30.4.05
Shusters talked about at CBC
Permalink
Shusters to be given out at comic convention
Last Updated Fri, 29 Apr 2005 15:18:26 EDT CBC Arts
TORONTO - The Shusters, awards recognizing achievement by Canadian comic-book artists and writers, will be handed out for the first time on Saturday.
Among the nominees for the inaugural edition of the awards are Stuart Immonen – who was nominated in the outstanding-artist category for his work on Superman: Secret Identity – and Simpsons scribe Ian Boothby, who got a nod in the outstanding-writer category.
Seth, the creator of Palookaville, and Dave Sim, of Cerebus fame, will go head-to-head as nominees in the outstanding-cartoonist category, which honours those who both write and do the art on a title.
According to the organizers, "The Shusters are a way of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Canadian creators – past, present and future."
There are seven categories in all, including one set aside for the outstanding achievement of the year in the industry.
Chester Brown is nominated in that category for bringing attention to Canadian history with his re-telling of the Louis Riel story.
Since the category is open to those outside the creative community, Little Sisters bookstore in Vancouver is nominated alongside Brown – for its fight against Canada Customs, which was initially a legal battle over adult comics.
The awards are named after Joe Shuster, the Canadian-born artist who was the co-creator of Superman.
They will be given out at the Toronto Comicon, a gathering of fans and industry members that takes place from Friday until Sunday.
A committee of professionals from across the country chose the nominees in each category, and the winners are selected by a ballot of Canadian fans.
The Shusters come ahead of next month's Doug Wright Awards, which also recognize achievements in the comic-book field, and are also in their first year.
|
max@Sequential : 8:29:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
25.4.05
Next Monthly Montreal Comix Jam April 27
Permalink
http://spiltink.dreamhost.com/MMCJ/
Just to remind you that there will be a Comix jam next
Wednesday April 27 8 PM at Restaurante Sala Rossa 4848
St-Laurent (a few steps from Casa del Popolo). I also
need the help of one of you as high priest since I
will not be able to stay until the end of the event.
The job is not very hard: Around 10 PM You will
replace me in meeting old and new members as well as
providing paper and already started jam pages. Then
at the end of the Jam you will be the gardian of the
Mystic Backpack which contain all the jam gear for a
month. For this, you'll get a free copy of the jam
upcoming zine. Yes! Ther will be finally one, most
likely for May 2005.
See you there and many thanks in advance for
the help of the High Priest who will assume the Mighty
office.
Bonjour à tous,
Just un mot pour vous rappeller que le Prochain Jam
aura lieu Mercredi prochain le 27 avril, 8 PM au
Restaurante Sala Rossa, 4848 St-Laurent (à quelques
pas de la Casa del Popolo). J'aurais aussi besoin de
l'aide de l'un d'entre vous pour ce mois-ci car je ne
pourrai pas demeurer au jam jusqu'à la fin de la
soirée. Le job n'est pas très compliqué: Aux environs
de 10 PM, vous prendrez la relève en tant que Grand
Prêtre du Jam en accueillant les vieux et les nouveau
membres tout en leur fournissant du papier et les
planches déjà entreprises. À la fin du jam, vous
serez le gardien du Sac Mystique qui contient
l'attirail du Jam pour un mois. Pour cette peine, vous
allez obtenir une copie gratuite du prochain zine du
Jam. Et Oui! il en aura finalement un et la
publication est prévue pour mai prochain.
Sur ce au plaisir de vous revoir
et merci à l'avance pour le Grand Prêtre
qui prendra soin de vous
Jane
|
max@Sequential : 1:30:00 PM
0 comments
|
|
TORONTO COMIC JAM April 26th
Permalink
http://www.torontocomicjam.com
TCAF MURAL AT TORONTO COMIC JAM
I'll be hosting a open-access mural during TCAF, and it's first stop will be at April's comic jam, tomorrow. Please come to the jam on Tuesday to begin the mural, (paint other art supplies will be provided), all are invited to particiapte and add to it. It will basically be two or three illustration boards, approx 2 by 3 feet each.
