ben hatke – Comicsgirl https://www.comicsgirl.com Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:35:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.comicsgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cropped-EdenMiller2017-1-32x32.jpg ben hatke – Comicsgirl https://www.comicsgirl.com 32 32 59683043 The D.C. Area Comics Scene for June 18 https://www.comicsgirl.com/2013/06/18/the-d-c-area-comics-scene-for-june-18/ Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:30:21 +0000 http://www.comicsgirl.com/?p=3838 News/reviews/interviews:

Publications:

New releases:

  • Emotional Distance #2, Zach Mason (Purchase)
  • Cartoon Picayune Summer 2013: The Hard Work Issue, edited by Josh Kramer (Purchase)

Events:

Have comic news or events related to the D.C. area to share? Email me by 4 p.m. Tuesday. More information is here.

]]> 3838 Review: Legends of Zita the Spacegirl https://www.comicsgirl.com/2012/11/09/review-legends-of-zita-the-spacegirl/ Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:00:26 +0000 http://www.comicsgirl.com/?p=3475 After saving the world (well, a world) in Zita the Spacegirl, Zita’s back and dealing with her new-found notoriety (aided in part by Piper, of course) as well as more galactic threats, robots and other assorted creatures in Ben Hatke‘s sequel, Legends of Zita the Spacegirl (First Second, 2012).

After a robot accidentally replaces Zita, she finds herself on the run from the law. She’s aided by the beautiful and mysterious Madrigal and a living ship as she has to get back to her friends and stop another threat.

Light on dialogue and heavy on action, Hatke pushes the plot forward at every moment.  His style is a little bit looser than it is in the first book but still retains the dynamic, animated quality the first one had. Colors are a bit more vibrant and bold than they were in the first book. Hatke’s skills at presenting the openness of space or vast landscapes is complimented by the intimacy of his smaller moments. He uses the space of his pages and panels well.

His images and creatures continue to be creative and delightful. Hatke is a wonder at building worlds were anything is possible and so giant space heart monsters and living ships that look like flowers don’t feel out of place. He’s clearly having fun and it’s hard to not get caught up in that.

Silent scenes (although some are peppered with sound effects) do more to convey Zita’s wonder, fear and perseverance than any dialogue could. She’s growing into a strong and capable young heroine (and her interest and fascination with Madrigal points to a possible future path for Zita). She’s fun, likeable and a realistic little girl and I can see why people of all ages continue to connect with her.

Still, the book has a manic, breathless quality and I felt we didn’t get to spend at much time with Zita since she was always on the move. The other returning characters also suffered a bit — Piper, especially, isn’t given much to do — and the new ones drop in and out. I imagine Madrigal will be showing up again but while I loved the way Robot Zita’s story was resolved, it felt a little rushed.

But there’s more Zita stories coming and as much as I’d love for Zita to get back home, I want to follow her planet-hopping adventures for as long as possible.

Ben Hatke will be signing copies of his books at Big Planet Comics Vienna (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and College Park (3 to 5 p.m.) on Nov. 10. This was rescheduled from Nov. 3.

]]> 3475 The D.C. Area Comics Scene for Nov. 6 https://www.comicsgirl.com/2012/11/06/the-d-c-area-comics-scene-for-nov-6/ Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:00:11 +0000 http://www.comicsgirl.com/?p=3469 News/interviews/reviews:

Audio/video:

Kickstarter:

Upcoming releases:

Events:

  • Through Dec. 23: Fall Solos 2012, featuring Warren Craghead, Arlington Arts Center, Arlington, Va. One-on-one with the artists Nov. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Nov. 10: Ben Hatke signing, Big Planet Comics, Vienna, Va., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Big Planet Comics, College Park, Md., from 3 to 5 p.m. (Rescheduled from Nov. 3.)
  • Nov. 10: Cullen Bunn signing for Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Nov. 11 through Nov. 30: The Joe Bonham Project exhibition, Pepco Edison Place Gallery, Washington, D.C. (exhibition features some comics art)
  • Nov. 12: SHATTERED – The Asian American Comics Anthology Book Signing and Launch, featuring editors Jeff Yang and Keith Chow with illustrator Jamie Noguchi. Busboys & Poets, 14th and V streets, Washington, D.C., 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Nov. 17: Deadpool NOW signing with writer Gerry Duggan, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Dec. 1: Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore signing, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Housekeeping:

This feature will be taking a break for the month of December — if you have events during that month, get them to me as soon as you can. And I do plan on getting back to writing reviews and other things. It’s been a hectic few months.

