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History of Censorship in America
(timeline at The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund) 1754: Benjamin Franklin creates the first cartoon published in an American newspaper: a severed snake, representing the states, with the legend "Join, or Die." 1791: The First Amendment is passed in Congress. 1910: George Herriman's "Krazy Kat" debuts. 1913 Anti-cartoon legislation passed in Indiana 1922: "Comic Monthly" reprints newspaper comic strips in magazine form. 1931: Inspired by Elliot Ness' crusade against gangland, Chester Gould introduces "Plainclothes Tracy" in the Chicago Tribune. The lead character's name is soon changed to "Dick." 1954 Roth v. United States 1986: Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" redefines the superhero and ushers in an era of often dark and violent comics. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was founded in 1986 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community. Donations and inquiries should be directed to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at P.O. Box 693, Northampton, MA 01061. NEW ADDRESS: |
Tokyopop On Tour coming to Atlanta
5.16.2010
This summer, TOKYOPOP will hit the road on a 12,000-mile journey to find America's Greatest Otaku, the person who best exemplifies a truly unique fervor and passion for all things influenced by Japanese pop culture. This nationwide competition will be part of the ambitious "TOKYOPOP Tour," a road show that takes a tour bus to hundreds of thousands of fans, in dozens of cities across the United States-including five fan conventions-to discover and embrace manga and anime fan culture around the nation.
The TOKYOPOP Tour kicks off in July at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, CA, and will run through Chicago Comic-Con at the end of August. The culminating event will be a multi-episode reality show, premiering in the fall on a major online video site, which will reveal to the nation who will be crowned America's Greatest Otaku!
Stu Levy, Executive Producer of the America's Greatest Otaku reality show, as well as TOKYOPOP's founder, says, "Japanese pop culture has influenced many of us Americans in a number of ways. The goal of this show is to prove to the world that American otaku are just as talented - if not more - than their counterparts worldwide."
Joining Levy on the maiden voyage of the TOKYOPOP Tour bus will be his apprentices in the search for America's Greatest Otaku: the "Otaku Six". These six college students-an energetic and outgoing group of manga and anime devotees-were selected from nearly one hundred candidates from thirty-one states and seven countries, after a lengthy and arduous audition process. In addition to reaching out to fans nationwide and seeking out each city's Greatest Otaku, the Otaku Six will also be featured on the show itself.
Filming the day-to-day events for broadcast will be TOKYOPOP associate producer Daisuke "Dice" Kinouchi, who anticipates a thrilling ride. "I can't wait to experience the unpredictability of the road on this summer-long show. I just hope no one accidentally whacks me with a yaoi paddle while I'm lugging around my camera filming the show."
You and your friends can enter to become America's Greatest Otaku at http://tokyopoptour.ning.com . The TOKYOPOP Tour web site has a complete list of all stops, details for how to enter the competition, application requirements, and reasons why every citizen of Pokopen isn't eligible to enter. New features, including the official America's Greatest Otaku merchandise store, will be added in the coming weeks.
Adds Levy: "We also have thousands of giveaways and prizes to hand out all over the course of the Tour-new manga, signed artwork, shirts and hats, stickers of your favorite characters such as Domo-kun, Tohru Honda, Abel Nightroad, and scores of others. I think I even saw a flag from HETALIA on our list of swag."
The TOKYOPOP Tour bus is fueling up for its first stop at Anime Expo in July, and fans can follow the daily goings-on at http://tokyopoptour.ning.com for the latest city-by-city Otaku updates, road videos and blogs, giveaways, and much more.
Plans are for the tour to come to Atlanta on Aug. 11.
FBI Shuts Down Comic Scan Site
5.6.2010
1.6 Million Visits a Day
Published: 05/06/2010 02:08am
The FBI has shut down comic scan site htmlcomics.com and seized its servers in a raid supported by a consortium of comic publishers, according to an announcement by Katten Muchen Rosenman, the law firm representing the publishers consortium. Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Bongo, Archie, Conan Properties, Mirage, and United Media were involved.
