'LIES' roundup + upcoming September events!

September has been very hectic, so I’ll catch up— here’s a little more praise for my adaptation of James Loewen’s Lies My Teacher Told Me (available everywhere from The New Press, distributed by Ingram and Diamond— please ask your comics shop or bookstore to order some!):

• Brigid Alverson included LMTTM in last week’s list of new graphic novels satisfying highly specific itches! (As a side note, this book will be a perfect holiday gift for many people— you can order a signed copy directly from me here.)

• This video review at Comics Are Dope declares LMTTM as “the most important graphic novel of 2024”— well, daaaamn!

I’m back from a whirlwind trip to SPX, in which I sold out of both new books and sold all remaining copies of the now-very-out-of-print Come Again within two hours. A highlight was getting to meet and share a panel discussion with the talented & haunting cartoonist Laura Perez— I highly recommend her books Ocultos and Totem from Fantagraphics!

I’ll be doing several events in the next two weeks:

• This Sunday, September 22nd at 3pm ET, I’ll be on a virtual panel for Brooklyn Book Festival titled “The Sounds of Subversion,” discussing Fall Through alongside Bianca Xunise (Punk Rock Karaoke), Walter Greason & Tim Fielder (Graphic History of Hip Hop), moderated by Whit Taylor! Register here at the link.

• I’ll be back in Little Rock, AR for the Six Bridges Book Festival on September 26th, discussing my two new books Fall Through and Lies My Teacher Told Me in a joint author interview with illustrator Sally Nixon, moderated by Omaya Jones. It’ll be at Ron Robinson Theater (100 River Market Ave.) at 7:30pm, with a signing to follow. Register at the above link— See you there!

• I’ll be returning to the beloved Cartoon Crossroads Columbus this year as a special guest— selling my usual jams at table 47 all weekend.

  Panels & special signings:

  Saturday 3:30-4:30pm: “Processing Our Modern World Through Comics and Activism” panel w/ Ben Passmore and Cole Pauls (moderated by Rob Lee), 1st floor auditorium.

  Sunday 2:00-3:00pm: “Nonfiction Comics & History: Youth Explosion” panel w/ Derf Backderf and Chris Oliveros (moderated by Andy Kunka), Room 1A on the first floor.

  Sunday 3:00-3:30pm: I’ll be signing at the official CXC signing tables (107-108), then back to my booth for the rest of the afternoon.

That’s all for now— much more brewing behind the scenes, and many more events throughout the fall here. See you out in comicsland!

SPX!

I’ll be returning to the beloved Small Press Expo in North Bethesda, MD this September 14-15— it’s at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center (5701 Marinelli Rd.).

I’ll be slangin books all weekend at table H14.

Here are my deals: My two new books, Fall Through and Lies My Teacher Told Me, are $25 each or $42 for both. March boxed sets are $40. Limited signed & numbered Fall Through prints are $15 each or $25 for both. I’ll also have the very last copies of my Eisner-nominated 2018 book Come Again at the show— it’s probably gonna be a few years before this favorite is back in print, so don’t sleep on it.

Panels I’ll be on:

• "Altered Realities" with Christi Furnas, Peter Kuper, and Laura Perez, moderated by Rob Clough— Sunday 9/15, 2:00-3:00pm in the White Flint Auditorium.

• "Big Ideas in Non-Fiction" with Glynnis Fawkes, Bill Campbell, and Dan Nott, moderated by Jonathan W. Gray—Sunday 9/15, 3:30-4:30pm in the White Oak Room.

See you there!

SMALL PRESS EXPO this weekend!

This weekend marks the triumphant return of the Small Press Expo (Bethesda North Marriott, 5701 Marinelli Rd., Rockville MD), and my first time back at SPX since 2018!

I’ll be slangin books at booth W74, and will also be on the Top Shelf 25th anniversary panel Sunday at 2:30pm in the White Oak Room.

For the show, all my books will be $20 or less, the MARCH boxed sets are $45, and you can pick any 3 graphic novels for $50. I’ll also have 3 relatively new-ish pandemic-era books which are all still pretty fresh: Two Dead, Save It For Later, and Run.

See you there!

Intro speech for the 2020 Ignatz Awards

Like most of my cartoonist friends, I’m really missing the creative and social pilgrimage of traveling to the Small Press Expo, ushering in the fall, and getting fired up for making more work. I miss you all.

Here’s an intro speech I made for the 2020 virtual Ignatz Awards (don’t worry, it’s only a few minutes long), which were delivered last weekend— until we see each other again!

