorial cartoon expresses well the mourning we share after the Boston Marathon bombing.

Daryl Cagle is the publisher of Cagle.com and owner of Cagle Cartoons, Inc, which distributes editorial cartoons and columns to over 850 newspapers.

Editorial cartoons are as popular as ever and put to use in a variety of ways in print and on the web. Take a look at the excellent roster of talent at Cagle.com and you’ll see there is something for everyone.

Read Daryl’s blog at: http://www.cagle.com/daryl. View his site at: Cagle.com. Get permission to reprint his cartoons at: PoliticalCartoons.com.

1 Comment

Filed under Editorial Cartoons, Journalism, news, Political Cartoons, politics

ART: GARY BASEMAN: THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN

Gary-Baseman-The-Door-Is-Always-Open-Skirball-2013

In “Gary Baseman: The Door Is Always Open,” the artist welcomes visitors into his creative universe. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you will definitely want to take in this retrospective of one of the major contemporary artists of pop surrealism at the Skirball Cultural Center, running from April 25 thru August 18, 2013. Visit the museum website here.

Press release follows:

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under animation, Art, Gary Baseman, Illustration, Pop Surrealism, Toys

INTERVIEW: Ray Sumser and his CARTOON UNIVERSE

Ray-Sumser-Comic-Book-2013

Independent artist Ray Sumser wears many hats as an artist making it in New York City. Check out his website here and you’ll see that the man is busy. One priority is his Cartoon Universe. This is an ongoing project where he creates works that bring in various characters from comics and pop culture.

Ray-Sumser-Just-the-Women-2013

His most recent one was, “Just The Women,” which celebrated women characters. That was a successful Kickstarter campaign and will lead to more.

Ray’s new Kickstarter campaign is an all-ages comic book that builds on his own original cartooning. This is the story of a little yellow kitten, aka LYK, and a Teddy Bear in search of their lost Leopard Gecko friend.

“LYK and Bear,” Issue One, is a hilarious 22-page comic book. This is a hip, funny comic appropriate for any age. It has a gentle quality with a broad humor that just sweeps you away. LYK and Bear are on a quest that is dreamy, colorful, and very animated. The Kickstarter project is to fund a print run. Check out that campaign which runs from April 2 thru May 4. You can view it here.

This Comics Grinder interview with Ray Sumser covers a little of everything: art school, New York City, and the love of comics.

You can listen to the podcast interview here:

Ray-Sumser-1-April-2013

Vist Ray at raysumser.com.

Leave a comment

Filed under animation, Art, Entertainment, Humor, Kickstarter, New York City, pop culture

A Night at the Sorrento and Other Stories KICKSTARTER Campaign Launch is APRIL 2, 2013

WHT Sorrento Seattle

EDITOR’S NOTE: It is now launched and you can view it HERE.

This is an idea that has been gathering steam and now we’re about to embark on a special campaign.

This is my plan: to create a quality edition of a collection of short stories plus a graphic novel. This project is all completed and entitled, “A Night at the Sorrento and Other Stories.” The stories come from three years of 24 Hour Comics Day challenges. I put them together during the challenge and then refined them over time. These challenges occurred in Seattle: at the Phinney Neighborhood Center in 2010 and 2011; and at the Sorrento Hotel in 2012. Each year has been generously sponsored by Comics Dungeon, one of the best places you can go for comics anywhere. All the staff there are knowledgable, friendly, and eager to help. The book includes the graphic novel, “Alice in New York.”

It all starts April 2.

Leave a comment

Filed under Alice in New York, Comics, Comics Dungeon, graphic novels, Henry Chamberlain, Kickstarter, Seattle, Sorrento Hotel

VIZ MEDIA: NEW AND RECENT RELEASES, APRIL 2013

Here is a quick look at some assorted new an recent VIZ Media releases: Naoki Urasawa’s 21ST CENTURY BOYS; Mizuki Sakakibara’s TIGER & BUNNY; Toh Enjoe’s SELF-REFERENCE ENGINE; Sakyo Komatsu’s VIRUS; Takehiko Inoue’s INOUE MEETS GAUDI.

VIZ Media has got you covered in more ways than you might think: manga, anime, books, video, all faithfully translated into English. You will find something for everyone: from a study on Japan today and its future to the latest Naruto. Check it out at VIZ Media here.

Leave a comment

Filed under animation, Anime, Art, Art books, Books, comic books, Comics, graphic novels, Japan, Manga, pop culture, Sci-Fi, science fiction, VIZ Media

Molly Crabapple’s SHELL GAME Art Show: April 14 – 23, 2013

Great American Bubble Machine, 2012

Great American Bubble Machine, 2012

Occupy is still with us. And it’s Molly Crabapple who is among the leaders of the movement.

“Shell Game,” Molly Crabapple’s Kickstarter-funded gallery show, featuring 9 gorgeous paintings dedicated to the 2011 financial collapse will host a public opening party on April 14, 2013, 7-10pm, at Smart Clothes Gallery, 154 Stanton St at the corner of Suffolk St in the Lower East Side, NYC.

Shell Game
Reeption on April 14, 2013

“It was the year when everyone sat down in the main squares of their cities and said the old machine is broken,” observes Crabapple. “2011 freed me to do the best work of my career, and it was amazing to see my protest art wheat-pasted on walls and carried by activists around the world.”

Molly Crabapple is pleased to announce “Shell Game,” an exhibition of new work. The exhibition will be on view from April 14 – April 23, 2013, at Smart Clothes Gallery, located at 154 Stanton Street, between Houston and Suffolk, New York, 10002.

“Shell Game” is comprised of nine, 6’x4′ paintings and one 3’x3′ painting about the revolutions and crises of 2011 (six of which have already been sold to collectors) including the mortgage bubble, the Greek anti-austerity protests, and Occupy Wall Street, filtered through the artist’s distinctive lens of surrealism, satire, and symbolic animals and, for eight of nine paintings, informed by travel to the settings, including Spain, Greece, and the United Kingdom, during which she interviewed activists for her reported illustrated journalism pieces and participated in demonstrations. For Tunisia, she interviewed members of Nawaat, the dissident blogger collective, via Skype. Nine preliminary watercolors, all sold, will also be exhibited.

Molly Crabapple will host a public opening reception on Sunday, April 14, from 7-10pm, sponsored by Original Sin Hard Cider, Blick Art Supply & all our amazing Kickstarter backers! Visit Smart Clothes Gallery here.

1 Comment

Filed under Art, Molly Crabapple, New York City, Steampunk