As part of our campaign to highlight our ongoing battle against Dr. Seuss Enterprises (and we hope you can help us out) we’re highlighting examples of art that wouldn’t exist without fair use.
Here’s one from Roger Langridge, well known for his work on Snarked!, The Muppet Show, Mugwhump the Great, Popeye, and Doctor Who, doing his own version of P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves stories.
According to Roger:
The rights issues are a bit confusing: this particular story is in public domain in the USA, but (apparently) not in the UK, so I’m not sure if a book is even a possibility. Nevertheless, I’ve adapted it as a comic (originally published in 1916 in the Saturday Evening Post under the title “Leave It to Jeeves“) to show what I could do with it if given the opportunity.
Go to his site to read the full 20 page story. And give us your favorite examples of fair use in the comments!
“For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I mattered.”
A legend has passed. Harlan Ellison, Grandmaster of the Science Fiction Writers of America and member of the SF Hall of Fame, died in his sleep overnight. He was 84 years old. His published works include over 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of journalism and criticism covering literature, film, television, print, and the life and times we live in.
In the next few days, you will hear many stories about Harlan. Listen carefully. Many of them are true. A proper retrospective is coming from us. We’re big fans of his work, and have interviewedHarlan in the past.
For me, he was one of two people to whom I dedicated my first published story: “To Harlan, who taught me that anyone who can write, should write.”
To get a sense of the man, here’s the trailer to the documentary Dreams With Sharp Teeth:
The 2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards Nominees have been revealed, and we at ComicMix are proud to announce that Mine! A Celebration of Liberty and Freedom For All Benefiting Planned Parenthood has been nominated for Best Anthology. The awards are to be presented at the Ringo Awards Banquet and Ceremony in conjunction with the 2018 Baltimore Comic-Con on the evening of Saturday, September 29, 2018.
Voting on the 2018 Ringo Awards Final Ballot is now open, and is restricted to the comic book industry creative community — anyone involved in and credited with creating comics professionally. Final ballots can be submitted via their website, and voting will close on August 31, 2018.
The Ringo Awards are named for the late Mike Wieringo (June 24, 1963 – August 12, 2007), who often signed his work “Ringo”, an American comics artist best known for his work on DC Comics’ The Flash, Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four, and his co-creation Tellos.
Mine! has previously been nominated for a “Best Story” Eisner Award this year for “Ethel Byrne” by Cecil Castelluci and Scott Chantler. Mine! also includes work from previous Eisner Award winners Neil Gaiman, Mark Waid, Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang, Eric Shanower, Shannon Wheeler, Mike Norton, Andrew Aydin, Paul Levitz, Dennis O’Neil, and many other Ringo nominated creators.
Mine! is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Comixology, comic shops everywhere, and directly from us. For retailers, the book has just been re-solicited through Diamond— use code JUL181745 and you’ll get your books when July orders close; if you need them immediately, use NOV171491 (Diamond will charge a restocking fee). Hardcovers are available via Ingram, 978-1939888662.
Congratulations to all the nominees! We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore.
Fan and Pro Nomination Categories
Best Cartoonist (Writer/Artist)
Guy Delisle
Emil Ferris
Monica Gallagher
Joelle Jones
Quimchee
Jillian Tamaki
Best Writer
Jason Aaron
Neil Gaiman
Matt Kindt
Tom King
Jeff Lemire
Aline Brosh McKenna
David Pepose
Best Artist or Penciller
Gary Frank
Mitch Gerards
Chris Samnee
Stjepan Sejic
Lee Weeks
Best Inker
Jonathan Glapion
Mark McKenna
Danny Miki
Mark Morales
Scott Williams
Best Letterer
Colin Bell
Justin Birch
Todd Klein
David Rubin
John Workman
Best Colorist
Dijjo Lima
Laura Martin
Dave McCaig
Jasen Smith
Dave Stewart
Best Cover Artist
Michael Cho
Fay Dalton
Simon Fraser
Joelle Jones
David Mack
Jorge Santiago Jr.
