Get your second helping of hilarity! Over 100 of the best single panel cartoons from Spud Comics in convenient print form. From giant monsters to gun-toting teddy bears, nothing is too outlandish in this second volume from the popular . . .

Click to continue reading]]> This just added to the cartoon reading menu by MidSouth Cartoonists Association member Lonnie Easterling-

Get your second helping of hilarity! Over 100 of the best single panel cartoons from Spud Comics in convenient print form. From giant monsters to gun-toting teddy bears, nothing is too outlandish in this second volume from the popular webcomic.

If you like what you see there’s more Spud Comics to devour! Scraped from the brain of cartoonist, Lonnie Easterling, this is the first volume of the best Spud Comics ever to grace the internet. Each turn of the page is sure to bring a chuckle. Featuring over 100 comics from 2008 and 2009.

You can order up some Spud Comics books, tees, and more at the Spud Shop online- http://spudcomics.com/spudshop/.

RIP, UNITED MEDIA: A century-old syndicate closes its historic doors

THE MADISON AVENUE DOORS might be shuttered, but United’s legacy still stands tall above the industry’s skyline.

“We developed and represented some of the best talent in the world,” (Lisa Klem)Wilson says, “from ‘Peanuts’ . . .

Click to continue reading]]> Hey gang, here are a few news quickies for you-

RIP, UNITED MEDIA: A century-old syndicate closes its historic doors

THE MADISON AVENUE DOORS might be shuttered, but United’s legacy still stands tall above the industry’s skyline.

“We developed and represented some of the best talent in the world,” (Lisa Klem)Wilson says, “from ‘Peanuts’ to ‘Garfield’ to ‘Tarzan’ to ‘Nancy’ … to ‘Rose Is Rose’ to Miss Manners to Eleanor Roosevelt.”

“The history of UFS/NEA is long and rich,” (Amy)Lago says. “NEA began more than 100 years ago … for UFS, the legacies of Schulz and [Jim] Davis alone attest to its former power and glory.”

“No history of daily comics could be written,” Glynn echoes, “without a third or more of it devoted to what United and NEA brought to the readers of the world.” And Glynn’s Universal colleague Lee Salem says: “Many of the talents [United] brought to newspapers and readers are not just household names, but cultural icons.”

Jean Schulz, widow of Charles “Sparky” Schulz, who died in 2000, says that the “Peanuts” company fortunately “has been working with Universal for many years, and Sparky had great respect for Lee Salem and [parent-company founder] John McMeel.”

“But I often shake my head,” she says of United’s demise, “and think, Sparky would not like to see all this.”

“We may move on,” says Lago, who edited “Peanuts,” “but there is the grief of losing a loved one for all of us who shared in her reign.”

Full story on Comic Riffs By Michael Cavna.

First Look: Eliza Dushku Pounces into Animated Catwoman Role

From TV Guide online-

Eliza Dushku is getting catty this fall. The Buffy and Dollhouse alum provides the sultry voice for Catwoman in the animated DVD-movie Batman: Year One and as an added bonus will headline a short film included as a DVD extra. Catwoman was written by popular comic-book and TV scribe Paul Dini.

Batman: Year One will go on sale October 18 on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and for digital download.

Full story here.

And speaking of Catwoman, Julie Newmar has a new book coming out- The Conscious Catwoman.

There’s a new con in town!

First year anime con Anime Bluse Con starts today at the Memphis Hilton. There will be an MSCA panel at 3pm.

For more info on the con go to- http://www.animeblues.com/

Are cartoons art?

You can discuss topics like this and more on the MSCA Forums. Lots of news, tutorials, and cartoons to see and share.

Sign up today at- http://midsouthcartoonists.com/forums/

You can also follow the MSCA on Facebook or Twitter (@MSCA_Memphis). Just click on the “Follow us!” links on the right side of this page.

Lin

“One week remains in Black Family Cancer Fund. We’re almost 50% to our goal. Please help us finish strong by spreading the word anywhere you can!”

In 2008-2009, Jake had cancer (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma). He fought it and won but is still facing over $25,000 in . . .

Click to continue reading]]> A tweet from our buddy and comics writer Jake Black-

“One week remains in Black Family Cancer Fund. We’re almost 50% to our goal. Please help us finish strong by spreading the word anywhere you can!”

In 2008-2009, Jake had cancer (Hodgkin’s Lymphoma). He fought it and won but is still facing over $25,000 in debt from treatment and related costs. The Black Family Cancer Fund has been set up to help fight this medical debt.

