Magic Bullet #10 Deadline

Hi, Everyone! The deadline for the next issue of Magic Bullet is JANUARY 9, 2015. This an open theme issue, so anything goes, subject-wise.

 Please look over the guidelines and specs here: http://magicbulletcomics.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html

Please also email your intention to submit to magicbulletcomics@gmail.com. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Looking forward to your comics!

Signing at Fantom Comics in Dupont Circle

Fantom Comics is re-opening at it's new larger location on Dupont Circle (2010 P Street, NW, Washington, DC). Join local comics creators from 1 to 4 PM for the grand opening party is this Saturday, July 26.

If you stop by, you'll be able to pick up your free issue of Magic Bullet #9. Hope to see you tomorrow!

Magic Bullet #9 Cover and Contributor List

Howdy! I am delighted to present to you Nick Galifianakis's cover for Magic Bullet #9. Magic Bullet is Washington, D.C.’s free comics newspaper anthology.

This issue is Western themed and has been sent to print with a run of 5,000. It will be premiering hot-off-the-press exclusively this Sunday, July 20, 2014 at SuperNoVa Comicon from 10 AM to 3PM in the Leesburg Firehouse (215 Loudoun Street, SW, Leesburg, VA  20175). After this premiere day, we will begin to distribute the newspaper around town at local restaurants, theaters, books stores, tattoo parlors, saloons, and other hip joints.

Here are the contributors who made the cut for print publication in Magic Bullet #9:

Kevin Rechin
Steve Conley
Autumn Haynes
John Kinhart
Paul Zdepski
Bizhan Khodabandeh
S.G. Artley
Michael Cowgill
Santiago Casares
Ian Sampson
Anthony Sims
Christopher Holden
T.R. Logan
Jared Cullum
Joe Sutliff
JTW
John Shine
Mike Brace
Jason E. Axtell
Laura Lee Gulledge
Andrew Cohen
William Brown
Matt Dembicki
Art Hondros
Adam McGovern, Paolo Leandri
Mouna Touré
Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Matt Rawson
Cassie Graus
Joshua Daniel
Mark Lindblom
Terry Flippo
Eric Gordon
R.M. Rhodes, Evan Keeling
Frank Krow
Rafer Roberts
Dennis Johnson
Ken R. Amato, Dre Grigoropol
Brad Knight, Chris Elliott
John N. Dorsey IV
Jonathon Poliszuk
Jeremy Wetzel, Greg Boyd
Ben Claassen III
John Watkins-Chow
Joe Carabeo, Carolyn Belefski

Thank you to all who submitted and we urge you to submit your comics to be considered in future editions. Magic Bullet contributors will be distributing the newspaper for free at many of their convention appearances in 2014. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the distribution of the newspaper so it reaches far and wide. The newspaper will be available at Baltimore Comic-Con (September 5-7), Small Press Expo (September 13-14), and at New York Comic Con (October 9-12) at Small Press Booth #1162.

Stay 'tooned for more information about where to find Magic Bullet #9... the hunt begins this Sunday.

Your Pal,
Carolyn Belefski
Editor

Society of Illustrators Award

Congrats Bizhan Khodabandeh for winning Society of Illustrators award for your comic page "Finding Time" published in Magic Bullet - Washington, DC's Comics Newspaper #8! We are very proud of you.

More: http://www.societyillustrators.org/The-Museum/2014/CCA-1/Comic-and-Cartoon-Art-Annual--Long-Form-and-Comic-Strip-Categories.aspx

New email for Magic Bullet comic submissions

Howdy, partner! The deadline for comics and advertising in the next issue of Magic Bullet is fast approaching on JULY 1, 2014 and the comic theme is WESTERN. 

We've had trouble with the email, so we have changed the email account to 'magicbulletcomics@gmail.com' -- please use this email to send in your comic submission. Recently I've been using WeTransfer to send large files, so that may benefit you as well. 

Please look over the guidelines and specs here: http://magicbulletcomics.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html

Thank you for your patience with the email situation.

AWARD-WINNING CARTOONIST MATT DEMBICKI: The Magic Bullet Interview

CONGRATS, MATT!

Wild Ocean and Trickster are both in Amazon.com's top 10 comics anthologies!

Matt will be signing Wild Ocean this Sunday, May 18th,  from 1-3 

at  FANTOM COMICS at Union Station in Washington, DC

 MAGIC BULLET INTERVIEWS MATT DEMBICKI

How did you become a cartoonist? (formal training, workshops, self-taught?)

I was pretty much self-taught. I started drawing when I began reading and collecting comics at age 8. I drew through high school, where I took some art classes. I quit comics and drawing when I went to college and got back into in 15 years later, thanks to my wife.