"ABOUT FACE" is an Ignatz Awards nominee!

I’m thrilled to hear that my Popula essay “About Face” is an Ignatz Awards nominee for Outstanding Online Comic!

If you’re attending SPX in September, you may cast your votes for the Ignatz Awards on Saturday the 14th— winners will be announced at that evening’s Ignatz ceremony.

There’s such outstanding work among the nominees this year. Please check out everyone’s work— I’m so lucky to be able to make comics amidst all this talent and vision.

(theree seems to be a server problem with SPX/Ignatz site, so I’ll update this soon with proper links.)

Brooklyn & SPX signings this weekend!

Come join me for a few ill-timed East Coast events, in the middle of a giant hurricane!

• Thursday, Sept. 13th— I’ll be in Brooklyn, doing a talk/signing for my new book Come Again— 7pm at Desert Island (540 Metropolitan Ave.), as a part of Brooklyn Book Fest!

• Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 15-16th— I’ll be slangin books at the Top Shelf booth at the Small Press Expo in North Bethesda, MD! My official signing schedule is Saturday 11-2 and 4-6, then Sunday 12-1 and 2-5:30. I’ll also be on the “Look Back And Laugh: Youth And Autobiography” panel Sunday 1-2pm in the White Flint Auditorium.

See you there!

2018 tour dates for COME AGAIN

The first salvo of dates are set for signings and discussions of my new graphic novel, Come Again-- here's my events page for more info.

A few more dates are rolling in, including one in New York City for the fall, as well as late 2018 and into 2019-- stay tuned!

SMALL PRESS EXPO this weekend!

It's time again for my favorite comics show of the year: Small Press Expo, held September 17-18 at the Marriott North Bethesda in (you guessed it) North Bethesda, MD!

I'll be slangin' books at the Top Shelf booth (tables W64-W67) all weekend, with "official" signings both days as well. Here's a list of what I'll be up to:

* Signing at Top Shelf booth, Saturday 1-3 pm.

* MARCH panel w/ Andrew Aydin and me, moderated by Julian Lytle. (Saturday 4-5pm, White Oak Room)

* Signing at Top Shelf booth, Saturday 5-6:30pm.

* I'll be hosting the beloved Ignatz Awards Ceremony-- Saturday at 9:30pm!

* Signing at Top Shelf booth, Sunday 1:30-3:30pm.

See you there!

MARCH is an Ignatz Award nominee!

I'm honored to hear that March (written by John Lewis & Andrew Aydin, and drawn by me) is an Ignatz Award nominee for Outstanding Series!

Voting will take place on Saturday, September 19th on-site at the Small Press Expo in North Bethesda, MD, and winners will be announced that evening. The Ignatz Awards are very special to me-- not only were they the first to put my work on the radar in many respects back in 2008, but their voting structure is perhaps the only in comincs to utilize a direct democratic method, and it's always interesting and exciting to see what's happening on the SPX show floor, in real time, as reflected in the awards. Thanks so much again-- it's an honor to be nominated for the coveted brick!

2014 schedule of events, conventions, and signings

Here's my master list of upcoming events in 2014-- this includes presentations, signings, and comic conventions at which I'll be tabling. This list will be consistently updated as new events and information are confirmed. 


Fri, Feb 21-- East Lansing MI-- signing at Hollow Mountain Comics (611 E. Grand River Ave.). 4:30-6:30 pm.

Sat, Feb 22-- East Lansing MI-- tabling at MSU Comics Forum (Snyder/Phillips Hall), 11am-5pm.

Wed, March 12-- Worcester MA-- presentation at Clark University w/ Andrew Aydin (details and programming TBA)

April 12-13-- Columbus OH-- SPACE (Ramada Plaza hotel, 4900 Sinclair Rd.)

April 25-26-- Little Rock AR-- Arkansas Literary Festival w/ John Lewis and Andrew Aydin (details and programming TBA)

Sat, May 3-- Fayetteville AR-- Fayetteville Public Library (details and programming TBA)

May 10-11-- Toronto, ON-- TCAF (at Top Shelf booth)

May 31- June 1-- Chicago IL-- CAKE

June 21-22-- Charlotte NC-- Heroes Con (at Top Shelf booth)

July 24-27-- San Diego CA-- Comic Con International (at Top Shelf booth #1721)

Sept 13-14-- North Bethesda MD-- SPX

October 10-12-- New York NY-- NYCC (at Top Shelf and Hyperion booths-- debut of The Lost Hero!)

