Graphic Novel Reading Club: March 2012

Join us on the second Thursday of every month for Portland's first Graphic Novel Reading Club! We meet at Bridge City Comics at 7pm (directions). Bring a chair and something to drink, if you'd like!

The very first Graphic Novel Reading Club (GNRC) was held on October 27, 2005 and we've been doing it every month since. It's a great opportunity to talk in-depth about comics and graphic novels. Every session, we discuss a book that we've previously chosen. We tend to pick new books two months out in order to give people time to buy, borrow or get them from the library so that they may be thoroughly read and digested for that book's session.

We have a wide range of people join us every month for the GNRC; Male, female, young (well, 21+), old, those who have read comics for years and those folks brand new to it! We also read books from every genre so there's always something new and interesting to discuss. It's not just the latest super-hero exploits! The books we've read include mysteries, science fiction, autobiographical, fiction, historical and much more.

SELECTION FOR March 8, 2011:

PYONGYANG: A JOURNEY IN NORTH KOREA TP
Famously referred to as one of the "Axis of Evil" countries, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and mysterious nations in the world today, even after the death of Kim Jong-il. In early 2001 cartoonist Guy Delisle became one of the few Westerners to be allowed access to the fortresslike country. While living in the nation's capital for two months on a work visa for a French film animation company, Delisle observed what he was allowed to see of the culture and lives of the few North Koreans he encountered; his findings form the basis of this remarkable graphic novel.

Walking Dead Season 2 Returns

It's back! Part 2 of The Walking Dead Season 2 returns February 12, and you can watch it for FREE on the big screen at the Hollywood Theatre, courtesy of Things From Another World.

Join hosts Cort & Fatboy for the second half of AMC's zombie epic! This is a 21+ event, because the Hollywood Theatre now serves beer! Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and the show starts at 9:00 p.m. There's plenty of room for everyone--see you there!

Cosmic Monkey Valentine's Sale

Celebrating 5 years in our current location on Valentine's Day, Cosmic Monkey will have a lovely sale!

50% back issues, 25% off everything else! Hold items, candy, soda, and consignment items are excluded as always.

Joe Sacco at the Portland Central Library

We're excited to announce a rare hometown appearance by our International Man of Mystery, Joe Sacco!

He will be a guest at the Portland Central Library on Saturday, February 18th, where he will discuss his internationally acclaimed works, like Safe Area Gorazde and Palestine, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

Our friends from Floating World Comics will be on site to sell these titles so you can have them signed by Joe after the discussion!

Tickets for this event are free, and will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Space at programs is limited, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Portland Central Library is located at 801 S.W. 10th Avenue in lovely downtown Portland, and this event will take place in the U.S. Bank Room. Do not miss it!

Between Gears Release Party w/ Natalie Nourigat

Bridge City Comics is proud to announce our Between Gears Release Party on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 6pm - 9pm! This event is free to the public. In attendance to sign autographs will be local author Natalie Nourigat. Copies of the book will be available for sale ($19.99) during the event.

This honest, autobiographical account of a college senior's life will transport you to the land of Jell-O shots, term papers, job interviews, road trips, and sanguine optimism in the face of uncertainty and change. Trade paperback collects the comic in its entirety, with 30 pages of new material!

Come help us celebrate Natalie's impressive accomplishment of not only having her first book published, but having it published by Image Comics, the comics industry's third largest publisher! Beverages will be provided and there may be cookies! No Jell-O shots, though.

About the Author:
Natalie Nourigat was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She went to college at the University of Oregon and majored in Japanese with a minor in business. She wrote her senior thesis for the Clark Honors College on sequential art and storytelling in comics. Natalie interned at Periscope Studio in 2008 and was delighted to join the studio in 2011. She works alongside some of the best writers and artists in comics. Natalie is studying French and hopes to visit France with her mom in 2013. She enjoys travel, piano music, Ghibli movies, martial arts, and coffee.

Greg Rucka Signing & Release Party

Things From Another World (TFAW) is proud to announce an action-packed event at its Portland, OR location: Eisner Award-winning writer Greg Rucka will sign his newest book, Punisher HC Vol. 1, February 29 from 7-10 p.m. This is a free, all-ages event with complimentary food and beer (21+ with ID).

