Heroes Con and Other Stuff

I will be at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC this weekend. If you go to the show, please stop by and say hello. I'll have the usual comics, books, art, and prints. Heroes is an awesome, comic book show, so if you're on the fence, I highly recommend it. I enjoy it as an exhibitor and as a comics fan and tip my hat to organizer Shelton Drum and the many people who work hard to make the show run smoothly and to create a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

POOD #3 preview trailer + AFRODISIAC review

Pood #3 hits the pavement in April, just in time for MoCCA--and here's a little video preview! If you're one of the few who haven't ordered their copy yet--well, what are you waiting for? here's the Previews order code: FEB110807!

There's still time--You can still call your local comics shop, give em the order # and you'll be guaranteed your copy of pood #3! so hop to it! get your pood while there's still pood to get! There's some definite surprises in this ish--so don't miss out! Order today!

And in Afrodisiac news, here's a review from Canada: "Afrodisiac (Adhouse Books, $15) has got to be the zaniest, most over-the-top and in-yo-face "black" graphic text /comic book in existence."
- George Elliott Clarke, the Chronicle Herald

Art Show in Arlington

Comic Book Culture Invades the Art World

Arlington Arts Center
NOV 19, 2010 - JAN 16, 2011
Opening reception: Friday, November 19, 7 – 9 pm Members only preview 6 - 7 pm

PARTY CRASHERS mashes up comic art and contemporary gallery culture. Featuring Gabrielle Bell, Deb Sokolow, Derik Badman, Robert Pruitt, Victor Kerlow, Blaise Larmee, Warren Craghead III, Jamar Nicholas, Anton Kannemeyer (aka Joe Dog), Jeffrey Brown, Dash Shaw, Rosaire Appel, Andrei Molotiu, Rina Ayuyang, Joshua Cotter, Olav Westphalen, and me!

Romance Comics

Been super busy with different stuff, mostly illustration work. But I have a couple of comic strips debuting at the Brooklyn Comics and Graphic Novels Festival. One will appear in the FREE anthology Secret Prison and this one will be in the FREE anthology Smoke Signal. There will also be a new full-color USApe strip in the next issue of Pood.

Read Rambo 3.5 for FREE

Rambo 3.5 is nominated for the Outstanding Mini-Comic Ignatz Award at SPX this Saturday. In an effort to prepare voters for this responsibility, we have decided to post Rambo 3.5 online for educational purposes (we'll also have copies available at the show!).

Flickr
Comicpress

Please be sure and forward this to all of your friends, make torrents, shout from the rooftops, etc.

If you're attending SPX, I'll be at the Adhouse Books table with a couple of new things for you to check out - a collection of commissions (most of which you can see on my Flickr account), COMIXED UP (a zine/mini-comic of cartoon and comic character mash-ups), and the new issue of PAPERCUTTER (with an all-new, never-before-seen Bald Eagle one pager co-written with Brian Maruca):

I'm also doing a panel on Sunday:

Commercial Eruptions

4:00 | Brookside Conference Room

Jim Rugg (Street Angel, Afrodisiac) and Frank Santoro (Storeyville, Cold Heat) have produced auteurial work that shows the influence of commercial comics, and have brought an independent sensibility to work for publishers like Marvel Comics. In a conversation moderated by Tim Hodler, the two cartoonists will reflect on what they have learned from the contents and processes of historical commercial comics and how they reinterpret their influences when working for corporate publishers.

Finally, I contributed a short strip to the new Fort Thunder Monster anthology which debuts at SPX (and I couldn't be more excited to see)!

Baltimore Comicon and PIX

I will be at Baltimore Comi-Con this weekend, at booth 1904 (Adhouse Books). I'll have my usual assortments of books, prints, and artwork as well as copies of my Ignatz-nominated Rambo mini-comic and a new book of commissions and other drawings.

Pittsburgh gets its very own Indy Comics show (PIX) - October 16 + 17. Brought to you by the fine folks at the Toonseum and the Copacetic Comics Company! Add this to your calendars folks - admission is FREE! Tables for exhibitors are inexpensive. Please check it out, and pass it along to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks.

