It’s an interesting thing to see Courtney re-released, mostly because if successful, there are a host of graphic novels from just before the ‘boom’ that would likely find a much more favourable audience now. Here’s hoping.

I don’t usually do this, but I quite like this series and creator Ted Naifeh is a lovely gentleman, and so I invite you to thrill to the 5 page preview of the first volume and press release, immediately below. Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things, the first volume, will be out in April; I highly recommend picking it up for yourself or for the kid who appreciates ‘spooky’ things in your life.

- Chris

PR: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12.20.2011

COURTNEY CRUMRIN IN COLOR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEW SPECIAL EDITION HARDCOVER REPRINTS

Ten years ago Oni Press brought fans the magical world of Ted Naifeh’s Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things. The series quickly became a favorite amongst fans, enticing new readers to comics while giving existing comic book aficionados something new and fresh to get excited about. Spending a decade amongst the goblins and ghouls is a tall order for any girl, but one that Courtney is more than equipped to handle. To celebrate her 10th anniversary, Oni Press will be reprinting Naifeh’s perennial series as special edition prestige hardcovers. And, for the first time in Courtney’s history, fans will get to see their favorite spell slinger in full color!

Courtney Crumrin, Volume 1: The Night Things, Special Edition will be on store shelves April, 2012. Volume 1 kickstarts a full reprint program with new colored special edition hardcovers of all the original Courtney Crumrin books to follow. Naifeh has returned to his beloved series to remaster the material, working closely with colorist Warren Wucinich (Rascal Raccoon’s Raging Revenge, Jam!) to create a spooky palette that accentuates what everyone loved about the original black-and-white art while providing a completely different way of seeing Naifeh’s fully realized world.

“Readers love Courtney Crumrin for how vividly Ted renders the magical world he has dreamed up,” said Oni Press editor Jill Beaton. “The original versions were wonderful and Ted is one of those cartoonists who really understands how to use black ink on a white page. Despite the level of detail, he avoided over-rendering his drawings, meaning that the work is still open and has room to breathe. It also means there is space for color. Warren is highlighting what is already there, filling in an extra dimension that previously was left to the reader.”

In addition to the color treatment, Oni Press’ art director, Keith Wood, is pulling out all the stops to make the Courtney Crumrin, Volume 1: The Night Things, Special Edition truly special. “In talking with Ted about what we wanted to do with the hardcover,” Wood said, “he told me that it should look like a book you’d find on Uncle Aloysius’ bookshelf, something Courtney might stumble on when snooping around his office. It’s going to be a cool object as well as a good read.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with Courtney Crumrin,” concluded Ted Naifeh. “It’s been ten wonderful, creative years, and I’m happy to have done it at Oni Press. The fans have shown us tremendous support, and I hope they will enjoy the chance to relive these adventures with a brand-new hue.”

Courtney Crumrin, Volume 1: The Night Things, Special Edition features a special silver ink, embossed cover, and an old-fashioned ribbon bookmark placed in the sewn spine. The 136-page, 6” x 9”, graphic novel will retail for $19.99 and debuts April 2012.

East Bay Alternative Press Book Fair
December 10, 2011, 10am-4pm
@ Berkeley City College

PRESS RELEASE:

Hello Bay Area!

As a d.i.y. kick in the ass to the holiday shopping season and a way to discover those lovely treasures to wile away the long winter nights, zinester Tomas Moniz of Rad Dad Zine, artist Brooke Appler, and others are organizing a one day event to celebrate the amazing quality and diversity of independent writing, publishing and all around crafting of the Bay Area.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 10th in downtown Berkeley at Berkeley City College (one block from Downtown Berkeley BART) from 10 am – 4 pm. With over 60 different tablers sharing their wares, this year’s Book Fair will be cram-packed with opportunities to talk with, mingle, and support local and independent artists such as Manic D Press, 1984 Printing, PM Press, and The Littlest Elle, and so many more. We also will have a Variety Show featuring work and art the evening before the book fair at Rock Paper Scissors Collective on December 9th. Some tables still available!

For more information, give us a holler!

