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INK BLOTS
by ED McGEEAN
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to the ChicagoCon I go.
This will be my first visit to my old home town's premier comic event
since my departure from "The city of Big Shoulders" in 1972. It
is a trip I'm looking forward to.
Old pal, CAPSer R.C. Harvey and me will be splitting a suite with two
of his other friends. This should give all of us an ample fill of shop talk
over the three-day con.
If the San Diego Comic-Con International is on your schedule, Harv tells
me that he is planning to make the scene there. He then hopes to come to
Burbank and attend our after-the-con meeting on July 22 (Note change of
date from the second, to the fourth Tuesday of the month).
For those of you who have never met Bob Harvey, you will have a rare
treat in store.
Bob is a cartoonist with a style, I would kill to have. He is also a
raconteur of the first water, a great comics historian and the author of
a number of books and articles about comics.
No less an authority then CAPSer Lee Salem of Universal Press Syndicate,
feels that his book, "The Art of the Funnies: An Aesthetic History"
(University Press of Mississippi, $19.95), is a definitive work on the subject
and it is one of seven books in his office that he uses for reference. That's
high praise in anyone's league and is not to be taken lightly.
He is late CAPSer Milton Caniff's hand-picked Boswell. He spent over
five years completing a coffee table sized biography of Caniff titled "Meanwhile...,"
that Milt read and approved two thirds of before he died. The manuscript
is currently awaiting a final edit, as soon as Harv receives a contract
and advance payment from a publisher with an interest in giving it the format
it deserves.
Having read this illustrative manuscript, there is no doubt in my mind
that this will be the best book ever written about a cartoonist.
A recent visit from my niece and nephew, Marge and Herb
Anderson and their wish to see the wine country around the Napa Valley gave
me a wonderful chance, after 26 years, to take in the sights of San Francisco.
One of my favorite cities in the U.S.
The whirlwind trip covered some 1,400 miles over five days. I won't bore
you with details, but some of the odyssey may prove of interest for your
next trip to Baghdad by the Bay, namely...
The Cartoon Art Museum, 814 Mission St., S.F. 94103, Phone: 415-243-8666.
Hours: Wed. thru Fri. 11-5; Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 1-5. $4 adults; $3 students
and seniors; $2 children 6-12; 5 and under FREE.
This small gem of cartoon art is located one block south of Powell and
Market, between Fourth and Fifth Streets and is within walking distance
of Union Square or the Cable Car turnaround. The area has limited metered
street parking.
My too brief visit allowed for a viewing of the works of Yugoslavian
born and Paris raised artist Enki Bilal, Bay Area artists Brian Biggs and
the 11-year-old Fiona Mayne and a selection of comic art from the museum's
permanent collection.
Until Oct. 12, the museum will be featuring the art Hanna-Barbera, including
over 80 cels, storyboards and production drawings. A co-exhibit of San Francisco
artist Peter Brabbee's "Papoofnik" will run through Oct. 5.
The museum's curator and executive director, Paola Muggia Stuff, proved
to be very informative and visitors will find any number of gift items and
books for sale.
SNOOPY'S GALLERY AND ICE RINK
A short 47 miles north of San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge
in Santa Rosa at the Steele Street exit off the freeway you will find this
delightful oases.
Shel Dorf told me about this attraction, located at 1665 W. Steele Lane,
Phone: 707-546-3385. Open daily, closed some holidays, free admission.
Don't look for large signs of Snoopy or the "Peanuts" gang.
The rink lies almost hidden in a wooded area on your right, shortly after
you leave the freeway and is easy to miss.
If you're lucky you may even get to see Sparky doing wheelies on his
Zamboni or practicing slap shots for one of his team's hockey games.
Late leaving the city, we ran into a bumper-to-bumper traffic jam and
didn't arrive until after 5 p.m. (they close at 6 p.m.).
The gift shop is loaded with about every kind of "Peanuts"
collectible you might imagine. It is a large airy building directly across
from the ice rink and not to be missed.
Be sure to take the sloped walkway that starts at the rear of the store,
this leads to a small second floor gallery that houses a number of original
"Peanuts" comic strips, CAPSer Charles M. Schulz's two NCS Reuben
Awards and many other pieces of memorabilia and historical artifacts.
There are also a large number of originals inscribed to Schulz from the
many cartoonists who admire the work of this kindly genius. I can only say
that as a long-time collector of original comic artwork, my mouth literally
watered, wishing all were in my collection.
I regret that our timing didn't allow for me to give Sparky a call and
invite him and his wife to dinner.
CAPSer Mark J. Cohen, former Boy Realtor of Santa Rosa and his wife Rosie
met us at the Schulz Gallery and led us to his office, where they now operate
his new business as an agent for over 150 cartoonists, selling their original
artwork. From this nerve center, Mark and Rosie oversee the operation of
exhibiting his vast collection of MAD magazine artwork, at museums and galleries
around the world.
Watch you local newspapers for announcements of shows in your area. Contact
Mark for information on bringing this display to your part of the country.
