New Website!

We've Moved! 

We're happy to announce that we have moved from this blog to a full fledged website! Please click over to artwayalliance.org for our most up to date information.

Artist (Group) Highlight: Art Identity Expo

The Art Identity Expo Underground (AIX-Underground) is a celebration of diversity within the Washington DC Metro Area for the Popular Art scene. AIX-Underground will give Artists an opportunity to highlight artwork from Comic Books, Graffiti, Urban Creations, Spoken Word and Live Music along with contributions from local clothing brand and geek chic boutiques. Gallery exhibitions of selected Artists are allowed to display and speak about their artwork. AIX-Underground will also offer live Art demos that are performed by participating Artists. During the demos attendees are encouraged to sit and create some amazing artwork with us.

AIX-Underground will have a pop up shop/ kiosk, selling prints and merchandise that were created by the participating Artists. In addition to this Artist’s will be able to participate in the Panel Talk Show that provides them time to speak about current and future art projects. AIX-Underground has partnerships with local Podcasts Shows, YouTube TV Shows and Café’s around Washington DC.

We've partnered with Artist Independent Expo (AIX) to honor Hispanic Heritage Month with a month long Gallery Exhibition that will culminate in AIX Underground and AIX Kids Day. Stop by participating locations U Street Cafe and Tynan Coffee & Tea at both their NoMa/Capitol Hill North and Columbia Heights locations to see fantastic art from Hispanic and local indie artists throughout the month of September. 

Baltimore Comic Con

It's one of our favorite cons of the year! AWA will be at the booth of Geppi's Entertainment Museum from 1:00 PM -5:00PM and at the musuem itself during its extended con hours from 6:00 PM -  8:00 PM on Saturday, September 6, 2014. From 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2014, we'll be at the museum. Come see us during the con at Booth #2112 and come see our artists during these set times:

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Andrew Smart: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (during the con)

Art Way Alliance: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (at the museum) 

Sunday, September 7, 2014 (at the museum)

Andrew Smart: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

Tyrone Barnes: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

Keir Lyles: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

Ashley Gonzales: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thank you very much to Geppi's for sharing their space with us! We're excited to join our booth buddies!

Update: A previous version said Ashley Gonzales was confirming. She has. 

Artist Highlight - Phil Cho

 

Phil Cho is a freelance illustrator, web comic artist, and superhero enthusiast. He aspires to work in the comic book or animation industry, and continues to hone his craft through personal projects, commissions, and freelance work.

website: www.philchoart,com

deviantart: www.phil-cho.deviantart.com

web comic: www.teenwonderobin.tumblr.com

Video Gamers United - Recap

AWA had a FANTASTIC time at Video Gamers United!

You can't go wrong at a con where a massive Donkey Kong angrily greets you at the entrance. We met great people, saw great costumes, and conquered great video games. Our featured artists received a lot of praise for their work, and we made fantastic connections that we can't wait to tell you about in the future. 

Members of the army pose with Optimus Prime

At no other con could video gamers and programmers seamlessly interact with branches of the military, DC government, universities and the Washington Nationals. Military personnel were just as excited to see Optimus Prime and Tifa as we were. The Air Force brought in a jet - yes, you read that right, a jet - to the show. The marines challenged people to test their physical might with pull-ups. The Washington Nationals brought a baseball video game simulator and cornhole for people to play.

Our artists showed off their skills with color, clay, and flower creations. All were impressed with their unique styles and knowledge. Some artists even gave pointers to interested children who sat down to draw. Children and adults alike played multiple video games on multiple platforms, including, but not limited to: Mario Kart, Soul Calibur, Halo, and Madden. Tournaments were held, for both video and card games, with grand prizes of $1,000.00; $3,000.00; or even $5,000.00. 

A select group of people who donated to Children's Hospital were able to play video games with said celebrities such as Dante Basco and Clinton Portis. But celebrities didn't stay secluded. Dante Basco, otherwise known as Prince Zuko from Avatar and Rufio from Hook, took the time to come visit with the AWA's con team. He was incredibly down to earth, and we thank him for taking the time to talk to us. 

Best. Selfie. Ever. 

 Were you at VGU? If so, what was your favorite part?

