McCain and Obama to Get their own Graphic Novels

I love politics and I love comic books, and yet I'm not sure what to think about IDW's efforts to bring the two together. I'll withhold judgement until I see them, but anything that promotes comics in mainstream America is good with me.

Reprinted from Booksellers This Week

BTW News Briefs
July 23, 2008
McCain & Obama to Get Their Own
Graphic Novels
The Los Angeles Times reports that senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) are getting their own comic books. The Times said, "IDW Publishing, a comics company best known for horror titles (most notably 30 Days of Night)
and adaptations of movies and television shows, is going into the beltway
world by publishing Presidential Material: Barack Obama and Presidential
Material: John McCain, a pair of graphic novels that chronicle the life of
the two men who both want to be riding on Air Force One for four
years."

Jeff Mariotte, co-owner of San Diego's Mysterious
Galaxy and author of a number of graphic novels, wrote the Obama book,
which is drawn by Tom Morgan. The McCain book is written by Andy Helfer and
drawn by Stephen Thompson. According to the Times, both books will be priced
at $3.99 and will be in stores on October 8.

August Group Show "Icons"

With the success of our solo art shows, we are charging forward with our first group art show "Icons: Interpretations of Comic & Gaming Pop Culture." We plan to have 10-15 local artists represented in this show. The response so far has been very enthusiastic, and we thank in advance the Jacksonville artists for supporting our efforts here at Comics & Classics, especially Ed Dansart and Brian Gray at www.theouterbox.com.

This show begins with an opening reception August 2nd from 7-9pm and continues throughout the month of August. For questions or to submit artwork for this show please contact Kimberly at info@comicsandclassics.com or Ed Dansart at edbot5000@yahoo.com.

Brian Michael Bendis Drops by Comics & Classics

When strange and wonderful things happen, sometimes you can't help but think, "Hey, am I dreaming? Is this real?" Comics & Classics just had one of those odd moments. Brian Michael Bendis visted us just less than 30 minutes ago.

In town to visit family, Bendis dropped by to pick up a few books. Wondering what the mega-talent for Marvel Comics is reading these days? Michael bought Scott McCloud's Zot!, Alex Robinson's Too Cool to be Forgotten, "Univeral War One," and "Final Crisis Rouge's Revenge." Oh, and he picked up a copy of Rob Jones' "Perfect Storm #1." Rob was, of course, pleased as punch!

The guys here wanted to smash me because I didn't get a photo, but since Michael had riden over from the beach on a bike, I didn't think he would appreciate me whipping out a camera and snapping pictures of him or hasseling him for autographs. I am considering framing his credit card receipt (...... just kidding). So, how cool is that, huh?

Movement Comics Promotes Fresh Artistic Talent

Friends of the store Movement Comics is always on the look-out for fresh artistic talent! We at Comics & Classics commend them for their support of artist and writers in the comic industry here in Northeast Florida and worldwide!

Reprinted with permission by Movement Comics:

MOVEMENT COMICS is based on creator owned characters and projects. Do you have a comic creation that you would like to expose to the world? MOVEMENT COMICS is always taking submissions and contributions. Please do not feel limited to the genres you see on our site already, we enjoy the entire range of creation from the sacred to the profane. If we think your creation is something special we will post it on our site and make sure you have proper credit and links and/or help you publish it in print and get distribution.We looking forward to your comments and suggestions.Contact us at MovementPR@aol.com

Rob Jones Art Show Opening

Friends and customers gathered last night for Comics & Classics' third monthly art show. This month's featured artist is Rob Jones, pictured here with Katie McDonald, Katie's mom and yours truly.


Rob's work can be seen through July and online at http://www.perfectstormcomic.com/.



As posted earlier, Rob will be at Club TSI in downtown Jacksonville, as part of a larger group show of local artists, which has been rescheduled from July 11th to August 8th. More info. to come on this event.



Any inquires about Rob's pieces for this show can be sent to Kimberly at info@comicsandclassics.com.



Next month will be our first group show, ICONS: Interpretations of Comic and Gaming Pop Culture.

We are currently taking submissions for the show, which is scheduled to open August 2nd. Submissions and questions can be sent to the above email or to Ed Dansart at edbot5000@yahoo.com.