Mark told me his cancer is in complete remission and though he has lost
some weight and his once curly locks (which are starting to return), his
great sense of humor is still intact, allowing him to create ideas for old
pals Morrie Turner's "Wee Pals" and Jim Scancarelli's "Gasoline
Alley" comic strips, distributed by Creators Syndicate and Tribune
Media Services respectively.
Mark's client list of cartoonists that he sells art for is too large
to list here, but if you send him $5 he'll send you his fully illustrated
comic art catalog.
The $5 is refundable with your first order. Write P.O. Box 1892-B, Santa
Rosa, Ca. 95402, E-mail Markomics@aol.com.
You can also check out Mark's Web Site at http://www.markomics.com.
Members who would like to have Mark represent them can contact him for details.
A ROYKO GOODBYE!
Although we hadn't seen each other or kept in touch since attending the
wake for the famous (Mike) Fritzel's Restaurant at State and Lake Streets
in Chicago, I was very saddened to read about the death of old pal, Mike
Royko.
Mike was only 64 when he died, far too young for a guy that attempted
to keep the pols honest and out of the working stiff's pockets.
Mike took on all comers and skewered everyone from yuppies to mayors,
governors to presidents, with equal aplomb. He was able to get under the
skin of late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, faster than any newsman I ever
knew.
You may recall that it was Mike who dubbed former California Gov. Jerry
Brown, "Gov. Moonbeam," when he ran for President of the United
States. It may not have cost Brown the Presidency, but it sure didn't help
win votes.
Many called Mike the best columnist ever, but I can remember many equally
as good. His career went from the City News Bureau to the Daily News to
the Sun-Times, finally ending with the Chicago Tribune. His writing style
was tough and gritty, reminiscent of Ben Hecht, Charlie McArthur, Bob Casey,
Mark Hellinger, Jimmy Breslin and other such greats.
About five years ago when I visited Dick Locher, the Trib's editorial
cartoonist in his office, he told me that the Tribune Tower had gone smoke
free. That is, to everyone except Mike, who had the office down the hall
and continued to turn the air blue with smoke and colorful language, as
he told the no smoke patrols where they could go in no uncertain terms.
One picture being worth a thousand words, my feeling is that Sacramento
Bee editorial cartoonist, Dennis Renault paid Mike the best homage of those
I saw.
Here's hoping we end up on adjacent barstools at that great pub in the
sky someday...but not too soon.
Slante pal!
On June 10 about 50 members of the Southern California
chapter of the National Cartoonists Society gathered at The Smoke House
to celebrate and roast our co-founder Sergio Aragones on his recent Reuben
win.
The get-together was arranged by NCS/CAPS members David Folkman and Scott
Shaw!, who did an outstanding job.
At dinner I was seated across from Bill Melendez, the fabled animator,
who regaled us with stories of the early days at the studios. Bill has agreed
to be a guest speaker at a future meeting. Because of the after-the-con
in July and the annual banquet in August, this probably won't happen until
September or later. It is my guess that this will be an outstanding evening
and I'll try to make sure you get an advanced notice, when a date is confirmed.
CAPSer Phil Yeh continues his assault on illiteracy with
his Cartoonists Across America group by sending some newspaper clips about
his activities. Unfortunately, the clips are from March and April and when
you see them at the next meeting you will learn that this loquacious 42-year-old
dynamo was in Davis and Modesto, Calif. Brattleboro, Ver., Laredo and San
Antonio, TX., and giving his imitation of Confucius at someplace in Yolo
County, which I haven't a clue to the location of.
Phil is currently on his 12th annual tour that has helped create 500
murals worldwide. The Chicago born Yeh is committed to continue his quest
into the next century, 2002 if I remember correctly. He will probably be
at the Chicago and San Diego Comic Cons.
Members who would like to volunteer to assist Phil, when he comes to
your area, can write him at: P.O. Box 670, Lompoc, Ca. 93438. Include your
phone number, so Phil can call you when he blows into a town near you.
Glen Keane, a 23-year veteran of Disney Feature Animation,
extended his exclusive contract with the studio for another seven years.
Keane is currently at Disney's Paris animation studio, where he is supervising
the lead character work on the upcoming "Tarzan" animated feature.
He has been with Disney since 1974 and trained under famed animators Ollie
Johnston, Eric Larson and Frank Thomas.
Keane, the son of Thel and Bil Keane, creator of "The Family Circus"
for King Features has worked on scenes in Disney's "The Rescuers"
and "Pete's Dragon" before being promoted to supervising animator.
His other credits include Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," the
beast in "Beauty and the Beast" and work on "Aladdin"
and "Pocahontas."
Feature animation and theatrical production president for Disney, Peter
Schneider praised Keane as being "One of the top artists to ever work
in our medium," adding "he is also a wonderful actor whose instincts
and talents are evident in every one of his drawings."
By the time you read this Disney's "Hercules" will already
have opened. Watch for CAPSer Nancy Beiman, when the credits roll. Ditto
Sergio Aragones when the studios "George of the Jungle" hits the
big screens on July 18.
