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What is Zendaya reading in the Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer?

Since it was announced Zendaya was cast in Spider-Man: Homecoming there’s been a big question mark around her character. Early rumors that she’d been cast as Mary Jane Watson were quashed by the star in a November interview with ET Online. She verified her character is named “Michelle.” Last night we saw the first trailer for the film finds Zendaya reading in the cafeteria giving us our first glimpse of the actress in her role.

The moment doesn’t give us many answers other than showing us “Michelle” is an avid book reader. As a fan of seeing books on film and figuring out what characters are reading, I took time last night to squint at the blurry screen capture.

Here are the top three books in the pile with Wikipedia synopsis:

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Adolescent

The novel chronicles the life of 19-year-old intellectual, Arkady Dolgoruky, illegitimate child of the controversial and womanizing landowner Versilov. A focus of the novel is the recurring conflict between father and son, particularly in ideology, which represents the battles between the conventional “old” way of thinking in the 1840s and the new nihilistic point of view of the youth of 1860s Russia. Whereas the young of Arkady’s time embraced a very negative opinion of Russian culture in contrast to Western or European culture.

Another main theme is Arkady’s development and utilization of his “idea” in his life, mainly a form of rebellion against society (and his father) through the rejection of attending a university, and the making of money and living independently, onto the eventual aim of becoming excessively wealthy and powerful.

Henry James’s The Wings of the Dove

This novel tells the story of Milly Theale, an American heiress stricken with a serious disease, and her effect on the people around her. Some of these people befriend Milly with honorable motives, while others are more self-interested.

Kōbō Abe’s Woman in the Dunes

In 1955, Jumpei Niki, a schoolteacher from Tokyo, visits a fishing village to collect insects. After missing the last bus, he is led, by the villagers, in an act of apparent hospitality, to a house in the dunes that can be reached only by ladder. The next morning the ladder is gone and he finds he is expected to keep the house clear of sand with the woman living there, with whom he is also to produce children. He eventually gives up trying to escape when he comes to realize returning to his old life would give him no more liberty. After seven years, he is proclaimed officially dead.

As for the fourth book, there are many books that have “Democracy” and I haven’t been able to find a matching book spine image.

Zendaya Reading in the Second Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer

The second trailer dropped on March 27 and gave us our second peek into Zendaya’s character’s reading interests in Spider-Man: Homecoming. This time the visual is clear: W. Somerset Maugham‘s 1915 masterpiece Of Human Bondage.

SPider-Man Homecoming Zendaya reading Of Human Bondage

From Penguin Books:

Bay Area Comic Events Update December 5, 2016

Annnndddd…we’re back! Apologies for the last two weeks of silence. Turkeys and all that. After stating in the last newsletter that things were slowing down in the Bay Area I’ve been proven a liar. December is hot with events including Warren Ellis, a discussion of the book She Changed Comics, a Wuvable Oaf party, a Mission MiniComix release event, and much more.

As the year draws to a close make sure you continue seducing the innocent by giving out comics and graphic novels as holiday presents. And please, shop locally! You can expect most (likely all) of our local comic shops will have sales this holiday season. Not sure what you should get for someone on your list? Trust in the knowledge of LCS staff to help fill the wishes of a difficult present receiver.

Before I get into the event list I want to take a moment for a little bit of housekeeping:
1) The Shared Universe is on Twitter! I don’t use the twitter account as often as I should because my personal twitter account has significantly more followers (6700 vs 59). However, from a branding perspective, I know I should be working on building that vertical and in 2017 will use it more often. Feel free to follow it if you’re the twittering sort: @ashareduniverse. You can also follow my personal account where I tweet about a whole host of things: @cometstarmoon

2) The Shared Universe is on Facebook! This will be useful if I pull the trigger on some local comics-related event ideas I’ve been considering. Consider becoming a fan if accumulating Facebook fan pages is your thing. No pressure.

3) I have a tinyletter! Right here! When you subscribe you’ll receive this post in your email on Monday mornings. I always send the tinyletter first so you’ll know all of this information two minutes before everyone else.