At TCAF the mural will be in the alley that runs between Markham and the Honest Ed parkinglot, the main location of TCAF. It should be much fun
CALL FOR A BOARD OF DIRECTORS
I know it's late notice, but as many of you may know, I'm keen on putting a semi-foraml structure together for the administration of the jam. Really, this will allow us to apply for funding, to spread the workload of running the jam out so it all actually gets done, and finally enable us try other projects as people on the board are willing to take on.
I'm thinking, say, of having key speakers come in and talk about getting by while creating alternative comics (I'm thinking of Seth or Chester Brown here); of showing documentaries about comics in the back room of the Cameron before the jam; perhaps having awards given to local artists for 'best panel' or perhaps 'best comics zine' ...these kinds of things to help cycle money out into the community.
If you're able and willing to donate about 4 hours a month to the jam, please come and join our board. People with expertise in promotions and the media, with grant writing, and event co-ordination would extremely beneficial.
Thanks... see you there!
Dave
|
max@Sequential : 1:28:00 PM
0 comments
|
|
AN EVENING WITH WARREN ELLIS April 28th
Permalink
 AN EVENING WITH WARREN ELLIS
A Brief Talk About Stories, Drinking, and The World
Thursday, April 28th. Doors open at 8pm.
@ The Hacienda (Formerly The Tequila Lounge)
794 Bathurst (Corner of Bloor & Bathurst)
19+. Tickets are $5, available at The Beguiling/at the door.
Internationally renown author and graphic novelist Warren Ellis talks about his experiences telling stories for a living, working in the varying fields of Graphic Novels, Video Games, Animation, and "anything else he can steal money for". Presented by The Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon and the Toronto Comic Arts Festival. Tickets on sale as of Wednesday, April 20th, 2005.
Press Release At http://www.torontocomics.com.
|
max@Sequential : 12:25:00 PM
0 comments
|
|
24.4.05
HUNG BOOK LAUNCH and more!
Permalink
Hiya! I have lots of bookart news for you!
The first issue of my new comic book series, HUNG is done! It's called "Never Odd Or Even" and I'm holding a launch party for it on Thursday, 19 May at Clinton's Tavern on Bloor West (at Clinton Street, just east of Christie) The show features live music by The Ludes and a chance to win some super neat door prizes including orginal art! Doors are at 9:00, $10 cover includes the book and show. Bring all your friends!
The Beguiling is hosting their second Toronto Comic Arts Festival from Friday 27 May to Sunday 29 May this year. Check out the super cool line up of events on the TCAF website: www.torontocomics.com/tcaf
I'll be there with my books, and am also organizing a panel discussion called "Smarten Up-- Comics in the Academy" which will take place on Saturday 28 May. Bart Beaty (prof. at U Calgary and also writes "Euro-comics for Beginners" in The Comics Journal) is giving a keynote address on the current state of comics scholarship, followed by a roundtable discussion with other panelists and the audience. Details are on the events page at the TCAF website.
Three titles (five.finger.discount, Nervous Beginnings, and Stones and Ghosts) have been accepted to the Mobilivre/Bookmobile project and will be touring with the show from May-December this year. Watch to see if the project comes through your city by checking out the Mobilivre website at: www.mobilivre.org
You can find more details about all of these events on www.shannongerard.org
As always, thanks for your support and I hope to see you at the Book Launch!
XO, shan.
|
max@Sequential : 7:56:00 PM
0 comments
|
|
23.4.05
face lift for www.shannongerard.org
Permalink
 Co:shannon gerard
Hi Everyone!
For the last several months, I have been buried beneath 30 page papers and preparations for conference presentations-- but I'm poking my head out again and think I can see my shadow.
Lots of creative projects on the horizon!First off, check out the spiffy new face lift (courtesy of Jason at www.perpetualstroll.org) on my website (www.shannongerard.org) and watch for lots of summer time updates.