East Bay Alternative Press – ebapbookfair@gmail.com
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=235581366488296
Review from last year: http://www.berkeleyside.com/2010/12/09/cartoons-and-comics-ondisplay-at-berkeley-fair/

Small Press and Comics Symposium of Chicago

Free and open to the public

The stubborn work ethic of Chicago’s independent publishers and comic makers will be explored in the second annual Small Press and Comics Symposium of Chicago, hosted by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) on March 24, 2011. Through panel discussions with ten Chicago presses and comic artists, SAIC’s Small Press and Comics Symposium will investigate the who, what, why, and how of comics and independent publishing—exploring the means and modes of self and small-run publications.

The SP&CSC will be composed of two separate panel discussions featuring comic artists Chris Ware, Onsmith, Corrine Mucha and Aaron Renier, as well as representatives from small-press publishers Front 40 Press, Featherproof Press, Green Lantern Press and the Poetry Magazine. The discussions will be moderated by two of Chicago’s most prominent publishing and comics scholars: Sally Alatalo and Hillary Chute. The questions posed to the panelists will address many issues including: the art of self-publication, the changing cultural status of comics, and the efficacy of collaborative working situations.

For more information: www.saic.edu/spandcsc
Email: comicsymposiumofchicago@gmail.com
Poster Design by Lilli Carre
About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
A nationally accredited leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from around the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC has an educational philosophy built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC’s resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. For more information, please visit www.saic.edu

The 2010 Festival will feature over 200 comics authors and artists, including including Daniel Clowes (Wilson, Eightball, Ghost World), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Dash Shaw (Body World), James Sturm (Golem’s Mighty Swing, Market Day), Charles Vess (Stardust, Blueberry Girl, Instructions), and Jim Woodring (Frank). Other special installations include The Webcomics Pavilion featuring Kate Beaton, Jeph Jacques, and Ryan North, The Toronto Small Press Schooner (presented by Broken Pencil and Wowee Zonk!), The Publishers Pavilion, and more than two-dozen creators from outside of North America!

For more information on TCAF and related events, please visit http://www.torontocomics.com.

- Christopher

Abby Denson’s DOLLTOPIA Book Launch and Party!
Featuring Abby Denson and Matt Loux
Friday, October 16th, 2009, 6pm-8pm
@ The Central, 603 Markham Street (Next to The Beguiling)
FREE

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=105326729762

Mini-comix Queen Abby Denson will be releasing her new full-length graphic novel DOLLTOPIA this fall, and The Beguiling and publisher Green Candy Press are teaming up to throw a party!

DOLLTOPIA is the story of a group of dolls that are tired living the factory-set, cookie-cutter existences that their owners and makers have laid out from them… and revolt! They seek DOLLTOPIA, a place where a doll can be a doll. It’s a mature rumination on the nature of identity, individuality, and making a mark in a society that tends towards sterility and monoculture, told in the style of a Todd Haynes biopic.

The evening’s event will include a reading and presentation from Abby Denson on DOLLTOPIA, the official release of the graphic novel from Green Candy Press, and Abby’s even been bringing awesome gourmet cupcakes to all of her tour stops for everyone who attends! Also joining the evening presentation will be Abby’s good friend and graphic novelist Matt Loux! Matt is the author of the Oni Press graphic novel SIDESCROLLERS (which fans of Scott Pilgrim will enjoy!), and his most recent series are the (really, really good) young readers graphic novels SALT WATER TAFFY. The third volume is the brand new The Truth About Dr. True, and Matt will be signing copies and presenting from this work!

The event is a bit of an early one, starting at 6pm right next to The Beguiling at THE CENTRAL, on the main floor! Hopefully you can come out for the event!

• For more on the DOLLTOPIA tour, check out Abby’s site at www.Abbycomix.com!
• To read a 12 page preview of DOLLTOPIA, click here: http://www.abbycomix.com/dolltopia-1/
• For more on Matt Loux’s work, check out: http://www.actionmatt.com/

- Christopher

Here’s a brief outline of this year’s programming, and I hope we see you out this weekend (oh and please feel free to repost):

11:00am-11:15am: All about Comics & Graphic Novels: A brief introduction.
Hosted by Christopher Butcher.

11:15am-12:00pm: Creating comics with Owlkids!
Featuring CTON (Clayton Hanmer) and Brian McLachlan.
Bonus: The first 200 kids 12 and under that attend this panel will receive a gift bag filled with great comics!