For Frank Castle, death comes easy--life is where things get complicated. As New York City's body counts continue to rise, the city's streets are teeming with more criminals than ever. The Punisher has returned with everything's he's got to serve his own brand of justice . . . but can he survive the darkness stored in his own arsenal?

"We've wanted to do an event with Greg Rucka for years," said TFAW Marketing Manager Elisabeth Forsythe. "His Punisher series offered the perfect opportunity. It's been a huge hit with our customers, and we're excited to have him at our store."

Greg Rucka is one of the most acclaimed creators in comics today, and the writer behind Stumptown, Queen & Country, Batwoman: Elegy, and more. Winner of multiple Eisner Awards, Rucka has also been honored by the Harvey Awards and GLAAD. Don't miss out on your chance to pick up the first chapter of his epic Punisher series and get it signed February 29!

Main Entrance, a Carolyn Main exhibition

Sequential Art Gallery is excited to host Portland native Carolyn Main's first solo exhibition of her art, entitled "Main Entrance". We gave Carolyn carte blanche over the gallery space, and this is what she came back to us with...

The works presented will include varied renderings of couplings, both romantic and lewd, and a collection of prints. This will also be the premier of Carolyn's brand new pixel animation sequence, titled "Burn it Down (extended 3 minute cut)".

Reception will be 6-10pm on First Thursday, February 2nd, with wine, beer, and snacks. You can also pick up a pair of the artist's Zombie blood splatter panties, just in time for Valentine's Day! Some content in this show may be considered "mature".

Carolyn Main is an award winning animator and Internet authority on dick jokes (her words). The prolific artist is known for her cutting humor and flourish. You may recognize her art from Portland's weekly alt newspaper, The Mercury, or from the cult hit comic strip Sex Wizards. Visit her website to check out more of her art: www.carolynmain.com.

Opens: First Thursday, February 2, 2012, 6-10pm
Closes: Saturday, February 25, 2011
Open Thursdays 3-7pm, Saturdays 11am-5pm, or by appointment

Original artwork by Emi Lenox & Natalie Nourigat

This February, Floating World is proud to exhibit original artwork by local artists, Emi Lenox and Natalie Nourigat. Each artist will display pages from their two new books, EmiTown Vol. 2 and Between Gears, which will be released later in the month by Image Comics.

Emi and Natalie have each created a brand new archival print which will also be available at the show.

Art on display until Feb. 29

BIO INFORMATION:

Based out of Portland, Oregon, Emi Lenox is a comic creator widely known for EmiTown which was released into a printed collection by Image in Dec. '10. She has also had work in Mike Allred's Madman and Jeff Lemire's Sweet Tooth. She has just finished working on the second collection of EmiTown. Basically, she's just a nutty girl with a case of the munchies and a deep fond love for comics, cats, bassets, and iPods.

http://emitown.blogspot.com/

Natalie 'Tally' Nourigat, is a sequential artist living in Portland, Oregon. Natalie graduated from the University of Oregon's Clark Honors College in 2010. Her first book, Between Gears, is about to be published by Image Comics. She is currently working on a new graphic novel and a children's book series. She appeared in Image Comics' anthology 'This Is A Souvenir' in 2009 and is a member of Periscope Studios.

http://natalienourigat.com/

Frank Santoro's Comic Book Layout Workshop

Why do some comics read easier than others? Is it the story, the cartooning or the page design? Frank Santoro will demonstrate how some cartoonists such as Hal Foster and Herge used visual harmonies and structures in their page designs much like classical oil painters. Discover the similarities between visual and musical harmonies and how some of the great cartoonists used dynamic symmetry like a map to organize their stories.

Also, after the talk, Frank will lead an informal FREE workshop focusing on formats available for the comic book maker in 2012. Everyone is welcome. Come see what Frank Santoro's Correspondence Course is all about - or come on down just to argue with Frank - maybe even buy a book and get it signed.

