Press Release: Team Cul de Sac - The Coffee Cup Challenge

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Team Cul de Sac has been inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and is issuing its own challenge with the Coffee Cup Challenge scheduled for October 8, 2014.  

The Coffee Cup Challenge is simple.  We are asking supporters of Team Cul de Sac and the fight against Parkinson's Disease to give up their daily coffee and donate that amount to Team Cul de Sac. Maybe you're not a coffee drinker, but can't start the day without a nice icy Diet Coke or celebrate Half Price Wine Bottle night at your favorite restaurant on Wednesdays, instead of making those purchases, make a donation! It's a small sacrifice that can make a big difference!

We selected October 8 as our challenge day as it is Richard Thompson's birthday.  What a great way to honor a wonderfully talented man by helping the fight against a devastating disease! 

We hope that you will join us on October 8, but putting the coffee down and clicking on the Team Cul de Sac fundraising page and making a donation.  Share with friends and family that you've taken on the challenge with #CoffeeCupChallenge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Episode 341: Rob-Con and Charlotte Comicon Summer 2014

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Art by Jeremy Massie:  http://massieisadeadbeat.blogspot.com/

Shawn and Adam visited two  new to them conventions this summer, Rob-Con in Bristol, TN and the Charlotte Comicon at its new to them location in Charlotte, NC.  Both conventions were a great time and in the process they picked up some interviews along the way with Neil Bramlette (Out of Step Arts), Shannon Smith, and Matthew D Smith (Bee Sting). 

Show art my Jeremy Massie

Runtime 1 hour 26 minutes 40 seconds

Press Release: Small Press Expo Announces 2014 Ignatz Award Nominees

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The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce the 2014 nominees for the annual presentation of the Ignatz Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning.

 The Ignatz, named after George Herriman's brick-wielding mouse from his long running comic strip Krazy Kat, recognizes exceptional work that challenges popular notions of what comics can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression. The Ignatz Awards are a festival prize, the first of such in the United States comic book industry.

The nominees for the ballot were determined by a panel of five of the best of today’s comic artists, Darryl Ayo, Austin English, Melissa Mendes, Thien Pham and Whit Taylor, with the votes cast for the awards by the attendees during SPX. The Ignatz Awards will be presented at the gala Ignatz Awards ceremony held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 9:30 P.M.

Additional information on the nominees and previews (as available) can be found at http://www.spxpo.com/ignatz-awards.

Once again we want to thank our our friends at comiXology for sponsoring the Ignatz Awards. Information on comiXology and their self-publishing portal Submit can be found at https://submit.comixology.com.

Additional information on the nominees and previews (as available) can be found at http://www.spxpo.com/2014-ignatz-awards.

 SPX will be held Saturday, September 13 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, September 14, noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $15 for Saturday, $10 for Sunday and $20 for both days.

For further information on the Ignatz Awards, the nominees or to request an interview, please contact Ignatz Awards coordinator, Eden Miller, at spxignatz@gmail.com or SPX executive director, Warren Bernard at warren@spxpo.com.
For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

Outstanding Artist

  • Sam Bosma for Fantasy Basketball
  • Kim Deitch for The Amazing, Enlightening and Absolutely True Adventures of Katherine Whaley
  • Sophie Goldstein for Darwin Carmichael is Going To Hell; Edna II; House of Women
  • Ed Piskor for Hip Hop Family Tree Vol. 1
  • Jesse Reklaw for Couch Tag

Outstanding Anthology or Collection

  • Amazing Facts and Beyond by Kevin Huizenga and Dan Zettwoch
  • The End by Anders Nilsen
  • Eye of the Majestic Creature Vol. 2 by Leslie Stein
  • Sock Monkey Treasury by Tony Millionaire
  • QU33R edited by Robert Kirby

Outstanding Graphic Novel

  • The Amazing, Enlightening and Absolutely True Adventures of Katherine Whaley by Kim Deitch
  • The Boxer by Reinhard Kleist
  • Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang
  • This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki
  • War of Streets and Houses by Sophie Yanow

Outstanding Story

  • "Brownout Biscuit," Octopus Pie: Dead Forever by Meredith Gran
  • Destination X by John Martz
  • The Grassy Knoll by Nick Drnaso
  • “Jobs,"  Life Zone by Simon Hanselmann
  • “Mom,”  Viewotron #2 by Sam Sharpe

Promising New Talent

  • Luke Howard for Trevor
  • Cathy G. Johnson for Jeremiah; Boy Genius; Until It Runs Clear
  • Nick Offerman for Orange; Onions
  • Keiler Roberts for Powdered Milk
  • Daryl Seitchik for Missy

