| Past Exhibits |
 |
Cartoonists Remember: September 11, 2001 - 2011 on view at MoCCA, September 6 - 12, 2011 Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, marks the 10th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history. In respect of the occasion, the major comic syndicates have rallied their cartoonists to dedicate their strips on that day to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. MoCCA is pleased to be part of a Kings Feature Syndicate effort, bringing together the comics industry to commem-orate the 10th anniversary of September 11 with a special exhibit of themed Sunday Strips. Beginning on Tuesday September 6th, original & production artwork from 12 creators will be on display in MoCCA's annex gallery, along with a rotating display of all 93 participating artists' Sunday strips. Joining King Features in this venture are Creators Syndicate, Tribune Media Services, Universal Press Syndicate and Washington Post Writers Group, representing many of the most popular cartoonists in the world’s most influential newspapers and websites. All 93 participating strips, which tend to appear on Sunday newspaper editions in color in their own special pullout section, will have an overarching September 11 remembrance theme that day. In addition to the newspaper tribute, King Features has partnered with the renowned Newseum in Washington, D.C., the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, the Toonseum in Pittsburgh and the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in New York City to host special exhibits featuring the cartoonists’ commemorative works. On Thurs., Sept. 8, the Society of Illustrators (New York City) will also host a one-day lecture and signing event in addition to displaying the comics of the event participants. “King Features Syndicate is honored to join all of the comic syndicates to bring cartoonists from the entire community together to reflect on the events of September 11,” said Brendan Burford, Comics Editor, King Features Syndicate. “We value the opportunity for the artists to use the comic platform to make a powerful, cohesive statement. It’s important that no one forget what happened on that day in history.” “Ten years ago, the terrorists succeeded in tearing down two buildings, crashing into a third and bringing down a fourth plane,” said Jack Newcombe, president of Creators Syndicate. “But they failed in their mission to tear down the most important American belief, freedom — freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of the press and the freedom to make millions of people laugh each and every day with a few drawings.” “Comics and cartoons have played an important role throughout history by reflecting and reacting to the political climate of our country,” said Susan Bennett, senior vice president of exhibits, programs and media relations at the Newseum. “We’re honored to partner with some of the country's best illustrators as they remember September 11, a day we should never forget.” This is not the first time the cartoonists have come together to help bring awareness to an important cause or event. In October 2010, nearly the entire King Features Syndicate family of cartoonists dedicated their comic strips to the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, turning them pink in an effort to help bring national attention to the disease that affects millions. In April 2008, 45 King Features cartoonists created Earth Day-themed comics to showcase or protecting the planet and environment. In November 2001, the National Cartoonists Society cartooning community participated in Thanks&Giving, in which special cartoons, created for Thanksgiving Day, were auctioned and the proceeds donated to The September 11th Fund, established by The New York Community Trust and United Way of New York City. All of the strips will be spotlighted in a dedicated online gallery available for public viewing at www.CartoonistsRemember911.com starting Sunday, September 11. |
|
 Will Eisner's New York Poster smaller
|
Will Eisner’s New York: From The Spirit to the Modern Graphic Novel Curated by Denis Kitchen and Danny Fingeroth Special Thanks to the Will & Ann Eisner Family Foundation for making this exhibit possible. The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art – MoCCA – is proud to present Will Eisner’s New York: From the Spirit to the Modern Graphic Novel, an exhibit showcasing work by the comics and graphic novel master that was inspired by, and which spotlights, his hometown, the city he held closest to his heart: New York. The exhibition will run from March 2nd- August 14th 2011. From the Golden Age of Comics through the creation of the modern graphic novel (a form he was instrumental in popularizing), you will find New York City at the heart of the work of Will Eisner (1917-2005). Whether thinly disguised as “Central City” in the pages of his legendary creation, The Spirit, or more directly presented in his autobiographical graphic novels, New York was portrayed by Eisner as only a native of the city could know it. This exhibition spotlights the city as reflected in all eras of Eisner’s work. It includes Spirit artwork, art from many of his classic graphic novels, including A Contract with God and To the Heart of the Storm, and original paintings by Eisner, as well as art by significant creators who were influenced by him, including Jules Feiffer, Art Spiegelman, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby and Neal Adams.