4) Finally, and most importantly, this weekly event round-up is only as good as my event investigation skills. If you know of a comics-related event comic up in the Bay Area please do feel free to drop me a line. I usually write these on Saturday mornings so consider Friday night the submission deadline. Email: theshareduniverse@gmail.com

December 5 – December 11, 2016

Warren Ellis in Conversation with Robin Sloan
When: December 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Kepler’s Books
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA
What: Sip whickey with Warren Ellis! “Come join us for a drink with the award-winning writer Warren Ellis to celebrate the publication of his thrilling new book, Normal. After futurist Adam Dearden has a nervous breakdown in Rotterdam, he’s brought to a secluded recovery center in rural Oregon. As someone who stares into the abyss for a living, Adam sees things that other cannot. As he finds himself caught between factions at Normal Head Research Station, strange events start to overtake even the people who job is to predict the future. This crackling horror story was originally published as four digital originals and is collected in print here for the first time. Come join us for a very rare, very limited event with one of the genre’s rarest talents.”
More Info: http://www.keplers.com/event/premier-event-warren-ellis-conversation-robin-sloan

She Changed Comics: The Untold Story of the Women Who Changed Free Expression in Comics
When: December 7, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Booksmith
1644 Haight Street in San Francisco
What: CBLDF presents: She Changed Comics, the definitive history of the women who changed free expression in comics. Within its pages are profiles of more than 60 groundbreaking female professionals as well as interviews with the women who are changing today’s medium. She Changed Comics also examines the plights of women imprisoned and threatened for making comics, and explores the work of women whose work is being banned here in the United States. Join us for an evening with Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Lee Marrs (The Further Fattening Adventures of Pudge, Girl Blimp), and Trina Robbins (Wimmen’s Comix), moderated by She Changed Comics editor and contributor Betsy Gomez.
More info: http://www.booksmith.com/event/she-changed-comics-untold-story-women-who-changed-free-expression-comics

Mission MiniComix Annual Art Show
When: December 9 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street in San Francisco
What: Mission MiniComix is “a ragtag conglomeration of cartoonists, freaks and losers dedicated to the mission of advancing the sequential arts through cheap, mass produced minibooks.” They’ll be hosting their second annual art show and book release party.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/540201476182454/

Wuvable Oaf Blood and Metal Release Party featuring Ed Luce
When: December 10, 2016 at 8 p.m.
Where: Isotope: The Comic Book Lounge
326 Fell Street in San Francisco
What: Isotope is hosting a party to celebrate the launch of Ed Luce’s most recent Wuvable Oaf trade paperback Blood and Metal. The Hayes Valley comic shop has long been a supporter of Luce’s lovable bear. At the December 10 event, Isotope will feature Wuvable Oaf themed cocktails, limited edition Wuvable Oaf Goteblüd enamel pins, Isotope exclusive Goteblüd print, an exclusive hardcover dust jacket (which can also double as a dust cover for your boring textbooks! Be the most Wuvable kid in school), and the ultra-limited Eric Erspamer designed Wuvable Oaf Goteblüd glow-in-the-dark occult ritual pendant. Plus, there will be mingling and dancing to music provided by DJ Bearzbub.
More Info: http://isotopecomics.com/index.php/wuvable-oaf-launch-party-2016#post-4236

Sean David Murphy signing An Undead Night Before Christmas
When: December 10, 2016 at 1 p.m.
Where: The Escapist
3090 Claremont in Berkeley
What: Local writer and illustrator Sean David Murphy will be on hand to discuss and sign copies of his self-published book An Undead Night Before Christmas. “How can Santa ever think that delivering presents to Transylvania would be a good idea? Well, its Christmas Eve and the hungry undead are out on the prowl and Santa has to try and make it out of the country alive. Dark castles, grey ghouls, white fangs, and a jolly man in a red suit… No matter what it’s going to be a Christmas to remember. A charming parody of the classic poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’ written and illustrated by Sean David Murphy for those of us seeking a little healthy darkness for the holidays.”
More info: http://www.escapistcomics.com/

December 12 – December 18, 2016

Cape and Cowl Book Club Discussion of Legend featuring Sam Sattin and Chris Koehler
When: December 15, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cape and Cowl Comics
1601 Clay Street in Oakland
What: Cape and Cowl’s book club will discuss the graphic novel Legend with creators Sam Sattin and Chris Koehler in attendance. From the publisher: “What if a biological terror agent wiped out most of humanity, and our domesticated animals were left in charge? How would our dogs and cats set about ruling and rebuilding the world? Ransom, the leader of the Dog Tribe, has been murdered by a creature known as the Endark. An English Pointer named Legend reluctantly rises to lead in his place, vowing to kill the monster once and for all. From acclaimed novelist Samuel Sattin and award-winning illustrator Chris Koehler comes LEGEND, where cat technology rules, dogs partner with hawks, and humans may be the most beastly creatures of all.”
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1789500997971432/

