February Comic Artists Forum With Cartoonist Chad Sell

Sun, 01/27/2013 - 4:20pm by K.C.

Sunday, February 3 -- 1:00-3:00 PM -- Downtown Library - 4th Floor Meeting Room

Cartoonist Chad Sell, creator of Manta-Man, Shadow Play, Vreeland, and Doodleville, will talk about how to get your work out there using social networking, comics conventions, and self- publishing. He will also talk about setting up your own website.

Posting his artwork online led Chad to new fans, an online business, and eventually allowed him to work exclusively as an illustrator.

Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies are provided, so drop in! This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).

Experience life in the trenches of World War I with Charley's War

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 7:48pm by K.C.

On a “Military History – What are you Reading Now” booklist, I came across the Charley’s War series, set in World War I. Having just completed the excellent historical non-fiction WWII graphic novel, Two Generals, I thought I would check out how "the war to end all wars" was covered in graphic novel fashion.

Wow, I was not disappointed. Charley’s War 2 June 1916 – 1 August 1916 is the first in a series of volumes following the life of Charley Bourne, who enlists in the British Army at the age of 16. In this volume you see Charley go from enlistment to the frontlines just in time for preparations for the Battle of the Somme. By the time the attack is launched, you’ll know just enough about his trench mates to be anxious of their fate as they ‘go over the top’.

This series is actually a compilation of a 3 to 4 page strip that ran in the British comic book "Battle Action" from 1979-85. Writer Pat Mills moves the action along at a brisk but smooth pace. Though a few of the characters may seem a bit stock/stereotypical, every one of them is compelling and pulls you in to learn their story. Joe Colquhoun’s artwork – fantastic. As long as you are not turned off by black and white, there is much to like here. The details in the panels and the way they are laid out works great.

The period history seems well researched, and the book includes not only a section where the writer gives current day commentary and he does address a few things that in hindsight may not have been too accurate or likely to have occurred, but also includes a brief independent essay on the Battle of the Somme itself.

You may not agree with the author’s preface, but I think you will agree the graphic novel itself is one grim and gripping yarn.

Comic Artists Forum with Cartoonist and Children’s Book Illustrator Dani Jones

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 6:54pm by K.C.

Sunday, January 6 "> 1:00-3:00 PM "> Downtown Library "> 4th Floor Meeting Room

Via Skype, cartoonist Dani Jones will tell us about the joys, challenges, and tricks of juggling work as both a comics creator and as a children's book illustrator.

Dani has created and published her own comics stories, My Sister, the Freak, an ongoing webcomic, and Frosty the Gourdman, a Halloween short story comic. She recently wrote and illustrated the picture book, Monsters vs. Kittens for Stan Lee's Kids Universe and has illustrated other picture books including The Best Mariachi in the World, and Elfis, A Christmas Tale.

Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your next comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies are provided, so drop in to draw, learn, and network with other cartoonists.

Comics Are Great! 69 – Talking Drama with Raina Telgemeier

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 4:20pm by dubaym

We close out the 2012 broadcast schedule with a special event! I’m joined by guest co-host Cassie, who helps me interview Raina Telgemeier about her latest graphic novel Drama. Together we talk about how Drama is a “spiritual sequel” to Smile, how an author might use their own experiences to inform their stories, and whose work most inspired Raina.

Toward the end of the episode we’re visited by Erin Helmrich of the Ann Arbor District Library for another round of great book recommendations!

Links mentioned in this episode (thanks to Eric Klooster for collecting them!):

• The Royal Christmas Message
• Video trailer for Drama
• The Princess Diaries
• The Kids’ Comics Revolution podcast
• The Far Side
• Fox Trot
• Go Comics
• Calvin and Hobbes
• Dumbo
• The Little Mermaid
• Pinnocchio
• Oliver & Company
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Mulan
• Hercules
• The Princess & the Frog
• The Lion King
• Toy Story 3

Comics Recommendations (some affiliate links):

• Fishing with Gubby
• For Better or Worse
• Luann
• Zebrafish
• Nightschool, Vol. 1
• Mal and Chad: Food Fight!
• The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy’s Great Idea
• X-Men: Misfits

To download the episode right-click link below and save link as...

Bride’s Story Vol. 1

Mon, 12/10/2012 - 3:29pm by K.C.

At December’s Comic Artists Forum guest presenter Kasey Van Hise of Winters in Lavelle talked about one of her favorite mangas, Bride’s Story Vol. 1. She showed how creator Kaoru Mori’s expert use of manga storytelling techniques create tension, pacing, and excitement during the rabbit hunt with bow and arrow while on a galloping horse . I had read this book earlier but checked it out again to take a new look at the art work.

Set in the 19th century Asian steppe near the Silk Road where cultures cross, blend, and sometimes clash, Bride’s Story tells of Amir, a young woman from a nomadic tribe, who weds Karluk, a twelve-year-boy eight years her junior and starts a new life in a settlement.