|
|
 "In The Mood" by Jules Feiffer, 2011 |
In the Spirit of Will Eisner: Creators influenced by the Legendary Cartoonist
The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art is proud to announce that work by an astonishing roster of top cartoonists from across a span of seven decades will be on display as part of the Will Eisner’s New York: From The Spirit to the Modern Graphic Novel exhibition. This related exhibit, In the Spirit of Will Eisner: Creators influenced by the Legendary Cartoonist, will feature art by: Neal Adams, Sergio Aragones, Terry Beatty, Nick Cardy, Darwyn Cooke, Eric Drooker, Jules Feiffer, Michael T. Gilbert, Dean Haspiel, Al Jaffee, Klaus Janson, Jack Kirby, Denis Kitchen, Joe Kubert, Peter Kuper, Harvey Kurtzman, Batton Lash, Steve Leialoha, Michael Avon Oeming, Peter Poplaski, Joe Quesada, Paul Rivoche, Trina Robbins, Jerry Robinson, Stan Sakai, Mark Schultz, R. Sikoryak, Art Spiegelman, Wally Wood and Steve Ditko. The art will range from a Cardy piece done in the 1940s for Eisner’s studio, to classic underground comix work by Spiegelman, to a Spirit illustration done by Feiffer especially for this show. The organizing theme is that in some way, each artist was influenced by Eisner or his work. This once-in-a-lifetime combination of artists’ work is a perfect complement to Will Eisner’s New York, and is another reason the exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in comics and graphic novels. |
|
|
|
Denis Kitchen: An Oddly Compelling Mini-Retrospective A survey of the work of cartoonist, publisher, critic and curator Denis Kitchen. Denis Kitchen was one of the pioneer underground cartoonists in the late '60s. But he "joined the dark side," becoming a publisher (Kitchen Sink Press) and reducing his drawing. A new book, The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen (Dark Horse) shows that he still had a surprisingly productive and diverse career. This mini-retrospective showcases both underground and mainstream art from 1969 to 2005. See the remarkable brush detail that books can't adequately reproduce! |
|
|
(c) 2010 Liza Donnelly |
Decades of Donnelly: Liza Donnelly is a contract cartoonist with The New Yorker Magazine. When she first began selling to The New Yorker, she was the youngest and one of only three cartoonists who were women. Her work has appeared in many publications, including The New York Times, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, The Nation and The Harvard Business Review. In 2005, she wrote Funny Ladies: The New Yorker's Greatest Women Cartoonists and Their Cartoons, a history of the women who drew cartoons for the magazine as well as the present women contributors. Other recent books are Sex and Sensibility: Ten Women Examine the Lunacy of Modern Love in 200 Cartoons and Cartoon Marriage: Adventures in Love and Matrimony with the New Yorker's Cartooning Couple (with Michael Maslin). Liza appeared, with her husband Michael Maslin, on CBS Sunday Morning, BetterTV and she has been profiled in numerous magazines and newspapers. Donnelly is a pubic speaker/lecturer and presents on topics such as women and humor, childrens’ books and The New Yorker, and has given talks at the United Nations, Thurber House, and the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists annual convention, Vassar College, Bard College, Omega Institute, The Museum of Cartoon and Comic Art, The Norman Rockwell Museum and will be appearing at a TED conference this fall. She has been a guest panelist at the Cartoon Event of The New Yorker Festival several times . Her cartoons can be seen on various websites: Narrativemagazine.com, womensEnews.org, wowowow.com, huffingtonpost.com, dailybeast.com, dscriber.com, and revolvingfloor.com, where she is the cartoon editor. Liza has taught at Vassar College. She is a charter member of an international project, Cartooning for Peace, helping to promote understanding around the world through humor. Her new book, When Do They Serve The Wine? The Folly, Flexibility and Fun of Being a Woman, is out November 2010. Recently, Liza was honored to receive an International Award in France at the Salon International du Dessins de Presse for her work in cartooning. Her website is lizadonnelly.com and her blog is whendotheyservethewine.wordpress.com. She lives in New York with her husband, New Yorker cartoonist Michael Maslin. They have two grown daughters. Support for Decades of Donnelly comes from Chronicle Books. Additonal support has been provided by Prometheus Books, Random House, Twelve Books and the members of MoCCA. |
|
 |
Is This the Al Jaffee Art Exhibit? October 5th, 2010 - January 30th, 2011 Is This The Al Jaffee Art Exhibit? is an exhibition that spans the many decades of the career of the inimitable AL JAFFEE, famous for his long creative association with MAD magazine. The exhibition will showcase a selection of Al's amazing, all-new illustrations from the just-released biography, Al Jaffee's Mad Life. The drawings chronicle his childhood in a Lithuanian shtetl and his traumatic loss of his mother in the Holocaust. The exhibition will also feature original art from his Mad Fold-Ins, and other classic work from his career at Mad magazine and elsewhere. The exhibition is curated by Danny Fingeroth and Arie Kaplan. Born in 1921, AL JAFFEE was a member of the first graduating class of New York's High School of Music and Art (where his classmates included future Mad colleagues HARVEY KURTZMAN, AL FELDSTEIN, and JOHN SEVERIN). Jaffee worked as an editor, writer and artist for STAN LEE at Timely (later Marvel) Comics during the 1940s. Then, in 1955, Jaffee joined “the Usual Gang of Idiots” at Mad where he's been a mainstay ever since, entertaining generations with his Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions and Mad Fold-Ins. Despite repeated requests, Jaffee refuses to retire, and is frighteningly active, including still doing the Fold-Ins for Mad. Is This The Al Jaffee Art Exhibit? was made possible by the generosity of the following donors:
|
|
|
|
NeoIntegrity: March 12 – August 29, 2010 Neointegrity: Comics Edition is an exhibition curated by artist Keith Mayerson that includes over 210 cartoonists, illustrators, animators, and fine artists who work with the spirit and power of iconographic languages. With creators young and old, historic, currently famous, and soon-to-be-famous, the exhibition is also about the community and legacy of iconographic art and its ability to productively influence the world. Originally conceived as a utopic attempt to begin an art movement, the first installment of the NeoIntegrity show was held in the summer of 2007 at Derek Eller Gallery in New York City. That show incorporated over 180 fine artists, with some cartoonists and illustrators mixed in to breach questions of high and low, rarified and pluralistic. NeoIntegrity: Comics Edition takes the proposal a step further, showing the relatability of creators harnessing the iconographic vehicle to express themselves and to tell stories for a culture to understand itself in order for it to become a better place. Pre-order the catalog now! $85, plus $10 shipping and handling, Please fill out the form and return to MoCCA. Featuring |
|
 |
R. Sikoryak Original drawings from the book “Masterpiece Comics,” which adapts literary classics in the styles of famous cartoons. Curated by Bill Kartalopoulos Sikoryak and Kartalopoulos in Conversation Comics chameleon R. Sikoryak inventively adapts canonical Western literature using the visual styles and characters of historical American comic books and comic strips. Among his many works produced over the past twenty years, Sikoryak has adapted Kafka's The Metamorphosis in the style of Charles Schulz's Peanuts, Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights in the style of Tales From the Crypt, and the Book of Genesis in the style of Chic Young's Blondie. "More than a gag or a parody," said exhibit curator Bill Kartalopoulos, "these thoughtful and intricately constructed dual adaptations suggest resonances that reflect upon each story's pair of sources." R. Sikoryak: How Classics and Cartoons Collide examines the artist's intensive process by showcasing a selection of notes, sketches, and reference material from one of his longest and most ambitious narratives, 2000's "Dostoyevsky Comics," which adapts Crime and Punishment in the style of a mid-century Batman comic book. The exhibit also includes all ten original art boards for the final story, recently collected alongside Sikoryak's other adaptations in his book Masterpiece Comics, published in 2009 by Drawn and Quarterly. There will be a conversation between Sikoryak and Kartalopoulos on July 15 at 7PM. Admission for this event is $5, free for members of MoCCA.