January 2017

Black Comix Art Festival
When: January 15-16, 2017
Where: San Francisco Public Library and City View at Metreon
What: “The Black Comix Arts Festival (BCAF) celebrates African Americans’ creativity in the comic arts and popular visual culture and is dedicated to the notion that all audiences deserve to be subject in the culture in which we participate. The two-day event includes a grand expo, kids activities, film screenings, panels and conversations, cosplay events and much more.”
More info: http://bcaf.norcalmlkfoundation.org/

February 2017

East Bay Comic Con (tentative)
When: February 12, 2017
Where: Concord Hilton
1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord
More info: http://eastbaycomiccon.com

April 2017

Colossus Con 2017
When: April 8, 2017
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds
Pleasanton, Calif.
What: “Colossus Con is the ultimate pop culture convention event. Catering to the fans to enjoy the comforts of fandom without the corporate hustle and bustle.”
More info: http://www.colossuscon.com/

Silicon Valley Comic Con
When: April 21 – 23, 2017
Where: San Jose Convention Center
More info: http://svcomiccon.com/

September 2017

San Francisco Comic Con
When: September 1-3, 2017
Where: Moscone Center West
747 Howard Street in San Francisco
More info: http://sanfrancomiccon.com

Bay Area Local Comic Shop Day 2016 Round-Up

14632989_1527395257278545_2900092487732959837_nLocal Comic Shop Day is tomorrow (November 19)! We’ve done our best to collect information on signings around the Bay Area. Below is a listing of all of the shops that have made it known via social media or on websites if they’re taking part in Local Comic Shop Day. The majority of listed events appear to be along the East Bay Comics Trail with Fantastic Comics, Cape & Cowl, Flying Colors, The Escapist, Dr. Comics and Mr. Games, and Alameda Sports Cards and Comics all listing events. All we could find along the West Bay Comics Trail was an event at Mission but that doesn’t mean other shops aren’t participating. Check out our list of Bay Area comic stores if you want to call ahead or find a shop near you.

In addition to hosting creators, many of the comic shops around the Bay Area are providing Local Comic Shop Day exclusives including prints, pins, and covers. Again, check the comic store list for opening times.

Local Comic Shops Day
When: November 19
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://localcomicshopday.com/

 

Cape and Cowl One-Year Anniversary Party featuring
Dave Dwonch, Justin Greenwood, Ramon Villalobos, Logan Faerber, and more
When: November 19
Where: Cape and Cowl Comics
1601 Clay Street in Oakland
What: The Bay Area’s youngest comic book store will celebrate one-year on November 19. They shop has big celebration plan include rare collectible prints and pins (check out the pins at this link), a star-studded line-up of guests, and more.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/204869236591381/

 

Darick Robertson Signing
When: November 19
Where: Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff
What: Darick Robertson will be signing copies of Valient’s Harbinger Renegades as part of Local Comic Shop Day. Flying Colors will also carry an exclusive first issue of the Valiant title.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/152517491843185/

 

Matt Sheean, Simon Roy, and Malachi Ward Signing
When: November 19 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street in San Francisco
What: Sheean, Roy, and Ward will sign copies of the recently published trade paperbacks of Ancestor and Habitat. The two titles were serialized in the Brandon Graham and Emma Rios Image project Island.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/995163667261783/

 

Andy Warner Signing
When: November 19 (time TBD)
Where: The Escapist Comic Shop
3090 Claremont Avenue in Berkeley
What: Andy Warner will be in-store to sign copies of Brief Histories of Everyday Objects.
More info: http://www.escapistcomics.com/

 

David Faroz Precht Signing
When: November 19 at 1 p.m.
Where: Dr. Comics and Mr. Games
4014 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland
What: David Faroz Precht will sign copies of his Tethered!
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1208200139254030/

 

Christine Villanueva, Vincent Kukua, and Nick Dragotta signings
When: November 19 at 1 p.m.
Where: Fantastic Comics
2026 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley
What: Christine Villanueva, Vincent Kukua, and Nick Dragotta will be signing and sketching for visitors to Fantastic
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/290445474683787/

 

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Bay Area Comic Events Update November 14, 2016

Comic events in the Bay Area are starting to slow down as we come to the end of 2016, so I’ve started looking out at cons coming our way in 2017.

14632989_1527395257278545_2900092487732959837_n

As for this week in events, we’re looking at Local Comic Shop Day on November 19. Many comic shops are participating. We have a list of comic shops in the Bay Area here. If shops appear to be planning anything above and beyond we’ve mentioned it in this event listing.