I forgot to ask Nancy what parts of "Hercules" she worked on
(Supervising Animator for "the Fates" --ed.) , but Sergio was
one of the writers doing gags for the latter live film version of this famous
classic early TV cartoon. I just hope it does justice to the cartoon.
Another classic Jay Ward cartoon, "Dudley Dooright" is heading
for the live-action big screen according to a NBC-TV news report. Casting
for the film has not been started. But wouldn't it be neat if they found
a role for CAPSer June Foray, who provided the voice of Dudley's girl friend
Nell in these fondly remembered cartoons?
If you can't name the other principal characters, turn in your red sable
brushes and paintpots.
Quick now--What was the name of Dudley's horse?
It would appear from early reviews that the only thing
about the new Batman and Robin movie that doesn't reek are CAPSers Tim Burgard's
great storyboards.
But then what would you expect from a company like Time Warner, who also
owns DC Comics and has been ruining this and other classic comic characters
for more years than I can remember.
You would think when a motion picture studio supposedly spends $100 million
to make a movie, that a certain amount of those big bucks would be spent
on a coherent plot (read that as well written script that makes more sense
than the 1960s Batman TV show, that was a purposely done send-up). Come
to think of it, many of those shows and older comic books had better storylines
than all four of the current Batman movies put together.
This is not to say that the film won't rake in a ton of money at the
box office. It undoubtedly will.
But they ain't gettin' my gelt until they learn to spin better stories.
Instead of thinking that the visual eye candy of making bigger explosions
and splashier special effects are good story telling. My rating: Hooey and
phooey.
(Ed's views are his own; I liked the movie --ed.)
Burbank Mayor, Bob Kramer announced that Nickelodeon will
move its animation operations from Studio City into a soon to be renovated
site at 231 W. Olive early next year.
The 72,000 square foot area of vacant industrial buildings, next to Wanamaker's
Rentals, will allow the studio to double its staff to about 400 employees.
With average salaries at $70,000, Nickelodeon, a Viacom Inc. subsidiary,
said the new facility will be able to handle up to five productions at one
time. It will include 175 work stations, screening rooms, recording and
mixing stages, post-production facilities, a combination theater and gym,
a miniature golf course, basketball court, a fountain with Nickelodeon's
trademark green slime and a library. This is work?
Viacom announced it planned to double Nickelodeon's animation output
over the next five years with an expenditure of $350 million during that
period.
Columbia TriStar animation veteran executive Mark Taylor has been named
vice president-general manager to oversee operations at the new studio.
ARMSTRONG, AN OLD MASTER EXHIBITS
An exhibition of recent paintings by CAPSer Roger Armstrong is being
presented through Aug. 24 at the Mountain View Memorial Gallery, 2300 N.
Marengo Ave, Altadena, Calif. For information phone: 818-794-7133. Gallery
hours are: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
A reception for Roger is being held Sunday, June 29, from 2-4 p.m.
Roger began his career assisting the famous Clifford McBride on his "Napoleon
and Uncle Elby" comic strip in the '30s, taking over after McBrides
death. He later went on to ghost a variety of other strips, ending with
Walt Disney's "Scamp."
If you enjoy beautiful artwork, this is a not to be missed event.
CAPSer Charles Filus writes that the Washington, D.C.
chapter of the NCS is now up and running with Bud Grace, creator of "Ernie"
as their official mascot (er, president) and Charles as the editor of the
group's newsletter, "Crosshatch." "Loosely translated that
means: That means I lost the coin toss," said Charles. Sound familiar
John?
Charles says the D.C. group has undertaken a project to bring some cheer
to the life of a 12-year-old young lady, who is suffering with leukemia
and is a big comics fan.
The D.C. Chapter is soliciting cartoonists to contribute a special cartoon
for Danielle Eichner, whose father is a close friend of many NCS members,
including Bill Rechin and Art Wood.
In May the group has collected 17 cartoons, that were presented to Danielle
in a multi-page portfolio at her home, by Bud Grace, Chip Beck, Mike Mikula
and Filius.
Charles reports that it was a thrill to watch Danielle laugh as she went
through the cartoons and mutter an occasional, "Oh, cool!" Signaling
her distinguished seal of approval. A further treat was provided by Chip
Beck, who gave Danielle, her faithful miniature dachshund, Hope, brother
Wade and sister Rachel a ride through the neighborhood in his 1948 Chevy.
Here are some tips for anyone wanting to do a cartoon. Danielle has short
brown hair, green eyes, likes to wear bib overalls and drags Hope around
virtually everywhere she goes. She also loves Phantom of the Opera, is a
talented competitive swimmer and according to her father, a professional
tattletale.
"Danielle is an exceptional young lady who can serve as a role model
for us all," said Charles. "Her strength and humor are an inspiration."
Send your cartoons, any size, to: Charles A. Filius, 10219 Millstream
Drive, Gaithersburg, Md. 20879.
(Members that took part in CAPS trips to the L.A. Children's Hospital
will never be able to forget the plight of these young kids and the cheer
our cartooning efforts brought them.