SPX recap!

Last weekend was my 10th year attending the Small Press Expo, and each year most of us return home inspired and burning to work. It was so good to spend quality time with some of my favorite cartoonist folks, solidify excellent and promising new friendships, and bring the March whirlwind home to such an indie comics hub.

Tearing up some veggie burgers with John Lewis between signings and panels.

SPX doubled its floor space this year, and still felt busier and more crowded than ever!

Quality time with Caitlin McGurk and Garfield at the Billy Ireland Museum of Cartoon Art.

A necessary and delightful afternoon in the Appalachian countryside with Jon Vance and his awesome family.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists at the Black Cat 20th Anniversary show in DC.

Gray Matter reunion show! Black Cat 20th anniversary in DC.

Longtime homie Farel Dalrymple!

Solid time with the exceptional Katie Skelly.

Straight-up wizard Dash Shaw.

Look what the cat dragged in: Little Rock ex-pat James Brady (of Trusty) and his son!

Top Shelf design wizard Chris Ross, publisher/editor Chris Staros, and CBLDF warrior Charles Brownstein.

Small Press Expo this weekend!

If you're in the DC/Maryland area, come to America's best comics show this weekend-- the Small Press Expo (Bethesda North Marriott, 5701 Marinelli Rd., North Bethesda MD)!

 I'll be selling books, limited edition prints, and original artwork at Table F1, and will also be signing March alongside my collaborators John Lewis & Andrew Aydin at Top Shelf's table (W64-67) on Saturday. Here's my schedule:

SATURDAY 9/14:

11 am- noon: signing w/ John Lewis & Andrew Aydin at Top Shelf booth
1-2 pm: March panel/interview w/ JL & AA, moderated by Alex Dueben
2-4 pm: signing w/ John Lewis & Andrew Aydin at Top Shelf booth
** all other times, I'll be at Table F1.

SUNDAY 9/15:

12-6 pm: slangin books at Table F1.

While you're there, be sure to check out the talents of Farel Dalrymple, Dash Shaw, Katie Skelly, Ed Piskor, Tom Neely, Jim Rugg, Lisa Hanawalt, Alec Longstreth, Dave Roman, Raina Telgemeier, Frank Santoro, Jeff Smith, Jess Fink, Noah Van Sciver, Roby Newton, Scott Campbell, Tom Hart, and many more amazing creators!

The full list of creators/exhibitors is here.

See you then!

meeting with MARCH collaborators!

Last weekend during the best SPX ever, I also had the privilege of kickin' it on Capitol Hill, where I finally got to meet and spend some time with Congressman John Lewis. He and Andrew Aydin are co-authors of Lewis' graphic novel autobiography, March, which I'm currently drawing. It's forthcoming from Top Shelf in 2013 or 2014-- more info soon!

limited-edition bookplate for French ANY EMPIRE!/ fundraising for Sarah Kirsch

Here's a a full-color bookplate I just finished, limited to 150 copies of the French translation of Any Empire, to be released in October by Sarbacane!

I'll have the original artwork (9"x12") for sale this weekend at SPX, and will be donating ALL my original artwork sales to help my friend Sarah Kirsch with mounting medical/living expenses during her long and ongoing fight with Fanconi Anemia. If you can't make it to SPX but are interested in this piece (or others), please email me at seemybrotherdance@yahoo.com and let me know. Thanks!

Some of you who were a part of the punk/hardcore scenes of the 1990's (and beyond) may know Sarah Kirsch (formerly known as Mike Kirsch) as the guitarist/vocalist for some of the best punk bands of all time, including Fuel, Sawhorse, Pinhead Gunpowder, John Henry West, Navio Forge, Torches To Rome, Bread And Circuits, Please Inform The Captain This Is A Hijack, Baader Brains, and most recently Mothercountry Motherfuckers. Her music truly changed and shaped my life as an adolescent, lent clarity, power, and passion to my experiences, and inspired me to do the same with my own creative efforts.

You can directly contribute to Sarah's medical/living expense fund here. The costs have been truly staggering and will remain so-- ANYTHING you can give is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

SPX time this weekend!

If you're in the DC area, come out to the Small Press Expo in North Bethesda, MD this weekend (Sept. 15th, 11am-7pm / Sept. 16th, 12-6pm)! It's at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center (5701 Marinelli Road). I'll be at Table J14, in my usual spot across from Top Shelf Productions. 