Don’t forget! You can receive these event listings in your email. I send a newsletter out every Monday morning.

 

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November 14 – 21, 2016

Kraken Con
When: November 18 – 20
Where: Oakland Convention Center
550 10th Street in Oakland
What: “The major focus of Kraken Con is to create an open and inviting convention for fandoms in all genres to come together and celebrate the animated worlds and characters we enjoy.”
More info: http://www.krakencon.com/

Screening: Officer Downe
When: November 18 – 23
Where: Roxie Theater
3117 16th Street in San Francisco
What: Officer Downe is the comic book creation of Joey Casey and Chris Burnham. The title was adapted for the silver screen by Slipknot’s Michael Shawn Crahan. Early reports suggest the film preserves the comic’s dark and over-the-top ultra-violent narrative. It’s only screening at the Roxie for six nights so don’t miss it.
More info: http://www.roxie.com/ai1ec_event/officer-downe/?instance_id=16264

Local Comic Shops Day
When: November 19
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://localcomicshopday.com/

Cape and Cowl One-Year Anniversary Party featuring
Dave Dwonch, Justin Greenwood, Ramon Villalobos, Logan Faerber, and more
When: November 19
Where: Cape and Cowl Comics
1601 Clay Street in Oakland
What: The Bay Area’s youngest comic book store will celebrate one-year on November 19. They shop has big celebration plan include rare collectible prints and pins (check out the pins at this link), a star-studded line-up of guests, and more.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/204869236591381/

Darick Robertson Signing
When: November 19
Where: Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff
What: Darick Robertson will be signing copies of Valient’s Harbinger Renegades as part of Local Comic Shop Day. Flying Colors will also carry an exclusive first issue of the Valiant title.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/152517491843185/

Matt Sheean, Simon Roy, and Malachi Ward Signing
When: November 19 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street in San Francisco
What: Sheean, Roy, and Ward will sign copies of the recently published trade paperbacks of Ancestor and Habitat. The two titles were serialized in the Brandon Graham and Emma Rios Image project Island.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/995163667261783/

Andy Warner Signing
When: November 19 (time TBD)
Where: The Escapist Comic Shop
3090 Claremont Avenue in Berkeley
What: Andy Warner will be in-store to sign copies of Brief Histories of Everyday Objects.
More info: http://www.escapistcomics.com/

David Faroz Precht Signing
When: November 19 at 1 p.m.
Where: Dr. Comics and Mr. Games
4014 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland
What: David Faroz Precht will sign copies of his Tethered!
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1208200139254030/

 

January 2017

Black Comix Art Festival
When: January 15-16, 2017
Where: San Francisco Public Library and City View at Metreon
What: “The Black Comix Arts Festival (BCAF) celebrates African Americans’ creativity in the comic arts and popular visual culture and is dedicated to the notion that all audiences deserve to be subject in the culture in which we participate. The two-day event includes a grand expo, kids activities, film screenings, panels and conversations, cosplay events and much more.”
More info: http://bcaf.norcalmlkfoundation.org/

February 2017

East Bay Comic Con (tentative)
When: February 12, 2017
Where: Concord Hilton
1970 Diamond Blvd, Concord
More info: http://eastbaycomiccon.com

April 2017

Colossus Con 2017
When: April 8, 2017
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds
Pleasanton, Calif.
What: “Colossus Con is the ultimate pop culture convention event. Catering to the fans to enjoy the comforts of fandom without the corporate hustle and bustle.”
More info: http://www.colossuscon.com/

Silicon Valley Comic Con
When: April 21 – 23, 2017
Where: San Jose Convention Center
More info: http://svcomiccon.com/

September 2017

San Francisco Comic Con
When: September 1-3, 2017
Where: Moscone Center West
747 Howard Street in San Francisco
More info: http://sanfrancomiccon.com

Bay Area Comic Events Update November 7, 2016

Big news for Bay Area fans of comics and cartoons broke this week. The Cartoon Art Museum, after a long streak of homelessness, is returning to the Bay Area in a new space on Fisherman’s Wharf. You can read more about the 2017 opening here.

Happy birthday to Two Cats Comics at 320 West Portal in San Francisco! The comic shop celebrated five years on November 2.

There aren’t many updates this week but I did want to call special attention to a screening of Officer Downe at the Roxie starting on November 18. In a cinematic world dominated by the Big Two it’s important to show support for indie characters who make the cinematic leap (and, of course, indie theaters like the Roxie that make screenings of those films possible).