What are your favorite things to draw/write about?

I’ve been writing and drawing a lot of aquatic-themed comics recently. I’ve always been intrigued by the ocean, so I guess this is my way of learning and exploring it.

What media do you use/tools do you find indispensible? (fav pens, brushes, apps, programs, pencils)

A metal ruler; cheap, disposable pencils; Micron pens; Pentel brush pen; Ultradraw rapidograph ink; Utrecht brushes; and Borden & Riley #235 paper.

Do you consider yourself to be more draftsman or storyteller?

I’m more of a storyteller. I do enjoy playing with layout, though. I find it challenging.

Do you write your scripts? When you write, do you type out script pages, or do you handwrite with/in your sketchbook?

I do write scripts, usually several drafts. The first is usually a bunch of notes, maybe some rough page scripts. Then I write a first draft on a computer. I put it aside for about two weeks and come at it again with fresh eyes for a final draft.

Who are your influences? (& your favorite cartoonists, if different)

Steven Bissette, Wally Wood, Bernie Wrightson, Rick Veitch.  I was heavily influenced by comic book artists in the 1980s.

What inspires you?

A good idea. Taking a kernel of something and nurturing into something bigger. Just knowing that it’s possible to do something like that is a wonderful feeling.

What music or movies, if any, do you play while you work?

I listen to Pandora.com a lot these days. My playlist includes the Kinks, X, Replacements, the Cult, the Fixx, Pietasters and Big Audio Dynamite. Older stuff, I guess.

What are you favorite films, and who are your favorite filmmakers/screenwriters?

I’ve never really followed filmmakers or screenwriters. Except Kurosawa. He’s awesome. In terms of movies, I tend to follow actors more often. I enjoy Jack Lemon, Walter Matthau, Robert Downey Jr. and Johnny Depp.

Do you have animated versions of your work? Is that something which interests you?

No, I don’t. I haven’t had a desire to dabble in animation until my kids started to like animation. Now I feel I want to learn more about it to help them explore it.

Are comics art, craft, showbiz, or whut??

I like comics as art. I’m not sure I can explain why. It just feels right.

Are you a control freak?

I think so.  I’ve got my hands in various projects and they are all deadline driven. To meet those deadlines with quality results, I think you have to have a little control freak in you.

What are your fav/best venues to show/sell your comics? (galleries, coffee shops, cons, festivals)

I enjoy libraries and library conferences the best. Libraries are wonderful champions of the form and they are still learning about.

Favorite Cons and why?

The Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo in Columbus, Ohio, because it was the first show I exhibited at, and I really enjoy the creators who attend it.  I’ve made some great friends there and I enjoy visiting with them every April. I also like the Small Press Expo for the inspiration—plus it’s in out backyard.

What professional/cartoonists groups or organizations do you belong to, if any?

I’m a co-founder of the D.C. Conspiracy, a Washington comics creators collaborative that started in 2005.

What tips/advice would you give aspiring comics-makers?

To use a quote from the animated film Finding Nemo, “Just keep swimming.” Keep doing it because you love to do it.

“Graphic Novels” or “Comic Books?”

Comic books

“Film” or “Movie?”

Film

One word response to . . . “writer’s block”:

Never been an issue for me. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had really crappy ideas!

Where can we find you online? Website? Blog? Web comic? YouTube? Twitter? FB?

matt-dembicki.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/matt.dembicki

We thought we shouldn't leave you wondering about where are Matt's awards, because, here they are! Well deserved, and congrats, again!

·       2013 SPACE Prize First Place and Second Place (Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo,  Columbus,Ohio), Xoc and District Comics

·       2013 Harvey Award Finalist, District Comics

·       2013 Shel Dorf Award Winner, District Comics

·       2012 SPACE Prize Finalist, Trickster

·       2011 Aesop Prize Winner (American Folklore Society), Trickster

·       2011 ALA's Young Adult Library Services Association Great Graphic Novels for Teens, Trickster

·       2011 ALA Notable Children’s Books, Trickster

·       2011 Eisner Award Nominee, Trickster

·       2009 Ignatz Award Nominee, Xoc #1 (self-published)

·       2007 Howard E. Day Prize, for Mr. Big (self-published)

Magic Bullet #9 Deadline

Howdy! The deadline for the next issue of Magic Bullet is JULY 1, 2014 and the theme is WESTERN. Please look over the guidelines and specs here: http://magicbulletcomics.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html

We look forward to your comic submissions!

We hope you were able to pick up a free copy of Magic Bullet at Awesome Con earlier this month. Thanks to Rafer for spotting it on Fox 5 TV.

Magic Bullet #8 Thank You Card

Here is the Magic Bullet #8 thank you card, which was recently mailed to all advertisers and others who helped towards the success of the newspaper. Eric Gordon was tapped to create the art. Thank you, Eric!