Secondly, the first chapter of the new comic book series, HUNG is done and at the printers! It's called "Never Odd or Even" and I'm holding a launch party for it on Thursday, 19 May at Clinton's Tavern in Toronto.
By the end of this week, I should have all the details assembled and will send those out soon. But, mark the date! Hope you can make it! There's live music (ooh) and the best door prizes you ever saw (aah)! Watch for details this week.
Thanks for your support,
Shan.
|
max@Sequential : 1:22:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
Launch party for Montréal, World Book Capital at Place des Arts
Permalink
Co: www.newswire.ca
MONTREAL, April 19 /CNW Telbec/ - The public is invited to participate massively in the festivities surrounding the launch of Montréal, World Book Capital. The weekend of April 23 and 24 will be given over entirely to the pleasure of reading, with some one hundred activities offered on the Esplanade of Place des Arts, free of charge. For two days, close to 200 writers and artists will be on hand in the various tents to communicate their passion for reading and share their vast array of literary discoveries.
These activities include:
- the opening ceremony, with performances by dynamic duos Robert Lalonde/Jorane, Gilles Vigneault/Angèle Dubeau, Nadine Bismuth/Taima, Bruno Roy/Yves Lambert and Lucien Francoeur/Eve Cournoyer on Saturday, April 23, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Piano nobile (foyer of Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier);
- Write here, Writing Montreal, hosted by Laurie Brown, with guest authors Gail Scott, Jeffrey Moore and Trevor Ferguson on Saturday, April 23, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the Cabaret littéraire;
- Just Give'r, hosted by Laurie Brown as well, an activity with the terrible twosome Terry and Dean on Saturday, April 23, from 3:30 pm to 5 pm at the Cabaret littéraire;
- Internationally renowned Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison will be in Montréal to present This Terrible Business Has Been Good to Me, his recently published biography on Sunday, April 24, from 12 pm to 1 pm, at the Café littéraire;
- Writers on the Road will take the public on a journey with authors Susan Swann and David Gilmour, while Josh Freed, columnist for the Montréal daily The Gazette, will discuss literary translation with author Neil Bissoondath on Sunday, April 24, from 1:20 pm to 2:20 pm at the Cabaret littéraire.
There is plenty to appeal to young readers as well, with visits by characters from their favourite books, workshops on illustration and writing for comic strips, murder-mystery role-playing, and a literary rave, hosted by Tristan Demers, with guests such as authors Patrick Senécal and Raymond Parent.
Interactive happenings include the creation of a giant comic strip, while the oral tradition is honoured during a forum devoted to poetry and storytelling and a spoken-word and graffiti evening hosted by Alexis O'Hara.
The complete program of activities is available at mcml.canoe.com.
For further information: Media relations: Bérubé & Geoffroy Communications, Monique Bérubé, (514) 723-4943, berubemo@avantages.net; Benoit Geoffroy, (514) 722-9888, bgeoffroy@videotron.ca; Source: Normand Desjardins, Director of Communications, Montréal, World Book Capital, (514) 273-4606, extension 273, Fax: (514) 273-9657, ndesjardins@montrealcapitaledulivre.com
|
max@Sequential : 1:15:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
24 Hour Comics Day gets an early start
Permalink
Press Release
24 Hour Comics Day, the international celebration of comics creation, got off to an unexpected early start today when the Hands On Thailand site decided to start early, commencing drawing at noon local time on Friday, 24 Hour Comics Day Eve. "It goes outside of our 'It's got to be 24 Hour Comics Day somewhere in the world when you start' rule," explained Nat Gertler, founder and organizer of 24 Hour Comics Day, "but there's an unwritten rule that you give some leeway to tsunami relief volunteers who are rearranging their schedule to get more relief work done." The event is taking place in a bungalow on Phi-Phi Island. For more information on Phi-Phi and the situation there, see http://www.hiphiphi.com/.