About Bill Kartalopoulos About Masterpiece Comics |
|
 |
Dash Shaw Drawings from BodyWorld, Bottomless Belly Button, animations and comic short stories The Museum of Comic and Cartoon is pleased to present an exhibition by Dash Shaw, featuring work from BodyWorld, Bottomless Belly Button, The Uncanny Reproduction and The Unclothed Man in the 35h Century. Shaw's recent works (BodyWorld, The Unclothed Man, and Bottomless Belly Button) connect an interest with the human body, informed by figure drawing, with humorous character-driven narratives. This show displays his original art for these stories, which are often a combination of traditional crowquill and ink work with gaouche paints, acetate sheets, animation-style backgrounds, colored marker storyboards, and mixed media collages. Dash Shaw was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated with a BFA in Cartooning/Illustration from the School of Visual Arts, Manhattan, in 2005. |
|
|
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from |
The Art of Archie Comics November 19, 2009-February 28, 2010 Welcome to Riverdale! Join the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art - MoCCA in celebrating the world of Archie Comics, one of the oldest and most beloved family-friendly brands in the comic book industry. Thrill to the exploits of Archie Andrews and his friends, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie and the rest. And don't be surprised if you see a cameo from Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and some of Archie Comics' other supporting players. This exhibition features pages and pages of rare and unpublished comic artby Dan DeCarlo, Joe Edwards, Stan Goldberg, Bob Montana, Harry Lucey, Dan Parent, Andrew Pepoy, Fernando Ruiz and many more! Plus animated cartoons, gold record winning music, as well as vintage house ads, news clippings, custom collectibles, toys and other merchandise from Archie's 65 plus years as America's eternal teenager. The Art of Archie Comics is curated by Alex Simmons, Ellen S. Abramowitz, Arie Kaplan, Karl Erickson and Jeff Trexler. Archie Logos and Characters TM & (c) 2009, Archie Comic Publications, Inc. |
|
 |
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #50, vol. 2, (491), 2003: Doomed Affairs Through February 28, 2010 The Museum of Comic and Cartoon is pleased to present the original art for the entire issue of Amazing Spider-Man #50, vol. 2: "Doomed Affairs" by J. Michael Straczynski, John Romita Jr. and Scott Hanna. Story Synopsis About the Artists Scott Hanna (inker) J. Michael Straczynski (writer) All art courtesy of Scott Hanna. Amazing Spider-Man #50 was originally part of the larger exhibition The Art of Scott Hanna at the Storefront Artist Project, curated by Lawrence Klein. A special thank you to the sponsors of "Comic and Cartoon Art Comes Alive" The Art of Scott Hanna: Berkshire Bank, Bags Unlimited, Fanboy Paper by Canson, Global Travel Services, Ikon Office Solutions and Sakura Color Products of America. Spider-Man and related character s are (c) and TM Marvel Entertainment, Inc. 2009
|
|
 |
Peter Kuper Diario de Oaxaca On view September 15 MoCCA is pleased to present Peter Kuper's Diario de Oaxaca: A Sketchbook Journal of Two Years in Mexico. This exhibition is in conjunction with the release of his book published in a bilingual edition from PM Press in the US and Sexto Piso in Mexico. Diario de Oaxaca is Kuper's chronicle of his experiences in Oaxaca, Mexico, during the political uprising of 2006 and its aftermath. The exhibition includes sketches, illustrations and comics, capturing both the light and shadows that defined his time there. Peter Kuper's comics and illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, Newsweek, and Time. He has written and illustrated Spy vs. Spy for MAD since 1997. Kuper is co-founder of the political graphics magazine World War 3 Illustrated and the author of over a dozen graphic novels including The System, Sticks and Stones and his autobiography, Stop Forgetting to Remember. An interview with Peter Kuper about his work and Diario de Oaxaca is available at the Design Arts Daily website.
