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

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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

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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.

Hilda and the Midnight Giant

Wed, 11/07/2012 - 10:53am by Caser

I'm steadily working my way through Publishers Weekly 2012 Best Books in Children's Fiction, and I was recently smitten with Luke Pearson's gorgeous and enchanting graphic novel, Hilda and the Midnight Giant.

Hilda and her mother are nestled happily in their mountainside home when they are besieged by tiny, invisible elves who demand they move their house. After befriending one of the elves (and signing a stack of paperwork), Hilda is granted the ability to see the elves, and she works her way up the chain of bureaucracy to find a diplomatic solution. On her travels to the elven prime minister and king, she meets an ancient, mysterious giant who unlocks secrets about the mountain she calls home.

Fans of Jeff Smith's Bone series, Miyazaki's work, and the Adventures of Polo series by Regis Faller will enjoy Hilda's spunkiness as well as Pearson's art.

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.

Two Generals

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 3:48pm by K.C.

Back in July I met Scott Chantler at the Kids Read Comics convention at AADL and purchased his graphic novel, Two Generals. Shortly afterwards I was able to sit down and crack open the book. Wow, what a compelling story. The graphic novel follows Scott’s grandfather, Law Chantler, and his best friend Jack during their World War II experience in the Canadian Highland Light Infantry. I was drawn in by the way Chantler meticulously portrayed the part these two everyday heroes played in the pivotal Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944.

After being drawn in by the opening pages that depict the aftermath of a horrific battle you’ll be swept back in time to see how these two soldiers found their way into the army. And, like me you’ll want to find out what happened to them and what was the outcome of the battle.

It is a great historical graphic novel, with an interesting story and fantastic art work that I think all readers will enjoy.

Comic Artists Forum with Tony Cliff

Sun, 10/07/2012 - 3:12pm by K.C.

Sunday, October 7 -- 1:00-3:00 PM -- Downtown Library -- 4th Floor Meeting Room

Hey cartoonists! Want to make your action scenes jump off the page? Eisner-nominated cartoonist Tony Cliff, creator of Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (a series of online adventure comics set during the early 19th century) will demonstrate via Skype how to select just the right moment to create the illusion of action, drama, and dynamism. Learn how to draw stunning action shots that will leave your readers breathless!

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.