Outstanding Series

  • The Black Feather Falls by Ellen Lindner
  • Demon by Jason Shiga
  • Powdered Milk by Keiler Roberts
  • Sky in Stereo by Sacha Mardou
  • Towerkind by Kat Verhoeven

Outstanding Comic

  • Blammo #8 by Noah Van Sciver
  • Cosplayers by Dash Shaw
  • It Will All Hurt #2 by Farel Dalrymple
  • Misliving Amended by Adam Buttrick
  • Wicked Chicken Queen by Sam Alden

Outstanding Minicomic

  • The Grassy Knoll by Nick Drnaso
  • House of Women by Sophie Goldstein
  • Never Forgets by Yumi Sakugawa
  • Test Tube #1 by Carlos Gonzalez
  • Up to the Top by Ian Sampson

Outstanding Online Comic

Episode 340: Monster Con 2014 Wrap Up

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Left to right: Duane Ballenger, Wes Brooks, J Chris Campbell

Well, it's been a few weeks now since Monster Con 2014 wrapped up (with Richard's Comics, John and Iris, and Season of the Geek) , and even a few weeks since we (Wes Brooks and J Chris Campbell) recorded this wrap up show, but its gold.  Gold.  News since the recording:  Monster Con has announced a new location for 2015 in Gaffney, SC, near its cafe, Con Cafe.

Runtime 1 hour 24 minutes 10 seconds

Episode 339: HeroesCon 2014 Warp Up Part 4

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Finally, we have said all there is to say about HeroesCon...unless, of course, you have something to say too.  If you do then drop us a line and maybe we'll throw together a part five, or maybe, a HeroesCon 2014 Wrap Up wrap up?  Anyway, here's Adam, Micah, and Shawn.

Runtime 55 minutes 52 seconds

Episode 338: HeroesCon 2014 Wrap Up Part 3

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Cosplay by Van Der Villain Cosplay

This week we wrap up out HeroesCon 2014 discussion with Josh.  But first, Adam and Shawn discuss their trip to Chapel Hill Comics for the Greatest Signing of All Time (Ed Piskor, Jim Rugg, Tom Scioli, Chris Pitzer) to celebrate the retirement of comic shop owner, Andrew Neal.

Featured image:  Van Der Villain Cosplay

Runtime 49 minutes 45 seconds

Episode 337: HeroesCon 2014 Wrap Up Part 2

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Seth Peagler and Winslow Drum

This week Adam, Josh, and Shawn continue their marathon discussion of HeroesCon 2014.  They cover mostly Art Auctions, but also attempt to put the finishing touches on Friday.  Shawn talks about non comics things they she purchased, Josh talks more on his Adult Swim sketchbook and Adam talks his commissions.

Runtime 1 hour 8 minutes 34 seconds

HeroesCon 2014: Teaching Comics Forum - Teaching Difficult Texts

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With the increased spotlight on teaching controversial material in schools we thought it would be fun to discuss methods and approaches for teaching difficult comics and graphic novels. Planned topics include: racial stereotypes, violence, and sexuality. That being said, Parental Guidance is suggested as the conversation may steer toward mature content. Panelists include Mike Kobre (Queens University), Andy Kunka (USC), Dana Hayward (HarperCollins Publishers) and moderator Shawn Daughhetee (The School of Hard Knocks).

Runtime 57 minutes 12 seconds

Episode 336: HeroesCon 2014 Wrap Up Part 1

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Art by Shannon Smith

Adam, Josh, and Shawn sit down for a marathon discussion of HeroesCon 2014 that lasts almost as long as the 3 day show itself.  This week we bring you part one where we mostly get our bearings, talk about little about our panels, and delve into Friday.

Runtime 1 hour 2 minutes 40 seconds

HeroesCon 2014: Indie Creators

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Indie Island shirts by Aaron Conley and Maris Wicks

The DOLLAR BIN’s ADAM DAUGHHETEE sits down with some of the most talented denizens of INDIE ISLAND. Adam will chew the fat with AARON CONLEY (Sabretooth Swordsman), SCOTT C. (Amazing Everything), JIM RUGG (Supermag), BENJAMIN MARRA (Blades and Lazers) and ALEXIS ZIRITT (The Package). Miss this one at your own peril!

Runtime 54 minutes 39 seconds

Episode 335: Pre HeroesCon 2014

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This week Adam, Josh, and Shawn get together to talk about what they look forward to at HeroesCon 2014.  Topics include:  Friday Night Drink and Draw, Saturday Art Auction, Adam and Shawn moderating panels, the Mega Panel covering Comics Regulation, Comics Censorship: Past and Present, and lots of great comic creators!

