Jim Woodring's TREEHUGGER Is Freaky Funny Phantasmagoria

Treehugger

It's like Wednesday Addams and Winsor McCay's love child drawing black-and-white old skool Disney on a bad acid trip , isn't it?   Strangely freaky, surreal stuff is the style of Jim Woodring, who's been Seeing Things his entire life and even dropped out of college after hallucinating a cartoon frog during an art class. Since then, he's designed for Mr. T, mentored with Jack Kirby, and even penciled for Harvey Pekar.  Jim, and then Frank, are his best known works, but Weathercraft is his most recent, which according to Woodring is best described as an "unholy hybrid of human ambivalence." If you dig dream art, comics sans words that take you places you didn't think possible without popping a pill, check him out. You'll find his blog [here].

April Is COMIC BOOK MONTH In PORTLAND...And We Plan A Road-Trip To See KEVIN SMITH

We were definitely bummed out over missing Wonder Con in San Francisco last weekend, but where comics are concerned, there's really no better place to be than Portland, Oregon.   Aside from the numerous comic book shops, galleries, and artists studios throughout the city,  and the fact that four of the nation's most prominent independent comics publishers (Dark Horse Comics, Oni Press, Bluewater, and Top Shelf Productions), along with a veritable 'Who's Who' of today's most prominent comics creators, call the state capitol home, Portland is the only city in the nation able to celebrate Comic Book Month. 

For the third year in a row, Rose City Mayor Sam Adams officially declared April to be Comic Book Month at the 01 April opening of the sixth annual Stumptown Comics Art Show. The exhibit, sponsored by the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Stumptown Comics Fest, and the Sequential Art Gallery features work by 45 local comic book artists, including Paul Guinan, Erika Moen, Garrett Izumi, and will be on display at the Antoinette Hatfield Hall, 1111 S.W. Broadway, through 31 May. 

Portland's Comic Book Month is book-ended on the  far side by the Stumptown Comics Fest 24-25 April. Founded in 2004 by a group of local artists, the 'Fest has become a draw for mainstream and independent creators nationwide.  One reason for the 'Fest's growing appeal may be its relatively unconventional approach to the convention scene:  where larger cons like Wonder Con are dominated by work-for-hire publishers and top-dollar vendors, the Stumptown Comics Fest keeps its focus on the creators and their work, on the art of comics rather than the brand.

This year's 'Fest boats a terrific line-up of special guests, including independent rockstar comics artist Paul Pope, the super-talented New York comics illustrator Dean Haspiel, as well as one of their own, Seattle-based artist Matthew Southworth, co-creator (along with Portland writer Greg Rucka) of the very appropriately-named Stumptown missing persons crime noir series from Oni Press.  Stumptown Comics Fest will be held once again at the Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel, and additional info and directions can be found-  here.

An amazingly long list of awesome area events fill the days between 01 April's Art Show kick-off and the Comics Fest near month's end, and Portland's world-class comics shops are at the forefront of Comic Book Month activities. One of the city's pre-eminent shops, Floating World Comics , kicked-off the month with an exhibit of their own -  Stumptown: The Art of Matthew Southworth. While we would've loved to be on hand for April Fool's, the good news is the store is running the exhibit through 25 April, so maybe we'll see you there.

In full-swing even right this very moment is Cosmic Monkey Comics' third annual 24 Hour Comic Event: Drawpocalypse 3.  Professional and amateur artists sharpened their pencils as early as 10am this morning, their goal to each produce 24 completed pages of comics before the clock runs out tomorrow - Sunday 11 April - at 10am.  Fans, on-lookers, late-night shoppers, and insomniacs of all colors and kinds are encouraged to stop by the store's new location at literally ANY time to see the artists in action.   Cosmic Monkey is located at 5335 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland as well as online, here.   If you're not in Portland, chances are one of your local comics retailers will be sponsoring their own 24 Hr Comics event this year, too.  Find out on the 24 Hr Comics Day national website  - here.

Portland's Comic Book Month reaches its half-way point next week, welcoming actor, filmmaker, and comics creator Kevin Smith as it does. Smith takes his unique, uncensored brand of storytelling to center stage at Portland's McMenamins Crystal Ballroom for An Evening with Kevin Smith this Monday, 12 April, beginning at 8pm. 

Our entire Office is excited for the show, despite the fact not a one of us owns a ticket. But again, good news is to be had: seats for Smith's three-hours of irreverence are still available. We found some sweet ones at TicketMaster  [here] for $50 plus their rather pricey $10 fee. To steep? Our internet search revealed several other online vendors, but time's short and the only better deal for An Evening with Kevin Smith you're likely to stumble upon is that $2 Clerks rental at the corner Blockbuster.  Unless, of course, the one on your corner's been closed. Seriously, Blockbuster's going under, but that doesn't mean you have to  go with them. Y'all are welcome to come with us instead; so, man up, dabblers, and get those tickets tonight!