Have comic news or events related to the D.C. area to share? Email me! Submit no later than Monday at 9 p.m. for inclusion each Tuesday, but the earlier, the better! More information is here.

]]> 3469 The D.C. Area Comics Scene for Oct. 23 https://www.comicsgirl.com/2012/10/23/the-d-c-area-comics-scene-for-oct-23/ Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:00:19 +0000 http://www.comicsgirl.com/?p=3459 News/interviews/reviews:

Event coverage:

Kickstarter:

Upcoming releases:

Events:

  • Through Dec. 23: Fall Solos 2012, featuring Warren Craghead, Arlington Arts Center, Arlington, Va. One-on-one with the artists Nov. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Oct. 23: A Dose of Design Inspiration from Comic Strips, with Ross Nover, nclud, Washington, D.C., 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free with registration
  • Oct. 26: Bedlam #1 Launch Party with Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Oct. 27: Annapolis Comic-Con, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Annapolis, Md.
  • Oct. 27: District Comics signing at Big Planet Comics, U Street, Washington, D.C., 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Nov. 3: Ben Hatke signing, Big Planet Comics, Vienna, Va., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Big Planet Comics, College Park, Md., from 3 to 5 p.m.
  • Nov. 3: Grace Randolph and Jerry Gaylord signing at Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Nov. 10: Cullen Bunn signing for Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Nov. 12: SHATTERED – The Asian American Comics Anthology Book Signing and Launch, featuring editors Jeff Yang and Keith Chow with illustrator Jamie Noguchi. Busboys & Poets, 14th and V streets, Washington, D.C., 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Nov. 17: Deadpool NOW signing with writer Gerry Duggan, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Have comic news or events related to the D.C. area to share? Email me! Submit no later than Monday at 9 p.m. for inclusion each Tuesday, but the earlier, the better! More information is here.

]]> 3459 The D.C. Area Comics Scene for Oct. 17 https://www.comicsgirl.com/2012/10/17/the-d-c-area-comics-scene-for-oct-17/ Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:00:09 +0000 http://www.comicsgirl.com/?p=3454
Kerri of Deafula at Richmond Zinefest. Photo by Rob McMonigal

News/interviews/reviews:

Event coverage:

Kickstarter:

Upcoming releases:

Events:

  • Through Dec. 23: Fall Solos 2012, featuring Warren Craghead, Arlington Arts Center, Arlington, Va. Artist reception Oct. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. One-on-one with the artists Nov. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Oct. 23: A Dose of Design Inspiration from Comic Strips, with Ross Nover, nclud, Washington, D.C., 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free with registration
  • Oct. 26: Bedlam #1 Launch Party with Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Oct. 27: District Comics signing at Big Planet Comics, U Street, Washington, D.C., 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Nov. 3: Ben Hatke signing, Big Planet Comics, Vienna, Va., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Big Planet Comics, College Park, Md., from 3 to 5 p.m.
  • Nov. 3: Grace Randolph and Jerry Gaylord signing at Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Nov. 10: Cullen Bunn signing for Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Nov. 12: SHATTERED – The Asian American Comics Anthology Book Signing and Launch, featuring editors Jeff Yang and Keith Chow with illustrator Jamie Noguchi. Busboys & Poets, 14th and V streets, Washington, D.C., 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Have comic news or events related to the D.C. area to share? Email me! Submit no later than Monday at 9 p.m. for inclusion each Tuesday, but the earlier, the better! More information is here.

