Labels: bd, events, Gatineau, Quebec

Labels: events, nd, Quebec

• The Beat's Heidi MacDonald writes a long post on Dave Sim. While claiming Sim is "one of the world's greatest living cartoonists", MacDonald goes on to detail Sim's misogyny and double standards and the double standards of those who seemingly ignore his "dark side" for the sake of art or charity. Tom Spurgeon has a nice follow-up and critic Charles Hatfield has some very insightful things to say in the comments section.

• (Via Tom Spurgeon) Neil Gaiman posts a Youtube clip of an old episode of Prisoners of Gravity, the once-popular TVOntario show hosted by Rick Green and produced by Mark Asquith, about comics and science fiction. Here are some other clips that pop up in a quick search.

• Review of Aline and the Others by Guy Delisle.

• Mark your calendars: cartoonist Michel Rabagliati will be in Toronto, Saturday, March 5, for a slideshow and Q+A. Toronto Public Library, Lillian H. Smith Building, downstairs auditorium, 239 College Street.

• Statscan says spending on reading is down.

• Cartoonist Troy Little is one of the contributors to a pinback exhibit in PEI, according to the Walrus Blog.

Labels: links, Ontario, Toronto

Zeros 2 Heroes Media is currently producing Gustav Hayes from Winnipeg creator Morgan Jeske. Jeske is working with editors and artists provided by Zeros 2 Heroes Media to bring his comic to life on the page.
"With 'Gustav Hayes' I hold the genre close to my heart. Science Fiction has always appealed to me, more so than Fantasy for instance. My hope is that some people read the book, and decide that they'd like to read more stories like it. In all seriousness, the fact that I'll have had a comic book published, is an amazing event for me," says Jeske on the excitement around his book.
Gustav Hayes centers on a broken anti-hero amidst the post apocalyptic nightmare of a world he is in. Gustav is a former 80's-style pop singer that battles hordes of evil creatures sent to destroy the remnants of civilization. Morgan Jeske is currently working with Zeros 2 Heroes comic editors and artists to produce his very first comic. As part of the agreement, Zeros 2 Heroes Media not only produces Jeske's book, but they will be working to get fan and media driven publicity from his hometown of Winnipeg Manitoba.
"I've been interested in the potential of Web comics for a long time," says Zeros 2 Heroes Editor-in-Chief Paul Dini. "I thought that was a very supportive way to bring new talent into what has generally been a tough business for novices."
Zeros 2 Heroes Media will be providing Jeske with his own online publication as well as putting together a plan to help get the word out to various media sources. The intention is to have not only a piece of professional work for his portfolio, but also to help him launch his professional writing career.
"Morgan's talent and creativity shines brightly in his story I think Gustav Hayes is one of those pieces of work that has potential," says Zeroes 2 Heroes Media Chairman Paul Gertz.
"This cross-platform entertainment opportunity is exactly what we're looking for in terms of our corporate mandate," says Western Region Director Earl Hong Tai of Telefilm Canada. Telefilm Canada plays in integral part in the development of Canadian writers and artists and helping pitches come to life with Canada Comic Creation Nation is another way for them to lend a hand.

Labels: British Columbia, Manitoba, pr, publishing, Vancouver, webcomics, Winnipeg

Labels: comic jams, events, Montreal, Quebec

• On the heels of yesterday's report on attacks on comics in libraries comes news of the latest batch of comics seized by Canada Customs (via Journalista). Publishers include Fantagraphics/Eros and Icarus Publishing.

• Michel Viau highlights some of the bd bestsellers in Montreal comic shops.

• Syed Soharwardy offers to meet with Ezra Levant.

• Some reports from last weekend's Kei-kon in Victoria: 1 2 3

• I think I get what Tom Spurgeon is saying: The Hulk is stronger, right?

• Jeet Heer on Krazy Kat and homosexuality.

Labels: bd, censorship, Global Links, manga, Quebec

Labels: bestsellers, BookManager, comic strips, comics retailers, graphic novels, manga, publishing

• Patrick Berube reviews the bd album Magasin General, Vol 1 for CBB.

• Zak Edwards reviews Essex County 2: Ghost Stories by Jeff Lemire at CBB.

• Reed Elsevier, the U.S. producer of Book Expo Canada, has announced the sale of its publishing division, including Publisher's Weekly and its subsidiaries, inclyding Heidi MacDonald's The Beat weblog.