While on the subject of films it seems worth mentioning Oakland’s Daniel Clowes will see his graphic novel Wilson adapted for the big screen. Woody Harrelson will play the role of the title character. AV Club writes “is a lonely-yet-annoyingly convivial, garrulous-yet-recklessly honest man who came close to having a family before everything unraveled. Closer than he even realized. After learning that his estranged wife (Laura Dern) had long ago put a daughter he never knew about up for adoption, he decides to track down the two women most important to his life and bring the family back together once again, or actually for the first time.” Cowles other work includes Ghost World, Eightball, Mister Wonderful, and more. The film is set for release in March of 2017.

By the way, did you know you can receive these event listings in your email box? Sign up below and every Monday you’ll find this information in your inbox! So exciting.

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November 7 – 13, 2016

Kevin Wada & Ezekiel Kweku The Wicked + The Divine Discussion
When: November 13 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fantastic Comics
2026 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley
What: The Wicked + The Divine issue 23 will break from the traditional comic mold of being a sequential medium by turning into an in-world pop culture magazine focused on the Gods. It provides an opportunity to showcase the fashion illustration talents of Kevin Wada. Wic/Div co-creator Kieron Gillen populated the content by hosting roleplay conversations with legit culture journalists who in turn generated the articles. Bay Area culture journalist Ezekiel Kewku was one of those to lend his skills to this issue.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1179933605363416/

Chris Roberson Signing
When: November 13 at 1 p.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
What: Singing by Chris Roberson co-creator of the WB’s iZOMBIE, writer of Fables, Masks, and of BPRD and Witchfinder
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1027881997329898/

November 14 – 21, 2016

Screening: Officer Downe
When: November 18 – 23
Where: Roxie Theater
3117 16th Street in San Francisco
What: Officer Downe is the comic book creation of Joey Casey and Chris Burnham. The title was adapted for the silver screen by Slipknot’s Michael Shawn Crahan. Early reports suggest the film preserves the comic’s dark and over-the-top ultra-violent narrative. It’s only screening at the Roxie for six nights so don’t miss it.
More info: http://www.roxie.com/ai1ec_event/officer-downe/?instance_id=16264

Local Comic Shops Day
When: November 19
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://localcomicshopday.com/

Cape and Cowl One-Year Anniversary Party featuring
Dave Dwonch, Justin Greenwood, Ramon Villalobos, Logan Faerber, and more
When: November 19
Where: Cape and Cowl Comics
1601 Clay Street in Oakland
What: The Bay Area’s youngest comic book store will celebrate one-year on November 19. They shop has big celebration plan include rare collectible prints and pins (check out the pins at this link), a star-studded line-up of guests, and more.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/204869236591381/

Darick Robertson Signing
When: November 19
Where: Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff
What: Darick Robertson will be signing copies of Valient’s Harbinger Renegades as part of Local Comic Shop Day. Flying Colors will also carry an exclusive first issue of the Valiant title.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/152517491843185/

Matt Sheean, Simon Roy, and Malachi Ward Signing
When: November 19 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street in San Francisco
What: Sheean, Roy, and Ward will sign copies of the recently published trade paperbacks of Ancestor and Habitat. The two titles were serialized in the Brandon Graham and Emma Rios Image project Island.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/995163667261783/

Andy Warner Signing
When: November 19 (time TBD)
Where: The Escapist Comic Shop
3090 Claremont Avenue in Berkeley
What: Andy Warner will be in-store to sign copies of Brief Histories of Everyday Objects.
More info: http://www.escapistcomics.com/

Cartoon Art Museum moving to Fisherman’s Wharf

CAM 3-D Logo color

After a lengthy search, the Cartoon Art Museum finally has a new home. The museum will move into an 8000-square-foot space at 781 Beach Street in San Francisco. The new venue will provide space for a gallery, classroom, bookstore, and library. The new museum location won’t open until 2017, so in the meantime, the Cartoon Art Museum will continue to produce comic art focused events around the city.

The new location will allow the Cartoon Art Museum to continue its core mission of “the preservation and exhibition of cartoon art in all its forms.” The organization has more than 7,000 pieces of original art in its collection that, unfortunately, has been squirreled away out of the public eye during the search for a new space.