About 30-years-ago leukemia was a death warrant without reprieve. Today,
advances in medical science have dramatically reversed that outcome. Here's
hoping you will find time to draw Daniell a bit of cheer).
CAPSers ON THE WEB
Oliver Gaspirtz had a friend of his with an advertising agency in Germany
set up an Internet page for his cartoons. The address is :
http://home.t-online.de/home/scherli/cartoon.htm
Oliver, a gag cartoonist, currently lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Gary Blehm, whose "Penmen" comic strip is being syndicated
by Creators Syndicate called to say that his new Web address is an easy
to remember: (Penmen.com).
Gary reports that he has already had 2,000 hits on the new site, which
is less than one-month-old. And the Chicago Sun-Times has added his Sunday
"Penmen" to their comics.
Gary said he'll send copies of some of his Web pages for members, not
yet online, to see at a future meeting.
Chicago member Jay Lynch reports his E-mail number is;
jaylynch@mindspring.com, for
those of you who remember his underground comics work and would like to
see what he is currently doing.
Jay also reports that cartoonist Vince Fago, who worked on the "Betty
Boop" animated cartoons in the '30s, Jam Handy films in the '40s, then
went to New York where he did funny animal comics for EC and M.C. Gaines
in the late '40s and wound up as an editor at Atlas--a job later filled
by Stan Lee--is still active at 83.
Fago is still producing comics and children's book at a rapid pace, that
he self publishes. Fago also did Harrison Cady's "Peter Rabbit"
strip from the '40s to the mid '50s which was a Sunday only strip. These
have been reprinted in 3 issues of Peter Rabbit Comics. He is also doing
a weekly strip "Mystic Mouse" for a Vermont paper, where he lives.
One of his children's puzzle books is entirely drawn on computer.
"The guy is amazing," says Jay. He is not sure what Fago's
books cost, but funny-animal oriented CAPSers can contact him at his E-mail
number: VFago@aol.com.
If any member buys Fagos books, I hope you will take the time to review
his work for a future newsletter. Cartoonists like this deserve to be remembered
and honored.
Jay also remarks that almost all daily U.S. comic strips are on the Internet
at: sdsc.edu/njeff/comics/Cornucopia.html. Jay notes that there are about
200 comics and that it is possible to follow a strip even if your daily
newspaper doesn't carry it, providing your modem is fast enough.
Daryl Cagle asked
if he could post Ink Blots on his Web site. I gave him the okay to do so
as long as he edits out any personal information, such as addresses and
phone numbers of members. Also not to post the column until two weeks or
so, after the newsletter is mailed. John Ott will send the column to him
on a disc.
Daryl will edit the column as he sees fit, but I caution you to contact
Daryl, if any information pertaining to you in a column is incorrect, or
you don't want it to appear outside the newsletter.
Members with access to the Web can check this out at: /art.
I have heard that Daryl has one of the best sites in comics. My hope is
that this will promote and benefit CAPS by bringing in new members.
Comics Journal #195 continues the third part of CAPSer R.C. Harvey's
interview with Kansas City Star editorial cartoonist and NEA stripper (The
Grizzwells), Bill Schorr. A very good read, if you enjoy Schorr's artwork
as much as me.
Ever wonder what became of EC artist-writer-editor Al Feldstein? Next
to EC founder Bill Gaines, who Feldstein joined in the late 1940s, he was
probably one of the biggest corporate reasons for the growth and success
of the entire line. It was through the efforts of these two people that
EC cornered the market on almost every top cartoonist, writer and editor
working in the comics field in those pre MAD days. Many who still continue
to work for MAD.
Thanks to Spec Productions publisher Andy Feighery, who sent me a copy
of The Denver Post's Empire Magazine, Feldstein has been located some two
thousand miles from his former Madison Avenue stamping grounds.
Three years after Gaines sold MAD for five million dollars, but stayed
on as publisher, the magazine was sold in 1967 to what is now Time Warner.
It was about this time that Feldstein convinced Gaines to include a clause
into his editor's contract giving him a percentage of the company's gross
sales. What seemed like a modest raise made Feldstein rich when circulation
peaked in the early 1970s, with an array of foreign editions and MAD Annuals.
This allowed Feldstein the luxury of being able to retire in 1984. The
magazine seemed a relic and Gaines didn't share Feldstein's interest in
expanding to television. After his second wife died of cancer in 1986, an
acquaintance introduced him to Michelle, a woman from northern California,
who preferred pickup trucks to his Mercedes Benz.
On a vacation to Montana, the couple fell in love with the area, eventually
buying Deer Haven Ranch, near Livingston, which includes some 270 acres,
with 1 1/4 miles of riverfront along the Yellowstone River, near where "A
River Runs Through It" was filmed.
At 71 it was a long trip from Flatbush in Brooklyn to being a gentleman
rancher, where Feldstein now enjoys fly fishing and judging from the one
sample with the article, paints beautiful western scenes. I for one, would
love to see much more of his paintings.
HERMAN REDUX
Like old soldiers, some old comics never die. Or for that matter, stay
retired.