• Exclaim profiles the new Cumulus Press book, Extraction!

• Emru Townsend of Frames prr Second magazine reviews an academic anthology about manga and anime, Mechademia 2: Networks of Desire.

• Eye weekly profiles Toronto's The World's Biggest Bookstore.

• Dave Sim reveals his other secret project, a history of the Holocaust, Judenhass.

Labels: cartoon reportage, comics retailers, graphic novels, manga, publishing, reviews

Labels: censorship, comics in libraries, graphic novels

Labels: blogosphere, cartoonists, comics history, publishing

Labels: comic jams, events, Ontario, Toronto

Labels: comic jams, events, Montreal, Quebec

• The Comic Book Bin's Christopher Moshier takes a page from the Overstreet Price Guide and probes the early "Platinum Age" history of DC Comics.

• Winnipeg bouncer creates superhero to protect children, Canadian Shield. (bonus: video)

• International: in a move sure to be reflected on Canadian bestseller lists, VIZ has announced the publication of a new Naruto series, following the adventures of the titular ninja student as a teenager: the launch of the long-awaited new NARUTO manga story arc begins with Volume 28, "which is the first to feature Naruto as a teenager. The volume is expected to hit stores nationwide on March 4 with an estimated retail price of $7.95"

• Free speech and Alberta Human Rights Commission to become election issue after cartoon controversy?

• Robin Bougie and co-conspirators are interviewed on the Inkstuds podcast about the recent launch of Cinema Sewer and Sleazy Slice.

• Lisa Fortuner at the Newsarama blog offers up some compelling reasons for not reading Dave Sim's Glamourama.

Labels: Alberta, censorship, comics history, floppies, international, manga, Manitoba, Winnipeg

The Toronto Comic Jam rolls this Tuesday, February 26th, 9:30 p.m. and on, back room at the Cameron House Pub, 408 Queen St. W. near Queen-Spadina. All welcome. Paper provided. Please note the later 9:30 start time because of Video Cabaret.

See you there,

Dalton

www.torontocomicjam.com

Labels: comic jams, Ontario, Toronto

Labels: book launches, British Columbia, events, Vancouver

Labels: conventions, events, manga, Victoria

Labels: links

Labels: anthologies, book launches, British Columbia, events, Vancouver, zines

Vancouver, British Columbia (February 11, 2008) – After a month of
voting on Canada's Comic Creation Nation, the fans have crowned
writer Greg Robinson as their winner. Robinson's pitch Age of Heroes
stood out amongst all of the competition and is now in the process
of being put into production. The first issue of Age of Heroes will be
produced and published online by Zeros 2 Heroes Media. Greg Robinson
will be working with comic book editors and artists provided by Zeros 2
Heroes to bring Age of Heroes to life on the page.
"For me as a writer, I would hope the experience could maybe open a
creative door or two, or present an opportunity or two that maybe was not
there before," says Robinson on the excitement around his pitch.
Age of Heroes is centered on a world run by super-powered beings and
enslaved humans. Robinson's first issue focuses on a small resistance
group as they attempt desperate and drastic action that will either begin
them down the road of salvation or damnation.
Greg Robinson will now work with Zeros 2 Heroes comic editors and
artists to produce his very first comic that will be published online by
Zeros 2 Heroes Media. As part of the agreement, Zeros 2 Heroes Media
not only produces Robinson’'s very first book, but they will be working to
get fan and media driven publicity from Robinson’s hometown of Langley
British Columbia.
"I've been interested in the potential of Web comics for a long time,"
says Zeros 2 Heroes Editor-in Chief Paul Dini. "I thought that was a very
supportive way to bring new talent into what has generally been a tough
business for novices."
Zeros 2 Heroes Media will be providing Robinson with his own
online publication as well as putting together a plan to help get the
word out to various media sources. The intention is to have
not only a piece of professional work for his portfolio, but
also to help him launch his processional writing career.
"Fans know what a good story is and where it can go
so we trust them to decide what ideas we should
invest in. Jason's talent and creativity shined brightly in his pitch
and I have no doubt that the fans made a great decision to see
Blake Undying go into production," says Zeroes 2 Heroes Media
Chairman Paul Gertz.
"This cross-platform entertainment opportunity is exactly what
we're looking for in terms of our corporate mandate," says Western
Region Director Earl Hong Tai of Telefilm Canada. Telefilm
Canada plays in integral part in the development of Canadian
writers and artists and helping pitches come to life with Canada
Comic Creation Nation is another way for them to lend a hand.
Zeros 2 Heroes plans to award all Canada Comic Creation
Nation winners with their published online comic. All creators are
encouraged to pitch their ideas online in order to let the fans decide
what they would like to see published. As the contest continues,
members of the Zeros 2 Heroes community will rate, review and
ultimately choose one winner for every month.