Scott Pilgrim, Milk & Cheese, Batman

Legendary St. Louis comic shop, the Star Clipper has posted some recommended graphic novels to read after you've enjoyed Scott Pilgrim. Street Angel clocks in at a respectable number 2.

Meanwhile, over at Comics Comics, you can see a poorly-scripted imitation of Evan Dorkin's Milk & Cheese duking it out with a poorly-drawn imitation of Neal Adams' Batman. Here are the original pencils:

Finally, Multiversity Comics: Off the Cape column reviews Afrodisiac: "If you're looking for one of the best characters in comics in recent memory as well as a book that acts as a grand tribute to years upon years of pop culture (not just comic pop culture), this book is definitely for you."

COMICON

I won't be at Comicon this year, but I will be representin'.



First up, I designed a limited edition t-shirt for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (above is the front, below is the back).



Next, I have a drawing in the CBLDF/TFAW auction of Felicia Day as Codex (her alter-ego in the Guild). In addition to bidding on the original art, I think they printed a bunch of cards with this image that you can have Ms. Day sign.



And finally, last but not least...

STREET ANGEL!!!

Two items of note:

1. The Street Angel short film is screening on Thursday as part of Comicon's Independent Film Festival. If you're at the show and have an interest in seeing this film, now is your chance. We have no other screenings scheduled at this time so check it out while you can.

2. Street Angel is back in print from the fine folks at SLG. They went all out with this second printing, and the slick, coated paper makes a ton of difference. If you enjoyed our work on Afrodisiac and you've been wanting to check out Street Angel, you can grab a copy right from the publisher! Tell 'em we sent you, they'll like that! And while you're at SLG's booth, check out some of their other offerings. They publish a bunch of amazing books from classic Evan Dorkin and Jhonen Vasquez comics to new works from James Turner (Rex Libris, Warlord of Io), Faith Erin Hicks (Zombies Calling, War at Ellsmere), Ross Campbell (Shadoweyes), Diana Thung (Captain Long Ears).

Afrodisiac on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad

Finally, the King of the Concrete Jungle goes digital - f*** Megapute! Thrill to the adventures of the Mack Knight on your favorite digital device! Run, don't walk to ComiXology TODAY!

Don't delay, turn your iPad into an iBadass.

Captain America and FDR commission

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Carnegie Library last evening for my talk. Librarians Corey Wittig and Renee Alberts have put together a nice, monthly graphic novel discussion group. So if you're in the area and have an interest in the medium or what the library has to offer fans of comics, add it to your calendar. Next month's speaker is Pittsburgh treasure, Bill "Copacetic Comics" Boichel.

This Saturday, I'll be at Summit City Comic Con in Fort Wayne, IN. It's their inaugural show. They seem to be promoting it well, and I think it could be a very enjoyable show. If you're there, please stop by and introduce yourself. I'll have the usual stuff, including Rambo 3.5, which has gotten a couple nice mentions lately:

The Comics Journal: This comic is jammed with puns, cheap shots, double-entendres, adolescent sexual references and hilarious non-sequiturs. RAMBO 3.5 is gloriously inspired silliness, a comic destined for cult status.

The Comics Reporter: Mostly what you get is the infantile previous president's child-like social interaction with the dumb-as-ammo John Rambo character via cartooning that shifts style in a way reminiscent of Bill Sienkiewicz's 1980s pastiches on a similar group of scoundrels.

Brett Warnock (Top Shelf Comix): Rugg is nothing short of a fucking genius. So much so, even his "throwaway" stuff is brilliant.

I am down to my last 25 copies of the first printing of Afrodisiac, so if you're planning on grabbing that at Summit City, swing by early!

SUMMIT CITY PANEL
Indie Comics and Self Publishing! This panel offers our audience insight about the process of producing independent comics and self-published comics and doesn’t skimp on the pitfalls and hurdles that must be overcome. Self publishing can be excruciatingly difficult and endlessly rewarding. Join some of the best in the business for this sure to be lively discussion. Our panelists include: Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac, Street Angel, Comics Comics), Steve Bryant (Athena Voltaire), Matt Kindt (Super Spy, Strange Tales, 3 Story), Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Unlikely, Sulk, Incredible Changebots), Andy Jewett (In This Corner, SICKO, Awesome 2: Awesomer), Shawn Pryor (Mercury & The Murd, Wasted Wonderland)

SUMMIT CITY COMMISSIONS
I have time for one more commission for Summit City. If you're interested email me ASAP. It's $100 for an 8 x 10, b/w drawing.