United Media has announced the signing of a long-term contract with British
born cartoonist Jim Unger, who retired in 1992, to bring back 10 years of
his classic "Herman" comic panel starting June 2nd. Unger has
updated and revised the cartoon and hopes to sprinkle in some new panels,
if he can find his pen. But states that he doubts he will ever do this full-time
again. "This is like doing what Ted Turner did for classic movies and
television."
To newspaper people who ask how he can live without working to deadline.
"Most of them have never been to the Bahamas," where he has lived
for years.
"Herman" was first distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
to 600 newspapers in 25 countries. Unger became the first western comic
to be syndicated to Communist East Germany, followed by a new book, "Herman:
Over the Wall." A short time later the Berlin Wall fell.
Unger's "Herman" books, published by Andrews and McMeel, have
sold over two million copies.
Thanks to Lee Salem I had the good fortune to meet Unger, whose work
I had admired since my Chicago days, on the NCS Reuben II Cruise in 1991
and found him to be a most engaging and interesting person to talk to.
The bi-continental tooner humorously explained to me how the high cost
of Canadian taxes caused him to seek relief and the "good life"
in Bermuda.
Whatever records CAPSer Mort Walker hath wrought with
his fantastic collection of Classic Comic Strip stamps of two years ago
were just ground into dust by the brothers Warner (Yacko, Whacko and Dot?).
The U.S. Postal Service announced June 19 that the jackrabbit sales speed
of the recently released "Bugs Bunny" stamp have hopped over expectations,
prompting them to order an additional 100 million to meet projected demand.
This icon from the Burbank based Warner Bros. "Termite Terrace,"
animation unit began life as a nameless hare in 1938s "Porky's Hare
Hunt" (the Bugs name was first used in 1940s "A Wild Hare"
and is attributed to animator Charles Thorson, who labeled a rabbit model
sheet after director Ben "Bugs" Hardaway).
The philatelic Bugs began his career May 22 with a printing of 265 million
32-cent stamps.
The additional Bugs printing is the first time since 1993 a commemorative
stamp has gone to a second printing, when the USPS ordered an additional
200 million Elvis stamps after the initial run of 300 million. This will
put Bugs in third place slightly behind the 1995 Marilyn Monroe issue at
400 million, which Shel Dorf cornered the market on as future investment.
Bugs has some serious stamp collectors grinding their teeth over what
they see as an over commercialization of the Postal Service, which is also
selling more than 80 different Bugs gift items through its 30,000 post offices.
The Postal Service is considering releasing as many as 13 other Looney Toons
stamps. Watch for Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd in a post office near you soon.
Projected earnings postal earnings from the sale of gifts and stamps
are expected to give the USPS a $38 million profit, topping its $36 million
record from the 29-cent Elvis issue (And to think they want to raise postage
again next year).
Warner, who is also selling the Bugs items through its 170 Studio Stores,
receives license fees from the Postal Service's on merchandise sales only.
Syndicates and cartoonists please note, in case Mort ever gets those
post 1949 Classic Comic Strip Stamps issued by the Postal Service. To paraphrase
John Madden... Merchandise, merchandise, merchandise!
EXCLUSIVITY! WHAT, AGAIN?
What's that old line about the wheels of justice grinding slow, but ever
so fine? Hoo, Hah!
No sooner had our May/June issue come off the press than the June 14
issue of Editor & Publisher reported that the U.S. Supreme Court on
June 9 refused, without comment, to consider the case brought by Paddock
Publications on behalf of its Arlington Heights, Ill. owned Daily Herald,
against the Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune newspapers and eight of the largest
syndicates.
I thought that the only time the U.S. Government moved that fast was
when the I.R.S. moved to attach a person's property and bank accounts.
NEW CARTOON EDITOR FOR THE NEW YORKER!
Robert Mankoff, The pointillistic gag cartoonist, who said he has sold
562 cartoons to The New Yorker magazine since they bought his first one
20 years ago in 1977, was named as the publications new cartoon editor in
early June.
Mankoff succeeds Lee Lorenz, who was art editor from 1973 to 1993 and
was responsible for everything from cartoons to cover to illustrations,
since then he has served as cartoon editor. He will continue to be a consultant
and continue as a cartoonist.
Mankoff said that his job will have him passing judgment on up to 5,000
or so cartoon submissions each week. Of these, he will bring about 75 into
the weekly art meeting with editor Tina Brown and they will select 15 for
use in the magazine.
GOING...GOING...GONE!
Detective Comics #27, featuring Batman's first appearance, considered
by Sotheby's as the finest unrestored copy offered for public sale, brought
$68,500 at June 14 sale of comic art that totaled $1.7 million.
A 1938 copy of Action Comics #1, with Superman's debut sold for $46,000,
while Superman Comics #1 sold for $18,400.
Four thousand comic books at this auction, featuring many complete runs
of early issues, came from the collection of Dr. Jerry Buss, owner of the
L.A. Lakers.
It's hard to imagine Buss needing money this bad. Could it be that he
has an eye on a future Magic Johnson and needs it for the signing bonus?