12:00-13:00: Creating Comics and Raising a Family: Finding Balance.
Featuring Jim Munroe (Sword of My Mouth), Tara Tallan (Galaxion), and Claudia Davilla (Luz: The Girl of Knowing).

13:00-14:00: No Rules, No Budget, All Fun! How and why you should make comics!
Featuring Georgia Webber (gangLion), Ruth Tait, and steflenk (The Haircut)

14:00-15:00: Graphic Memoirs – 3 New Works.
Featuring Tory Woolcott (Mirror Mind), Lesley Fairfield (Tyranny), and Adam Bourret (I’m Crazy)

15:00-16:00: Sequential Presents: Oh, Canada. Surveying The Landscape of Canadian Comics.
Featuring Bryan Munn, Salgood Sam, Brad Mackay, and Kevin Boyd.

16:00-17:00: Sequential Presents: Three New Comics set in Canada
Featuring readings by Willow Dawson (100 Mile House), Jeff Lemire (Essex County), and Evan Munday (Quarter-Life Crisis).

17:00-18:00: WEBCOMICS
Featuring Andy Belanger (Bottle of Awesome), Faith Erin Hicks (War At Ellsmere), Emily Horne (A Softer World), Ryan North (Dinosaur Comics), Kean Soo (Jellaby).

–

For full programming descriptions and stuff, check out The Word On The Street website at http://www.thewordonthestreet.ca/wots/toronto/whatson/comics.

Thanks,

- Christopher

Quite clearly patterned after Asterix & Obelix, this is a fun little series for younger readers that incorporates lots of First Nations history, culture, and tradition.

New strips are available every week or so at http://www.rabbitandbearpaws.com, and the book is available for sale from that website too (as well as from The Beguiling in Toronto). Feel free to read the full press-release on this series after the cut.

Congrats to Chad and Christopher on their second release.

- Chris

Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws Vol 2: The Voyageurs!
http://www.rabbitandbearpaws.com/gnovel.php

Our two mischievous heroes are up to their games again in this NEW comical adventure. Rabbit and Bear Paws join the Voyageurs to take the Furs from Lake of the Woods to Montreal and experience all the trials and tribulations of being a Voyageur. Our young heroes face the life of a voyageur with bravery, as they are confronted by thieves and dangers around every river bend.

Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws Vol 2: The Voyageurs is based on the Grandfather Bravery (Aakdehewin), One of the Seven Grandfathers of the Anishinabek Teachings.

Rabbit and Bear Paws is set in 18th Century colonized North America and follows the stories of two mischievous Ojibwa brothers as they play pranks and have amazing adventures using a traditional Ojibwa medicine (spirit powder) that transforms them into animals for a short time.

Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws Vol 2, is a compilation of all 60 comic strips of the story line “The Voyageurs”. Book Two contains 60 comic strips, jam packed onto 30 pages of comical adventures that will tickle the heart. 8 1/2″ x 11″ of giant belly laughs!

Rabbit and Bear paws is a First Nations syndicated comic strip, both in print and web based media. Little Spirit Bear, publisher of the Adventures of Rabbit and Bear Paws series is a First Nations (Anishinabek, Ojibwa) Multi-Media company.

For new comical adventures every week from North America’s favorite mischievous brothers, visit us at www.rabbitandbearpaws.com

We’re confirmed: The 2009 Toronto Comic Arts Festival will be held Saturday May 9th and Sunday May 10th, in Toronto, Canada. Our new digs? The Toronto Reference Library, a huge and beautiful modernist building, able to accommodate all of our growing Festival needs.

Mark your calendars now, book off some time, and get ready for the best TCAF yet.

For more info, e-mail me at 2009@torontocomics.com.
- Christopher

Speaking of which, I hear that print proofs have already made their way into certain reviewers’ hands, and the book is currently scheduled to drop November 7th, give or take a week for printing and distribution vagaries. I turned down the preview… I really want to read the final book and I’ve already spoiled two or three things about the story for myself by accident so I’m trying to stay as far away from the pages as possible. But if you just can’t wait, then head over and check it out.

- Christopher

I don’t really have much else to add other than to observe that it happened. It seems Brady and Doran are quite happy, and so I am happy for them. I’m also kind of tickled that the pre-complaints about a lesser quality of service have started in the comments section related to the Press Release; it’s a very Newsarama-esque response to the news.