Labels: British Columbia, pr, Vancouver, webcomics

• Scott Pilgrim vs Antman

• This article about a concert of video game music in Edmonton highlights the connection between comics, anime, and gamer subcultures

• Quebecor World news: the Quebec printer has been granted until May 12th to get its house in order. Meanwhile it is still landing contracts and the value of the company's bonds has been set at auction.

• Von Allan on Rogers tv

• Photos from the character design face-off at the Labyrinth, Toronto

Labels: Edmonton, links, Ontario, Quebec, Toronto

Labels: bestsellers, BookManager, comic strips, comics retailers, graphic novels, manga, publishing

- Roleplaying gamez: one-off scenario of Blood on the Deck (aargh!) using the Call of Cthullu Dark Ages system

- Zombies - the best board game about the apocalypse evah

- Illuminati: (gnomes of zurich vs the bavarians vs Aliens!)

- Risk and Axis & Allies: very serious war games

- Demo of Thief by Organic Games

- Plus others: Diplomacy, Talisman, Settlers of Catan, etc..

- Arts and Crafts with Shirley and the Grapefruit (bring your projects)

- Comic book signing and projection by Salgood Sam (Therefore Repent!)

Labels: events, exhibits, Montreal

• Comic Book Bin reviews Le crepuscule des Dieux Volume 1: La malediction des Nibelungen

• We noted this event awhile ago, but Chris Butcher has more details about the graphic novel component of Toronto's Luminato Festival, featuring underground legend Spain Rodriguez as part of a "Political Graphic Novel" panel hosted by Peter Birkemoe. Spain has just published a biography of Che Guevera.

• Speaking of comics events, the comic component of the Salon du livre de l'Outaouais (coming up on Feb. 28) has been posted over at the BDQ forums. The event features a host of Quebec cartoonists.

Labels: bd, events, graphic novels, Quebec

Canada's largest manga publisher UDON has announced five new additions to its Korean Manhwa line-up: joining a series of comics originally published by Korea's Haksan Publishing, a new Haksan series - Daring Students' Association. In addition, four new series from Seoul Cultural Publishers: Dear Waltz, Chronicles of the Grim Peddler, Evyione: Ocean Fantasy, and Reading Club.

Labels: graphic novels, manga, publishing

Labels: links, reviews, webcomics

Labels: bestsellers, BookManager, comic strips, comics retailers, graphic novels, manga

The next Jam is coming up this Saturday:

When: Saturday, February 16th, 2008. 8pm until midnight.
Where: Clubhouse Japanese Restaurant
255 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver ( map )
Who: Anyone who is of legal drinking age is invited.
How Much: Free. Bring your own pencils/pens. Paper is provided.

I've reserved the upstairs room at the Clubhouse Japanese Restaurant for the Jam.

Crosspost as you see fit.

See you there!

Ed

Labels: British Columbia, comic jams, events, Vancouver

• The CBC radio programme As It Happens features an interview with the Danish filmaker behind Killer Cartoons who discusses the recent arrests in the alleged cartoonist assassination plot. (podcast, second 1/2 hour)

• Another interview with cartoonist Michael De Adder about the shut-down of the Halifax Daily News.

• The CBC on the graphic novel portion of this June's Luminato festival in Toronto.

• The Hudson's Bay Company is relaunching a series of educational historical comic books, Tales from the Bay.

• BlogTO interviews Patricia Storms about her romance-themed cartoon collection, You're My Guy Because...

• Dave Sim writes about his friend Steve Gerber and the debt Cerebus owes to Howard the Duck, among other things.

• Chris Butcher has the photos from last week's Kazu Kibuishi and Kean Soo appearances in Toronto.