Best Series
Batman, DC Comics
Lady Killer, Dark Horse Comics
Mister Miracle, DC Comics
Spencer & Locke, Action Lab Entertainment
Sunstone, Image Comics
Best Single Issue or Story
Batman Annual #2, DC Comics
Batman/Elmer Fudd Special, DC Comics
Doomsday Clock #1, DC Comics
I Am Groot, Marvel Comics
Mister Miracle #5, DC Comics
Best Original Graphic Novel
The Aggregate, Split Decision Comics
The Best We Could Do, Abrams ComicArts
Hostage, Drawn & Quarterly
My Favorite Thing is Monsters, Fantagraphics
Spinning, First Second
Best Anthology
Magic Bullet, D.C. Conspiracy
Mine! A Celebration of Liberty and Freedom for All Benefiting Planned Parenthood, ComicMix
As part of our campaign to highlight our ongoing battle against Dr. Seuss Enterprises (and we hope you can help us out) we’re highlighting examples of art that wouldn’t exist without fair use.
We apologize if the song is stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Give us your favorite examples of fair use in the comments!
If you’re of a certain generation, you remember the big summertime issues that your parents picked up for you on the way to whatever you were doing that required a long car ride to get there– comics that gave you new stories combined with older fare that brought you into a richer shared universe.
This summer, Walmart shoppers will get a chance to do that again as DC Entertainment announced today that a series of “giant” monthly comics will be sold exclusively in more than 3,000 participating Walmart stores around the country.
Available for $4.99, each 100-page anthology features all-new stories written exclusively for these books by some of DC’s top creative talents, including Tom King (BATMAN, MISTER MIRACLE, HEROES IN CRISIS), Dan Jurgens (ACTION COMICS, BATMAN BEYOND), Brian Michael Bendis (SUPERMAN, ACTION COMICS, THE MAN OF STEEL), Andy Kubert (NEW CHALLENGERS) and others. Each title will also include additional story arcs drawn from fan-favorite DC eras such as the New 52, Rebirth and the New Age of DC Heroes.
Each of the four titles – SUPERMAN GIANT, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA GIANT, BATMAN GIANT and TEEN TITANS GIANT – will arrive in stores by July 1. Beginning in August, the Superman and Justice League of America titles will arrive in week one of each month, with the second pair, Batman and Teen Titans, arriving approximately two weeks later.
“We are extraordinarily excited about working with Walmart to expand the reach of our books,” said DC Publisher Dan DiDio. “These new monthly books combine new and accessible stories with reprints of classic comic series. It’s a great way for new readers to get into comics and follow the characters they’ve grown to love in TV and film.”
The debut title lineup includes:
SUPERMAN GIANT #1
SUPERMAN GIANT #1 features chapter one of the two-part “Endurance,” an original story written by Jimmy Palmiotti (HARLEY QUINN, ACTION COMICS) with art by Tom Derenick (HARLEY QUINN, CYBORG, BATMAN/SUPERMAN). TheDaily Planet sends Clark Kent to Tornado Alley to do a story on the area, but when the storm hits, it turns out that this mild-mannered reporter is more helpful as Superman.
The issue also includes:
THE TERRIFICS #1 (2018) – From this year’s New Age of Heroes and born of the events of DC’s hit series DARK NIGHTS: METAL. Mr. Terrific, Metamorpho, Plastic Man and Phantom Girl are a team of heroes bound together by fate and united by the spirit of exploration and discovery. Together these heroes plumb the depths of the fantastic to learn what it means to become family.
GREEN LANTERN #1 (2005) – Written by best-selling writer Geoff Johns with art by Ethan Van Sciver and Carlos Pacheco, this first chapter launches the fan-favorite three-part story “No Fear,” in which Hal Jordan makes his return to the DC Universe as the Green Lantern, casting the light of justice on the darkest corners of Space Sector 2814.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #1 (2003) – The iconic fan-favorite story arc, “Public Enemies,” returns, courtesy of writer Jeph Loeb, with artists Ed McGuinness and Tim Sale. Batman and Superman unite when President Lex Luthor accuses the Man of Steel of a crime against humanity and assembles a top-secret team of powerhouse heroes to bring Superman in by any means necessary.