Frank Santoro is the artist behind the acclaimed comic books Storeyville and Cold Heat. His work has also appeared in Kramers Ergot. He has exhibited his drawings and paintings internationally. Based in Pittsburgh, Santoro is well known for his visionary colors and evocative sense of place.

http://franksantoro.tumblr.com/

http://www.tcj.com/layout-workbook/

Frank Reade Book Launch Event: AIR

Before Jules Verne's flying machines and H. G. Wells's spaceships, there was Frank Reade, globe-trotting inventor and original steampunk hero. Starting in the nineteenth century, Frank Reade magazines were the world's first science fiction periodicals. Now Frank Reade and his progeny are back in a new book: Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention! To celebrate the launch of this stunningly designed book, authors Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett--of Boilerplate fame--are hosting a series of events that any Reade family member would be proud to attend.

The events will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays in February, at three Portland comic book stores. Each will have a different theme--Land, Sea, and Air--the three realms Frank Reade explores in his electric vehicles. The authors will also display each of the three model vehicles Guinan himself built for the Frank Reade book, which are rarely shown in public. Attendees will have the chance to talk with the authors and get books signed, as well as meet local steampunks (Land), pirates (Sea), and superheroes (Air).

BONUS: There's a prize at the grand finale event! The first ten attendees who make it to all three events and get their "Land, Sea, and Air" passports stamped will receive a print of an original Frank Reade engraving signed by both authors, plus custom-stamped Frank Reade chocolate "gold coins" (which will also be available for purchase).

Publishers Weekly predicts Frank Reade will "satisfy even the hardest to please of readers" and praises it as "a stunning multimedia confection of the highest order that creates a detailed and delightful world."

Frank Reade Book Launch Event: SEA

Before Jules Verne's flying machines and H. G. Wells's spaceships, there was Frank Reade, globe-trotting inventor and original steampunk hero. Starting in the nineteenth century, Frank Reade magazines were the world's first science fiction periodicals. Now Frank Reade and his progeny are back in a new book: Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention! To celebrate the launch of this stunningly designed book, authors Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett--of Boilerplate fame--are hosting a series of events that any Reade family member would be proud to attend.

The events will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays in February, at three Portland comic book stores. Each will have a different theme--Land, Sea, and Air--the three realms Frank Reade explores in his electric vehicles. The authors will also display each of the three model vehicles Guinan himself built for the Frank Reade book, which are rarely shown in public. Attendees will have the chance to talk with the authors and get books signed, as well as meet local steampunks (Land), pirates (Sea), and superheroes (Air).

BONUS: There's a prize at the grand finale event! The first ten attendees who make it to all three events and get their "Land, Sea, and Air" passports stamped will receive a print of an original Frank Reade engraving signed by both authors, plus custom-stamped Frank Reade chocolate "gold coins" (which will also be available for purchase).

Publishers Weekly predicts Frank Reade will "satisfy even the hardest to please of readers" and praises it as "a stunning multimedia confection of the highest order that creates a detailed and delightful world."

Frank Reade Book Launch Event: LAND

Before Jules Verne's flying machines and H. G. Wells's spaceships, there was Frank Reade, globe-trotting inventor and original steampunk hero. Starting in the nineteenth century, Frank Reade magazines were the world's first science fiction periodicals. Now Frank Reade and his progeny are back in a new book: Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention! To celebrate the launch of this stunningly designed book, authors Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett--of Boilerplate fame--are hosting a series of events that any Reade family member would be proud to attend.

The events will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays in February, at three Portland comic book stores. Each will have a different theme--Land, Sea, and Air--the three realms Frank Reade explores in his electric vehicles. The authors will also display each of the three model vehicles Guinan himself built for the Frank Reade book, which are rarely shown in public. Attendees will have the chance to talk with the authors and get books signed, as well as meet local steampunks (Land), pirates (Sea), and superheroes (Air).

BONUS: There's a prize at the grand finale event! The first ten attendees who make it to all three events and get their "Land, Sea, and Air" passports stamped will receive a print of an original Frank Reade engraving signed by both authors, plus custom-stamped Frank Reade chocolate "gold coins" (which will also be available for purchase).

Publishers Weekly predicts Frank Reade will "satisfy even the hardest to please of readers" and praises it as "a stunning multimedia confection of the highest order that creates a detailed and delightful world."