Before the Thailand event is finished, other events will have started, each with cartoonists trying to completely create 24 page comics in 24 straight hours. With official event sites in seven countries, the entire "day" is now scheduled to run 63 hours, from that start in Thailand to the end of the final event in a California comic book shop at 1 PM local time. The event sites range from that island bungalow to the center court of a Canadian shopping mall, to a comics-only library in Germany, to schools and community centers. Most plentiful are the comic book stores, placing the joy of both comics creation and comics reading under the same roof to a degree never before seen.
All told, more than 70 official events are being held, with some sites expecting to have a mere single cartoonist on hand while others have around fifty already signed up to appear.
"We can't know in advance how many people who have signed up will actually show up, how many will flake out, and how many people who hadn't reserved a space will show up anyway," says Gertler.
"Based on last year's turn out and this year's reservations, though, we're expecting more than 700 cartoonists at the official event sites, with many others taking the 24 hour comics challenge at home or in private gathering with friends. Not everyone will actually finish their pages, but it's reasonable to expect some ten thousand pages of comics will be created as part of this year's celebration."
Last year's celebration included not only unknown and unpublished cartoonists but also popular print comics creators like Paul Smith (known for working on X-Men and Leave It to Chance), Sean McKeever (Mystique, Mary Jane), Christian Gossett (The Red Star), Josh Howard (Dead@17), and Tone Rodriguez (Violent Messiahs) plus webcomics creators like Danielle Corsetto (Girls with Slingshots) and Jennifer O. (SquareCat Comics). You can see the work of all these cartoonists in the books 24 Hour Comics Day Highlights 2004 and 24 Hour Comics All-Stars, published by About Comics.
Creative people interested in participating in this year's events should head over to http://www.24hourcomics.com for more information. This year's celebration is attracting more press attention than last year, with newspaper and radio coverage already appearing and more, plus TV coverage, on the way.
Folks who really want to keep an eye on what's going on, however, should head to the 24 Hour Comics Day Blog at http://www.24HourComics.com/blog/ and follow events as they unfold.
|
max@Sequential : 12:13:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
18.4.05
SEA OF RED #1 SELLS OUT @ IMAGE
Permalink
Press Release Co IMAGE Comics
Readers stormed into their comic shops over the past several days, pillaging shelves in search of copies of Rick Remender, Kieron Dwyer and Salgood Sam's SEA OF RED #1. The lucky ones snared copies of the vampire pirate horror saga. The unlucky ones had to wait for new copies to be shipped from the Diamond warehouse.
Now word comes of a complete sellout of the debut issue, despite Image Comics' typically aggressive overprinting on the book.
Naturally, Remender is excited to see there's an audience for such a unique book.
"The response to SEA OF RED has been amazing," says the creator. "It's gratifying to see it as one of the best reviewed books of the year. We all did our best to make this a well drawn, genre defying, high seas-horror story with real characters. With the entire run from issue one now sold out it seems to have paid off."
The critical reception for the book has been as phenomenal as reader reaction, typified by Randy Lander of the Fourth Rail, in his "Best of the Week" review of the title:
"SEA OF RED is not just a really good pirate comic or a really good vampire comic, or even a really good fusion of two genres. It's just an example of excellent comics storytelling, and as a bonus, it is set in genres that don't get a lot of exposure in the medium."
Marc Mason, from the Movie Poop Shoot's Should It Be a Movie, raves:
"SEA OF RED is a striking piece of entertainment and should find a happy niche in the marketplace. If you like horror, vampires, pirates, or combinations thereof, pick it up and you'll be happy."
Image Comics Executive Director Eric Stephenson is glad to have Remender and crew on board.
"We were nothing short of thrilled when Rick, Kieron and Sam brought the book to us," says Stephenson. "We're even more excited all their hard work is being met with such enthusiasm."