 

Bay Area Comic Events Update October 31, 2016

Every so often there’s a significant amount of Bay Area specific comic related news. When the pile of news is high enough I turn it into an article of blurbs called “The Bay Area Bugle.” The news can essentially be anything as long as it’s comic related and somehow based in the Bay Area. For example, Dynamite will soon publish a comic based on the tv series Charmed. Charmed takes place in San Francisco so it justifies a mention. I wrote one last week and you can read it here. Find out about a Bay Area artist who was indirectly featured on Black Mirror, a haute couture kickstarter project featuring a couple of local artists, big VR related news for Berkeley’s MadeFire, and more.

Reminder: You can receive this weekly update as a tinyletter! Subscribe here.

I’ve started adding a “what” to the listings in an effort to make this list more useful. Next issue will have a “what” with every event.

Slight change from last week. Fantastic Comic’s Kevin Wada event has moved from November 12 to November 13. More details below.

October 31 – November 6, 2016

The 2nd Annual SF Comics Fest
When: Nov. 2 – Nov. 5
Where: San Francisco
What: A now annual event similar to San Francisco’s LitQuake but with a focus on comics. Numerous events are scheduled around the city. See below for a listing.
More info: http://bit.ly/sfcfpost1

Mangaka Launch Party & Demo
When: Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.
Where: Dr. Comics and Mr. Games
4014 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland
What: Jason Thompson will run demos of his new game “Mangaka.” The game is a “creative card game where you & your friends play comic artists competing for fame over 4 rounds of frantic drawing.”
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/101393010338694/

UC Professor Chip Sullivan Signing Cartooning the Landscape
When: Nov. 6 at 1 p.m.
Where: Escapist Comics
3090 Claremont Avenue
What: Book signing and video screening of the newly released graphic novel Cartooning the Landscape by Chip Sullivan, UC Berkeley Professor. Chip will present a short talk on The Metaphysics of Drawing: Mentors, Magic, & Comics.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/373021733088465/

November 7 – 13, 2016

Kevin Wada & Ezekiel Kweku The Wicked + The Divine Discussion
When: November 13 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fantastic Comics
2026 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley
What: The Wicked + The Divine issue 23 will break from the traditional comic mold of being a sequential medium by turning into an in-world pop culture magazine focused on the Gods. It provides an opportunity to showcase the fashion illustration talents of Kevin Wada. Wic/Div co-creator Kieron Gillen populated the content by hosting roleplay conversations with legit culture journalists who in turn generated the articles. Bay Area culture journalist Ezekiel Kewku was one of those to lend his skills to this issue.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1179933605363416/

Chris Roberson Signing
When: November 13 at 1 p.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
What: Singing by Chris Roberson co-creator of the WB’s iZOMBIE, writer of Fables, Masks, and of BPRD and Witchfinder
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1027881997329898/

November 14 – 21, 2016

Local Comic Shops Day
When: November 19
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://localcomicshopday.com/

Cape and Cowl One-Year Anniversary Party featuring
Dave Dwonch, Justin Greenwood, Ramon Villalobos, Logan Faerber, and more
When: November 19
Where: Cape and Cowl Comics
1601 Clay Street in Oakland
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/204869236591381/

Darick Robertson Signing
When: November 19
Where: Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/152517491843185/

Matt Sheean, Simon Roy, and Malachi Ward Signing
When: November 19 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/995163667261783/

Bay Area Bugle: Bay Area Comic News Round-Up – October 26, 2016

Comics in the Bay

goldengatespidermanDid you know Spider-Man is currently in San Francisco? Apparently, he’s been operating in our backyard with a whole host of Spider-Folk for at the least a year. I haven’t been spending much time in the Marvel Universe so this fact managed to fly under my radar. Anyway, he’s here and over the last couple of issues of Amazing Spider-Man has been investigating a San Francisco-based medical lab called “New U.” This investigation leads to a run-in with the Jackal in the well-received first issue of The Clone Conspiracy.

Dynamite Comics has signed a deal with CBS to start publishing a comic based on the TV show Charmed. Its likely Dynamite will continue to use the show’s hometown, San Francisco, in the comic.

Speaking of witches, Marv Wolfman is currently writing a mini-series for DC based on his creation and long-time Teen Titans member, Raven. She’s currently residing with her Aunt in San Francisco and attending the fictional Madison High School.