Htmlcomics.com was the largest site offering scanned American comics, according to the announcement, with an average of 1.6 million visits a day and over 6.6 million pages of comics from 5,700 series. The site was “…producing rampant copyright infringement on a daily basis and depriving artists and publishers of hard-earned and much-needed revenue,” according to the publishers’ attorneys.
The FBI investigation was conducted by its Tampa Field Office, which led to the search warrant served in the raid.
GIRAFNetwork will see you at MomoCon!
3.3.2010
GIRAFNetwork is looking forward to being on the panels, at our table in the Artist Alley, and seeing our friends at MomoCon this year. The guests this year include some of our friends like Bobby Nash, Sean Taylor, Jennie Breeden, and Kittyhawk. Stop by our table in the Piedmont Room to find out what we have new for this convention. Click here to visit the MomoCon Website.
GIRAFNetwork Calendars have Finally Arrived!
2.6.2010
GIRAFNetwork has made up some calendars for our fans to print out. You can find our FREE 6-month calendar in printable PDF format here. We do have the 12- and 16-month calendars available for $1.00 each. If you are interested in getting one of these other calendars, please e-mail us at jasonb@girafnetwork.com.
Wizard Entertainment CEO Acquires Atlanta Comic Convention
1.20.2010
Wizard Entertainment CEO Acquires Atlanta Comic Convention
Official Press Release
Gareb Shamus, Wizard Entertainment CEO, Acquires Atlanta Comic Convention
Shamus buys “The Best One-Day Show in the South!”
New York, NY (January 19, 2010) - Gareb Shamus announced today that he acquired and will produce the Atlanta Comic Convention, now renamed Atlanta Comic Con Wizard World Convention.
"The spirit of the Atlanta convention was very much in line with our own shows. The fans in Georgia appreciate the festival feel of this show," Shamus, CEO of New York-based Wizard Entertainment, said. "The fans here are savvy, and they are ready for the evolution of their con."
Founded in 1994 by 20-year comic veteran Wes Tillander, the Atlanta Comic Convention showcases comics, cards, prints, gaming artwork, videos, toys, manga, anime, statues, new artists, book signings and much more.
"Giving fans a little of everything is something I've been doing for years," said former owner Tillander. "There are so many facets of this industry that comics fans appreciate and expect to see as part of a show. With Wizard producing the show, I know that mixed presentation idea will really thrive."
Tillander will consult on Atlanta Comic Con to maintain the local traditions of the event. Wizard will expand the show from a one-day format to a three-day weekend format, while many aspects of pop culture will continue to be represented. Atlanta Comic Con fans can expect a high-energy show with a festival atmosphere recognized and enjoyed by fans everywhere.
Dates and venue will be announced shortly.
Big News for Independent Press
11.25.2009
The people at Indy Comic Book Week have something important to say. According to their website, "Diamond Comic Distributors announced they will not ship any new comics for the last week of December. This company is the primary distributor of comic books in North America. What some would call a sad week without our favorite mainstream titles, we are calling an opportunity. This vacancy allows independent and small press comic book creators to claim this week as their own." Visit them at IndyComicBookWeek.com to get info on how to participate.
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Check Us out at ACC on November 15th, 2009
10.22.2009
GIRAFNetwork and 4DeepStudio will be attending the ACC on November 15th. We would love to see everyone there so we can sign your purchases of our books. Lots of freebies! Lots of Guests! Lots of fun!!!! See you there!
GIRAF Staff Members Suffer Difficulties
10.7.2009
We would like to take a few moments here and explain the difficulty of how life gets in the way of living for our writers and artists. Over the last few months, several of our staff members have been dealing with family issues of superior magnitude. This has culminated in two staffers losing their grandfathers. Our condolences are with Marques Huff and Olivia Townshend in their time of need. Jason Bullock and Leslie Bullock are dealing with their grandfather suffering through bone cancer currently. Let's please send our positive thoughts and prayers out to these here at GIRAFNetwork.