VGU - Video Gamers United

Join AWA at the DC Convention Center on Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th for Video Gamers United, the premier con dedicated to everything games:

It's sure to be a lot of fun (and there's a JET?!). Come find us and our friends:

Keir Lyles

Darren Soto

Andrew Smart

and Image featured artist 

Chris Pyrate

Location TBD! 

Our Summer Classes are Hot!

FYI - Even after two hours, students were still really involved. I asked our page (David) what he though and he felt that Darren was really good. He appreciated how knowledgeable he was regarding comic books in general, loved his "odd" examples, like how he taught in a really simple understandable way, gave really good comic strip examples of what he was talking about, and really simple step-by-step samples of how to turn simple shapes into dramatic figures etc. David thought the fact that Darren, someone in the field was doing the program and not a librarian made it so much more interesting (really like him as a presenter) [and] made them feel connected.

- Philecia Harris, Children's & Youth Adult Librarian at Silver Spring Library

Our classes have been nothing less than phenomenal this summer. With veterans Darren Soto and Keir Lyles and newcomers Tyrone Barnes, AWA has partnered with multiple non-profit and educational groups to use our comic book classes in the context of their own summer camps.

We partnered with Concerned Black Men and Savoy Elementary, Silver Spring Library, and Reading Camp Maryland. Whether creating real life superheroes or drawing characters all their own, the children thoroughly enjoyed our classes. And we've had fun as well! Check it out below.

Silver Spring Library - June 10, 2014

Using his patented teaching technique, Darren Soto shows kids how to create unique and dynamic characters. 

Savoy Elementary/Concerned Black Men - July 10, 2014

Focusing on real life heroes such as fire fighters and police officers, Keir Lyles provided students with coloring pages and taught them the fundamentals of drawing.

Reading Camp Maryland - July 14, 2014

After a fun and engaging one-day comic book class, Keir Lyles poses with his students. Tyrone Barnes instructs the same students in a lesson. 

There's still more to come! We have classes planned at Enoch Pratt and Bowie Library in September. Stay tuned!

Artist Appreciation Month

Wikimedia Commons

The best way to follow up our Month of Reading in July is with Artist Appreciation Month!

We didn't make this up, by the way. Artist Appreciation Month is real.

AWA would be remiss if we didn't celebrate the people who bring creativity and color to everyday life. The artists we partner with have been the inspiration and backbone of our non-profit. These fun, amazing people take time out of their busy lives to teach children how to make comics on a regular basis. They deserve all the accolades, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

So how can YOU celebrate Artist Appreciation Month?

Artist Josiah Robertson - Wikimedia Commons

1. Go see it! The best way to appreciate an artist is to look at their work. There are a lot of galleries and museums in the DC area, some of which are free!

2. Follow the artists! If you can't get out to the galleries, why not follow some contemporary artists and see what they're up to? If you're into comic book art, why not peruse our Artist Highlight tag? You'll like what you see!

3. Become one yourself! Anyone can become an artist, and if you have the urge to create, now is the best time to get started. It all starts with one line. AWA can even help you get started with our own classes and workshops. Just keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter, or sign up for our newsletter to find out where we'll be next.

Do you have any other ideas for Artist Appreciation Month? Sound off below!

Artist Highlight: Reynaldo Quinn

Reynaldo Quinn is an Art Educator originating from Newark, New Jersey. After receiving his degree in Fine Arts from Seton Hall University, he relocated to the DC Metro area. He is the founder of QuinnEssential Arts.

Quinn is known for StaROFoam Art, an idea that came about from a daily routine of coffee drinking. One day he found himself drawing a portrait of Muhammad Ali on his recycled coffee cup at work. This eventually led to a daily routine of sketching different, influential people or “stars” from musicians to athletes to public icons and more on the recycled Styrofoam cups. He found a challenge in drawing on a round surface and trying to manipulate this unusual medium. Over time, his creative process evolved from sketching on the cups to inking, painting and transforming them into unique sculptures by utilizing other recycled Styrofoam materials from his daily breakfast meals.

He has participated in several themed group art shows throughout Washington DC and landed his first solo art show last April entitled, “One Man’s Trash.” His creative process of turning trash into treasure continues to evolve with the goal of thinking of new ways of turning a recycled Styrofoam cup into a unique piece of art.

Recommended Reading

This week, AWA is recommending three books that we think you will enjoy, especially in these summer storms. Most links lead to Amazon, but check out GoodReads and Comixology too! 