]]> 3454 The D.C. Area Comics Scene for Oct. 9 https://www.comicsgirl.com/2012/10/09/the-d-c-area-comics-scene-for-oct-9/ Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:00:06 +0000 http://www.comicsgirl.com/?p=3446
News/interviews/reviews:

Event coverage:

Video/podcasts:

Upcoming releases:

Events:

  • Through Dec. 23: Fall Solos 2012, featuring Warren Craghead, Arlington Arts Center, Arlington, Va. Artist reception Oct. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. One-on-one with the artists Nov. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Oct. 11-14: New York Comic Con, New York, New York. I know at least Rafer Roberts  and Curls Studio will be there, although I’m sure a few others. I may be there on Saturday.
  • Oct. 13: Super Art Fight, Red Palace, Washington, D.C. Doors at 9:30 p.m.; show at 10; $15 and 21 and older.
  • Oct. 26: Bedlam #1 Launch Party with Nick Spencer and Riley Rossmo, Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Oct. 27: District Comics signing at Big Planet Comics, U Street, Washington, D.C., 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Nov. 3: Ben Hatke signing, Big Planet Comics, Vienna, Va., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Big Planet Comics, College Park, Md., from 3 to 5 p.m.
  • Nov. 3: Grace Randolph and Jerry Gaylord signing at Third Eye Comics, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Nov. 12: SHATTERED – The Asian American Comics Anthology Book Signing and Launch, featuring editors Jeff Yang and Keith Chow with illustrator Jamie Noguchi. Busboys & Poets, 14th and V streets, Washington, D.C., 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Have comic news or events related to the D.C. area to share? Email me! Submit no later than Monday at 9 p.m. for inclusion each Tuesday, but the earlier, the better! More information is here.

]]> 3446 Review: Zita the Spacegirl https://www.comicsgirl.com/2011/04/28/review-zita-the-spacegirl/ https://www.comicsgirl.com/2011/04/28/review-zita-the-spacegirl/#comments Fri, 29 Apr 2011 01:32:18 +0000 http://www.comicsgirl.com/?p=2557

Zita the Spacegirl
Buy on Amazon.com

Ben Hatke is not shy about his influences in Zita the Spacegirl (First Second, 2011). He calls up Star Wars, Marvel Comics’ MODOK, Terry Gilliam (and I’d also say Terry Pratchett while we’re at it) and — I’m not throwing this out lightly — Jim Henson and his Muppets (maybe more specifically, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, but the overall attitude, too) as well as many more. But that’s not to say this book ever becomes a game of “spot the reference.” Hatke has enough skill to make this book fun in its own right.

Our heroine is the titular Zita — a girl of about 11 who follows her friend/rival Joseph through a portal that sends them both to a planet that’s facing destruction. Zita’s brave and savvy enough to just go with the scenario that’s presented to her. Yes, there are problems — weird creatures and dangers lurking at every turn — but Zita’s also having fun. While I wouldn’t call all of Hatke’s creatures “cuddly,” there is a softness to his art which makes much of the book pretty playful. There are scares, sure, but Zita’s always presented as someone who can rise to them.

The roguish Piper, who is not quite trustworthy since he has his own agenda and a goatee, makes a worthy foil for the practical Zita as well as a unthreatening crush object (if we’re going with the general Labyrinth vibe here, David Bowie was much weirder on that account). He’s also a good entry point for adults and older readers. As much as I adore Zita, I do want to know Piper’s story too (and since this book ends with a promise of more, maybe I’ll get to).

Hatke goes far to evoke a world full of robots and aliens and castles. It’s such an overused word for books like these, but yes, his art has an animated quality to it. Zita seems to be moving as she runs away from robot spiders, or as HAMBO attacks their enemies. Hatke’s storytelling is amazing, but it is his expressive, delightful art that drives this book.

I am probably at least 20 years too old to be in the target audience for this book, but at the same time, I absolutely am. Hatke has created a title that can connect with all ages — children who like adventures, their nerdy parents (or people who could be nerdy parents), and those of us who used to be 10-year-old girls (or boys!) and still appreciate stories about them.

Ultimately, I don’t know who wouldn’t love Zita the Spacegirl. I think it’s for all of us.

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