In original art, a Sunday Flash Gordon page from Feb. 10, 1935 by Alex
Raymond went for $27,600 and a "Peanuts" strip from 1950 by CAPSer
Charles M. Schulz, which would put it in the first months of the strip,
sold for $6,900.
(Thanks to former CAPS member Bob Slater for the newspaper clips on these
two items.)
WICKS MEMORIAL
The Valentia Library, 23743 W. Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, Calif.
has opened a memorial wall and more in honor of the late Randy Wicks, editorial
cartoonist for the Newhall Signal.
The memorial wall features a selection of Randy's original cartoons,
his biography and special art he created to support special library events.
Also featured are a collection of 4,000 editorial cartoons this 42-year-old
cartoonist created during his brief 20 year career. The 30 volumes are organized
by national and local topics. An additional 175 books from Randy's personal
collection are also available for viewing. All of this material was donated
by the Wicks family in his memory.
Randy was an editorial cartoonist, whose work I consider to be among
the very best in the business. Outside of his own community, the American
Association of Editorial Cartoonists and a sprinkling of politicians, I
doubt that Randy was very well known. This mainly because he preferred staying
with the small newspaper that give him his start and he never came to the
attention of syndicates.
But make no mistake, his work was as powerful as any of the "top
names" and very well drawn. He is the only editorial cartoonist I can
remember who was memorialized in a widely syndicated comic strip. This by
David Wiley Miller in a "Non Sequitur" Sunday page, shortly after
Randy died.
Be sure to see this collection whenever you are in the Santa Clarita
area. It will be well worth your time.
MAGAZINES AND COMIC BOOKS
The Jack Kirby Collector #15 contains its usual collection of articles
that should thrill any Kirby fan.
Of special note are a Shel Dorf interview with Jack circa 1974, a story
by publisher John Morrow on his meeting with Al Williamson, what appears
to be a study of Jack and his "Sky Masters" comic strip (which
I've yet to read) and much, much more, including a generous helping of Kirby
artwork that literally jumps off the pages
I have yet to see a single issue of this fine magazine and tribute to
"The King" that doesn't offer something for every Kirby fan. It
is especially nice to see how Morrow continues to improve TJKC. It is far
above the efforts of the usual fannish publications and other publishers
could gain a great deal by studying what Morrow does and emulate his efforts.
I urge CAPS members to give this book a try. Subs are a reasonable $24
U.S., $32 Canada and Mexico and $44 elsewhere for this 52 page mag with
full-color covers, including postage and shipping charges.
Order from: TwoMorrows Advertising, 502 St. Mary's St., Raleigh, N.C.
27605. You might also check to see if TJKC is at any comic cons you attend.
WittyWorld #20, the 10th Anniversary issue, arrived in
early June. WW was begun in 1985 by cartoonist Joe Szabo as an enthusiastic
dream of introducing the rarely seen, but fine cartooning artwork from other
parts of the world to the American mainstream.
Despite a number of obstacles I won't go into, Szabo has succeeded admirably,
with undaunted determination. For instance, this issue highlights the work
of Lebanese born and Paris based Habib Haddad, whose mad cow disease cartoon
take-off of King Kong left me laughing in tears.
Yugoslavian tooner Ljubomir Sopka (wanna bet the spelling of these names
don't drive John's spell checker nuts?) is another. You can also read about
Chinese cartoonist Ge Gao, bedridden for over 27 years with crippling arthritis,
he has to draw on his back by laying a board across his stomach (and you
thought you had it hard).
Ukrainian Vladimir Kazanevsky, who specializes in headless men and animals,
Bud Grace creator of the comic strip "Ernie," truly one of the
most humorous people I have ever met, the Swiss born Hans Haem. An extremely
witty photo essay on how publisher Szabo draws with his camera. And these
are only the main stories.
There is also a cumulative listing of all the WittyWorld features from
1987-1997, in addition to an index of each cartoonist by issue.
WittyWorld also publishes a number of independent cartoon books that
members may find interesting.
I can only say...Thank you Joe, you have done more to expand my world
of cartooning than anyone I have ever met. Your help is appreciated more
than these words can say.
WittyWorld is based at: P.O. Box 1458, North Wales, Pa. 19454. Phone:
215-699-2626; Fax: 215-699-0627.
CAPSer David Seidman, the former comics editor of the
L.A. Times Syndicate and long-time marketing rep for Claypool Comics, a
leading independent comics publisher showed members at a recent meeting
samples of this line.
Current comics include: Deadbeats by Richard Howell and Ricardo Villagram;
Elvira Mistress of the Dark by Frank Strom, Tom Simonton, Louis Lachance
and other contributors in various issues;
Soulsearchers and Company by Richard Howell and Peter David, David Cockrum
and Jim Mooney.
This is a line of comics you might enjoy checking out based on the sample
of each book David Seidman gave me. I found all three titles to be a refreshing
and much needed break from musclebound super heroes and endless fight scenes
that go on...and on...and on.
Spec Productions, a leading publisher of classic comic
strip reprints and related publications has released its newest catalog.
Regardless of whether you are old enough to remember comic strips when
they told sequential stories, compared to the gag-a-day strips you see today,
you are sure to see a book or two that you may want to read in this catalog.