|
|
|
|
Sounds and Pauses The Comics of David Mazzucchelli through November 1, 2009 In celebration of the release of his highly-anticipated book, Asterios Polyp, The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art is pleased to present David Mazzucchelli's first retrospective exhibition in the U.S. Mazzucchelli’s career encompasses early groundbreaking work in Daredevil and Batman: Year One; idiosyncratic short stories in his self-published anthology, Rubber Blanket, and elsewhere; the graphic novel adaptation of City of Glass; and his new graphic novel. For over 25 years, Mazzucchelli has distinguished himself with articulate storytelling and emotive drawings in service to comics in a variety of genres. Sounds and Pauses: The Comics of David Mazzucchelli presents over 80 original comic pages, drawings, prepatory sketches and covers from the artist’s archives, allowing an invaluable look at Mazzucchelli’s artistic journey.
|
|
 |
Meanwhile... at 594 Broadway: Through September 6th Featuring: You're entering a story. A story not only of pictures or words, but of sequence. You're on a journey into a world whose boundaries are that of the fourth wall. It is the middle ground between art and entertainment, between abstraction and meaning, between fantasy and reality, and it lies between Houston and Prince street. Meanwhile... During the day, MoCCA volunteers can be seen engulfed in every aspect of work necessary to keep this establishment running smoothly. This exhibition covers a full range of possibilities offered by these creators spanning generations, while exploring sequential art and pictorial narratives. The exhibition is curated by Naiika Alfred, Tim Anderson and Sam Marlow. Support for MoCCA and Meanwhile... at 594 Broadway comes from the Will and Ann Eisner Foundation and the members of MoCCA.
|
|
 |
From Richie Rich to Wendy the Good Little Witch Exhibition dates: December 18, 2008 - May 2, 2009 Opening Reception: Wednesday, 7-9pm, January 14, 2009 Panel Discussion moderated by Jim Salicrup with Mark Arnold, Rick Parker, and more: Thursday, 7pm, January 15, 2009 Jerry Beck on the History of Harvey Comics: Friday, 6:30pm April 17, 2009 The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art - MoCCA - is pleased to present a visual history of one of the most popular comic book publishers of all time, Harvey Comics. From Richie Rich to Wendy the Witch: The Art of Harvey Comics celebrates the art and characters created and/or popularized by Harvey, including Casper, The Friendly Ghost; Wendy, The Good Little Witch; Richie Rich, The Poor Little Rich Boy; Hot Stuff, The Little Devil; Sad Sack; Joe Palooka; Little Dot; Little Audrey; Little Lotta; Little Max; and many more. This exhibition includes original art from Harvey comic books and merchandise by stalwarts such as Ernie Colón, Sid Couchey, Warren Kremer, and Howard Post. From Richie Rich to Wendy the Witch: The Art of Harvey Comics originated at the Cartoon Art Museum, San Francisco, curated by Andrew Farago. For the MoCCA presentatioin, additional curation by MoCCA Chairman Ellen S. Abramowitz and Director Karl Erickson. Special thanks to Mark Arnold. Support for MoCCA and From Richie Rich to Wendy the Good Little Witch comes from the Will and Ann Eisner Foundation, Classic Media, Dark Horse Comics and the members of MoCCA. See MoCCA Chairman Ellen S. Abramowitz and Director Karl Erickson discuss From Richie Rich to Wendy the Witch: The Art of Harvey Comics on NY1 News!
|
|
 |
The Art of Watchmen Exhibition dates: March 6 - May 2, 2009
The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art – MoCCA proudly presents The Art of Watchmen. This exhibition looks at the many incarnations of the Watchmen universe: from Dave Gibbons' original character designs sketches, to the art from the acclaimed graphic novel to the stills from the highly anticipated film by Zack Snyder. The Art of Watchmen is curated by Peter Sanderson and Ellen S. Abramowitz. On view will be photographs by Clay Enos of the Watchmen movie cast and original artwork from the graphic novel co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. The Art of Watchmen explores the way in which the comics and cinema versions each combine fiction with reality to create an alternative universe that provides incisive commentary on our contemporary times. The exhibition will focus on visual iconography from Watchmen, primarily the main characters: The Comedian, Dr. Manhattan, Nite Owl, Ozymandias, Silk Spectre, and Rorschach. We will show how each character evolved, through artist Dave Gibbons’ concept sketches to their depiction in the comics culminating in their incarnations on screen. See Co-curators Peter Sanderson and Ellen S. Abramowitz talk about The Art of Watchmen on WNET's Sunday Arts program: The Art of Watchmen is sponsored by Warner Bros. Additional support for MoCCA comes from the Ann and Will Eisner Family Foundation, and the members of MoCCA. Special thanks to DC Comics, New York Comic Con, Titan Books, and Gareb Shamus/Wizard Magazine.
|
|
 |
New York Artist Showcase: Ryan Dunlavey Exhibition dates: December 18, 2008 - February 15, 2009 Artist Reception and Conversation with Ryan Dunlavey, Fred Van Lente and Jim Salicrup: Friday, 7-9pm, January 30, 2009 The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art - MoCCA - is pleased to present an exhibition of New York artist Ryan Dunlavey. His illustrations and comic strips have appeared in MAD, Wizard, ToyFare, The Princeton Review, Time Out New York, Royal Flush, and Disney Adventures. He is also the co-creator and artist of the award-winning Action Philosophers. comic book series. Dunlavey is a Brooklyn based cartoonist best known as the artist and co-creator of Action Philosophers. He attended Syracuse University, where he created the comic strip Evil Twin for the Daily Orange student newspaper. After leaving college he continued Evil Twin as a series of self-published mini-comics. In 1995 he relocated to New York City to pursue an illustration career. He was a graphic designer at Wizard Magazine for several years and would later create hundreds of original illustrations for them as a freelancer. In 1998 he illustrated a graphic novel adaptation of Moby Dick for Schoolastic Books and created a second self-published mini comic series - Tommy Atomic - which would eventually become a feature in Royal Flush magazine. In 2002 he co-created Action Philosophers with his friend Fred Van Lente, which went on to win the Xeric Grant and saw publication of its first issue in 2005. The series ran nine issues, gained considerable critical acclaim and won a 2007 American Library Award. In early 2008, Dunlavey and Van Lente teamed up again to self-publish a second non-fiction humor series - Comic Book Comics - a cartoon history of the American comics industry from 1896 through the present day. The series is currently in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2009. Special thanks to Evil Twin Comics for their support of New York Artist Showcase: Ryan Dunlavey. Additional supprt from the Will and Ann Eisner Foundation and the members of MoCCA.