Comics by the Bay

Oakland artist Carlos Ramirez rarely gets the recognition he deserves for creating the iconic Trollface. The image made its way to television last week via the third season of the series Black Mirror. This weekend, Bleeding Cool ran a profile on the history of Ramirez’s Trollface.

trollface

San Francisco-based writer Dani Colman has launched a Kickstarter for her Couture graphic novel project. Colman has enlisted the help of 15 artists, including Bay Area artists Kevin Wada and Justin Greenwood, to bring her stories influenced by moments in haute couture history to the page. Per the Kickstarter, “influenced by designers from Christian Dior to Hussein Chalayan, Couture’s short stories span romance, science fiction, historical drama, fantasy and horror, drawing from fashion that shook the runway and changed the face of haute couture.” The additional artists are Alexander McQueen, Marguerite Sauvage, John Galliano, Thom Browne, Jen Bartel, Thierry Mugler, Robbi Rodriguez, Howard Chaykin, Tony Parker, Taki Soma, Comfort Love, Adam Withers, Jed Dougherty, and Valentine De Landro.

Bay Area Comic Industry and Shop News

Flying Colors Comics (Concord, Calif.) owner Joe Field is stepping down from the ComicsPRO Board of Directors. Field was the founding President of ComicsPRO which is a trade association of comic book retailers. Under Field’s stewardship, ComicsPRO started the popular annual Free Comic Book Day event.

Berkeley-based Madefire has partnered with Oculus to bring a whole new dimension to comics. The company is known for developing motion comics for both independent publishers and some of the industry’s top publishers. According to The Daily Californian, MadeFire previewed the new technology at New York Comic Con, “The free preview app for Oculus-powered Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality device, features digital comics that are specifically optimized for virtual reality reading. The comics include motion, sound and the ability to see the story in 3D.”

The Skyline View has released a list of “the five must visit comic stores in San Francisco.” For the record, there are seven comic shops in San Francisco proper. The comprehensive list is here.

The SF Bay Guardian is back (sort of) and they’ve released their annual Best of the Bay issue! Hayes Valley’s Isotope: The Comic Book Lounge has once again snagged best comic shop in San Francisco.

Cape and Cowl Comics has started preparations for a one-year anniversary celebration on November 19. The Oakland comic shop is posting event updates on both Facebook and Twitter.

For a list of upcoming Bay Area comic events visit this link.

For a list of Bay Area Comic Shops visit this link.

Bay Area Comic Events Update October 24, 2016

This is a listing of comic related events happening in the Bay Area. This weekly update is now available as a tinyletter! A big thank you to everyone who’s signed up so far. If you love email the newsletter is the way to go. Never navigate the Internet again!

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Before I jump into the events I want to take a moment and acknowledge the passing of Steve Dillion. The Preacher co-creator was taken from us at the age of 54 on Saturday. Thank you for all of your significant contributions to comics, Mr. Dillon.

The coming week is mostly focused on Halloween Comic-Fest on October 29. There are several signings and events related to the annual celebration of comics. Halloween Comic-Fest is similar to Free Comic Book Day. It’s an opportunity to get kids (and comic-loving adults) into shops to learn about new comics. In addition to shops handing out free comics, several shops make available packets of comics that can be distributed to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. I wish Halloween Comic-Fest existed when I was a kid because, while I loved candy, it would have been a thrill to find a funny book at the bottom of my bag.

October 24 – 30, 2016

Ed Brubaker Release Event for The Fade Out
When: October 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Booksmith
1644 Haight Street in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1730846033831406/

Raina Telgemeier Signing
When: October 29 at 11 a.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1069281953125724/

Halloween Comic-Fest
When: October 29
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://www.halloweencomicfest.com/Home/1/1/78/1138

Jonathan Case Signing
When: October 29 at 4 p.m.
Where: Escapist Comics
3090 Claremont Ave. in Berkeley
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1595313970771055/ 

Nicholas Doan Signing
When: October 29 (time TBD)
Where: Flying Colors Comics and other Cool Stuff
2980 Treat Blvd. in Concord
More info: http://flyingcolorscomics.blogspot.com/2016/10/halloween-comic-fest-saturday-october.html

October 25 – November 6, 2016

The 2nd Annual SF Comics Fest
When: Nov. 2 – Nov. 5
Where: San Francisco
More info: http://bit.ly/sfcfpost1

November 7 – 13, 2016

Kevin Wada The Wicked + The Divine Discussion
When: November 12 (time TBD)
Where: Fantastic Comics
2026 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley
More info: http://fantasticcomics.net/

Chris Roberson Signing
When: November 13 at 1 p.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1027881997329898/

November 14 – 21, 2016

Local Comic Shops Day
When: November 19
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://localcomicshopday.com/

Cape and Cowl One-Year Anniversary Party featuring
Dave Dwonch, Justin Greenwood, Ramon Villalobos, Logan Faerber, and more
When: November 19
Where: Cape and Cowl Comics
1601 Clay Street in Oakland
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/204869236591381/