Our next issue will be out before the fall convention season -- so you'll be able to pick it up at Baltimore Comic-Con, SPX, and NYCC (Booth #1162 Small Press). The due date for comic submissions and advertising is July 1, 2014 and the theme is Western. Please check the specs and details here: http://magicbulletcomics.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html

We look forward to your submission!

Welcome to the MAGIC BULLET Blog, where you'll always find interesting info on up-and-coming (and already-there) cartoonists!

Our first MB8 Artist Interview is CAROLYN BELEFSKI. If you've been to any of the East Coast Comic-Cons, you know Carolyn Belefski as the cartoonist behind CURLS STUDIO.  If you don't know much about Carolyn, read further AND also check out her site, where you'll find all sorts of goodies, including her store, all her links, and of course, her wonderful web comic, CURLS.
 

Carolyn Belefski has been nominated for Best Visual Artist

 by Washington City Paper, and is the writer and artist of the comic strip Curls at www.curls-studio.com/curls. Among her recurring characters and serial comic books are Kid Roxy, The Legettes, and Black Magic Tales. Her illustrations have appeared in USA WEEKEND Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine, The Commonwealth Times, The Connection, CROQ Zine, Baltimore Connect from AIGA Baltimore, Magic Bullet, The Pulse on COMICON.com, AOL ComicsAlliance, and more. She is constantly improving her skills and touring the east coast appearing at comic conventions and art shows. Carolyn is the Editorial Director of the excellent comics anthology Magic Bullet.

www.Curls-Studio.com

How did you become a cartoonist?
I have always been an artist and my parents encouraged it by taking me to art classes and Girl Scout summer camps. In high school, I was active with the Art Club and took many art-related classes. I earned a degree in Communication Arts and Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have formal design training, but have only taken one class in sequential art.

What are your favorite things to draw/write about?
Animals and strange creatures are a main source of inspiration for me. I also draw from observational humor and have a design and animation influence. Turtles, penguins, birds, and fish are all motifs of my work.

What media do you use/tools do you find indispensible?
I like to use brush pens and haven't figured out a specific one I like, so I mix it up a bit.  I draw digitally for my Sketch Before Sleep series using a tablet. I should take an effort to experiment with other media like how I used to in college! I still have a ton of art supplies from that time period that want to be dived into.

Do you consider yourself to be more draftsman or storyteller?
Both, but ultimately storytelling is at the heart of all my art because content is king.

Do you write your scripts? When you write, do you type out script pages, or do you handwrite with/in your sketchbook?
When I write for my comic strip, Curls, I usually draw a thumbnail illustration with the dialogue in a sketchbook or on a scrap of paper which I re-write later my sketchbook. I work with writer Joe Carabeo on the comic books Kid Roxy, Black Magic Tales, and The Legettes. He types up his final script pages.

Who are your influences? (& your favorite cartoonists, if different)
My influences include my parents, Chuck Jones, Mel Blanc, Jeff Smith, Lauren Faust, Walt Disney, Elizabeth Watasin, Matt Groening, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Jean Shepherd, Vincent van Gogh, Marc Chagall, David Evelyn, and people who tell great stories or who are amazing visual directors.

What inspires you?
Animation, nature, Americana, well-done graphic design, humor, genuine people, and anything else that makes an impact on me.

What music or movies, if any, do you play while you work?
I cannot concentrate on my work while TV or movies are on. For me it's all about listening to podcasts or talk radio. Theater of the mind! Some of my favorites are Coast to Coast AM, Marc Maron, Art of Wrestling, American Routes, and Snap Judgment.

What are you favorite films, and who are your favorite filmmakers/screenwriters?
My all-time favorite film is The Wizard of Oz. I also enjoy films by Disney, Pixar, Judd Apatow, Paul Feig, and Tim Burton.

Do you have animated versions of your work? Is that something which interests you?
I did some simple animations in college. It is something that interests me, as many of my influences have a connection to animation. I just completed a freelance project that not only involved a print and social media campaign using my illustrations, but also featured my illustrations in an animation.
Another freelancer animated the characters I created and I provided several expressions and body turns for him to animate. I'd love to see more of my work in an animated form in the future.

Are comics art, craft, showbiz, or whut??
All of the above. Comics are entertainment, art, story, and putting on a show!

Are you a control freak?
The only way you can get things done is to do them yourself, but I'd say it depends on the circumstance. For my own projects, I will control it. If I'm working on a project for someone else there can reach a point where others are providing creative direction and I can learn to let go while also voicing my professional opinion if needed. For group projects, I've been delegating more and trusting that people will do their part of the gig.