You can follow Jake on Twitter- @jakescancerfund or @jakeboyslim and visit the site at- http://www.giveforward.com/blackfamilycancerfund

Thanks,

Lin

Hey, folks-

Heads up on the comic booking/cartooning project class I kept threatening to do- On June 4, 18, and 25 (The first, third, and fourth Saturdays in June) at 9 am until lunchtime, I’m going to teach anyone who’d like to come about the . . .

Click to continue reading]]> Hey gang,  got this from our own Greg Cravens-

Hey, folks-

Heads up on the comic booking/cartooning project class I kept threatening
to do- On June 4, 18, and 25 (The first, third, and fourth Saturdays in
June) at 9 am until lunchtime, I’m going to teach anyone who’d like to
come about the process of completing a comic book/comic strip project.

It’s not a drawing class, but we’ll all be drawing. Everyone will use
his or her own style and sensibilities AND work with others- thereby
learning what works and how it works when collaborating and communicating.

It’ll be in the Cub Scout room at Trinity United Methodist Church-
downstairs in the education building.

Spread the word- I can’t remember who all has asked about this over
the past few months, so if you know anyone who might be interested
and has time for it, send ‘em this info.

Thanks.

Greg

Greg is the syndicated cartoonist on the comic strip “The Buckets”
and does the web comic “Hubris“. You can see more of his work here.

Lin

According to Cho, “Issue 38 will hopefully come out end of this year.” Fingers crossed!

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BleedingCool.com announced the upcoming Frankenstein Alive, Alive! for IDW Publishing, . . .

Click to continue reading]]> Liberty Meadows is coming back!

Frank “Monkey-Boy” Cho has regained the rights to Liberty Meadows and is working on new issues of the comic series.

According to Cho, “Issue 38 will hopefully come out end of this year.” Fingers crossed!

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“It’s Alive!”

BleedingCool.com announced the upcoming Frankenstein Alive, Alive! for IDW Publishing, from Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson.

Also from IDW…

Rocketeer Adventures Launches!

Dave Steven’s Rocketeer flies back into comic stores again today- May, 18th with Rocekteer Adventures #1.

http://www.idwpublishing.com/

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TR!CKSTER..?

So what is TR!CKSTER? A new indy comic event in San Diego near Comicon!

TR!CKSTER is a retail space: specializing in CREATOR-OWNED wares including small run and limited edition books, fine art prints, toys, clothing, and more.

TR!CKSTER is a fine art gallery space: featuring the CREATOR-OWNED work of some of today’s most influential artists and designers.

TR!CKSTER is a series of Symposia: focused, CREATOR-DRIVEN demonstrations and discussions of method, process, and theory concerning the act of creating new, uniquely-voiced works of art.

Follow TR!CKSTER on twitter- @TRICKSTER_2011 or check out their website at http://trickstertrickster.com/

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Zombies invade Memphis…Again!

This is the Memphis Zombie Massacre’s fifth year, so to celebrate they’ve decided give something back to the community with Cans-4-Brainz to help benefit the Memphis Food Bank and flood relief efforts.

Keep and eye out for some familiar MSCA and Haunted Web of Horror faces in the crowd.

More info on their site at – http://www.memphiszombies.com/

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It’s a bird…it’s a plane, it’s a Superman Celebration!

Almost time to head back to Metropolis, IL for the 33rd Annual Superman Celebration June 9-12, 2011!

Several members of the MSCA will be back again along with Super Writer Josh Elder and Super Artists Jamal Igle and Freddie Williams II and many others in Artists Alley/Writers Way.

Special guests this year include Superman Returns stars Brandon Routh and Sam Huntington, SMALLVILLE‘s Black CanaryAlaina Huffman, Superman IV‘s Mark Pillow, and Tracey Roberts Lewis from Superboy!

It’s a small town festival meets comic convention for some big time Superman fun- and it’s FREE!

More info at- http://www.supermancelebration.net/

Stay “tooned” for more upcoming events!

Lin

Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m

Daniel Wallace, author and specialist on Star Wars, Superman and other Super Heroes will share his knowledge for this special celebration for all ages.  Come as your favorite Star Wars character.  Wallace will be signing copies of his new book “Star Wars, . . .

Click to continue reading]]> Star Wars Celebration with Daniel Wallace

Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m

Daniel Wallace, author and specialist on Star Wars, Superman and other Super Heroes will share his knowledge for this special celebration for all ages.  Come as your favorite Star Wars character.  Wallace will be signing copies of his new book “Star Wars, Battles for the Galaxy: Fight for Victory, Become a Hero”.

The event is funded by the Elizabeth Entrikin Cooke Foundation and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Book signing sponsored by Books-A- Million.