In response to the rapid sales of the first issue, and in anticipation of continued swift sales, a trade collecting the first four issue of SEA OF RED is being rushed to press to coincide with the release of SEA OF RED #5. The collection, NO GRAVE BUT THE SEA, will retail for just $8.95, and will be in stores on July 27.
SEA OF RED tells the story of a young sailor turned undead by the crew of a cursed Pirate ship, his century-spanning search for revenge and the tricks that time plays on the mind. The series is monthly, with Remender and Dwyer co-plotting the book, and Sal providing art over Dwyer's breakdowns. Each issue is printed in a red ink, on special stock designed to approximate the look of a weathered treasure map. MORA artist Paul Harmon is stepping in as the guest artist on SEA OF RED #5.
SEA OF RED #4 is solicited in the April issue of Diamond PREVIEWS, and will hit stands on June 29. SEA OF RED #5 and SEA OF RED: NO GRAVE BUT THE SEA will be solicited in the May issue of PREVIEWS, and will both be in shops on July 27
Link
|
max@Sequential : 6:37:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
Tyrone McCarthy reports on the SpeakEasy's Comic Book Show
Permalink
 April 11 2005 - Hello everyone! SpeakEasy's Comic Book Show was a smashin' good time! The Kilrush crew got to hang out and mingle with the talented artists involved with the show and the supportive comic fans. Props and good luck to the creative artists involved with the event and a major big thanks to Jeremy Tankard for organizing the event. Also thanks to David Brown for havin' these great SpeakEasy events which occur the first Thursday of every month. For all those people who missed the event, fear not, check out the pics under Photos in the Extras section. You can also click onto the pic above. Oh, and for all you people who did show up, enjoy and reminisce. Peace!
Tyrone McCarthy
|
max@Sequential : 6:22:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
8.4.05
the 2005 Doug Wright Awards for Canadian cartooning
Permalink
CO:Brad Mackay
I’m happy to announce details of the 2005 Doug Wright Awards for Canadian cartooning. Named for the prolific creator of the classic Canadian comic strip Doug Wright’s Family, the award aims to recognise outstanding work published by Canadian cartoonists in 2004.
The inaugural edition of ‘The Wrights’ will feature two categories: Best Book and Best Emerging Talent – as well as inductees to a Hall of Fame dubbed “Giants of the North.”
The Wrights will be decided on by a jury that includes Chester Brown (Louis Riel, Ed The Happy Clown), journalist/writer Robert Fulford, actor/director Don McKellar (Childstar, Last Night), Globe and Mail books reporter Rebecca Caldwell and director Jerry Ciccoritti (Trudeau, Lives of The Saints.)
Nominations are as follows:
BEST BOOK
Marc Bell: WORN TUFF ELBOW #1 (Fantagraphics Books)
Genevieve Castree: PAMPLEMOUSSI (L'Oie de Cravan)
David Collier: THE FRANK RITZA PAPERS (Drawn and Quarterly Books)
Darwyn Cooke: THE NEW FRONTIER VOL 1 (DC)
Seth: CLYDE FANS BOOK ONE (Drawn and Quarterly Books)
BEST EMERGING TALENT
Rebecca Dart: RABBITHEAD (Alternative Press)
Max Douglas (Salgood Sam): REVOLVER #1 (Spilt Ink)
Alex Fellows: CANVAS (Fantagraphics Books)
Bryan Lee O'Malley: SCOTT PILGRIM VOL 1 (Oni Press)
The winners will be announced at the Toronto Comics Art Festival on May 28, 2005.
More details, including website info, event time, prizes and news of our stunning trophy to follow…."
As well, there should be a brief story in the Globe and Mail this weekend, in the form of an Arts brief in the Review section. The list of nominees should be part of it.
There is also an ad-hoc website here but it's not official yet. Have to shuffle some things around yet - but the nifty logo (courtesy Alan Hunt) is there.
Congrats to all the nominees and best of luck. See you in May.