For a FREE copy of their catalog write or call: Andy Feighery, P.O. Box
632, Manitou Springs, Co. 80829, phone: 719-685-9086.
The Great Lakes Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society
has put out a book containing information, comments and cartoons by its
members.
The 139-page "Drawing Attention" features the work of 23 artists
including CAPSer and "For Better or For Worse" creator, Lynn Johnston,
"Speed Bump" creator, Dave Coverly, editorial cartoonists Chip
Bok, Jim Borgman and Jeff Stahler. Also included is a forward by Prof. Lucy
Shelton Caswell, curator of The Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library
and an introduction by Ohio based cartoonist Polly Keener.
I haven't seen a copy of this book and do not know its purpose, but at
139 pages it appears that it is much more than vanity type book.
I always felt a book of this sort passed out to ad agencies, art studios,
syndicates and similar companies, would benefit CAPS members by getting
samples of their work to people who buy art and hire cartoonists.
The idea died about ten years ago because of a lack of interest by most
members. If anyone would like to try doing it again feel free to give it
a try. Just don't ask Tom Luth, he worked his fingers to the bone on the
last one and just may shoot you if you suggest he try again. Right Tom?
That's a wrap for the July issue. Don't forget the July
22 after the San Diego con meeting and especially the Aug. 2nd Annual CAPS
Banquet honoring CAPSer Dan Spiegle in Beverly Hills at the Friar's Club.
A separate banquet flyer providing details on time, cost, etc. will be sent
to California members soon. Out of state members planning L.A. trips at
that time can contact me at the address on page 3, for details and a reservation
form.
Banquet ticket deadline for buying tickets is July 22. SORRY, NO TICKETS
WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. We have to give the Friar's a head count before
Aug. 2nd.
YE OLD BOOKIE SHOP
BEST EDITORIAL CARTOONS OF THE YEAR 1997 EDITION Edited by Charles Brooks;
$14.95, 208 pages, 8 1/2x11 inches paperbound; Pelican Publishing Company,
P.O. Box 3110, Dept. 6BEC, Gretna, La. 70054, Credit Card Orders Call: 1-800-843-1724.
Reading though this book and looking at the work of the 187 cartoonists
whose work appear here, the paraphrased words of former U.S. Vice President
Spiro Agnew kept echoing through my head..."Here's to the nattering
nabobs of the press."
And how true this book proves them to be. But without such watchdogs
as these, who turn the spotlight on them, I shudder to think what devious
shenanigans our elected and appointed public officials would get away with.
These books also provide a wonderful pictorial history of the world we
live in. These cartoons are always great reference sources of the past and
I find them to be useful to check various facts.
This 25th Anniversary edition continues to be the ultimate anthology
and homage to the field of editorial cartooning. Most previous editions
of this series are still in print and can be ordered from Pelican Publishing.
To be sure, it is not a perfect book. There are many things that could
be done to improve its presentation, but these are minor quibbles and should
not bother readers.
For instance, preferably one, but no more then two cartoons to a page.
Only cartoons with simple artwork can be reduced more than this without
losing important detail.
In some cases, an explanatory paragraph accompanying the cartoon would
help readers to an easier or better understanding of the cartoons point.
I would also like to see a section devoted to the work of outstanding
foreign cartoonists. For help in selecting these artists I suggest that
Brooks should contact AAEC members Jerry Robinson and Joe Szabo, both of
who could offer invaluable help with this type of section.
Leading off are the major award cartoons from 1996 and a brief bio of
each winning cartoonist. Brooks then continues to break the book into different
groups of subject matter and the cartoons fitting those subjects.
He also includes an index of each of the major awards and the name of
the cartoonist who won it in each year. Every cartoonist in the book is
listed with the page number(s) his or her work appears on.
Brooks also prints the name and newspaper or syndicate affiliation of
each cartoonist in the book. This is a large plus when you realize that
many of these cartoonists have scrawls worse than children learning to write
for the first time. And the bad lettering often carries over into critical
parts of many cartoons. Often meaning the entire reason for the existence
of these cartoons has been lost.
Comparing the 1997 book with 1996 I found 25 new cartoonists were added
this year. While some better known editorial cartoonist are not represented.
It would be up to Charles Brooks and Pelican to say if these artists are
still boycotting the series, just weren't chosen or weren't asked to submit
cartoons.
I don't know how the selection process works, but as a long-time member
(retired) of the AAEC, I can only say that I have never received a request
to submit cartoons, nor can I recall seeing a notice in the AAEC Notebook
about it.
I can only presume that Pelican still donates a portion of the profits
from this book to the AAEC. So if these cartoonist are still boycotting,
as they did some years ago, I say phooey on them. They rob fans of the pleasure
of seeing their work and in the end, are the real losers.
If you enjoy the editorial cartoon genre as much as me, make a beeline
for your nearest bookstore and get a copy of this book. This volume contains
many great cartoons, with very few clinkers. I can hardly wait to see the
1998 edition.