GIRAF to Attend ACC
9.28.2009
On Sunday, November 15th, GIRAF will be attending the Atlanta Comic Convention (ACC) at the Marriott, Atlanta Century Center. From 11 AM to 5 PM, we will be displaying our latest stories as well as our new posters and postcards. Stop by our table to see our artists and those of 4Deep Studio. We look forward to seeing you there!
'Potter' Park Coming Soon
9.16.2009
NPR has just posted an article about the new HP ride at Universal Studios debuting 2010. Click below to see the whole story.
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ADV Shuts Down
9.10.2009
We here at GIRAFNetwork have been informed that ADV is closing-up shop. The following tells about who is wanted and how to submit.
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Sketch Show Seeking Actors
9.4.2009
We here at GIRAFNetwork have been informed that there has been a call for child actors for webshows. Click below to find out who is wanted and how to submit.
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Hero Central Universe Webcomic debuts on DrunkDuck.com
9.4.2009
Yesterday, the Hero Central Universe Webcomic debuted on DrunkDuck.com with the story, Land of Zoa: Melting Point. Statistics at DrunkDuck.com showed that HCU Webcomic had 60 page views on opening day making it the largest single-day viewing for 9-3-09. It is now ranked 4,343 in the comicbook/story category out of 6,609 on its first day. Check out the comic at DrunkDuck.com.
Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment
8.31.2009
Worldwide leader in family entertainment agrees to acquire Marvel and its portfolio of over 5,000 characters
BURBANK, Calif. & NEW YORK, Aug 31, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- --Acquisition highlights Disney's strategic focus on quality branded content, technological innovation and international expansion to build long-term shareholder value.
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New Art Contest on DeviantArt
8.30.2009
As many of you know Imaginism Studios is very much about being independent. To help promote the idea of doing art outside of school or work, we've decided to put together a new contest!
This is going to be a good one! Paint the image above and submit it by November 5, 2009 for a chance to win this ORIGINAL DRAWING by Bobby Chiu. We will mail you the original art to anywhere worldwide.
Rules:
1. To submit your entry, simply post up your entry on your deviantart page or blog and say that it's for the Imaginism Fan Art contest. Then, send us a note on deviantart.
2. You can submit as many submissions as you wish. The quicker the submissions, the more 'bonus points' you'll get for handing it in early.
3. Please leave Bobby Chiu credit for the drawing when you post your entry with a link back to this contest page.
4. You can paint this in any medium, traditional or digital.
Good luck and have fun!
Next... 13 Now Available In Flash
8.27.2009
Next #13 will be available for free from our website/events now available in Sept 2009 with new FLASH based design which can be viewed on PC/MAC. This CD issue will feature interviews with Pixie Bruner, Bobby Nash, and Kate Beaton. For your copy ask your local retailer to carry our free digital magazine or email us directly for a mailed copy (girafnetwork@hotmail.com).
THE 99 Comes to Loganville, GA
8.26.2009
A national theatre group will be visiting the Loganville, Georgia, area during September. This group will portray the reality of many of the ways that youths die each year.
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Free Gallery Show in Decatur, GA
8.25.2009
GIRAF will be attending a free gallery show at Kavarna Cafe in Decatur on September 11th. The Mano-a-Mano Art Show entitled SuperHeroes vs Villains starts at 8pm. There is NO cover charge. It will be an open art reception with artists talk. There will be Super Heroine Models, Costume Contests, Door Prizes, and much more. Kavarna Cafe is located at 707 East Lake Drive, Decatur, south of the Decatur tracks. Visit the Mano-a-Mano website here for more details. We hope to see you at the art show!
Now Announcing August 23rd at ACC
8.14.2009
Come check out the new Solitude mini-poster and freebie postcard at the next ACC show in Atlanta on August 23rd. Meet the writer of Solitude, Jerome Montgomery, from 11AM to 5PM, joined by Keith Daniell from GIRAFNetwork while they talk with fans about new projects from GIRAF. The new Hero Central Universe #0 has debuted, as well as Neo Kyoto #9. Both are available for this show, so pick up your copy.