I'll have tons of books, original artwork, and other stuff for sale. SPX is personally my favorite comics event in North America, and this month marks my 20th anniversary of publishing comics. See you there!

Here's a floor map with my table marked:

Small Press Expo this weekend!

See you at SPX in North Bethesda, MD this weekend-- I'll have copies of Any Empire, digital prints of my Philip K. Dick cover to raise funds for Dylan Williams' medical bills, new softcover editions of Joyland, the new Cometbus book Add Toner, and a few copies of the long-lost 1996 comic, The Playground Messiah! Get those babies while you can.

springtime jams

Hey there! It's been a while since I've given a general update-- here's what's in the works:

* After two years, Any Empire and The Silence Of Our Friends are both done! Any Empire will be out in July for Comic-Con International.

* I just got started with the drawing chores for Cecil Castellucci's Year Of The Beasts, due out in 2012 from Roaring Brook Press.

* Check out the February 2011 issue of Oxford American magazine for a weird illustration.

* I have a comics story called "Conjurers" in the forthcoming YA fiction anthology What You Wish For, which is a benefit for building an educational center in Darfur. Bookwish Foundation is releasing it with Putnam Books, and it will feature work by Nikki Giovanni, R.L. Stine, Joyce Carol Oates, Alexander McCall Smith, Francisco X. Stork, Naomi Shihab Nye, Sofia Quintero, Jeanne Duprau, Karen hesse, Cornelia Funke, Ann M. Martin, Marilyn Nelson, Meg Cabot, Jane Yolen, Gary Soto, Cynthia Voigt, and me. It'll be out in Fall 2011!

* I just finished a bunch of illustrations for the forthcoming Cometbus book Add Toner, collecting issues #46-53. (And if you haven't yet, check out #54, featuring a tour diary of traveling across Asia with Green Day-- it's a spectacular issue.)

* I'll be doing album artwork for Band Of Beards' new LP/CD, Fuerteventura. Should be out in the spring!

*If you're around the Bloomington area, come to Boxcar Books' Rock 'N Roll Prom at The Bluebird on April 9th. It's a benefit for the Midwest Pages to Prisoners Project. I'll be in the Black Sabbath cover band Supernaut (as sweet sweet Ozzy) with Jarod from Universe/Morrow, Mike from Universe/Good Luck, and Benny from Gourmet Scum/Butt Piss! Bring it on!

Here are my upcoming comics-related events for the year:

* March 19-20 SPACE in Columbus, OH
* April 11-12 Presentations/workshops at Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, AR
* April 12 Arkansas Literary Festival presentation/Q&A at Pulaski Tech (more info soon!)
* April 13 presentation/Q&A at Fletcher Library (823 N. Buchanan St.), Little Rock AR. 6pm.
* May 7-8 TCAF in Toronto, Ontario
* June 4 mini-con at Kankakee, IL public library (201 E. Merchant St.). 10a-5p.
* July 20-24 Comic-Con International in San Diego, CA-- Any Empire debuts!!!
* August 11-14 Wizard World Chicago in Rosemont, IL.
* Sept 10-11 Small Press Expo in North Bethesda, MD.
* Dec 5-Feb 10 solo exhibition at Arkansas Historical Museum, Little Rock AR

see you there!

Great Caution

Here's the cover of the limited minicomic Great Caution (with preview chapters from Any Empire and The Silence Of Our Friends), available only next weekend at SPX! See you there!

Matrimony, SPX, and Super Commission Deal!

Hey y'all! The last few months have been buck wild, with goodness on the horizon. Cranky do-gooder and writer Rachel Bormann and I are getting married next month!

I'll be attending the Small Press Expo in North Bethesda, MD on September 11-12, and will have tons of new goodies, including a super-limited minicomic with chapters from Any Empire and The Silence Of Our Friends. These will ONLY be available over SPX weekend. I'll post cover art in the next few days!

Okay, so lean times are officially here while I'm finishing up these books and preparing to get hitched, so I present a special rate on commissioned art pieces at SPX and for the rest of September:

$100 for an 11"x14" inked piece of whatever/whomever the hell you want! Portraits, animals, characters from my books or somebody else's. Superheroes! Superheroes! Just food! Superheroes! Bring it on!

Please email me at seemybrotherdance@yahoo.com if you're interested. Thanks so much!

Ignatz win!

I just returned from the legendary SPX in Maryland, where I am honored to announce I received the Ignatz Award for Outstanding Artist! Thanks so much, fellow comic book folk. As always, I left SPX feeling energized about the comics community, and ready to tackle some new and exciting work.