- Christopher

Comics Festival Covers. Left by Darwyn Cooke. Right by Bryan Lee O’Malley. 

Hey there folks! We just put the finishing touches on the line-up and layout for our contribution to Free Comic Book Day, Comics Festival 2007! I’m so excited that I just wanted to share it with all of you, and give you a sneak peak at some of the material in the book.

All of these creators have contributed BRAND! NEW! comic stories and comic strips to the book, that will only be available in Comics Festival! Also! This book features 16 pages of full colour material! It’s gonna be awesome!

So, here’s the line-up:

Flip Covers by Bryan Lee O’Malley and Darwyn Cooke

J. Bone, “Jett Vector”
Michael Cho, Brian McLachlan, and Darwyn Cooke, “True Romance”
Darwyn Cooke, “The Alex”
Rob Coughler and Ramon Perez, “Butternutsquash”
Ray Fawkes and Cameron Stewart, “The Apocalipstix”
Eric Kim, “Battle Academy”
Hope Larson, “S is for Salamander, S is for Snow”
Steve Manale, “Superslackers”
John Martz, “The Time Machine”
Jim Munroe and Salgood Sam, “Therefore Repent!”
Ryan North, “Dinosaur Comics!”
Bryan Lee O’Malley, “The Wonderful World of Kim Pine” & “Scott Pilgrim”
Steve Rolston, “Good For Nothing”
Howie Shia, “The Century of Love”
Kean Soo, “Jellaby”
R. Stevens, “Diesel Sweeties”
Zach Worton, “George Washington Carmack”
Doug Wright, “Nipper”
Chip Zdarsky, “Monster Cops”
Jim Zubkavich, “The Makeshift Miracle”

COMICS FESTIVAL 2007! will be available at great comic stores everywhere on Saturday, May 5th, 2007: Free Comic Book Day. If you want copies for you and all of your non-comics-reading friends, make sure to ask your local comic distributor to see if they’ll be carrying copies of the book. Let them know that the order code is:

FEB070041 - COMICS FESTIVAL 2007 FCBD ED – FREE!

For more information, visit http://freecomicbookday.com/, and look for the official Comics Festival 2007 website soon.

- Christopher

We’re giving out guestlist spots to the Toronto MySpace Black Curtain Screening of 300, which I think is in IMAX, on The Beguiling’s Mailing List right now. Go subscribe in the little box at http://www.beguiling.com. Contest details are being sent out every 4-6 hours until tomorrow at Noon.

2. The Scott Pilgrim @ The Library event tomorrow? They ran the press release in a bunch of Toronto media this morning, which is pretty darned cool. Looks like it’s going to be a fun event. Make sure you show up. Details here.

- Christopher, busy like a bee.

Scott Pilgrim @ the Library
Presented in partnership with Toronto Public Library
Part of Keep Toronto Reading 2007
http://www.keeptorontoreading.ca

Sit down with critically acclaimed graphic novel creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, the man behind the witty and hilarious Scott Pilgrim series, selected as the Independent Comic of the Year by Entertainment Weekly (2006). Bryan chats with The Beguiling’s Peter Birkemoe and you never know, he might just give away a few exciting teasers about the highly anticipated new volume of Scott Pilgrim.

North York Central Library (Concourse)
Tues. Feb. 20, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
http://keeptorontoreading.com/anime.php#scott_pilgrim

Also: Live chat with Bryan Lee O’Malley!

Can’t wait until the 20th? Chat online with Bryan a day before the event on Book Buzz: Toronto Public Library’s Online Book Club. It’s the perfect appetizer to what will be a highly memorable event.

Mon. Feb. 19, 4-5 p.m. FREE.

–

I have to say it’s pretty cool seeing the store logo up there with the LCBO and STARBUCKS, sort of the perfect triumverate of vice… At any rate, Keep Toronto Reading is a pretty big deal in the city, a publically-funded month-long literacy initiative by the Toronto Public Library, and the mayor even gets involved and declares it “Keep Toronto Reading Month”. Having a graphic novel event as part of the proceedings is very chic, and says good things about the library’s commitment to “graphic fiction”. All in all? The Beguiling couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of the event, and I think it’ll be a lot of fun.

- Christopher