MERRY CHRISTMAS TOONERS!

INKLINGS gets an audience

Tuesday evening, November 10, Lee Booksellers at 56th & HWY 2 in Lincoln was the place to be if you wanted to hear author and cartoonist, and North Central Chapter member, Jeff Koterba give a reading and autograph copies of his first book, INKLINGS. The book is a memoir of Jeff's life, growing up in Nebraska. The passage he read from touched on life at home with his family. Several friends and fans turned out to hear the author speak of his work both as an author and a cartoonist. One woman from the audience even brought one of Jeff's cartoons from his beginning days at the Omaha World-Herald.
From his reading, I am anxious to get my copy and dive into INKLINGS. I would have bought a copy at the reading, if I'd picked up my checkbook instead of my camera. ARGH! Good luck with the book, Jeff. We all wish Jeff the very best as he embarks on the latest chapter in his ever-expanding creative career. Remember your NCS friends when you ink that movie contract, Jeff....

New park samples

Here a couple new samples for the park, that I used some previously posted sketches, to work from.

Fall Meeting in Sioux Falls

The North Central Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society had our annual fall meeting this past weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Organized by former (and long time) chairman Ken Alvine, the chapter had several planned activities and speakers over two days.

On Friday, eight or so of us went to Sioux Falls' Lincoln High School to participate in "Career Day". We set up individually in the library and talked to small groups of students about what we do and how we do it, and answered their questions. It is always great getting to talk with kids about what being a cartoonist is all about... they are always extremely interested. I think it's because they find it hard to believe anyone can make a living drawing funny pictures. Come to think of it, I know a few parents who also find that hard to believe despite a great deal of evidence to the contrary.

The next day we met at the delightful Zandbroz Variety bookstore for three special guest speakers- Chris Browne (Hagar), David Mowder (Hallmark) and Mike Edholm (Martians, Undercover Cockroach) followed by a book signing with Paul Fell (Huskernutz) Chris (The Complete Hagar- 1973-1973) Jeff Koterba (Inklings) and myself signing MAD's Bo Confidential.

Chris Browne's presentation had us in stitches...

David Mowder shares some PhotoShop secrets

Dave's demo

Chapter chairman Mike Edholm's presentation

Mike shares his latest project

Me and Chris at the book signing

That evening we had the pleasure of being invited to Chris and Carroll Browe's lovely home for a wonderful dinner and even more wonderful company.

At the Browne's home

In Chris's Hagar studio! R to L: Dave Carpenter, John Hambrock and Scott Holmes

A Hagar Sunday in the works!

An unruly chapter meeting

The whole crazy gang in Chris and Carroll's kitchen!

Great time as always. What fantastic people Chris and Carroll Browne are. Thanks to them, Ken, chairman Mike and everybody for putting on the event.

11th Annual Disney Toonfest

The fun flowed like the waters of the Missouri River as our fantastic celebrity cartoonists, invited guests, and members of the North Central Chapter brought our own brand of fun to the town of Marceline, in beautiful north central Missouri over the weekend of Sept 18-20. Our celebrity cartoonists included Mark Fiore, Wiley Miller, Dave Mowder, and Sam Viviano. Being in the thick of it, I feel I can safely say that these guys had a ball. At least we hope they did.... The knowledge, experiences, and fun they brought to the Toonfest hosts, the students, the guests, and anybody who just happened to stop by is something that I'm sure all well remember for years to come. Thanks guys.
Here are a few photos from this years Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest (including our arrival on Thursday, Sept 17).

Can't wait until next year!!!

LAST CHANCE FOR THE TOONFEST!

In two weeks the Walt Disney Toonfest will be in full swing! This is your last chance to send your cartoon art for the gallery show. Pack up two or three matted pieces and send them to:

Barbie Boyd
Toonfest Office
207 No. Main Street USA
Marceline, ME 64658

Got questions? Feel free to call 550/376-9258 (WALT)
or email at toonfest@sbcglobal.net

Your work will be packaged and shipped back to you FREE of charge. Or have it sent straight to Sioux Falls for the Chapter Meeting, Oct 2-3.

This is the last call for artwork for the 11th Annual Walt Disney Toonfest. Come on gang!
Thanks....

The Annual Richmond Cartoonist Cookout

Last Saturday night, Tom and Anna Richmond played host to a few cartoonists along with their spouses, significant others, and children. It was an evening of relaxation, lively conversation, and fine dining ... Minnesota style. The company was terrific, the food was memorable; watching the world-class chef at work was a sight not to be believed. And did I mention the weather? We all agreed — "perfect weather."

For those of you who can make it next year, I strongly suggest that you make plans to do so. You really missed something. For those of you who did make it to this year's gathering, it was a great evening. Wouldn't you say? Glad you were there. It wouldn't have been the same without you.

Thanks Tom and Anna. Great party, guys.

Family Doodles

Like many. we recently moved our son back to college, as he starts his sophomore year at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA.
I really miss him being around and try to let him know I'm thinking of him by sending the occasional silly doodle. The attached is the first I sent him this year and it has to do with his having recently been on the set of a major motion picture. Being a Theatre Major, this was a very exciting experience for him....but not one his old dad could let go by with out poking a little light-hearted fun.___It made him smile...so my work is done.

Downsizing the news

Have you ever noticed how the newspapers are downsizing? I mean REALLY downsizing...


...size matters.
























Don't forget to come to the fall Chapter meeting in Sioux Falls.
And don't forget, the Disney Toonfest wants your cartoons. Just send two, please. ("And matte 'em!" That's from Paul Fell.)
Thanks gang!