September’s SUPERMAN GIANT #3 features Eisner Award-winning writer Tom King’s first return to the Man of Steel since his poignant and heartfelt tribute story, “For Tomorrow,” in the pages of ACTION COMICS #1000. Together with DC Master Class artist Andy Kubert, this powerhouse team will take readers on a new 12-part adventure titled “Up in the Sky!” When a little girl is kidnapped and taken from Earth, Superman embarks on a galaxy-spanning mission to find the perpetrators…but has to decide what lengths he will go to in order to save one life!
TEEN TITANS GIANT #1
In this original six-part Teen Titans story by Dan Jurgens with art by Scot Eaton, Wayne Faucher and Jim Charalampidis, the Teen Titans’ pizza dinner is interrupted by the introduction of a new villain, the Disruptor. Teaming up with the Fearsome Five and working as an agent of H.I.V.E., he had one mission: kill the Teen Titans! The battle spills onto the streets of San Francisco, putting its citizens at risk, while H.I.V.E. uses this distraction to begin their plan for world conquest!
Additional issue #1 stories include:
SUPER SONS #1 (2017) – From DC’s smash-hit Rebirth event, writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Jorge Jimenez reintroduce the sons of Superman and Batman, Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne, in part one of “When I Grow Up.” As Robin, Damian’s more than ready to take his place at the heroes’ table and has zero plans to wait his turn. And he’s dragging Superman’s son along for the trip, whether Jon likes it or not!
SIDEWAYS #1 (2018) – Also from the New Age of Heroes, this story written by Dan DiDio with art by Kenneth Rocafort introduces fans to high schooler Derek James who, during the events of DARK NIGHTS: METAL, has acquired powers from the Dark Multiverse and stepped into the role of superhero! But when cracks begin to appear in the space-time continuum, he soon learns that with that much power comes even greater liability!
TEEN TITANS #1 (2003) – Written by best-selling author Geoff Johns with art by Mike McKone. Cyborg, Raven, Starfire and Beast Boy welcome in a new roster of young heroes to train to defend humanity—Wonder Girl, Impulse and a Superboy who’s been cloned from Superman’s DNA!
BATMAN GIANT #1
Batman is on the case of a missing girl in “One More Chance,” an all-new story by writer Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Patrick “Patch” Zircher. Batman is the world’s greatest detective, but what happens when the trail in his newest case leads him back to a place from his past that he never expected to revisit?
BATMAN GIANT #1 also includes:
BATMAN #608 (2002) – Written by Jeph Loeb with art by comics icon Jim Lee, issue #608 kicks off “Batman: Hush,” one of the most popular storylines in the Dark Knight’s fabled history. When Batman sets out to unmask the mystery character wreaking havoc in his life, he teams up with an unexpected ally (Catwoman) and finds himself facing off against not only his deadliest foes, but some of the toughest characters in the DC Universe, including Poison Ivy, Killer Croc and even Superman!
NIGHTWING #1 (2011) – From DC’s New 52, this story by writer Kyle Higgins and artist Eddy Barrows debuted a new look for Dick Grayson as he dives into a tale of murder, mystery and superhuman evil against the backdrop of Haley’s Circus, the place that started him on his path from acrobat to orphan to sidekick and ultimately superhero!
HARLEY QUINN #1 (2011) – Also from the New 52, writer Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Amanda Conner break Harley Quinn out of The Joker’s shadow with all the force of a giant mallet!
Beginning with BATMAN GIANT #3 in September, superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis makes his DC debut on the Dark Knight with a 12-part story, “Universe.” Batman’s run-in with the Riddler leads the Caped Crusader into a mystery that spans the globe!
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA GIANT #1
Justice League member Wonder Woman is spotlighted in “The Conversion,” an all-new story from NIGHTWING writer Tim Seeley and artists Rick Leonardi and Steve Buccellato. In this single-issue story, Wonder Woman comes face to face with Ares, god of war—who sees her as a promising new recruit!
JUSTICE LEAGUE GIANT #1 also includes:
JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 (2011) – From the incomparable team of writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee comes this version of the League from the New 52. In this alternative spin on the union of Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, superheroes are a strange and new phenomenon. The mysterious Batman discovers a dark evil that requires him to unite these reluctant heroes to protect Earth from a cosmic-level threat!