KNEE-DEEP IN MISSISSIPPI: A Collection of Editorial Cartoons
by Clay Jones; Pelican Publishing Company paperbound; 160 pages, 8x5 1/4
inches $8.95. (see preceding review for address and phone number, etc.)
The Texas born Jones has lived in Louisiana, Illinois, California, Georgia,
Mississippi from 1990 and is currently in Hawaii filling in for another
editorial cartoonist, who is on a one-year sabbatical.
While Jones art style is no worse, or no better than many of the other
political pundits in this business, it rates very low on my personal Richter
scale of cartoonists, whose work I really enjoy.
But that is not my primary complaint with this book. The main problem
is that there is too much coverage of local politics (which is probably
the main reason most lower circulation newspapers hire a staff editorial
cartoonist). Unless the readers knows a great deal about Mississippi politics,
they will find themselves floundering in the goo.
So unless you are a member who lives in Mississippi or a nearby state,
this book will only serve to show you the type of material smaller newspapers
look for and want from an editorial cartoonist.
|
We received this from Clay Jones responding to Ed's book review
Hi, Daryl:
I just finished surfing your site and came across Ed's review of my book,
Knee-Deep In Mississippi. While not being familiar with Ed or his history
of being a critic, I must take issue with his review.
First, Ed considers my artwork registering low on the richter of cartoonists
whose work he enjoys. I have no problem with that. He is a critic. Although
I do believe my artwork does well enough to compete on a national level
with the major award winner when it comes time to select reprints. My complaint
with the book, is that I don't think Ed gave it a full review. He had took
issue with the book because it contained a lot of issues on Mississippi.
What I want to know is what did Ed expect to find between the covers of
a book titled "Knee-Deep In Mississppi"? There were two chapters
which focused on national issues but Ed neglected to mention those. I'm
also dissapointed Ed failed to comment on the writing or timliness of the
humor, since those are more important to political cartoons than the art
work.
In the future, I hope Ed will read the entire content of the books he
chooses to review.
Thank you,
Clay Jones
Editorial cartoonist of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin |
GUIDE TO CARTOONING by Al Bohl; Pelican Publishing Company;
paperbound, 176 pages, 8 1/2x11 inches, $13.95.
Companion Teacher's Guide, 64 pages, $9.95 pb. (Not reviewed. See above
for ordering information).
My first inclination was to ignore this book. After all, what professional
cartoonists would need a book like this? Then I remembered the glut of wannabe
cartoonists currently in syndication--all of who might benefit themselves
and the enjoyment of readers by going back to the basics Bohl talks about
in these pages.
I seriously doubt they will, but this being the time when pros are busy
attending comic cons around the country, it occurred to me that there are
some excellent tips in these pages and you might want to tell fans this
book may answer some questions about cartooning.
Bohl passes a good deal of information on that appears to be worthwhile
and for the most part won't lead them too far astray. His section on setting
up a morgue is bad, in that he only calls for collecting comic art. A very
poor choice of material. My own files do contain some cartoon art, but contain
far more photos than artwork.
His caricatures are all side views. While theme parks use this type of
art for speed, a person who is interested in this field should study the
work of those doing this work and note that they work from all angles.
Bohl's appendix lists some excellent books for the reader to gain more
in depth information than appears in this book. But would be wise to tell
people to check their local library and book stores for other examples.
O B I T U A R I E S
Lou Stathis, 44, a Vertigo editor died May 4, after a 10-month battle
with brain cancer. Stathis had been with Vertigo since mid-1993 and had
previously worked as a freelance editor.
Vertigo executive editor, Karen Berger, praised Stathis' brilliant mind
and wit. Comics Buyer's Guide stated that he will be missed most by all
those who worked with him and knew him best.
This was later iterated in a letter to CBG by Andrew Wiernicki, who told
how Stathis took the time to work with him and gave him constructive criticism
on improving his chances to get into the comic book field, ever since he
met him about four years ago.
I didn't know Stathis, but remembering the help I received from professionals
when I first started out in the 1940s, this made Stathis a pretty special
person in my book. The business can never have too many people like this.
Stathis is survived by his mother, Mary, his sisters, Florence Farrat
and Marguerite Sillis and his girlfriend, fellow Vertigo editor Shelly Roeberg.
The family requested that memorial donations in his name be sent to:
Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, Columbia University, Attn: Joanne Millstein
Pavilion c/o Dr. Hesdorffer, 177 Ft Washington Ave., 6th floor, Room 435,
New York, N.Y. 10032.
Manny Stallman, a long-time CAPS member died in early June. I'm sorry
to report that I have no biographical material on Manny to do a proper obit.
Can anyone help with a remembrance of a nice guy who will be missed?
I recall Manny telling me that he worked for Will Eisner Studios on "The
Spirit" in the 1940s. He also did the Bob's Big Boy comic books for
many years.
Manny called me a couple of months ago to say that he was still recovering
from a series of strokes, but was back to doing a limited amount of artwork
and teaching.
Condolences can be sent to his wife, Jane, 854 Cornwall Ct., Sunnyvale,
Ca. 94087.
©Ed McGeehan. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. | 