Graphic Novel Reading Club: February 2012

Join us on the second Thursday of every month for Portland's first Graphic Novel Reading Club! We meet at Bridge City Comics at 7pm (directions). Bring a chair and something to drink, if you'd like!

The very first Graphic Novel Reading Club (GNRC) was held on October 27, 2005 and we've been doing it every month since. It's a great opportunity to talk in-depth about comics and graphic novels. Every session, we discuss a book that we've previously chosen. We tend to pick new books two months out in order to give people time to buy, borrow or get them from the library so that they may be thoroughly read and digested for that book's session.

We have a wide range of people join us every month for the GNRC; Male, female, young (well, 21+), old, those who have read comics for years and those folks brand new to it! We also read books from every genre so there's always something new and interesting to discuss. It's not just the latest super-hero exploits! The books we've read include mysteries, science fiction, autobiographical, fiction, historical and much more.

SELECTION FOR February 9, 2011:

20TH CENTURY BOYS GN VOL 01
Failed rock musician Kenji's memories of his past come rushing back when one of his childhood friends mysteriously commits suicide. Could this new death be related to the rise of a bizarre new cult that's been implicated in several other murders and disappearances? Determined to dig deeper, Kenji reunites with some of his old buddies in the hope of learning the truth behind it all.

Seattle Graphic Novel Panel with Megan Kelso and After-Party

Fantagraphics is proud to be one of the sponsors of the 2012 Graphic Novel Panel, held by the Seattle Graphics Arts Guild!

On Saturday, January 28th, join us at the Seattle Design Center in Georgetown for a discussion on creating, publishing and marketing the graphic novel.

Panelists include Fantagraphics artist Megan Kelso, as well as Matthew Southworth (Stumptown), Brandon Jerwa (Battlestar Galactica, Highlander, G.I. Joe), Emi Lenox (EmiTown), and Chuck Messinger (owner of Comic Evolution, Editor-in-Chief at Creative Edge Press).

Led in conversation by moderator Mark Monlux (The Comic Critic Presents Seldom Seen Films), they'll discuss:

Writing: structure, how to write a graphic novel, what tools you need to market your ideas.

Artwork: developing a storyboard, what to consider ahead of time, existing guidelines, examples, good & bad

Publishing & Marketing: establishing business, marketing, and production plans, how publishing is changing.

This event is open to the public, and you can get your tickets here. The Graphic Novel Panel runs from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Seattle Design Center [ 5701 6th Avenue South, Plaza Building, Suite 370 ].

And then join us for the after-party at the Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery from 4:30-6:00 PM. It'll be a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists, and discuss what you've learned from the panel!

Fantagraphics co-sponsors this event with Emerald City Comicon and AIGA Seattle.

Ladies Night at TFAW: Q&A With Women Creators + Drink & Draw

Following the positive response to Drink & Draw Like a Lady: West, hosted with the blessing of original event creators Lucy Knisely and Hope Larson, Things From Another World (TFAW) is proud to announce the debut of Ladies Night on Saturday, February 4. This female-only event will kick off with a Q&A featuring notable local women connected to the comics industry, including Colleen Coover, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Cat Farris, Alison Hallett, Emi Lenox, Jen Van Meter, and Dark Horse Comics Executive Editor Diana Schutz, with a Drink & Draw to follow. Complimentary food and beer/wine (21+ with valid ID) will be provided.

"We had such a great response to Drink & Draw Like a Lady, and personally, I really enjoyed getting to know other women who love comics," said TFAW Marketing Manager Elisabeth Forsythe. "I'm especially excited about our guest speakers, a group of writers, artists, and editors who are a neat cross-section of the local community."

Do you make comics, love reading comics, or just want to learn more about comics? Come spend the evening with Periscope Studio artists Colleen Coover (Gingerbread Girl) and Cat Farris (Legend of Larsha 2), writer/artist Emi Lenox (Emitown), comic book writers Kelly Sue DeConnick (Supergirl) and Jen Van Meter (Avengers Solo), Portland Mercury Arts Editor Alison Hallett, and Dark Horse Editor Diana Schutz on February 4.