Rambo 3.5

My fist mini-comic in many years, debuts this weekend at SPACE (April 24, 25) in Columbus, OH:

In 1988, Vietnam veteran and ex-Green Beret, John J. Rambo pushed the Soviets out of Afghanistan (see Rambo III for complete details).

With the Ruskies gone, the Taliban, led by anti-Soviet Mujahideen, siezed power in Kabul. After apparently forgetting how awesome and badass Rambo is, the Taliban gave refuge to Osama bin Laden and his terrorist gang - al Queda.

Inkstuds interview

I'm on this week's Inkstuds. You can listen to it here or download it on Itunes. Thanks to Robin for having me on the show. I've been listening to his show for a long time and I'm delighted to make an appearance!

Garrett Martin and Hilary Brown discuss Afrodisiac on their blog, SHAZHMMM...

Finally, an 11 year old boy throws his hat into the Objet d'Afro ring. How embarrassed you all will be if he defeats you!

That's all for now. I leave for Seattle bright and early tomorrow. Hope to see lots of you at Emerald City Con.

ZATANNA and CHRISTMAS SUGGESTION

 

Still searching for the perfect, last-minute Christmas gift for that special comic book fan in your life? Well, look no further! Frank Santoro has the answer - the $20 Grab Bag o' Comics! For a mere 20 bucks (that includes shipping and handling), Frank will pack up 6 amazing comics and send them your way via Priority Mail (i.e. in time for Christmas).

Frank scours comic book stores for interesting back issue gems and then brings them to small press, indie, and art comics shows as sort of a traveling history for readers and creators who may not be familiar with some of the more interesting comics of the last 30-40 years. I never fail to find great books when I see him at these places (or at his home or when we visit a shop together).

If you want to surprise that certain someone in your life that likes comics, this is a great last minute gift. The selection is sure to be diverse, unique, and a steal at 20 bucks!

DUKE ARMSTRONG and PORTLAND RECAP

Portland was AWESOME! I want to thank everyone who came out Saturday night and braved the unusually cold temperatures to hang out at Floating World Comics. Met a lot of people and had a wonderful time. Special thanks to Courtney, Joe Keatinge, Jamie Rich, and Jasion Leivian. Although I could list like a million others. I always hear about what a great town Portland is for cartoonists and comic books, and now I know their secret - it's actually WAY better than they say it is.

Alright enough of that schmoozing already. Back to comics - my trusted co-writer, Brian Maruca, and I have a strip in the latest issue of Dark Horse Presents. Editor Scott Allie describes it as "the tale of a very, very weird hero." I'd like to think of it as a hero we all need right now, as one golf great falls from glory, it's good to know Duke Armstrong's out there fighting the good fight. Better yet, why don't you decide for yourself, after all, it's FREE to read!

AFRODISIAC AND THE SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS

I'm thrilled to announce that the Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition will include an Afrodisiac piece (for the third consecutive year)!!! As a result of their endorsement, I've decided to create a color print based on this piece for Adhouse's Afrodisiac Limited Edition. Speaking of the awesome Adhouse Books, they are having a Holiday sale on a lot of their great books, including Superior Showcase #3 (featuring a 10 page Street Angel story) for only a buck! Some other noteworthy books include James Jean's latest Process Recess, Jamie Tanner's Aviary for only 5 bucks (love this book), Johnny Hiro, Josh Cotter's Driven by Lemons.

Here are a couple of color versions of the Afrodisiac Vietnam: 20,000 BC cover. These aren't the final print, but I'm getting closer.

JOSH COTTER - DRIVEN BY LEMONS

You probably know Josh Cotter from Skyscrapers of the Midwest. Well, he's back with an amazing followup. Check out this nifty trailer for Josh Cotter's fantastic new book, Driven by Lemons.

If you enjoy these book trailers, here is an article from the Huffington Post that might be of interest. It's about the rise of book trailers (and it mentions our Afrodisiac trailer).