THE FLASH #1 (2011) – In this New 52 version of the Fastest Man Alive, writer Brian Buccellato and artist Francis Manapul introduce Barry Allen to a villain who not only can be everywhere at once, but is also a close friend of the Scarlet Speedster!
AQUAMAN #1 (2011) – Award-winning writer Geoff Johns and dynamic artist Ivan Reis team up on this story from the New 52! Aquaman has given up the throne of Atlantis, but the sea still has plans for Arthur Curry as a broken race of undersea creatures, the Trench, emerges from the ocean depths, bent on destroying the surface world!
In issue #2, Seeley teams up with artists Felipe Watanabe and Chris Sotomayor on “Mother’s Day,” a stand-alone story where Wonder Woman returns to Paradise Island for the first time since her exile, only to find that the Amazons – and Queen Hippolyta – have been abducted by Echidna, the mythological Mother of Monsters, with a brood of unstoppable beasts as children!
Issue #3 begins another original 12-part Wonder Woman story by HARLEY QUINN co-writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti called “Come Back to Me.” When Steve Trevor’s plane crashes on an island outside of time itself, it’s up to Wonder Woman to rescue him from this mysterious land, full of monsters, dinosaurs and some very surprising citizens.
Because you haven’t had enough Marvel movies in the last five days, here’s the new trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp — now featuring 100% more Black Goliath!
Ebony magazine reports that Black Panther is going to have an even bigger impact in America than expected, as people are signing up voters at screenings.
#WakandaTheVote is a measure from the Electoral Justice Project (EJP) which will allow moviegoers to register to vote at Black Panther screenings throughout the nation. The mission was the brainchild of EJP founders Kayla Reed, Jessica Byrd and Rukia Lumumba.“This weekend we wanted to meet our people in Wakanda,” Byrd and Reed told Blavity. “We know that for some it’s a superhero world, but we know that the world we deserve is still waiting to be built — and we want to build it! This upcoming spring and November 2018 midterm elections are an important step in building that new world, and we want to take every opportunity to engage our communities in the conversation of electoral justice. We will be registering people to vote at movie theaters across the country so that we can #wakandathevote at the ballot box.”
We confess we look forward to seeing certain people freak out over this.
Mark Evanier has been writing and collecting stories from various other comics editors about freelancers who do or do not get their work in on time, and the motivations for why they might end up delivering late:
The artist was a freelancer who worked for many companies and editors. I absolutely sympathize with anyone in that position because that’s been my entire career for 49 years now — juggling assignments, working for several places at the same time.
By his own admission, this artist worried incessantly about not having enough work to meet the expenses of life. Even when he had a full dance card and was turning down work, he was fretting, “What if there’s nothing more after I hand in my current assignments?” When I asked him to draw the story for me, he should have said no, he didn’t have time. He was already committed to too many other jobs but on impulse, he said yes. […] He thought he was doing both of us a favor by taking on the job…and he thought he’d have more time than I said.
I’m going to throw in at least one other reason that’s related to this: occasionally, there are artists who are just too good at their job— by which I mean that there’s just not as much challenge as there used to be. After you’ve drawn 2000 pages of comic art in your time, many of the problems in doing the job go away and you get bored. How many different times can you draw the same character, after all? The challenge is the composition and breakdown of the page, but after that– eh. He knows he can finish it, and he knows what it’s going to look like when he’s done. (Think of it like a surgeon who hands off the closing to someone else.)
So in at least one case that I know of… the artist pushes the clock. He gets as close to the deadline as possible, maybe even a little beyond it, and then he starts working. The challenge is to do the job while racing against the hard limit, all while dodging emails and phone calls from people in the editorial office who are getting closer and closer to heart attacks. And by challenging himself on speed, he gets that thrill from creation again.
But… as you might suspect, sometimes he blows the timing. Something comes up, something goes wrong, someone shows up inviting you on a treasure hunt.
The question then becomes at that point… can you trust the artist again? Well, maybe. But an editor will always have that worry in the back of his mind… and from that point on, he’ll have a backup plan when working with that artist.