Note: All proceeds from the sales of these fundraiser items go to pay for the Art Awareness program focusing on small communities' art efforts in the southeast. You can purchase them online at the Safari Hut as well as IndyPlanet.com. Come out and support your local artists at the show!
GIRAF to Attend ACC
7.27.2009
On Sunday, August 23rd, GIRAF will be attending the Atlanta Comic Convention (ACC) at the Marriott, Atlanta Century Center. From 11 AM to 5 PM, we will be debuting our new Hero Central Universe #0 as well as Neo Kyoto #9. Stop by our table to see our artists and those of 4Deep Studio. We look forward to seeing you there!
HCU #0 IS BEING SHIPPED!!!!!
7.22.2009
Hero Central Universe #0 has been shipped from Ka-blam. Visit IndyPlanet.com or the Atlanta Comic Convention to get your copy of this awesome book!
KA-BLAM PRINTING BOOKS ON SCHEDULE FOR RELEASE JULY 2009
7.17.2009
Publications Dept has informed us that Hero Central Universe #0 and Neo-Kyoto #9 will ship on time from Ka-blam. The ship date is July 24th for the releases. The books look great! Once they arrive at the studio, then we can send out payment copies to the contributors. Great job everyone!
ATTENTION ALL ACTRESSES!!!
6.13.2009
Women in Film and Television Atlanta
Proudly presents
"The Art of the Audition"
Be prepared before you go to an audition. What are casting agents and talent directors looking for? What should you take with you? How can you improve your skills and stand out? Listen to industry professional give you information, resources and tools to help you better prepare for your next audition.
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Important Notice
6.8.2009
Well it had to happen at sometime in our company's history in this era of mass media. Our primary emails were hacked by some spammer seeking to ruin everyone's life by mass mailing an offer for viagra or winning checks from some prince in Botswana. We have deactivated the old GIRAFNetwork email address. We are no longer able to check any mail sent to that old address. Going forward, please use the new email address to get in direct contact with our staff... girafnetwork@hotmail.com. Thank you very much for all your cooperation. If you feel that we have not responded to a prior email that you may have sent to us from any of the past conventions this year, please contact us at our new email address.
*STAFF Meeting*
5.26.2009
*STAFF Meeting*
Date: June 14, 2009
Locale: Panera Bread in Lawrenceville
Time: 6:30 pm
Attendance: Exec Committee Mandatory; Employees Recommended
GIRAF Will Attend Atlanta Comic Convention
5.13.2009
GIRAFNetwork will be in Atlanta on June 7, 2009 for the Atlanta Comic Convention. Please stop by our table to meet our staff members and check out our new books. We look forward to seeing you there!!!
GIRAF Celebrates Free Comic Book Day!
4.19.2009
Free Comic Book Day is coming up. We will be giving our Big Bang! Digest to several stores around the Atlanta area to distribute for FCBD on May 2, 2009. Ask your local store for copies. We hope you all enjoy this year's Free Comic Book Day.
NIVADAHMANDI
3.17.2009
We want to thank Shad Wright for joining us at MOMOCON this past weekend promoting his direct-to-DVD release Nivadahmandi which is coming out this June.
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Great Weekend at MOMOCON!
3.15.2009
We want to say Thank You to Jess Merriman and gang for putting on a great show with no ordered natural disasters planned for this year!!!
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GIRAF Attends MOMOCON!
3.08.2009
We will be guests at MOMOCON this next weekend. We will be located on the first floor in the Piedmont Room near the Karaoke Stage. Stop by our table and visit our artists. We will have a special treat for everyone there in the form of one of the artists in the Webcomic Collaborative N2Deep!!! Shad Wright will be visiting our table during the con. Also, we will be in a number of panels and workshops this year, as well. Visit us on Saturday at the Artists Roundtable and the Getting Published Panel. Sunday, we will be in the Writers Roundtable. Don't forget to stop by and check out our latest releases as well.
GIRAF Mourns the Loss of One of Its Own
1.25.2009
Yesterday, a member of GIRAFNetwork and 4Deep Studio passed away. Five years ago, Tony Bennett had been diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis.
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