|
|
|
|
Kim Deitch: A Retrospective Exhibition dates: September 9 - December 5, 2008
The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art - MoCCA - is pleased to announce a major retrospective of work by underground cartoonist and graphic novelist Kim Deitch (b. 1944), opening September 12th and running through December 5th, 2008. Kim Deitch: A Retrospective will display original comics pages and other work covering the artist's entire career to date, beginning with full-page comic strips drawn for the East Village Other in 1967 up to recent graphic novels including The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Alias the Cat, Shadowland, and Deitch's Pictorama. The exhibit will also feature rarely seen work including elaborate preparatory drawings, hand-colored originals, animation cel set-ups and lithographs.
|
|
 |
Things That Go Bump… October 13, 2007 - January 28, 2008 The opening reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7pm. Admission to the reception is $10. The exhibit will be on display until January 28, 2008.
MoCCA’s Things That Go Bump… is an all-ages exploration of the ways iconic monsters have been represented in artwork from comics, cartoons and animation. It is a piercing gaze into the ways in which the human experience has been reflected in the malformed shapes of traditional monster archetypes. There will be artwork featuring zombies, demons, vampires, ghosts, and witches on display. Our dear old comrades: Frankenstein’s Monster and Dracula are slated to appear. Friendly Ghosts and crime-solving teenagers! Famous killers, demons, and werewolves! Steel yourself for images that will delight, terrify, amuse, and enlighten. The exhibit has been made possible through a grant from the Independence Community Foundation, with additional support from Carroll Musical Instrument Rentals and Weird Tales Magazine.
|
|
 |
Infinite Canvas: The Art of Webcomics September 14, 2007 - January 28, 2008 The opening reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7pm. Admission to the reception is $10. The exhibit will be on display until January 28, 2008. Infinite Canvas: The Art of Webcomics brings comics from the web page to the MoCCA stage. The exhibit explores three aspects of online comics: the unique format and design of webcomics, their appeal to niche audiences, and the transitions between web and print comics. Curator Jennifer Babcock, who also draws the syndicated webcomic C’est La Vie, explains that webcomics are free of the space constraints and editorial censorship to which printed comics are often subjected. Webcomics also provide an outlet for a greater diversity of creators and audiences, she says, resulting in numerous niche-specific features. This exhibit incorporates original artwork, prints of finished art, and digital displays. Featured in the exhibit will be the immensely popular Penny Arcade, PhD, Sluggy Freelance, User Friendly, Diesel Sweeties, Mom’s Cancer, Finder, Supernatural Law, Questionable Content, Something Positive, Scary Go Round, Achewood, Narbonic, Goats, Checkerboard Nightmare, and many others.
The exhibit also includes a new installment of MoCCA’s New York Artist Showcase, focusing on the NYC members of the webcomics collective
|
|
|
|
New York Artist Showcase: ACT-I-VATE The opening reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7pm. Admission to the reception is $10. The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art's (MoCCA's) ongoing exhibition series pays tribute to the many talented comic and cartoon artists living in New York City. It spotlights a different New York comic or cartoon artist (or group of artists) for up to eight weeks at a time. In conjunction with the feature exhibit Infinite Canvas: The Art of Webcomics, MoCCA is proud to present the New York Artist Showcase of ACT-I-VATE. The LiveJournal community site ACT-I-VATE features daily installments of in-progress graphic novels from a group of accomplished cartoonists.
“We’ve discussed a showcase for ACT-I-VATE in the past, and including it as a feature within the webcomics show was the perfect opportunity,” said MoCCA Curator Bill Roundy. “ACT-I-VATE has some fantastic cartoonists, and it has a unique focus on serialized graphic novels.”
“An AIV/MoCCA team-up was inevitable, as both outfits champion the NYC comics scene from different angles,” said Jeff Newelt, aka Jahfurry, AIV Minister of Hype. “That the paths are set to intersect on the gallery walls is both a thrill and an honor.” ACT-I-VATors featured in the Showcase are: Mike Cavallaro, Kevin Colden, Nikki Cook, Michel Fiffe, Simon Fraser, Ulises Farinas, Dan Goldman, Dean Haspiel, Tim Hamilton, Jason Little, Josh Neufeld, Leland Purvis, Ryan Roman, Jennifer Tong, and Dave Wallin. |
|
 |
Looking for a Face Like Mine May 12 - Sept. 10, 2007 Opening reception Saturday, May 12th at 8pm. (7pm for MoCCA Members) Looking for a Face Like Mine (showing May 12 to Sept. 10) examines the roles of African Americans in comics and cartoons, as both creators and characters. The exhibit is curated by Professor William H. Foster III, a comics creator, scholar and historian who has devoted much of the past fifteen years to tracing and teaching the history of African Americans as depicted in sequential art media. "Blacks were deliberately left out of comics and American society for many years," Foster noted. "On those rare occasions when we were included, we were misrepresented as savages, cannibals, simpletons, and worse. My research documents this important history both fair and foul, for all time, while there are still traces of it left." The exhibit includes comic strip artwork by 1950s artist Alvin Hollingsworth (Scorchy Smith), contemporary cartoonist Keith Knight (The K Chronicles), and strip legend Morrie Turner (Wee Pals), as well as comic book art by Denys Cowan (Black Panther), Zina Saunders (Static), and underground cartoonist Larry Fuller (New Funny Book), among many others, along with panel cartoons and animation art.