TFAW is also offering 10% off everything in the store during the event. The Q&A will begin promptly at 7 p.m., followed by a Drink & Draw and socializing!

Graphic Novel Reading Club

Join us on the second Thursday of every month for Portland's first Graphic Novel Reading Club! We meet at Bridge City Comics at 7pm (directions). Bring a chair and something to drink, if you'd like!

The very first Graphic Novel Reading Club (GNRC) was held on October 27, 2005 and we've been doing it every month since. It's a great opportunity to talk in-depth about comics and graphic novels. Every session, we discuss a book that we've previously chosen. We tend to pick new books two months out in order to give people time to buy, borrow or get them from the library so that they may be thoroughly read and digested for that book's session.

We have a wide range of people join us every month for the GNRC; Male, female, young (well, 21+), old, those who have read comics for years and those folks brand new to it! We also read books from every genre so there's always something new and interesting to discuss. It's not just the latest super-hero exploits! The books we've read include mysteries, science fiction, autobiographical, fiction, historical and much more.

SELECTION FOR January 12, 2011:

SIXTH GUN VOL. 1 TP
During the darkest days of the Civil War, wicked cutthroats came into possession of six pistols of otherworldly power. In time, the Sixth Gun. the most dangerous of the weapons, vanished. When the gun surfaces in the hands of an innocent girl, dark forces reawaken. Vile men thought long dead set their sights on retrieving the gun and killing the girl. Only Drake Sinclair, a gunfighter with a shadowy past, stands in their way.

Cosmic Monkey Kids Comics Club

All Kids Ages 8+!

Held every Saturday from 3-5 PM, this workshop is taught by local cartoonist Ryan Alexander-Tanner!

3-4 pm is the Comics Reading Club! 4-5 pm is the Comics Art Class!

Sessions are structured flexibly to accommodate both new and returning students each week!

$5 admission, parents welcome.

WARREN ELLIS: CAPTURED GHOSTS Documentary Screening

Join us and special guests, Matt Fraction and Kelly Sue DeConnick (close friends of Warren who are featured in the film) for an exclusive screening of the new documentary by Patrick Meaney, WARREN ELLIS: CAPTURED GHOSTS. We will have DVD copies of Meaney's previous film for sale, GRANT MORRISON: TALKING WITH GODS.

http://www.warrenellismovie.com/

The film features the most extensive interview Ellis has ever given, and spans his life, from his first memory watching the moon landing as a child, to his recent cross-media success with the film adaptation of Red. Along the way, Ellis's acerbic wit and core belief in humanity comes across like never before.

Complimenting Ellis's own words are interviews with his artistic collaborators, friends and admirers from across all media, including actress Helen Mirren, Director Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), comedian Patton Oswalt, Adult Film Star Stoya, Musician Claudio Sanchez (of Coheed and Cambria), comics writers Matt Fraction, Kelly Sue DeConnick, and Antony Johnston, and futurist Jamais Cascio. Ellis's comics collaborators like Marvel Comics CCO Joe Quesada, artists Darick Robertson, Ben Templesmith and Phil Jimenez also provide insight into Ellis's mind and creative workings. The film features numerous ambient interludes that spotlight Ellis's prose and writing from both his online columns and his comics.

500 PORTRAITS exhibit & signing with Tony Millionaire

This January 5th we are proud to present a book signing and art exhibit with Tony Millionaire for his new book, 500 Portraits.

500 Portraits collects for the first time over two decades of portrait work by the beloved and award-winning creator of Drinky Crow's Maakies, Sock Monkey and Billy Hazelnuts. Tony Millionaire's gorgeous fountain pen illustrations, which mingle naturalistic detail with strong doses of the fanciful and grotesque, include the famous (Bob Dylan), the infamous (Abu Ghraib soldier/model Lynndie England), the fictional (Yoda), the animal kingdom (a cockroach), and everything in between. Literary figures (Hemingway), literary characters (Don Quixote & Sancho Panza), Hollywood legends (Steven Spielberg), comics icons (Hergé) and historical figures (Hitler) also figure prominently.