Regards - B.
|
max@Sequential : 7:25:00 PM
0 comments
|
|
5.4.05
Dstrbo.com Update
Permalink
 a bit of balance 04/04/05Some folks might consider this to be a little harsh, in bad taste maybe, and mean, considering how beloved John Paul 2 was. It is, and I'm sorry if I'm pissing anyone off. However, I've been searching all day for an editorial cartoon that even slightly criticizes his policies, or the footprint he left behind, and I haven't found a single one. So if this cartoon offends you, be comforted that it will be the ONLY ONE.
Try this experiment: Google "number aids africa". You'll get endless articles describing that AIDS is the #1 killer in some African countries, that one in three adults are infected in sub-Saharan Africa, that half of the 15 year olds will die of the disease in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa, that there are 17 million dead and 24 million infected. Doctors Without Borders says that the world hasn't figured out yet that this isn't an African problem, but a World problem.
Now google "number catholics africa". You'll get figures describing how the numbers of catholics in Africa have nearly doubled in twenty years- from 50 million to 90 million, and that more than two thirds of catholics worldwide are from the "global south". You might even find an article or two drawing a parallel between these numbers and the rise of AIDS in Africa, but it isn't likely.
I'm not saying that the AIDS pandemic is the Pope's fault, there are many factors at work causing this catastrophe, the main problems being lack of money, education, and racism. At the same time, I'm sure some people might be forgiven their frustration when people like the Congo's Kinshasa Archbishop Dominique Bulamatari said: "Using condoms as a means of preventing AIDS can only lead to sexual promiscuity."
Pope John Paul the second had always taken a hard line with any form of contraception, and consistently refused to budge, even when more than 75 percent (by conservative estimates) of the faithful in rich western countries don't follow those rules. There is an opportunity now to face reality and make some necessary changes.
Sanctity of life? I just don't get it.
dan @ Dstrbo.com
|
max@Sequential : 2:55:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
1.4.05
Dstrbo.com Update | All Fool's Day
Permalink
 All Fool's Day
"If a million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing."
- Anatole France
Jean Charest was a popular politician once, he was young, energetic, and considered to be a true liberal, despite being a disciple of Mulroney’s. He was a “Progressive Conservative” with a heart, he understood young people, being one himself, and was appointed by Mulroney to be the youngest cabinet member in Canadian history, at 28, in 1986, as Minister of State for Youth. People liked him. People liked his hair.
But something happened on the way to Montreal…
In 2003, because the people of Quebec will always be a little nuts, we voted for him to be the Premier of our province, with a majority government no less, one to compliment to federal version in Ottawa. Without really shocking anyone, the approval rating fell sharply from Autumn 2003 to the spring of 2004, when it fell to 25%. The reason for this was obvious to anyone with a brain, it was even obvious those who voted for him. Charest and his “neoliberal” goons hadn’t even taken off their jackets before they knuckled down and went to work pissing off pretty much everyone who makes less than a few hundred grand a year in this province, especially the unions, environmentalists, parents who rely on daycare, the working poor, natives, and of course, students.
Charest’s mandate to thoroughly fuck the poor and marginalized in this province was met with massive resistance, (something that shouldn’t have surprised him- someone who was born here in the 1950s). This has led to a new kind of solidarity amongst the usual suspects as well as a few amateurs. The “J’ai jamais vote pour ca!” (“I never voted for this”, sorry for the lack of accents) movement has taken over.
It seems like there’s always some anti-Charest protest going on here, the latest manifestation being a bunch of energetic youngsters getting all up in his face. This month Charest announced a $103 million cut to student loans and bursaries, the kids responded by staging well organized large-scale demonstrations, and by releasing 103 mice into the premier’s office.
The students have taken to wearing red patches to display their allegiance, so if you see some severe looking kid wearing one, please, buy him or her lunch why don’t you.
|
max@Sequential : 10:25:00 AM
0 comments
|
|
|
|
a bit of balance 04/04/05