|
|
 |
Stan Lee: A Retrospective February 23 - July 3, 2007 EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST 6th!!! Downloadable audio tour! > To countless comics fans, Stan Lee is a living legend best known as the major creative force behind the "Marvel Age" of comics. The exhibition will address Stan's contributions as a writer, artist, art director, editor, promoter, and leader of the "Marvel Revolution" during which Stan--along with artists Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and others in the fabled "Marvel Bullpen"--introduced a host of novel, complex, humanized superheroes that have since become world-famous, blockbuster movie/television/entertainment franchises. The exhibition also includes examples of Lee's early works, more recent creations such as the animated television show Striperella, DC Comic's Just Imagine: Stan Lee series, and even current projects such as the popular Who Wants To Be A Superhero reality television series. Museum executives worked closely with organizers of the 2007 New York Comic Convention to create a double inducement for Mr. Lee to make a relatively rare return visit to the East Coast: the opportunity to see and celebrate the opening of a museum exhibition dedicated to his storied comics career combined with the invitation to be a Special Guest at the Convention being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center that same weekend (February 23-25). MoCCA's Stan Lee: A Retrospective exhibition--on view from February 23 through July 3, 2007--will include examples of Lee's early work in comics, address Lee's crucial role in the famed "Marvel Revolution" (including aspects such as the "Marvel Method" of writing, Lee's cultivation of comics fandom, and of course, Lee's role as co-creator of now world-famous characters such as The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, The Hulk, Thor, Dr. Strange, Daredevil, and more) that took place during the Silver Age of superhero comics, and remind viewers of the ever-pioneering work that Lee is still doing today through recent projects at DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and POW! Entertainment. The exhibition is the first ever at MoCCA devoted to a comics writer rather than an artist --that is, a comics creator who is not (also) an illustrator. Stan Lee: A Retrospective is sponsored in part by New York Comic-Con with support from POW! Entertainment, and The Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center as well as contributions from Matthew Atherton, Conrad Eschenberg, Diamond Run/Tom Fagin, Ashanti Freeman, Stan Goldberg, Richard Howell, Klaus Janson, John McCarthy, Tom Morehouse, Matt Murray, Darren Passarello, Jim Salicrup, Steve Saffel, Peter Sanderson, Arnold Sawyer, Roy Thomas, Nell Wilson, Ken Wong and Craig Yoe. And, last but certainly not least, exhibition organizers are grateful for the gracious cooperation and incredible inspiration provided by Stan Lee.
|
Downloadable audio tour, narrated by Jim Salicrup (all tracks are 128kbs mp3s) Individual tracks:
|
|
|
The Golden Age of Saturday Morning Cartoons November 6, 2006 In the Fall of 1966, a revolution began that would affect the way an entire generation of children and their parents would watch TV - there were only three networks, and all three began to air original animated programming on Saturday mornings, a time slot normally reserved for test patterns and kiddie show hosts. This fall, MoCCA will exhibit and celebrate art from some of these shows and a number of others that aired over the 24 years of Saturday Morning's "Golden Age," while also looking at the roots of television animation in the 1940s and 1950s and how the medium has changed since 1990. |
|
 |
She Draws Comics: 100 Years of America's Women Cartoonists May 20 to November 6, 2006 Celebrate a century of the greatest female practitioners of comic and cartoon art that America has ever seen, from the Nell Brinkley Girl of the turn of the century to the wartime adventures of Miss Fury and Brenda Starr, to today's cutting-edge manga and graphic novels! With over fifty artists participating and over 100 artworks shown, this is the largest women cartoonists' show in history! Curated by noted scholar and artist Trina Robbins, who will appear in person at the opening.
|
|
 |
Todd McFarlane:
Opening Reception February 25th, 2006 AT 8 P.M. Exhibit runs through May 1st, 2006 MoCCA invites you to take a look into the mind of one of the world's most renowned comics artists, Todd McFarlane. With a complex, highly detailed style, McFarlane is a legend in the comic book industry, having put his gritty, intense pencils to work on countless books, including Infinity Inc., The Incredible Hulk, Batman, Spider-Man, and his ultimate creation, Spawn. Visit Spawn.com for the mini-site on the exhibition. McFarlane changed the face of the comic book industry in 1992 when Spawn #1 sold an amazing 1.7 million copies. Today, he helms a massive multimedia enterprise which includes award-winning action figures depicting motion pictures, sports, music, comics and more; comic books, feature films, television and music video. MoCCA, in association with Reed Exhibitions and Todd McFarlane, proudly present a collection of original art spanning McFarlane's life and 20-plus years in comic books, action figures, feature film, music video and television animation.