Finding Gossamyr by David A. Rodriguez and Sarah Ellerton

A book where math problems are magic spells, Finding Gossamyr is the story of a young boy named Denny who finds his way to the eponymous world with his older sister. There, he must use his ability to solve create math theorems to protect Gossamyr from a bad element called the Scaythe, who want to use his power for evil. The book is for all ages, and quite beautiful in its execution. Sarah Ellerton's art in particular is wonderfully rendered, and the story keeps even the most math-phobic peoples intrigued. 

.   

I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura

It's been five years since I Kill Giants came out, and the graphic novel is still as poignant as ever. Through Barbara Thorson -  a young girl who has to battle monsters in the form of bullies, fifth grade, and actual giants - Kelly and Niimura tackle themes of loss, acceptance, and belonging. Recommended for middle school students and older, the book helps readers cope with their own difficulties and teaches them that they are not alone. Kelly is also a part of Man of Action, the creative team that created the beloved Ben 10. 

Read more about the five year anniversary here. 

Incognegro by Mat Johnson and Warren Pleece

Definitely for high school students and older, Incognegro tells the story of Zane Pinchback, an African American man who can pass for white. Using this information, he infiltrates lynch mobs and reports on them, exposing the inhumane racism that has been allowed to run rampant in the south. When one of his undercover jobs goes wrong, Zane goes back home only to find his brother in trouble. Zane must now uncover family secrets while trying to save his sibling. 

Comic Strip Classroom!

Geppi's Entertainment Museum will host AWA's ​Comic Strip Classroom on July 19, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Come learn how to develop a story in three simple comic book panels from four established artists! Cost is included in paid admission for non-museum members and free for museum members. 

60 spots are available and reservations are recommended! Contact Andy Hershberger at handy@geppismuseum.com or call 410-625-7066 to register.

Geppi's presents all aspects of pop culture throughout American history in both an exciting and education manner that is unparralled. Come early for a chance to walk the museum before the event!

For more information, check out our press release here. 

UPDATE JULY 14, 2014

Due to unforeseen circumstances, AWA regrets to inform you that we must postpone our Comic Strip Class with Geppi Entertainment.  But don't worry! We have other events planned throughout the area, and fully intend to keep you up to date. 

Artist Highlight: Khuong Huynh

Oh, well hello, didn't notice you there. My name is Khuong Huynh. Yes, I'm an Asian Pacific Islander. My love for art varies; ranging from charcoals and graphites to watercolor and oil. Art is therapeutic and I'd like to express it to audiences of this world.

INDEPENDENCE DAY Updates

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We hope you had a fun and safe Independence Day this weekend. May your fireworks be bright and your hot dogs be grilled to perfection. It's already been a great summer for AWA, and we still have two months to go! In celebration of recent partnerships (including Geppi's) and our love of books, we are marking July as a month of reading. To make good comics, you must read good comics. Therefore, we will provide you with a list of age appropriate, imaginative, diverse comic books to immerse yourselves in during summer vacation. We've already highlighted some great comic books on our blog, and we can't wait to tell you more, but most importantly, we want to hear from you! What are your favorite comics and graphic novels? Facebook, tweet, or even email us your suggestions. You might see your recommendations in our posts! In addition, AWA will teach Reading and Writing Comics, a one day class in partnership with Reading Camp Maryland at the Saint Nicholas Lutheran Church in Huntingtown, MD, on July 14. Reading Camp Maryland's week long camp (July 14-18) teaches struggling and at-risk children in grades 2 - 4 how to develop a love of reading. For this year's theme, "Mighty Reading Avengers," children discover both real and fictional heroes through diverse books and talks from brave police officers and firefighters. Art Way Alliance will teach the children how to read, write, and eventually create a comic book of their own. We can't wait. If you or someone you know would like to host a similar class, please contact us via email for more information.

AWA Get Mentions!

Over the past month, AWA has gotten some amazing newspaper mentions! Check them out below:

 The 2014 NOVA STEM Alliance career festival  - Examiner

Mount Vernon High School hosts panel of scientists and engineers - The Gazette

Encouraging the Next Generation in STEM - The Connection

Thank you to everyone who's helped us these past few months and to all the reporters who mentioned us. We've had a great time at these fairs and festivals and can't wait for next year! 

After-School Program A Blast

A student hard at work learns
inking. 