• Image: Jay Stephen's new tv show, coming soon.

• And one for the road: Polite Dissent's Legion of Superheroes Valentines

Labels: Halifax, love letters, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Toronto

Labels: Alberta, censorship, legal news, political cartooning, publishing

In 2007, 22 Quebec publishers have issued 67 Comic books, French and English, representing a fairly marked decline compared to the year 2006, but still an increase compared to the production of the year 2005.

It must be noted that 2006 was exceptional, with the release of 86 titles, or 28% more than in 2007. However, the production of 2005, with 44 albums released, was 34% lower than that of this year. For example, if we except 2006 and its phenomenal production, the year 2007 is part of a continued 8 year increase in comics production.

Some publishers that emerged last year have been quiet this year: Fichtre! published only an autobiographical essay by Marc Tessier, while Arion (which seems to have completely ceased its activities) and Du Quebecois have no forthcoming albums scheduled. After an absence of several years, Michel D'Amours returned to comics publishing comics with a new house, Valour, which is unfortunately not very well distributed. As well, Line Arsenault continues her self-publishing.

Children's publishers (Boomerang, Quebec Amerique, Lauzier, Bayard, FouLire, Le Raton laveur and Les Intouchables) still have a finger in the BD pie. However, none of these has published a collection exclusively devoted to comics. Published albums are therefore AWOL from their catalogues.

Again this year, the bulk of production is divided between four publishers. Drawn & Quarterly, La Pasteque, mecanique generale et Presses aventure, on their own, have published 42 books, more than 62% of annual production. Of other publishers moderately active in 2007, we note Conundrum Press (5 titles) and L'Oie de Cravan (3 titles).

In 2007, 70% of comics albums published in Quebec were in French, a decline compared to previous years (75.5% in 2006 and 77% in 2005). Whereas in 2000, 83% of the albums were published in French. Although, it must be said that both Montreal Anglophone publishers, Drawn & Quarterly and Conundrum Press, have been particularly active this year with 28% of the production together. Several Francophone authors (Guy Delisle, Julie Doucet, Richard Suicide, Pascal Blanchet, and Line Gamache) have seen their works translated into English by these publishers.

Labels: analysis, bd, graphic novels, publishing, Quebec

As journalists left the Halifax Daily News, several said they're worried a free newspaper aimed at commuters will mean a decline in the city's journalism.

Michael de Adder, an award-winning cartoonist for the newspaper, said "it doesn't sound like it (Metro) can serve the population as well as a daily newspaper can or two daily newspapers can."

De Adder said cartoonists across the country are starting to wonder about their craft.

"What is the future? It looks pretty bleak today," he said.

Labels: Halifax, media monopolies, Nova Scotia, political cartooning, publishing, Quebec

Labels: comics writers, creator's rights, obituaries, U.S. superhero franchises

Labels: bestsellers, BookManager, comic strips, comics retailers, graphic novels, manga

• Pictures of the Paul Goes Fishing launch at the D+Q blog.

• I haven't seen a review copy of the book myself, but here are 3 reviews of Kean Soo's Jellaby: 1 2 3.

• The National Post on Maid Cafes in Tokyo.

• Chip Zdarsky aka Steve Murray continues his comix reportage for the National Post, this time exploring the world of crossdressing (with a cartoon cameo by Chris Butcher).

• Just in time for Valentine's Day, The Kingston Whig-Standard profiles anti-romantic Taiwanese otaku.

• Sudbury cartoonist Rob Saccetto will draw a romantic zombie portrait of you.

• The National Post interviews U.S. cartoonist Kazu Kibuishi in Toronto.

• The first report of the Vancouver Art Gallery show to be curated by Art Spiegleman and Seth that I've seen. No real details --coming later this year.

• The University of Waterloo's Peter Trinh writes on cartoonist couples.

• Julie Doucet interviewed in the Montreal Gazette.

• Fleen webcomic reviewer Anne Thalheimer tackles Claudia Davila's Transmission X offering, Luz, Girl of the Knowing.

Labels: British Columbia, cartoonists, graphic novels, interviews, Ontario, Quebec, reviews, Toronto, Vancouver, webcomics

Labels: canadians abroad, events, exhibits

• Another photo report from the Feb. 3rd Toronto Comicon, this time from Milo at Digital Kontent.