Todd McFarlane Bio From budding baseball player to comic book artist extraordinaire to family man, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane has a wealth of experience in the world of entertainment. Born in Canada in 1961, McFarlane's road trip to creative autonomy began when he accepted an assignment pencilling for Marvel/Epic Comics in March 1984. From there, he worked his way to the top of the talent roster before leaving Marvel to help found Image Comics with six other artists. It was then that Todd introduced his own character, Spawn. The book's debut in 1992 sold an amazing 1.7 million copies, an unprecedented feat in independent comics. From there came a whirlwind of growth and expansion: more comics, action figures, film, animation and the Web. In 1994, Todd founded McFarlane Toys, because he wanted to maintain maximum creative control over his Spawn character. Over the years, the company has become one of the largest, most renowned toy manufacturers in the world. In addition to Spawn, McFarlane Toys has produced figures from such properties as KISS, Shrek, X-Files, Austin Powers, Metal Gear Solid, Clive Barker, Akira, the Beatles, Army of Darkness, Jaws, Rob Zombie, Alien, Predator, AC/DC and dozens of others. Todd still has a passion for sports--he grew up wanting to be a professional baseball player--but the fact that McFarlane Toys currently has the official rights to produce action figures of professional football, baseball, hockey and basketball players helps scratch that itch. McFarlane also has a minority interest in the ownership of the Edmonton Oilers hockey club and owns the McFarlane Collection of home run baseballs from the 1998 Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa race, including McGwire's $3 million #70 ball. Today, McFarlane, his wife, Wanda, and their three children reside in Arizona, where Todd maintains a happily hectic balance between his family and all his interests (sports, film, comics, action figures).
|
|
|
|
Irwin Hasen: Heroes To War Orphan Exhibit runs January 14 through February 20, 2006 One of the great Justice Society and Green Lantern cover artists (both Joe Kubert and Alex Toth cite him as an influence), Hasen went on to co-create the beloved newspaper strip Dondi, about a WWII war orphan's adventure in America, that charmed readers for 32 years! Since retiring from the Funnies Page, Hasen has gone on to create stunning full-color lithographs of his classic Golden Age covers, now on display at MoCCA, along with originals from his over 50-year career in comic book and comic strip art! |
|
|
|
CARTOONS AGAINST THE AXIS: Opening Reception Saturday, October 8, 8:00pm to 10:00pm Exhibit runs October 8, 2005 through February 6, 2006 Companion Online Exhibit Remember Pearl Harbor! In 1942 a unique art exhibit toured the United States to raise money for war bonds, featuring original works by some of the country's most famous cartoonists--Charles Addams, Peter Arno, Syd Hoff, Crockett Johnson, and more--lampooning the Axis powers. After their original tour these 'toons returned to a dusty vault where they remained for over 50 years--until now! Thanks to the generosity of Hilda Terry, America's first nationally-syndicated female cartoonist and widow of Gregory D'Alessio, organizer of the original show, MoCCA is proud to whisk visitors back to the World War Two home front to once more enjoy these incredible examples of Art confronting Evil, an issue no more relevant in our time than in 1942. |
|
|
Detail of work by Michael Kaluta
Detail of work by Charles Vess
|
Modern Fairy Tales
September 10, 2005 through January 6, 2006
Escape into the fantasy art of comic and illustration masters Michael Kaluta (The Shadow, The Books of Magic, Lucifer) and Charles Vess (Sandman, Stardust, The Book of Ballads.) In MoCCA's Modern Fairy Tales, Kaluta and Vess's distinctive and award winning art is brought together for the very first time in a museum, showing how traditional storytelling and art translate beautifully into the contemporary comic medium and also have fueled it to new heights. Vess will be showing a variety of art including Stardust, The Book of Ballads, and two stunning 4 feet by 8 feet charcoal works: Dierdre of the Sorrows and Tam Lin. Kaluta includes such works as Witchraft, Straight on 'Til Morning, a collection of intricate art from his Celtic Calendars and Arwen and King Elessar from his Tolkien pieces. A marriage of old and new, this exhibit blends together works inspired by traditional tales from Celtic mythology, ancient songs and visions from more modern storytellers such as Neil Gaiman and JRR Tolkien.
|
|
 |
ARCHIE VIRTUE In conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of Scotch Tape - related story Original art pieces, made with both vintage Archie Comics and Scotch tape September 6, through October 3, 2005
This collection of originals and prints will showcase some of the artist's experiments from the last decade. Renowned collage artist Danny O, "credited as the first artist to discover the artistic uses for Scotch tape " will help celebrate 75 years of an iconic American brand with a whimsical art exhibit. Classically trained at both Boston University and Cooper Union, Danny O, broke with tradition when his pieces of art created with Scotch tape and Archie&Mac226;s comics landed him several museum shows and numerous commissions. Using rolls of Scotch transparent tape and a vintage comic book, Danny O lifts the old ink with the tape then transfers the image to a new surface (he currently uses losing lottery tickets as his canvases) after an hour or so the images come to life. "I learned this technique by accident while waiting tables ten years ago, after I discovered it, I traded in my apron for a roll of scotch tape and have been making my living as an artist ever since" says the 43-year-old artist. "It's a fantastic trick that is completely hypnotic." In his upcoming show, Archie Virtue, Danny O dissects and reorders the comics to suit his own vision of Pop art. The results are sophisticated and delicately created drawings. Everything from portraits of celebrities (both comic and real) as well as landscapes, figures, abstractions and what he calls "Archie Poems" using only the text of the comics to create, funny even weird word games. The exhibit will be open to the public through October 2005. Danny O has donated several originals to the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. Danny O has designed works for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, signed an exclusive contract with Wild Apple Graphics, and has been licensing his art worldwide. Danny also earned a page in the Guinness Book of World Records for the Largest Ball Mosaic.