What are your fav/best venues to show/sell your comics? (galleries, coffee shops, cons, festivals)
I have an Etsy store online but make most traction by attending several comic conventions of the east coast. Teresa Roberts Logan has put on a couple cARToons exhibits in the DC area that I've taken part in. It's great to catch comics up on the wall at coffee shop or other galleries because we are reaching out to surprise people who aren't expecting to run into our work while going about their everyday routine.

Favorite Cons and why?
There's so many to choose from and I like them all from different reasons! Attending Small Press Expo drew me into creating my own comics and wanting to exhibit. Baltimore Comic-Con is always a good time and has a great Artist Alley. Awesome Con was very exciting last year and has amazing possibilities. New York Comic Con is a grand spectacle and it is fun to be a part of that energy. There are also a few smaller shows in the east coast that have charm, but above all the main focus I enjoy at all the conventions is meeting people.

What professional/cartoonists groups or organizations do you belong to, if any?
I am co-chair of the Washington, DC chapter of National Cartoonists Society. I also edit Magic Bullet, Washington, DC's comics newspaper anthology, which is published twice a year. I also helped to organize the Cartoonists Draw Blood American Red Cross blood drive, which is happening again on May 31.

What tips/advice would you give aspiring comics-makers?
Never give up. Keep working and year after year you will see your talent emerge. That and get out of the basement and meet people!

“Graphic Novels” or “Comic Books?”
Comic Books

“Film” or “Movie?”
Film

One word response to . . . “writer’s block”:
Walk

Where can we find you online? 

Website: www.curls-studio.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolynbelefski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Curls-Studio/50763422380
Sketch Before Sleep: http://www.curls-studio.com/sketchbeforesleep
Podcast: www.carolynandjoeshow.com

ALSO, on Carolyn's blog you will  see a list of all the drop-stops where cartoonists have taken stacks of MAGIC BULLET #8! THEY GO FAST, so check it out as soon as you can!

Magic Bullet #9 Announcement

Howdy!

Please mark your calendars for the next Magic Bullet deadline -- July 1, 2014. The theme will be WESTERN. For more information on the submission process and specs, visit: http://magicbulletcomics.blogspot.com/p/submissions.html

We look forward to your comic submission!
Carolyn

D.C. Conspiracy Meet-Up

The next Meet-Up is Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC) starting at 5:30 PM. We will also be distributing Magic Bullet #8 bundles to everyone helping with distribution.

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/202670673274842/

Magic Bullet #8 Cover and Contributor List

I am delighted to present to you Steve Loya's cover for Magic Bullet #8. Magic Bullet is Washington, D.C.’s free comics newspaper published by D.C. Conspiracy, a comics creators’ collective in the capital region. 

Thanks to El Jefe Design for the design of our masthead, which we started using in Magic Bullet #6. This issue is open-themed and has been sent to print with a run of 5,000. It will be hitting the streets in early February. Be sure to look for it around town and pick up this free publication.

Here are the contributors who made the cut for print publication in Magic Bullet #8:

Jeff McClelland
Rachel Scheer
Matt Dembicki
Sean Hill
R.M. Rhodes, Evan Keeling
Terry Flippo
Dale Rawlings
Zarmina Sulaiman, Jacob Warrenfeltz
Rafer Roberts
Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Matt Rawson
Art Hondros
Mark Lindblom
Michael Neno
Steve Loya
Kevin Panetta, Brooke A. Allen
JTW
Eric Gordon
Paul Zdepski
Bizhan Khodabandeh
Aaron DeLaRosa, Mark McMurray
T.R. Logan
Andrew Cohen
S.G. Artley
Daniel Rosa
Jason E. Axtell
Michael Cowgill
Jerry Carr
C. Michael Hall
Santiago Casares
Adam McGovern, Ellen C. Stedfeld
Joe Sutliff
Joe Carabeo, Carolyn Belefski

Thank you to all who submitted and we urge you to submit your comics to be considered in future editions.

I plan to bring several hot-off-the-press bundles to the D.C. Conspiracy Meet-Up next Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC) starting at 5:30 PM. We will also be distributing Magic Bullet to local establishments in DC, MD, and VA (places like book stores, restaurants, theaters, tattoo parlors, record shops, etc.).

We also plan to have Magic Bullet #8 at the cARToons exhibit opening reception on Thursday, February 13, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at University of the District of Columbia Campus (4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008 in Gallery 42, Building 42, Room A-12).

Magic Bullet contributors will be distributing the newspaper for free at many of their convention appearances in 2014. 

Stay 'tooned for more information about where to find Magic Bullet #8 as well as details about advertising and comic submission for the next issue, which will be announced shortly.

Your Pal,
Carolyn Belefski