CHRIS WARE: ONLINE EPHEMERALIST
This may not be up to the minute news, but it sure is exciting. Contrary to Egon's very conception of reality, it appears that Chris Ware has established an internet web site. The dot-com-less online presence exists as a resource for readers of Ware's other major periodical project, "The Rag Time Ephemeralist," a lavish self-published magazine "Devoted to the Preservation and Dissemination of Articles and Items Relating to Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century Popular Music." The latest issue of the Ephemeralist, which became available on June 10, is a 256 page, squarebound behemoth, available via mail order for $26 US. According to the issue's solicitation copy, "cartooning and musical family Deitch surrender two of their members --­ cartoonist Kim and writer Seth ­-- for a first-time exciting fiction that's sure to amaze and astound, involving Edison cylinders, trombonists, and Scott Joplin." The website also contains ordering information for "James Scott: The Complete Works, 1903-1922," a two CD set designed by Ware and issued by Basta Records. The first two issues of the Ephemeralist remain out of print and unavailable.
INFO: The Rag Time Ephemeralist
posted by Egon on Friday, August 02, 2002

"JURIS-PRUDISHNESS"
Wired Magazine has run a good general article about the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. In addition to the Stu "King VelVeeda" Helm case, the article spotlights the Fund's recent efforts to defend a Dallas retailer arrested for selling pornographic manga to an adult undercover officer. Jesus Castillo, 26, was convicted on obscenity charges; the Fund is currently planning his appeal.
INFO: Wired.com
LINK: CBLDF.org
posted by Egon on Friday, August 02, 2002

ALL NEW PULPY TRACTOR PULL
PAPER RODEO #12 is out now. Available for free at select stores, copies can also be had by mailing $1 for postage to:
paperrodeo
p.o.box 321
providence, RI 02901
LINK: Paperrad.org
LINK: Fort Thunder.org
posted by Egon on Friday, August 02, 2002

UNDERSTANDING PHONEBOOTHS
Scott McCloud has recently updated his website with news of current projects and whereabouts. According to the site, McCloud is developing on online graphic novella caled "The Right Number" and is "writing and laying-out a Superman graphic novel."
INFO: Scott McCloud.com
posted by Egon on Friday, August 02, 2002

REVISIONIST HISTORIETAS
Democracy's success story in Mexico turns an exciting new leaf as President Vincente Fox makes use of a high-gloss Image-style comic book to trumpet his administration's successes, according to the New York Times.
INFO: New York Times.com
posted by Egon on Wednesday, July 31, 2002

PET PROJECT CAPPED
Efforts to erect a statue of Andy Capp in late creator Reg Smythe's hometown of Hartlepool have been hampered by local elements who reject the character as a negative stereotype of the north English working class man. "Some people have been extremely encouraging but others say we should not be associating Hartlepool with a male chauvinistic character like Andy Capp, who beats his wife," said Councillor Kevin Kelley, the project's champion.
INFO: BBC.co.uk
posted by Egon on Wednesday, July 31, 2002