Many of these 500 portraits were created for The Believer, the magazine founded by Dave Eggers that Millionaire has helped define visually with his signature portraits of interview subjects in every issue since the magazine started. But it also includes dozens if not hundreds of illustrations from various other publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Ephemera Press Historical Maps, The Wall Street Journal, and others.

Friday April 25th Party at Guapo Comics

This Friday, April 25th Guapo Comics and Books is having their third annual Stumptown party and reading!

Details swiped from their page:

We're putting this one together with local publisher Sparkplug Comic Books. Nine awesome mini-comics artists from around the country will be giving multimedia readings from their comics. It will also be a book release party for "Nerd Burglar" a FREE anthology of Portland artists put together by Sparkplug and fellow local publishers Tugboat Press and Teenage Dinosaur. There will be free cupcakes provided by awesome local bakery Sweetpea, as well as beer, snacks, and more. The Maisie Kukoc award will also be giving out for mini-comic excellence. This is a $400 prize.

Artists reading include: Jason Shiga, Austin English, Liz Baillie, Theo Ellsworth, Julia Wertz, Sarah Glidden, Minty Lewis, Rina Ayuyang, and Trevor Alixopulos.

The party starts at 8pm. I promise, you'll be bragging to your friends that you were there!

April is Comics Month!

April is Comics Month in Portland, and we're bringing the party!

To champion and support the newly proclaimed Portland Comics Month, the Stumptown Comics Foundation has catalogued a staggering number of comics-related events in the Portland metro area for the entire month of April, culminating in the Fifth Annual Stumptown Comics Fest!

We've got signings by area talent, art shows opening at several galleries, readings at libraries, a 24-hour-comic challenge, a super-hero-themed pub crawl, and a freaking opera! Too many items to list individually, read the whole list here! If you're in the Portland Area, try to get out and see why April is Comics Month here!

And our extra special thanks to Mayor Tom Potter, Grace Uwagbae, Pollyanne Birge, and everyone else at City Hall for helping make this official!

24-HOUR COMICS DRAWPOCALYPSE

Hey, Portlanders! This event is being coordinated as part of the all-out cultural assault that is The Month Before Stumptown (previously known as April):

24 HOURS!
24 PAGES!
1 ARMY OF CARTOONISTS!
1 UNFORGETTABLE EVENT!

Announcing the return of 24-Hour Comic Day... Stumptown style! At 10
AM on Saturday, April 5, cartoonists from all over Portland and beyond
will converge on Cosmic Monkey Comics for a marathon of comic-book
magic. Will YOU be one of them?

A 24-hour comic is exactly what it sounds: one complete comic story
(24 pages) completed in 24 hours. Writing, drawing, lettering, and if
you're really ambitious, coloring -- it's all gotta be done on the
spot. Similar to the ever-popular National Novel Writing Month, it's
an opportunity to celebrate your art form, get your creative juices
flowing, and enjoy the rare opportunity to have some company working
alongside you!

"But what," you ask, "will make THIS 24-hour comic event special?" How about:

• LIVEBLOGGING 'round the clock by the tireless staff of Cosmic Monkey
  Comics and Top Shelf Productions!


• a gaggle of ADORING FANS and curious passers-by who will be on hand
  to cheer you on and watch the magic unfold!


• MAD REFRESHMENTS to keep you fueled and power you through that
  particularly stubborn page!


• FELLOW CARTOONISTS drawing right alongside, ready for some mutual inspiration!


• SPECIAL GUESTS including the legendary JIM VALENTINO and 24-Hour
  Comic world record holder DAVID CHELSEA (who will create his
  staggering TENTH 24-hour comic before our very eyes)!

So... CARTOONISTS! Ink-slingers and pixel-pushers alike! Step on up
and join the action!
Will you be exhibiting at the Stumptown Comics Fest (April 26-27)?
Need a kick in the ass to produce some comics in time for the show?
Here's your chance!

Respond to cosmicmonkeycomics -at- earthlink.net or 503-517-9050 to RSVP!
Space is limited (we're capping it at 20 artists), so respond ASAP!

APRIL 5
10 AM TO 10 AM
COSMIC MONKEY COMICS (5335 NE Sandy Blvd)
24-HOUR COMICS DRAWPOCALYPSE