Darick Robertson Signing
When: November 19
Where: Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/152517491843185/

Matt Sheean, Simon Roy, and Malachi Ward Signing
When: November 19 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/995163667261783/

 

Bay Area Comic Events Update October 17, 2016

This is a listing of Bay Area comic related events happening in the future. The biggest change for the list this week is I’ve expanded the scope of comic shops I’m covering from a 15-mile radius of where I live to a 25-mile radius from Cape and Cowl Comics (my closest LCS). This expansion and slight shift of the central point of the radius allows the addition of events at Concord’s Flying Color Comics and Benicia’s Zeppelin Comics. The distance restriction has always been for my personal sanity. When I started this website I was creating individual posts for events and that required a great deal more writing than this simple listing. By boiling it down to this weekly list (with occasional posts calling out specific events) I can capture a larger footprint of comic goodness. If you want to receive this list in your email box every Monday please join the rest of the cool kids and put your address in the box below. If you see an event you think should be on this list drop me an email: theshareduniverse@gmail.com

 

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This past weekend  saw Monstress co-creator Marjorie Liu in Berkeley with official visits to Fantastic Comics and Trickster plus a surprise visit to Escapist. You can see some photos of her visits at those links. If you haven’t checked out Monstress the first volume is now available. Those stores above likely have signed copies if you’re into that sort of thing. Even with three years left to go I can confidently say this title will be on my end-of-decade top 10.

The big Bay Area visit this week will be when Box Brown comes to town. Box Brown is an Ignatz award winner for his 2011 anthology Ben Died of a Train and in 2014 his biography of Andre the Giant landed on the New York Times bestseller list. He’s in the Bay Area this week for the launch of his new graphic novel Tetris: The Games People Play.

In a bit of tangentially comic related event news, the Bay Area Opera Collaborative is presenting a production of Pagliacci. They’re taking this classic opera and infusing it with 1980s superhero flair. You can likely guess how they’ll portray the clown. Fun trivia: In the fifth episode of 1966’s Batman, the dynamic duo track the Joker to the opera house where the Gotham City Opera Company is performing Pagliacci. You have three more chances to catch this production: October 21-23. Tickets here.

pagliacci

Box Brown in Conversation with Ed Luce
When: October 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Booksmith
1644 Haight Street in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1441486402534710/

Box Brown Signing
When: October 19 at 12 p.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/159603427818451/

Box Brown Signing and Reading
When: October 19 at 4 p.m.
Where: Berkeley Public Library Main Branch
2090 Kitteredge on Berkeley
More info: http://www.escapistcomics.com/

7th Annual Superhero Street Fair
When: October 22 at 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 250 Napoleon Street in San Francisco
More info: http://superherosf.com/

Hope Larson Signing
When October 23 at 11 a.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1785716035024702/

Ed Brubaker Release Event for The Fade Out
When: October 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Booksmith
1644 Haight Street in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1730846033831406/

Raina Telgemeier Signing
When: October 29 at 11 a.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1069281953125724/

Halloween Comic-Fest
When: October 29
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://www.halloweencomicfest.com/Home/1/1/78/1138

Jonathan Case Signing
When: October 29 at 4 p.m.
Where: Escapist Comics
3090 Claremont Ave. in Berkeley
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1595313970771055/ 

Nicholas Doan Signing
When: October 29 (time TBD)
Where: Flying Colors Comics and other Cool Stuff
2980 Treat Blvd. in Concord
More info: http://flyingcolorscomics.blogspot.com/2016/10/halloween-comic-fest-saturday-october.html

The 2nd Annual SF Comics Fest
When: Nov. 2 – Nov. 5
Where: San Francisco
More info: http://bit.ly/sfcfpost1

Kevin Wada The Wicked + The Divine Discussion
When: November 12 (time TBD)
Where: Fantastic Comics
2026 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley
More info: http://fantasticcomics.net/

Chris Roberson Signing
When: November 13 at 1 p.m.
Where: Comix Experience
305 Divisadero in San Francisco
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1027881997329898/

Local Comic Shops Day
When: November 19
Where: Everywhere
More info: http://localcomicshopday.com/

Darick Robertson Signing
When: November 19
Where” Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/152517491843185/

Matt Sheean, Simon Roy, and Malachi Ward Signing
When: November 19 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mission: Comics and Art
2250 Mission Street in San Francisco
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/995163667261783/