When the bell rang at 3:00 PM signaling the end of the school day, some children deviated from their usual routine. Instead of going home to homework, television, or the computer, they stayed behind to discover and create their own world with just paper and pencil.

AWA recently completed three after-school programs in the DMV area. These programs - hosted at The SEED School and Savoy Elementary of SE Washington, DC; and John Hanson French Immersion of Temple Hills, MD - taught children the fundamentals of creating their own comic books and characters. In groups of ten, children not only learned basic drawing techniques, but also discussed what made their favorite characters unique and appealing.

Darren Soto provides instruction for the
game, "Who Am I?"

Instructors Keir Lyles and Darren Soto brought excited children into the world of art through set curriculum and engaging games. Soto presented the children at Savoy with two creating thinking drawing games called, “Who Am I?” and “3 Word Drawing.” During “Who am I?” a selected student came to the front and drew another person in the class. Other students had to follow along until someone guessed the selected subject. Students subtly realized they learned techniques to translate what they see into art and highlight the physical characteristics that make people unique.

In “3 Word Drawing,” Soto provided three random words that children must incorporate into their drawing in some way, shape, or form. This exercise taught creativity and forces students to think outside the box. It is one of the favorites of the class.

A student shows off his work.

We would like to thank all the amazing students for participating in this year’s after school program. We would also like to thank our partners with the school PTAs, Teachers, Program Directors, and Concerned Black Men. Most importantly, however, we would like the parents for allowing us a few hours after school with your fantastic kids. Your continued support is crucial to the success of our Programs, and we only have more to offer in the future. If you would like your child to discover art in an encouraging and fun environment, sign up for our Summer Camp today! Our first week of classes start June 23, and there is still room!

Artist Highlight - Tasha Fuller

First time children's book author Tasha Fuller is taking the world by storm, with a story every mother and child can relate to - bath time!  With the release of her first book, "It's Bath Time Baby", this stay at home mom transformed her daughters daily bath time routine into a melodic nursery rhyme. Filled with beautifully illustrated images inspired by her daughter "It's Bath Time Baby" is a must have for every baby's library and ideal for early readers. Tasha also owns Your Go-2 Girls, a full-service event, management and consulting firm that specializes in Fund Raising, Business Management Consultation and Event Management. 

Awesome Con Recap

In only one short year, Washington D.C.’s premier three day comic book convention has grown leaps and bounds. The event, held at Walter E. Washington’s Convention Center, had thousands of fans come out to see artists, writers, and geek pop icons. Billie Piper (Doctor Who), actors from the Walking Dead, past Power Rangers, Sesame Street puppeteers, and a real life astronaut all brought joy to small and big kids alike.

Just as awesome as the down to earth guests were the original costumes and Cosplayers. Not only were there amazing costumes from comic books, but from manga, television, and other SciFi mediums as well. Parents even dressed up with their kids!

The Con allowed for great interactions and opportunities. Our friends at T.B.D. and Comic Cupcakes offered seven-minute drawings and beautiful superhero confectionery treats respectively. Artists like Chris Pyrate, Steve Conley, Ashley Gonzales, and Keir Lyles offered on the spot commissions and gorgeous prints for people of all ages, genders, orientation and, of course, interests.

But the highlight for AWA? Meeting Andrew Aydin and Congressman John Lewis of MARCH. The two graciously autographed copies of their best seller and interacted with their adoring fans. The duo was amazing to meet, and we hope our paths will cross again soon. All this would not have been possible without the efforts of Third Eye Comics and Awesome Conventions. We can’t wait to see what next year’s Awesome Con brings.

P.S. Our affiliates at Rockmere Comics were interviewed for about Awesome Con by the Washingon Hispanics, and we got a shout out! 

Awesome Con!

Join Us At: 

Booth Numbers T-5 and T-7

That's right! AWA will be at Awesome Con at the DC Convention Center April 18-20, 2014.

  

Come see our great artists in action (and leave with some of their work in tow!)

All Weekend: 

Ashley Gonzales

Darren Soto

Jamie Starr

Saturday: 

Special Guest Alejandro Bruzzese

Sunday: 

Face Painter Corey Morgan

And come see our friends, scattered throughout the Convention Center: 

Rockmere Comics - 422

PressPlay Entertainment - 422

Tyrone Barnes - E9

Keir Lyles - Apocrypha Comics - J-8
T.B.D. & Comic Cupcakes - L14
Chris Pyrate (at Third Eye Comics Booth on 4/19 signing featured summer shirts!) - 400

Get the map here.