"MARCELINE NEEDS ART"

Dear Fellow Cartoonist:

It’s time to start gearing up for the 11th. Annual Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest in Marceline, MO, the little town where Walt spent part of his boyhood. Each year we celebrate Walt Disney’s life and work with this small-town festival that includes a parade, presentations by several nationally-know cartoonists, and a cartoon exhibit.
Website for the Toonfest is...

This year’s Disney Toonfest will be held Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. As always, all events are free and open to the public.

If you have exhibited your work in previous Toonfest shows, we appreciate your participation and hope that you will be sending in two or three pieces of your work again this year. If you haven’t sent work to the Toonfest cartoon exhibit, we hope you’ll consider becoming part of our growing list of cartoonist exhibitors.

Here’s the details:

All work should either be matted or mounted on mat board or mounting board. We are no longer able to exhibit work that comes in unmated or unmounted.

While we will accept cartoon submissions right up until the day we hang the show (Thursday, Sept. 17) it will make our lives a lot easier if you can have it at the Toonfest Offices by Monday, September 14.

1- At the end of the Toonfest exhibit we will ship your work back to you at no charge.
2- Please be sure that your contact information is on the back of each piece.
3- Suggested number of cartoons: 2-3.
4- The Disney Hometown Toonfest reserves the right to refuse to place work in the show that we consider inappropriate for inclusion in a family-oriented event.

Please send cartoons for the Toonfest exhibit to:

Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest
207 N. Main Street, USA
Marceline, MO 64658
Phone: 660-376-WALT (9258)
Email: toonfest@sbcglobal.net

Kaye Malins email: kaye.malins@toonfest.net
Barb Boyd email: barb.boyd@toonfest.net

We will look forward to seeing your work in this year’s Toonfest cartoon exhibit!

Paul Fell and Mike Edholm
Toonfest Exhibit Coordinators

PS - If you sent artwork to the Lake Okoboji exhibit back in April, that work will be exhibited at the Toonfest and shipped back to you afterwards.

It's time for the Fall Chapter Meeting...

It's time for the NCS North Central Chapter's fall meeting. This year we will be gathering in beautiful downtown Sioux Falls, SD.

Ken Alvine is riding herd on the event and has asked that you contact HIM directly about hotel reservations. He's managed to get a terrific rate but he needs to know who among us needs a room and for how many and needs to know by August 15 (not later)! Contact Ken at kenalvine@qwestoffice.net

Here are the details:
October 2–3, 2009

Schedule:
Friday, Oct 2, Afternoon — "Cartoon Career Day," Lincoln High School Library from around 1:30 or 2:00 until about 4:30 p.m. Afterwards there will be a pizza party in school cafeteria.

Saturday morning - Oct 3, 9:30 - noon — Cartoonist presentations.
Chris Browne, along with Dave Mowder (Hallmark Cards in KC) and yours truly. Downtown Zandbroz Bookstore lecture room. Jeff Danz (owner) will provide doughnuts, coffee etc.

Lunch — There's a great little diner down the street with patio seating.

Saturday afternoon from 2:00-4:00 p.m. — Book signing at Zandboz bookstore downtown. Paul Fell has his new "Husker Nutz" book. Jeff Koterba has a book coming out. Tom Richmond has a new MAD book coming out. Saturday is also the "Festival of Bands" parade downtown. After the parade many will stay downtown and visit Zandbroz a very popular and arty bookstore.

Saturday evening — Carroll and Chris Browne have invited Chapter members to a gathering and dinner at their home.

Registration:
Because of all the things going on in Sioux Falls that weekend I had to make some decisions on rooms early.

1. Holiday Downtown. The room rate for us is $89.00 per night. (Open rate is $119.00.) There are ten rooms reserved for Friday and Saturday night. Please let Ken Alvine know if you will be attending no later than AUGUST 15.

There's a registration fee of $20 that will cover food and misc. fees (bail, etc.)

I'm outa here!

Off to Montana for a few days, visiting family, and threatening the trout in the Madison River.
Back soon.

The top image is the view from the deck. The bottom image is my aunt and uncle's home with a river running through it...
(Maybe we should think about Montana as a possible meeting place. Hmmm?)

My New MAD Book!

MAD is publishing this book next month, the first book featuring original content from MAD since the days of the MAD paperbacks! This one is a hardcover, 96 pages and will be out late next month. You can pre-order it today!

Congrats Mike Edholm...

... Our new fearless leader. Mike is the new NCC chapter chairperson as of May 24th. Thanks for taking on the responsibilities, sucker... er.... I mean, buddy!

Currently in the works....

Enjoy.

Report from the 2009 Hollywood Reubens

I got back from the Reubens in Hollywood the other day. My wife and I had a *terrific* time! If anyone is interested, I've posted a report with some photos over at my blog.

Can't wait for next year.

Newspapers aren't going away....

They're just getting a lot smaller. This is the first in a series that I'm working on for Star City Blog.
Enjoy...

He loves to sneak through poop and slime....

For the past several months, I have been working with Shea Butler and Cheryl Cain on little project that has great potential. Shea approached me through our mutual friend, Sandy Veneziano, and asked if I would be interested in doing character development and illustrating a story that she and Cheryl wrote. After I read the script and wondered what kind of trouble I'd be getting in, I agreed to create UNDERCOVER COCKROACH, SECRET AGENT 69. I won't go into the slimy (and I do mean slimy) details here, but let me lead you to the website www.undercovercockroach.com. There all the grizzly details will spew forth and you will see why UC-SA69 will go where no other secret agent will go. A word of caution though — don't read the story if you've just had a big meal. (I can vouch...)