We've only just scratched the surface of that comic book celebration going on 90 miles to our North, and there's no way we'll be able to do Portland's Comic Book Month the justice it deserves. Other than throwing the idea out to the comicsblogosphere that maybe we should all start clamoring for a National Comic Book Month, we're outta here for the night and leave you in the informative and oh-so-capable hands of the Stumptown Comics Fest folks as we go. 

You can find a wonderfully detailed schedule of every Comic Book Month event you'll want to be at on their website HERE - with links a plenty that'll take you exactly where you want to go.  You may also want to give a listen to  S.W. Conser, host of  Words and Pictures on Portland's KBOO Community Radio. Conser recently welcomed Stumptown Comics Festival director Shannon Stewart and Stumptown Comic Book Foundation president Kaebel Hashitani to his talk show, and it's a half-hour run-down of everything going on up the road you might not want to miss.  Give your peepers a pause and give a listen HERE.

 

Structure of Action (1/5)

Short Story by Tom Gauld [Link]

Fan Art: Next Generation's "Conspiracy"

Just how long has the Dabbler been a Star Trek fan? Ha, I bet you thought I was gonna say Trekkie, or Lord forbid, Trekker. Abbracadabbling doesn't subscribe to either of those terms. Let's just say I've loved Star Trek for just about as long as I can remember without the help of a Vulcan mind meld. As for when exactly, you're going to have to stick around.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was a huge part of growing up for me plenty of other dabblers I've met -- and not just the ones I'd chat up at a convention. The show just kept getting better throughout its seven-year run. But that's not say that even its earliest seasons didn't hold a few gems that would've made anybody demand a Starfleet tour of duty.

One of my first season (1987-1988) faves was "Conspiracy", TNG's 24th episode. I've always wished the show would've followed up on the intriguing story of Federation penetration [oh, that sounds nasty, doesn't it?] by the evil alien parasites introduced in that hour, but maybe I'm one of the few fans that really found the storyline worthy of further exploration.

Or maybe not. Californian and independent comics artist Malachi Ward seems to share my love for "Conspiracy", which you can see from his comic short below. He's got plenty more, too, along with plenty of other sweet stuff that truly showcases his talent. You can find Malachi's work on his blog at the link. [Link]

Malachi, buddy, I know you loved TNG as much as me, but you got the show's Episode Number wrong. Maybe an update's in order? Boldly Go, dude. Boldly go!

Shout!: Creatively Speaking with Summer Pierre, Blogger

"But for now, it was easy to lay out and pour over the colorful pictures

and dream up my own stories -- of something that was still yet to come."

- from Comic Books

Summer Pierre's not specifically a comics writer or artist; she's not a comic book industry name but I don't think she intends to be, either. She's an artist, a writer, a musician, a Bay Area native, and a fellow blogger. It's quite by accident that I found her blog, An Accident of Hope, but it's a great name (like abbracadabbling) and I'm happy I did.

Industrial Vigilante:Shout!''s last (and first) blog featuring the quote by Grant Morrison captured his beliefs about the essence of superhero comics with words. But quotes just as meaningful can be found in photographs and drawings, too. In comics, they often are, whether from text and image or image alone. A story, or at least a single, meaningful moment of one, can be captured within the size of a small panel. And though it's not much, any of us who might look at it would certainly get the picture.

My first discovery on Summer's blog was her entry Comic Books. Her single image captures an anecdote of significant time, like a well-written short story, as well as conveys to her reader not just the joy of that moment but her feelings about comics and their role in the story. While she might have just written the story with text sans any illustration, making it a drawing frames and defines this moment in ways a paragraph alone could never do.

Words and image combined make a very powerful quote - Pierre calls it a 'one page story' - that tells of her passion with comics as much as it makes a statement about the power of comics storytelling. Take a look:

Pierre's blog is peppered with one page stories. Her Artist in the Office 'Zine is just one more example of so many that have resonated with me. Exploring An Accident of Hope was a fun and inspiring, and it's more than earned my bookmark.

I recommend a visit to An Accident of Hope for every abbracadabbler. Summer Pierre doesn't know the word for what it is you and I are doing, but she's doing it along with us -- and very well. We're all accidental abbracadabblers, by definition. See for yourself here. Also, Pierre's comics, 'zines, and illustration can be viewed at her Flickr page.

More germane to social networking than comics, I wanted to include a few examples of Summer Pierre's creativity with the blogging medium below. Being a new blogger myself, and someone who's in love with ideas and images period, I really enjoyed her Creative Blogging entries -- photographed attempts to blog using other forms of communication - other mediums - than just keyboard and computer screen.

Another excellent example of inspired blogging communication is the series I've excerpted below. It's A Message Pierre posted for her readers in 2007 for her blog's second anniversary. You can see the entire message at the link.

Thanks for the borrow, Summer. Like the X-Files' Fox Mulder would say, "The Truth is Out There."

Photographs by Summer Pierre

APE Swings Into San Francisco Oct 17th - 18th

One of the most regrettable casualties of my extended stay here in Springfield is that I'll be missing this weekend's APE, the annual Alternative Press Expo thrown by the same amazing men and women responsible for bringing Comic-Con to San Diego each summer.