Members of the Memphis Star Wars Fan Force and the 501st (Star Wars costuming group) will be on hand. For more information, contact Heather Lawson, head librarian.  hlawson@firstregional.org

Hernando Public Library

370 West Commerce Street (off I-55, just west of HWY 51)

Hernando, MS 38632

662-429-4439 or 662-429-4439

662-429-8625 fax

http://www.firstregional.org./

Nicki and I hope to see you there!

Lin/Dork-Vader

“Elementary: The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes” art show will run from October 15th-31st at Theatre Memphis.

Artist reception is October 20th from 6-8pm and is open to the public.

The Sivads of March — a public tribute to the memory of the late Watson Davis, the Malco ad executive who, as Sivad, “the Monster of Ceremonies,” was the host of the “Fantastic . . .

Click to continue reading]]> You’ve experienced Africa in April and Memphis in May, but are you ready for the “Sivads of March”?

The Sivads of March — a public tribute to the memory of the late Watson Davis, the Malco ad executive who, as Sivad, “the Monster of Ceremonies,” was the host of the “Fantastic Features” horror movie program on WHBQ-TV Channel 13 from 1962 to 1972 — will take place at various venues March 25-28, with movies, an art show, and a rock concert featuring the Reigning Sound.

Davis co-workers and family members are expected to attend, and rare film clips and Sivad “artifacts” will be displayed.

As the comically ghoulish Sivad, Davis — who died five years ago this March 23, at the age of 92  — was simultaneously beloved and frightening, with a community-wide popularity that transcended class and race in a way that perhaps was rivaled only by wrestler Sputnik Monroe and a few other entertainers. A 1963 appearance by Sivad at the Mid-South Fairgrounds attracted 30,000 fans, according to The Commercial Appeal.

Sivads of March highlights will include:

A “monster martini” opening ceremony and reception on March 25 at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, followed by an 8 p.m. screening of the 1958 horror masterpiece, “Night of the Demon.”

Screening of other films originally introduced by Sivad — including “The Giant Claw,” “A Bucket of Blood,” “From Hell It Came” and “I Was a Teenage Werewolf” — at the Brooks, March 26-28, along with a March 28 panel discussion featuring Sivad colleagues and experts. The famous “Fantastic Features” introduction will be shown before each film.

A “Sivad Art Show” at 7 p.m. March 26 at the Adam Shaw Studio, 2547 Broad Ave., featuring Sivad-inspired work by local artists.

“Li’l Film Fest 13” at 2 p.m. March 27 at the Brooks, featuring shorts created by local filmmakers that pay homage to Sivad and the tradition of TV horror hosts and scary movies.   (Entries still are being accepted: Visit livefrommemphis.com for more information.)

A March 27 concert featuring the Reigning Sound, the acclaimed band led by former Memphian and Sivad fan Greg Cartwright, at Nocturnal,  1588 Madison. The Reigning Sound’s latest album, “Love and Curses,” is named for a Sivad catchphrase, and the CD itself is imprinted with a picture of Davis’ vampiric alter ego.

For more, visit sivadsofmarch.com.

More Sivad!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Monday, January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. To participate, we formed the Comic Creator’s Alliance–a group of over eighty comic . . .

Click to continue reading]]> From Lora with the Comic Creator’s Alliance:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Monday, January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. To participate, we formed the Comic Creator’s Alliance–a group of over eighty comic book creators (both web and print) who volunteered our artistic talents to raise money and awareness for this cause. You may not know it, but there are currently 27 million enslaved people worldwide- more than double the number of enslaved Africans during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. UNICEF estimates that 1.2 million children every year are sold into slavery, most of it sexual. The US Department of Justice estimates 16,000 victims of human trafficking are brought into the United States every year. Unlike slavery in the 19th century, what is happening today is happening in secret. So it won’t end until awareness is raised, and people like you and me take a stand.

So here’s what we did: each creator contributed an original drawing of one of our own female characters, and combined them into a single wallpaper image. The wallpaper features characters from The Phoenix Requiem, Girls with Slingshots, Earthsong, Looking for Group, Shadowgirls, Marsh Rocket, The Uniques and three IDW Publishing titles: Fallen Angel, The Dreamland Chronicles and The Dreamer, and lots, lots more! Donate today to download this unique, once-in-a-lifetime wallpaper. The Donations Drive will last for two weeks, from January 11th – 24th. All proceeds will be split evenly between Love146 and Gracehaven House- two organizations working on rehabilitation of victims and prevention of this crime. To learn more about the Comic Creator’s Alliance visit www.comicalliance.weebly.com. To learn more about the problem, visit http://love146.org/slavery. (Note: contains adult themes and actual accounts of sex slavery.)

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BushiTales.com and Toshigawa.com have donated art to this wallpaper, too.

Lin