Though this first volume's action is somewhat limited while setting up the storyline and characters, it is the examination of place, time, and culture that fascinates. Amir and Karluk’s openness to trying out each others way of life (hunting with bow and arrow, new food dishes, clothing) provide little more drama than what is experienced in everyday living. Yet this simple tale just may leave you wanting more. If so, request Bride’s Story Vol. 2.

Comics Are Great! 68 – Watson and Holmes

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 2:26pm by dubaym

This time we talk with the team behind the new Watson and Holmes comic about iterating on public domain stories, new publishing strategies, and how a cartoonist might think about “acting” through their characters.

And we’re joined once again by Sharon Iverson of the Ann Arbor District Library for a nautically-themed round of book recommendations!

Links mentioned in this episode (thanks to Eric Klooster for collecting them!):

• New Paradigm Studios
• Techdirt article on Holmes’ status as a public domain character
• Jim Zub’s article on the economics of indie comics publishing
• Brandon and Paul’s appearance on Comicast episode 44
• ComicsPlus iOS and Android app
• Rick Leonardi
• Brandon Perlow’s career as a visual effects artist
• Keith Giffen
• Pippi Longstocking
• Comixology
• Epic Illustrated

Comics Recommendations (some affiliate links):

• Habibi
• Northlanders Vol. 1: Sven The Returned
• Cap’n Cat: Former Shark Hunter
• Salt Water Taffy: Calderas Revenge!
• Mr. Big: A Tale of Pond Life
• Sailor Twain: Or: The Mermaid in the Hudson
• Rasl Volume 1: The Drift
• Steve Canyon Volume 1: 1947-1948
• The Goon Collection
• Winters in Lavelle
• Pickman’s Model

To download the episode right-click link below and save link as...

Comic Artists Forum: Manga Artist Kasey Van Hise

Tue, 11/20/2012 - 5:54pm by K.C.

Sunday, December 2 "> 1:00-3:00 PM "> Downtown Library "> 4th Floor Meeting Room

Kasey Van Hise, creator of Winters in Lavelle, will conduct a workshop (courtesy of Skype) "Storytelling in Manga". Often overlooked by the western comics' fans and creators, the medium of Manga contains powerful storytelling principles that can be utilized by anyone. In this workshop you'll dissect pages from many different types of Manga, and approach not only understanding the unique language of these comics, but also what you can use and apply in your own work.

Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your next comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies will be provided, so drop in to draw, learn, and network with other cartoonists.

This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).

Sailor Twain, or the Mermaid in the Hudson

Tue, 11/20/2012 - 5:43pm by K.C.

If you’re looking for a book to curl up with on a gloomy afternoon, then Sailor Twain or the Mermaid in the Hudson is your book!

One hundred years ago. On the foggy Hudson River, a riverboat captain rescues an injured mermaid from the waters of the busiest port in the United States. A wildly popular - and notoriously reclusive - author makes a public debut. A French nobleman seeks a remedy for a curse. As three lives twine together and race to an unexpected collision, the mystery of the Mermaid of the Hudson deepens.

All drawn in black-and-white charcoal - the surreal riverboat Lorelei, the forbidding Hudson River wrapped in continuous drizzle along with enigmatic characters will pull you in for a fantastical 400-page ride that will leave you pondering long after you finish the last page.

2013 Rainbow Project Nominations

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 4:53pm by pkooger

All the nominations are in for the 2013 Rainbow Book List! Each year the Rainbow Books project of the American Library Association selects a list of top-notch books for young people (0-18 years) that contain honest depictions of LGBTQ people and themes. For a complete list of AADL’s holdings, click here. These are a few of my favorites so far.

Batwoman, Volume 1: Hydrology – Kate Kane tracks down a spectral child abductor. Little does she know, she is being tracked herself, by a government agent intent on unmasking Batwoman.

The Song of Achilles – Patroclus falls in love with his friend Achilles and follows him to war. Madeline Miller explores the relationships between several key players of Homer’s Iliad.

Tell The Wolves I’m Home – June’s uncle Finn is her best friend, but he is cruelly taken from her by AIDS. Carol Rifka Brunt deftly examines the simmering tensions and deep love present in any family, especially one dealing with tragedy.

Drama – Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel follows the hijinks of Callie and the theater department as they muddle through puberty, love, and line memorization.

The Rainbow Book List will be finalized in January, so stay tuned to see which books make the cut!

Comic Artists Forum with Michelangelo Cicerone

Sun, 11/04/2012 - 1:39pm by K.C.

Sunday, November 4 | 1:00-3:00 PM | Downtown Library | 4th Floor Meeting Room

Join "Ozone Jones" creator Michelangelo Cicerone, learn more about comic jams and then, take part in a comic jam!

Michelangelo will point out analogies to jazz/music, the difference between jams and collaborations, and will also demonstrate some techniques involved in participating and continuing jams. Comic jams are a great tool for honing both illustration and storytelling skills, while also offering an opportunity for the artist to interact with other artists without the more formal aspects of collaboration!

Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your next comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing are provided, so drop in to draw, learn, and network with other cartoonists.