|
|
|
|
Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Invites You To A Very Special Exhibit Catalogs are still available, please call MoCCA or email May 21 through September 5, 2005 The exhibit features original artwork spanning Eisner’s long career.
|
|
|
Jerry Gonzalez
|
TOON TOWN Oct. 8 through Apr. 6 Come celebrate MoCCA's newly renovated gallery and our first major exhibit! Toon Town explores the decades-long love affair between The Cartoonists and New York City, dating from Thomas Nast all the way to 9/11. The show features every genre MoCCA touches: Comic book art! Animations! Political cartoons! Comic strip art! Underground Comix! Superheroes! New Yorker gags! Original cels! TOON TOWN: NEW YORK CITY IN COMIC AND CARTOON ART
|
|
|
|
Recent Acquisitions: Animation Exhibit Through May 2nd, 2005 Recent Acquisitions: Animation exhibition features selected animation artwork recently donated to the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. The Recent Acquisitions: Animation exhibit features artwork from Bill Plympton's Oscar® - nominated Guard Dog, The Simpsons, Powerpuff Girls, Ice Age, will be shown at the museum from February 1 to May 6, 2005. A special party for the exhibit attended by the exhibit’s contributors and special guests will be held at the museum on the evening of March 4th. The list of donors whose contributions comprise the exhibit are Acme Archives, Animazing Gallery, Choice Collectables, Clampett Studio Collections, Bill Plympton and Mr. Warburton. We thank them for their generous and continued support.
|
|
 |
Arthur Suydam: The Legacy Exhibit November 28-January 17th
Suydam original art will be on display in the MoCCA gallery, including pieces from: "Wind in the Willows", "Cholly and Flytrap" "Forbidden Zone", "Libby in the Lost World", "Mudwogs", "Death Dealer", "Aliens" and more! Plus: enter our raffle for a chance to win an original piece of Arthur Suydam artwork! Artist Arthur Suydam is without peer in his talents for creating bold, forceful images. From his dynamic science-fiction graphics for “Aliens” to his fanciful children’s illustration for “The Wind in the Willows” to the crackling adventure of “Cholly and Flytrap,” Suydam’s work never fails to delight, awe, and amaze. To help celebrate Image Comics/Eva Ink publication of the books "Arthur Suydam: Alien Encounter Poster Book,”"Arthur Suydam: The Art of the Barbarian--Conan, DeathDealer and Tarzan" and "Cholly and Flytrap: Center City,” the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art is proud to present this rare opportunity to see this elusive artist’s work up close. Thanks to our sponsors: |
|
 |
SPIRIT OF THE HARVEYS June 6 to August 6 Opening Reception June 5th 8pm-10:30pm - by invite only - Free to members $5 to non members Artwork spanning the career of MAD magazine founder and celebrated cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman side-by-side with works nominated for this year's Harvey Awards. Exhibiting works by: Sponsored By:
|
|
|
|
MoCCA on Broadway: Special Students Exhibition! During the week of June 7, 2004 New met Old at MoCCA! The unique partnership between MoCCA and the Broadway production of Sly Fox came to a conclusion as students from the tri-state area displayed their cartoons at MoCCA in a parallel exhibition with the artists nominated for the 2004 Harvey Awards! Using a study guide written by Peter Royston, students from the tri-state area took their cue from Sly Fox's playwright Larry Gelbart (M*A*S*H) and created their own biting satires in the form of political cartoons. "The students' drawings are amazing," says Royston,"They cover a wide range of topics, from the War in Iraq to Standardized Testing, from George Bush to Michael Jackson. In these uncertain times, it's inspiring to see young people taking the idea of satire - using humor to make change - to heart." These cartoons were on display at MoCCA during the week of June 7th, surrounded by work nominated for the 2004 Harvey. The students work was judged by a panel of cartoonists and comics professionals, including longtime editor and comic writer Jim Salicrup and Steve Guarnaccia, Op-Ed Art editor for the Op-Ed page of The New York Times. The winner attended Sly Fox on Broadway and meet star Richard Dreyfuss. The Sly Fox/MoCCA program is made possible through a grant from the League of American Theatres and Producers and the Theater Development Fund. |
|
|
Uncanny X-Hibit: Comics Legends Unite at MoCCA to Benefit Cockrum Thursday, July 1, from 7 -9 p.m.
Artist Neal Adams and author Clifford Meth will be co-hosting The Dave Cockrum Benefit Art Exhibition to benefit Dave and Paty Cockrum. Visitors will see all of the original artwork from Aardwolf Publishing’s forthcoming Uncanny Dave Cockrum Tribute. All of the artwork will then be auctioned off by Heritage Auctions at WizardWorld in Chicago. Artists participating in the exhibit, benefit book, and auction include Will Eisner, Joe Kubert, Gene Colan, Sergio Aragones, Marie Severin, Joe Quesada, Jim Lee, Kia Asamiya, Gabriele Dell'Otto, John Romita Sr., Alan Davis, Dave Gibbons, Travis Charest, Walt Simonson, John Cassaday, Dave Sim, Frank Brunner, and Michael Kaluta, among others. Legendary artist Cockrum co-created such stalwarts of the X-Men comic book series as Storm (played by Halle Berry in the X-Men films), Nightcrawler, Mystique, Colossus, and the Starjammers. His family recently suffered undue economic hardship resulting from a severe illness from which Cockrum is now recovering.
|