• Cartoonist Sarah Lazarovic is creating 100 paintings in 100 days.

• Philip Schweier examines the "underwear outside of the pants" phenomenon of superhero comics.

• Jeet Heer on the language of Krazy Kat and the intro he wrote for the new Chris Ware-edited collection of full-colour Krazy strips.

• Bryan Lee O'Malley draws the cover to the very popular girls' manga magazine Shojo Beat.

Labels: events, graphic novels, hobbystar, manga, Ontario, Toronto, U.S. superhero franchises

Labels: bestsellers, BookManager, comic strips, comics retailers, graphic novels, manga

Students at Carleton Village Public School got to know about prominent African-Canadians Governor General Michaelle Jean, Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, Canada's first black Member of Parliament and hockey player/champion golfer Herb Carnegie as part of a "Sketching History" event.

Students in Grade 4 to 8 took part in the workshop, another celebration of Black History Month this February on Tuesday morning.

It was a workshop conducted by three brothers, known as the Blac Ice family. Siblings Anthony and Justin Stanberry and Jermaine Smith started a company eight years ago called Freeze DNA and published the first Canadian black super-hero comic book series called Blac Ice.

Since its publication and the inception of their business, the brothers can take credit for publishing several other children's books in addition to teaching kids across the country how to draw comic art.

Labels: comics in school, events

Labels: bd, book launches, events, graphic novels, Montreal, Quebec

Labels: book launches, events, graphic novels, Toronto

• Christopher Butcher on the issue of publishers selling books at conventions and the Beguiling's attitude to same.

• The aptly-named John Law writes about comics downloading for the Niagara Falls Review, including some interviews with local retailers Netral Zone and Mostly Comics and cartoonist Karl Kerschl.

• Dave Sim takes his Glamourpuss messageboard tour on the road and has some long exchanges with U.S. comic book writer, mother, and former hairstylist Gail Simone at the Sequential Tart boards.

• Tom Spurgeon reviews Therefore Repent! at Comics Reporter.

• Also at Comics Reporter, an interview that Montreal cartoonist Bernie Mireault had with himself.

• If you know your Canadian history, you know that one of Brian Mulroney's first political acts involved a campaign to ban horror and crime comic books in this country. Newly declassified British documents reveal that Winston Churchill discussed the same issue as one of his last political acts.

• The Montreal Gazette gets feedback on changes to its comics page.

Labels: comic strips, comics history, floppies, graphic novels, interviews, interweb, Quebec, reviews

• Ty at Grendel33's Place has a full report including attendance figures with photos of the sales floor and artist's alley.

• Jason Truong keeps it together.

• Danny Truong has the Heavy, including notes on the widespread trend of marking down hardcover comics collections to $10.

• Con organizer Kevin Boyd has his own report and notes that attendance was way up over the previous show.

Labels: conventions, events, hobbystar, Ontario, Toronto

Labels: canadians abroad, illustration, political cartooning

Labels: comics in libraries, events, Ontario, Toronto

Whether called graphic novels, comic books, bandes dessinees or sequential art, comics aren't just for kids any more. We will explore the artistic variety and potential inherent in comics - starting with an overview of comics, moving on to making them ourselves. Pencils, paper and some ink and dip pens will be available for use, but you are heartily encouraged to bring other artistic materials and / or laptops if you wish to explore comic-making in more varied forms. Come equipped with a comic book idea and you'll be ready to jump right in.

Labels: comic jams, comics in school, events, Montreal, Quebec

Labels: analysis, comics retailers, comicshoptalk, publishing, Quebec

Labels: awards, blogosphere, events, Ontario, Toronto, U.S. superhero franchises

Labels: interviews, webcomics

"What you should expect to see is a plethora of really cool, imaginative and interesting paintings, drawings and other creative systems applied to old record album covers. The subjects are diverse, but what ties every piece together is the format. Many of the pieces will be up for sale - so if you're in the market for some original art - this will be your chance. Many of the artists will be there for the evening to talk to."

Labels: art show, comic jams, events, exhibits, Ontario, Toronto

Labels: bestsellers, BookManager, comics retailers, graphic novels, manga

Labels: conventions, events, hobbystar, Ontario, Toronto

Labels: floppies, interweb, pod casts, political cartooning

Labels: events, graphic novels, pod casts