Annapolis Book Festival

You've probably seen pictures on our Facebook about the event. (If not, go check them out here!) But we just had to tell you about the amazing time we had at the Key School!

Children gather around Phil Cho's while drawing at the Annapolis Book Fair. 

AWA was in the Comic Key section of the Book Fair. We had lovely artists selling their beautiful art, talks from Geppi Entertainment Museum and the Museum of Science Fiction, and art demos by Batman enthusiast Phil Cho (pictured above) and Character Design artist Darren Soto. We also had an area for kids to draw on paper or create their own Superhero Mask.

Great mask! 

Throughout the day, we met amazing people who showed their creativity and interest as soon as they walked through the door. We had three year old children who already knew their favorite superhero. There were mothers who walked their children through every character in the Bat Family. Fathers asked us for comic book recommendations - and even provided some of their own.

But the highlight of our day was definitely the Character Design Demo given by Darren Soto. Soto asked children to provide three words, and from there, would create characters based on the given vocabulary. When Soto challenged them to think outside the box with their words, they did not disappoint. "Belligerent" and "bellicose" ended up on the board - and they were provided by third graders!

From there, Soto asked the kids to draw the characters they created on the board. The art that emerged was phenomenal. From Moose C.E.O.s to a Spider-man (who was there!) fish hybrid, the kids did it all.

If you want more information about the Annapolis Book Fair, feel free to contract us, and we won't hesitate to tell you more. Our deepest thanks go to the organizers of event: Liz Glass, Ginny Nayden, and Stephanie Reisinger. Without their attention to detail, devotion, and enthusiasm, this would not have been possible. Our next event is Awesome Con, and it is sure to live up to its moniker, so come out! You don't want to miss the fun.

Superior Spider-man demands you to try to come! 

17th Annual Youth Summit @ Bowie State

AWA and The Patriots are hosting a STEAM Comic Book Competition at the 17th Annual Youth Summit at Bowie State University on May 3, 2014! Teams of two to four are invited to create and submit a six panel comic book that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math. Prizes will go to the top three entries.

• First Place: $100
• Second Place: $50
• Third Place: $25

Contestants are invited to get a head start on their work by downloading our rules and entry form here. Entries may be submitted to Eric Suggs, Jr. either in person the day of the contest or through scanned .PDF or .JPG document to artwayalliance@gmail.com. Entries on May 3rd should be brought to the Youth Summit at Bowie State University. All entries must have the entry form to be considered.

Registration for the Youth Summit Member is $10.00 / Non-Member $20.00. Registration will increase to $25.00 after April 25th. On-Site Registration is $40.00. Registration for Parent is $10.00 and includes Continental Breakfast & Lunch Contest.

Entrance Fee for the Comic Book Contest, or the Youth Summit's Computer Building or Patro-Tech Game Show is $40.00/entry. For more information and registration, call Patriots at 301-925-9350.

We can't wait to see the entries!

Come Join Us!

Join Art Way Alliance  Saturday, April 5, 2014 for The Annapolis Book Fair!

Featuring...

Geppi's Entertainment Museum

Museum of Science Fiction

Phil Cho

Darren Soto

QuinnEssential Arts

Tyler Hoover aka T-stunning Spidey

Rockmere Comics

with

Third Eye Comics

....and many more local artists!

Come enjoy the fun with AWA as we celebrate books at The Key School!

Who are you excited to see? Sound off below! 

Louise Simonson

Louise Simonson killed Superman!

Well, kind of. If you were alive in the 90s, you may remember the Death of Superman, where the eponymous Man of Steel met his (supposed) demise at the hands of  Doomsday. Louise Simonson (nee Jones) was one of the writers during that monumental story arc and has continuously created key moments and characters for both DC and Marvel.

Louise Simonson, nicknamed Weezie, began working in comics in 1974. She worked as an editor for Warren Comics before moving on to write for Marvel and DC. Simonson has created some of the most influential and critically acclaimed stories of the 80s and 90s. She created The Power Pack with artist June Brigman, wrote extensively for the original X-Factor, and of course, wrote and story boarded the Death of Superman. She created Apocalypse, one of the X-men's most insidious and recurring villains. She also created Steel, an African American man named John Henry Irons who, upon seeing the void left by Superman, built a suit of armor that gave him super strength.

