Angouleme International Comics Festival

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Conventions,

I've never been to the Angouleme International Comics Festival, aka Festival International de la Bande Dessinée.

But I've always wanted to go. It's been going on every year since 1974 and it's the largest comics festival in Europe, taking place in Angouleme, France.

The latest one is going on right now, through the 29th and it's an all-out event that involves the whole town. The Forbidden Planet blog has more.

Here's a history of the festival which makes it sound even more appealing, and includes a quote that the show draws 200,000 people each year. That's a sweet number and makes it bigger than the San Diego's Comic Con International.

If you're in Angouleme, have a great time!

[Artwork: Angouleme International Comics Festival mascot]

Comic Book Jobs: Marvel Comics

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Conventions, Editorials, Marvel Comics,

Kapow!

Y’know, it’s always hard to get a job writing and drawing for Marvel Comics. But coming in April, Marvel is making it a little easier to get their attention at the Kapow Comic Con.

According to Down The Tubes, the Cartoon Museum will be “hosting portfolio review sessions with Marvel Comics talent scout CB Cebulski.” David Lloyd (V For Vendetta) will be there, too.

It’s a nice opportunity to get your work in front of a good guy who can help, if only by giving you some honest pointers about your art.

The downside? It’s all taking place in England.

Good luck, job seekers!

[Artwork: Captain Britain, © Marvel Comics]

Founder of Comic Book Mecca Dies

Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Conventions,

Comic book fans all over the world have experienced a great loss: Sheldon Dorf (pictured to the left of actor Warren Beatty), the founder of San Diego Comic Con, has died at the age of 76.

A victim of diabetes, Dorf had been hospitalized for about a year; he died of kidney failure in San Diego on Tuesday. Dorf started Comic-Con in San Diego after having moved from Detroit in 1970; today, the convention has turned into a media frenzy, attracting around 125,000 fans a year.

Dorf, a freelance artist and letterer, was a major contribution to the comic book industry and will be greatly missed.

Read More | The Hollywood Reporter

San Diego Comic Con 2009: Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba

Posted by Robin Paulson Categories: Conventions, Interviews, Dark Horse Comics, Independent,

In case you’re one of the luckier

richer people in this world (myself not included, very much to my dismay), you are probably attending this year’s San Diego Comic Con at the end of the month. Due to my masochism, I’ll be aiding you in your panel and booth decisions.

First up are the award-winning twins from Brazil, Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá, who may not have a booth this year, but will be at a few panels:
Thursday, July 23rd: 6:00 -7:00 Vertigo New Ongoing Series/Crime Line? (Room 5AB)
Friday, July 24th: 5:30-6:30 Vertigo: View of the Future? (Room 5AB)
Friday, July 24th: 12:30-1:30pm Spotlight on Fabio Moon (Room 10)

Now go have some geeky, nerdish fun on my behalf.

Read More | Fabio and Gabriel's Blog

To CGC or Not to CGC

Posted by David Torres Categories: Editorials,

There is a relatively new service that is available to comic book collectors called CGC. Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) is an independent company which appraises the condition of comic books that are sent to them by collectors. After the grading process, CGC encapsulates the comic book in a hard plastic container and awards the comic book a specific number grade. The numbers range from 0.5 to 10; 0.5 being Poor and 10 being Gem Mint. Here is a complete list of the breakdown.

I have gotten many of my comics graded by CGC. I only get comics of significant value graded. I have an “Incredible Hulk” #181 which is the first full appearance of Wolverine and its graded at a 6.5 (Fine +). Some comic fans do not like this process. Their belief is that comics are meant to be read. I agree, but I think if you are a comic book collector, it’s good to have important issues graded. 

Click to continue reading To CGC or Not to CGC

Read More | CGC