SLG SUPER SALE - 40% OFF EVERYTHING

Hey, dear readers and friends, SLG is having a huge sale through Monday - 40% OFF of everything! Apparently this is due to some financial bumps-in-the-road, so I ask that you consider browsing their wide selection of books, comics, toys, t-shirts, posters, prints, and see if something grabs your eye. Lots of great cartoonists are represented and you could probably finish all your Christmas shopping before the Black Friday madness arrives next week and engulfs us all.

If you've been on the fence about Street Angel, this is your golden opportunity. The new print looks great - better paper, crisp printing, and now - 40% OFF. Too good to be true. Who wouldn't love to wake up Christmas morning and unwrap a shiny, new trade paperback of Street Angel? I dare say, that old coot, Ebenezer Scrooge himself would buckle under the humor and good cheer of the Princess of Poverty.

Some other recommendations from me:

Evan Dorkin is one of my favorite cartoonists. Personal recommendations are Dork #7 (a sorta funny, very revealing look at the creative trials and tribulations of one of America's great cartoonists) and Dork #11 (a nonstop onslaught of gags, that makes me think Evan likes to punish himself, truly a spectacular comic book achievement, and my highest recommendation to fans of funny).

James Turner has done a number of interesting comics with SLG, like the graphic novel Nil (emphasis on both graphic and novel) and the awesome librarian series - Rex Libris. And check this out, you can snag issue one of Rex Libris for FREE! This is like better than internet porn, people.

Derf is an alt weekly cartoonist, widely known for his strip Derf City. He's a multi-talented gent who has also produced his share of long form comics. I highly recommend Dahmer, if you have any interest in serial killers at all. Derf went to high school with Dahmer, and years after Dahmer died in prison, he made this comic book. My arm chair hobby is to criticize Hollywood depictions (glorification) of serial killers. With this in mind, Dahmer delivers the goods. Very unsettling, but not in the ways you might expect.

Jhonen Vasquez's Johnny the Homicidal Maniac is a perennial favorite.

Ariel Schrag's Likewise - autobiographical comics from a very young cartoonist (at the time).

SLG published a line of Disney comics at one point, including such gems as Tron, Haunted Mansion, Gargoyles, and the stunningly beautiful Wonderland.

I know I'm forgetting tons of great material, so go browse for yourself. SLG also carries a ton of non-SLG books and merchandise. If you're thinking of buying some comics online in the near future, or your sitting in your cube on a Friday afternoon waiting desperately for Happy Hour, do yourself a favor and check out this sale.

BLAXTUBE, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES, and FRENCH STREET ANGEL

I did a couple of interviews about the Afrodisiac recently. One is at Comic Book Resources. The other is at Blaxtube. The site features a ton of blaxploitation related video content, like movie clips and trailers.

In Street Angel news, we have a review from France! And a video review, also from France. I do not speak French, so I can't be certain that these interviews are nice, but our French publisher, Le Lezard Noir posted them on their blog which leads me to believe they can't be too tough.

Just a reminder, Street Angel is back in print. So if you've heard of the book but your local comic book store was sold out...today's your lucky day! Tell 'em to get you a copy and one for their shelves while they're at it. Or order your own copy today! Thanks.

P.S. If you or someone you know wants to review the Afrodisiac, email me.

NEXT ISSUE!: THE SWIPE FILE

Kevin Mutch wrote an interesting post about stealing, er, uh, I mean appropriation in comics. He examines some of the effects that appropriation of style can have, for example, "appropriating "readymade" cultural artifacts (objects, images, texts, entire styles) and redeploying them in a different context so as to problematize their presumed meanings." He cites a few specific examples, such as the brilliant Robert Sikoryak's brilliant Masterpiece Comics, Matt Madden's 99 Ways to Tell a Story (a personal favorite of mine), and drumroll...our very own Afrodisiac.   Thanks, Kevin, for the generous description of our work! Everyone else, go check it out! 

AFRODISIAC VIDEO PREVIEW

Afrodisiac is in Previews right now, and orders are due soon. If you pre-order comics from your local comic book store, and you plan to pick up Afrodisiac, let your store know! Here's some order information (and a video preview):

96 4C pages
6 " x 9 " HC
$14.95 US funds
ISBN 978-1-935233-06-0
Shipping December 2009
Diamond Order Code: OCT09 0658