Runtime 1 hour 2 minutes 39 seconds

SC Comicon 2014: Comics for All-Ages Panel

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SC Comicon 2014: Comics for All-Ages Panel

Biff! Bam! Pow! Comics aren’t just for kids anymore. They also aren’t just for adults. Comics are for everyone! Panelists Andy Runton (Owly), Jeremy Dale (Skyward), and Joey Weiser (Mermin) discuss with moderator Shawn Daughhetee how their comics are for readers of all ages.

Runtime 59 minutes 44 seconds

SC Comicon 2014:  Comics for All-Ages Panel

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SC Comicon 2014: Web Comics Panel

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Ninjasaur by Jason Horn

Ninjasaur by Jason Horn

Join panelists Bridgit Connell (Brother Nash), Jason Horn (Ninjasaur), and Chuck Hart (Lance Larson: Subcontractor for S.H.I.E.L.D.) as they discuss the advantages and pitfalls of publishing comics on the web. Moderated by Adam Daughhetee.

Runtime 45 minutes 37 seconds

SC Comicon 2014: Star Trek Continues Panel

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Star Trek Continues is the acclaimed fan production aimed at completing the final two years of the original 5-year mission.  This panel will feature a viewing of the episode with introduction by Lou Ferrigno (featured in the episode) and a Q & A with director, Chris White.  Be sure not to miss this one, Star Trek fans!

Runtime 15 minutes 39 seconds

SC Comicon 2014: Comic Book Movies Panel

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Start your morning off with a healthy discussion on comic book movies, moderated by Josh Dean of The Film House and including panelists Robert Venditti (The Surrogates, Percy Jackson graphic novel adaptations) Matthew Smith (Bee Sting), Allen Swords (Lecturer at Clemson University), and others.

Runtime: 53 minutes 15 seconds

SC Comicon 2014: Crowd Funding Panel

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Left to Right:  Micah Taylor, Van Jensen, Dean Trippe, Sanford Greene

Left to Right:  Micah Taylor, Van Jensen, Dean Trippe, Sanford Greene

With Van Jensen, Sanford Greene, Dean Trippe Want to learn more about how to crowd fund your project? Panelists Van Jensen (The Leg, currently on Kickstarter), Dean Trippe (Something Terrible, successfully funded on Kickstarter), and Sanford Greene (Deadlines: Vol 4, successfully funded on Kickstarter) join moderator Micah Taylor (Be Normal, successfully funded on Kickstarter; Super Big, unsuccessfully funded) to discuss tips and tricks for a successfully crowd funded project.

Runtime: 38 minutes 53 seconds

Episode 333: SC Comicon 2014 Wrap-Up

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Episode 333: SC Comicon 2014 Wrap-Up

So this was the first annual SC Comicon and it was a huge success.  How huge of a success?  Well, you will just have to listen to the show to find out.  Thanks to Rob and Michele for taking a chance with us and to Micah (first time coordinating a convention) for doing a great job.  Be on a lookout over the next few weeks for panel recordings, announcements for next year, and links to other great SC Comicon reports.

Runtime 1 hour 15 minutes 27 seconds

Episode 333:  SC Comicon 2014 Wrap-Up

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Episode 332: Free Comic Book Day 2014

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Welcome to the show.  I hope you had a good Free Comic Book Day.  I know we did.  Don't believe us?  Give the show a listen.  Oh, you'll see.  Also, we are less than two weeks away from SC ComiCon.  We'll talk about that some too.

Runtime:  1 hour 7 minutes 12 seconds

HeroesCon 2013 Mega Music Panel: On the Intersection(s) of Comics and Music

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Comics and music share a lot of affinities-both depend heavily on rhythm and intervals,and many cartoonists are also musicians-and cartoonist Ben Towle and blogger Craig Fischer have organized a diverse smorgasbord of a panel to explore these affinities. Ben will discuss the many ways cartoonists represent music visually, and will chair a wide-ranging panel on comics and music with Peter Bagge (Hate, Yeah!), Ed Piskor (Hip Hop Family Tree), Andrew Robinson and Vivek J Tiwary (The Fifth Beatle). Craig will talk about the work of Marc Weidenbaum, an editor, teacher, and musician who's been combining comics and music in his creative projects for over two decades. And Charlotte, NC avant-duo Ghost Trees (Brent Bagwell on saxophone, Seth Nanaa on drums) will participate in two live comics/music performances, including a soundtrack for Joe Lambert's "Turtle Keep it Steady," a rock-n-roll retelling of the Tortoise-Hare fable!