For someone poised to enter the comics biz, APE has a lot more going for it than either the aforementioned Comic-Con or Wonder-Con, San Francisco largest comics convention held every spring. APE's just the right size for its home at the Concourse Exhibition Center South of Market. During the two days of conventioneering APE spans, even a guy like me is able to get around and meet a lot of new folks. For networking, comparing notes, or learning from the pros', APE really can't be beat.

The reason APE folks can actually talk to one another has everything to do with comics' Big Two (DC Comics and Marvel) being wonderfully absent from the convention roster. You know I love the mainstream, but I appreciate it when they're silent, too. APE is the alternative scene -- indy comics, small-press stuff, and plenty of self-publishers like the old Dabbler. No matter how awesome DC or Marvel may be, they both cast large shadows. It's amazing how much can be seen when those shadows aren't around.

Who will be around, though, is just about every one else you'd want to be there. Berkeley's Image Comics, San Francisco's AiT/PlanetLar, and San Jose's SLG Publishing will all be in attendance. Also on the list are Fantagraphics Books, IDW Publishing, and many other names you'll recognize. Dark Horse Comics is the only major publisher not making this year's APE; according to their website, they'll be attending an event in Frankfurt, Germany. Mr. Richardson and Co., you're definitely excused -- but I'd better see you next time around.

APE's headlining guests always include a Who's Who of alternative creators. My friend and former teacher Jessica Abel headlined APE in '08. This year's top talent includes Jamaica Dyer, Dean Haspiel, Batton Lash, and Dash Shaw, to name but a few.

For gay and lesbian comics creators, APE's an excellent conference to attend. I'm a volunteer as well as a proud member of Prism Comics, the national non-profit organization for gay and lesbian artists, writers, and other comics industry folk. While you're at the convention, definitely drop by the Prism Comics tables (#338 and #339) and say hello to Ted (the guy in charge), the creators from Class Comics, and the rest of my friends. [If you'd like to check out my Prism profile, click here.]

Justin Hall's a good buddy of mine and a fellow member of Prism Comics. He's won the coveted indy creator Xeric Award for his True Travel Tales, and has published across several different genres under his own imprint, all thumbs press. He's a definite role model, and he'll be hosting the Prism Comics-sponsored "Queer Cartoonists Panel" later today, from 2:15 - 3:15pm. I'll be there in spirit, Justin. Knock 'em dead.

Another talented writer and comics creator you'll be able to meet behind his APE table is Matt Silady. I met Matt at APE maybe three years ago, just after he self-published his unique series, The Homeless Channel. It turns out that Matt did some excellent networking while there. Long story short, Larry Young's AiT published Homeless Channel as a graphic novel, and Matt made press, including a very well-deserved Eisner Award nomination. If you get a chance, find Mr. Silady and pick up a copy of his book; I'm sure he'll be happy to sign it for you, too.

After-hours APE events begin once Saturday's convention doors close. There's usually several parties going on throughout nighttime San Francisco, but two events that, in my opinion, really stand-out from the crowd.

The San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum (CAM) holds its evening of Monsters and Mayhem tonight at the museum (655 Mission Street) from 8pm until 11pm. CAM's one of the very few cartoon and comic art museums in the country, and thanks to curator Andrew Farago, there's always a great exhibit running in the gallery. Visit CAM online for tonight's party information and the list of special guests. Admission ranges from five bucks to twenty, but the drinks'll be on the house.

After CAM calls it a night, you'll still have time to zip the five miles across town to my other favorite Saturday night shin-dig. Isotope Comics in Hayes Valley always throws a great party, usually in honor of a special guest, and there's no break with tradition this year. Tonight, creator Dean Haspiel on hand for cocktail talk as well as to promote IDW Publishing's hotly anticipated comics anthology, the ACT-I-VATE PRIMER hardcover. In addition, store owner James Simes will also be hosting Isotope's annual Award For Excellence in Mini-Comics ceremony. October 17th is the Award's 7th Anniversary, and since I won't be there, I'm hoping you will.

The Isotope Awards Party begins at 7pm and runs 'til midnight, with an open bar for those with valid ID. You can find the comics shop at 326 Fell Street in San Francisco, or online here.

******

And so concludes my overview of what I'll be missing back home. Considering all the Kleenex I've gone through, I'd better hear that you and at least three friends all got down to APE. My spies are everywhere, Dabblers. I'll find out!

Okay, no spies. Just remember this: Your APE attendance is a more than just a show of support for the independent comic creators that truly are the soul of the comics industry. Your attendance is a gift. A special gift, and a considerate and thoughtful gift. The kind of gift we give to our ourselves.

And the kind of gift that keeps on giving. Because I guarantee you, we'll run into each other next year. See ya at APE 2010, everybody!

For complete Alternative Press Expo news and info - including a full list of exhibitors, programming, directions, and ticket prices -- swing your monkey-bad self over here.