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. 

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?

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. 

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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. 

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!

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! 

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! 

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!

MILESTONE

Milestone Comics Logo

Christmas just passed, and AWA is well underway to having a spectacular new year. But we could not go into the New Year without highlighting the 20 year anniversary of Milestone Comics. 

Founded in 1993 by Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, and Derek Dingle, Milestone Comics was the one of the first comic book companies owned and operated by African Americans. It created black characters who were empowered, three-dimensional, and just really cool. 

The company started as a dream held by Cowan and McDuffie, who felt stifled by Marvel and the limited number of black characters. McDuffie explains: 

"If you do a black character or a female character or an Asian character, then they aren't just that character. They represent that race or that sex, and they can't be interesting because everything they do has to represent an entire block of people. [...] We knew we had to present a range of characters within each ethnic group, which means that we couldn't do just one book. We had to do a series of books and we had to present a view of the world that's wider than the world we've seen before."

With McDuffie as editor in chief, Dingle as president, Cowan as creative director and president  and DC Comics as distributor, Milestone created a company that highlighted not only African Americans, but other minorities as well. After a jump. we have a list of key reads to get you acquainted with their work. (1)

All Ages MUST READ Comic Books

Curious about comics? 

AWA was inspired by this Comixology's Post on all ages comics, and we got to thinking: Comixology presents you with a myriad of choices, but where do you start? To push you in the right direction, we presented seven comic books for an all-ages comic that parents and kids can enjoy together.

1. Bone - probably one of, if not the, best black and white comic, Jeff Smith's epic follows the Bone family (Fone, Phoney, and Smiley) as they get kicked out of Boneville and into a sprawling adventure that features rat creatures, cow-racing, dragons and the Hooded One. It's recently been recolored and redistributed for kids, but no matter the presentation, it's worth a read.