Louise Simonson has also written picture books and novels for younger readers. She has also created Covergirls, a historical non-fiction book dedicated to the women of the DC Universe. Find more from and about Ms. Simonson after the jump!

Artist Highlight: Ashley Gonzales

My name is Ashley Gonzales.  I currently attend The Art Institute of Washington as a senior with a focus in Character Design. I’ve been drawing ever since I was a little girl, and art was always something that I wanted to do. I tend to draw fantasy themed people, creatures, and animals, and I have realized that Character Design is where my heart truly lies. I mostly stick to Sci-fi and Fantasy themed characters, although I can do a variety of themes. When it comes to my artwork I like to keep liveliness to my characters by leaving in some of my sketch lines. Though I am able to draw both organic and mechanical forms, drawing things of an organic nature is what I love most. Because I am pushing forward towards my career, I am always learning new things, and I’m always excited to gain new inspiration from other aspiring artists. I also love to inspire others and help them find the motivation to work harder and continue to become the very best artist they can be.

Women's History Month

Louise Simonson - comic book writer and creator

Last month, we reflected on the contributions of African American artists (see our posts on Jackie Ormes and George Herriman on our blog). For March, in honor of Women's History Month, we continue in the same vein by highlighting the contributions of women in the comic book industry. 

Women have always been present in the comic book industry, but like other minorities, their accomplishments have not been highlighted. Louise Simonson and Gail Simone are just a few of the women who shaped the comic book universe. Author G. Willow Wilsonrecently made history with the introduction of Ms. Marvel, a Muslim teenage girl who moonlights as a superhero in New Jersey.

We hope that you join us in this celebration of women throughout the month of March. As always, we are open for suggestions on whom we should highlight. Just let us know who you want acknowledged.  

AWA Gets A Shout Out!

Art Way Alliance was at the Alpha Kappa Alpha STEM and Leadership Summit on March 16, 2014 and had a great time. We even got a mention in The Examiner with other community leaders.

 [On] hand were the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Art Way Alliance and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Inc. There were also stations titled Everyday STEM Fun=STEM Career, and STEM Girls Rock! Lastly there was a Parents only session titled Raising Children in the 21st Century.

Talk about good company! Click here to read the entire article. If you know of any other events and want AWA to be a part of them, feel free to contact us!

Artist Highlight - Tyrone Barnes

Tyrone Barnes, II works as a Multimedia Designer at Lockheed Martin. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and a Minor in Interactive Design/Game Development from Savannah College of Art and Design. Tyrone currently attends the Academy of Art University, San Fransisco, CA, where he is earning his Master of Fine Arts in Illustration.

Tyrone's technical proficiencies include Photoshop, Flash, Visual C++, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, CSS, ActionScript 2/3 along with a list of others. He specializes in Manga and Anime.

Visit the website below for more information:
Deviant Art
Facebook

Artist History - George Herriman

George Herriman at his work station. Picture found here. 

Born August 22, 1880, George Herriman is the creator of Krazy Kat, an interesting - the LA Times called it "avant-garde" - comic strip that began in 1916 and ran until his passing in 1944. Herriman was born to a Creole family in New Orleans and moved to Los Angeles early in life, where he hid any trace of his African roots. He began work as an engraver in 1897 at the Los Angeles - Herald Examiner. From there, he moved up to produce a comic strip called The Dingbat Family for The New York Evening Paper. Out of that comic strip came the more well known Krazy Kat stories.

Krazy Kat follows the eponymous cat who is in love with a mouse named Ignatz. The mouse does not return these affections, and shows hatred toward the Kat by throwing a brick at him/her. (The gender of Krazy Kat is contested.)  Krazy Kat mistakes this treatment as a sign of love.

You can see how this could be confusing.
Found here

Many kids didn't get it. 

While it had low viewership among the adolescents of the time, intellectuals found something interesting in the comic strip. President Woodrow Wilson, T.S. Eliot, and Gertrude Stein among others loved it. William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper magnate, was responsible for keeping the comic strip in the newspaper for its complete run. It was he that insisted Krazy Kat would be laid to rest with its creator. Even after his death, no one really knew that Herriman was black.   

Find more things to read about George Herriman after the jump.