Richard Thompson exhibit in Ohio this spring

An exhibit of Richard Thompson's cartoons will be at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum in late March, shown with Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes. Curator Caitlin McGurk just spent 3 days selecting art for the exhibit, and it'll be good. 

This cartoon won't be included, but begin planning your trip now anyway.

Richard Thompson 2008 interview available

The new International Journal of Comic Art has an interview I did with Richard in 2008 at the dawn of Cul de Sac. The editor tells me that single issues are available - it's $22.50 for over 800 pages of comics articles.

Contact:

John A. