Book Signing with Tim Callahan and Joe Staton

Every Third Thursday of the month, Pittsfield, Massachusetts hosts a downtown celebration on historic North Street, and this week, you can find me there.

Join legendary comic book artist Joe Staton and me at a 6:00 PM book signing on September 18th at Chapters Book Store (78 North Street).

Joe will be on hand to sign copies of Batman: Going Sane, Millenium, and anything else you want to politely shove under his magic marker.

I'll be there to sign the last remaining copies of Grant Morrison: The Early Years' first edition (the second edition hits comic shops next month, I think) along with the new book I put together: Teenagers from the Future.

Stop by, say "hi," buy some books and support the downtown businesses.

Joe Staton Charms 'em All

Yesterday was supposed to be the final day of "The Art of Joe Staton" at the Storefront Artist Project, but the show has been extended for two additional weeks! You have less than fourteen more days to check it out, so you'd better get moving.

So even though yesterday wasn't really the end, after all, Joe Staton did still show up for a day of sketching and conversation, mostly with younger artists of almost every age. He drew Scooby-Doo for this one, very specific, youngster (who has the attention to detail needed for any aspiring young comic book editor):


And Joe dispensed advice and recommendations to other young artists, some of whom had already begun working toward a career in the comic book industry.


Here he is looking at sketches by the talented Pat O'Donnell as the also-talented Rob Gaughran looks on. I guarantee you'll hear about projects from both of these guys in the upcoming year, and I should know, because I'm working with both of them:


And the exacting young editor-type from the Scooby-Doo sketch spent his time at the Storefront Artist Project creating a work of his own, a detailed apartment building/landscape. Joe looks on, approvingly:


The tables were covered with comics and artists from ages nine to twenty-nine working on sketches and drawings, inspired by the work of Joe Staton on the walls. And Joe could not have been more gracious, and more patient, with his kind words and his helpful tips. He's a great guy, and I'll be seeing him again soon: we have a book signing together in a couple of weeks at a local bookstore. I'll let you know the where and the when as soon as the details are finalized.

Oh, and Joe's really curious about the upcoming plans for the Green Lantern movie. He says Kilowog is a major character in the script, and he has pretty fond feelings about that guy.

An Evening with Joe Staton

As advertised, last night was the opening of "The Art of Joe Staton" exhibit here in Pittsfield. Curated by MoCCA's Lawrence Klein, the exhibit features nearly 50 pieces of art from Joe Staton's long career in comics. There's a large Batman section--featuring some of his Huntress work, some of his "Legends of the Dark Knight" work, some of his work for "Batman Adventures," and even a startlingly evocative page inked by Bill Sienkiewicz. The exhibit also features pages from Joe's "Scooby-Doo" work (with over 100 issues on that title, Joe seems to hold the record for longest "Scooby-Doo" run in history), and, of course, work from "E-Man" and his recent "Femme Noir" series, among other treasures.

Joe spent the whole night sketching away, helping to raise money for the Storefront Artist Project and MoCCA, and it was a treat to see the young fans (and old) interact with one of the greats of superhero comics. I don't know that Joe has ever achieved "legendary" status in the field, but he certainly deserves to. Here's a guy who has produced vibrant work for over three decades, and anyone who's seen his early "E-Man" work and his most recent "Femme Noir" pages can attest to his consistent quality. He's particularly good at exaggeration and mood, and I hope that this exhibit, and his "guest of honor" status in San Diego this year, will help draw more attention to his contributions to the field.

He's also one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, patiently explaining the nuts and bolts of drawing (or making a career in comics) to anyone who asked. He spend the whole afternoon on Sunday speaking with members of the community, who had gathered at the exhibit to hear what he had to say. With his typical sweetness and humility, he held their attention for hours, even teaching them a few drawing techniques along the way. (This photo on the left here is actually the section of the exhibit inspired by Joe--featuring silkscreen-style paintings based on his work, done by an up-and-coming local artist.)

Joe will be back in Pittsfield for a "Third Thursday" event on August 21st, and again on the 31st. The exhibit is scheduled to run through the middle of September, and if you get a chance to stop by, it's certainly worth your time. Even more so if Joe's around to draw you a really nice Huntress sketch.

Art of Joe Staton: Opening Reception Tomorrow

This won't be the last time I mention "The Art of Joe Staton" exhibit. It opens tomorrow at the Storefront Artist Project in Pittsfield. Show up for the opening reception at 5:00 and hang out with me and all the cool kids. Come back Sunday afternoon for a day of Staton sketches. Live life, and don't be afraid.

The Art of Joe Staton at the Storefront Artist Project

This is something you should all check out, especially if you have kids and want to travel to the Berkshires this summer:

Pittsfield, MA…Pittsfield’s Storefront Artist Project is teaming up with the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in New York this summer to present The Art of Joe Staton. Staton is a well-known cartoonist, and his work on Batman, Scooby Doo, Rugrats, Jonny Quest, the Wild Thornberrys, Green Lantern, E-Man and Michael Mauser will be highlighted in the exhibition. The Art of Joe Staton will be on view August 2 – 31, 2008, at the Storefront Artist Project, and a series of related free workshops and programs will also be offered.

With a career spanning over three decades, Staton is a legend in the world of comic book art. His career began in 1971 with Charlton comics where he worked with Nicola Cuti to create E-Man and Michael Mauser, two popular characters still published today. Staton is the former artist for the most successful crime comic book of our time – Scooby Doo and is currently the artist on Jughead’s new look from Archie Comics.

The Art of Joe Staton is curated by Lawrence Klein, chairman emeritus and founder of the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. A resident of Pittsfield, Klein founded the New York based museum in 2001. “When I founded the museum, it was a way to set an example on how people can give back to the community. Similarly, I became involved with the Storefront Artists Project to give back to the community in which I now live,” said Klein.

A series of related events and workshops begins with an opening reception on August 2. On August 3 Staton will conduct a free, day-long workshop including a drawing demonstration, sketch-a-thon, and discussion. All programs are free of charge and held at The Storefront Artists Project, unless otherwise stated. For more information, including pre-registration contact the Storefront Artist Project at 413-442-7201 or visit www.storefrontartist.org.

On August 23, Event with Jim Salicrup, Editor-in-Chief, of Papercutz, the youth-friendly publisher of Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Tales from the Crypt, and the Classics Illustrated library with author Stefan Petrucha (Nancy Drew Graphic Novels) will talk about writing, art, publishing and review the artwork and writings of those attending.

Educator and author Tim Callahan leads a session of superhero splendor on August 17 when participants can create their own super-powered characters and draw stories about their exploits. During this two-hour workshop, participants will learn how to put characters into trouble and get them out alive.

On August 9, local cartoonist Todd Casey will conduct a drawing workshop that emphasizes the use of individual style. During the workshops, participants will learn how to create characters and move them through a series of panels to make the comic strips come to life on the page.

Hey, look. I'm involved! See you this summer.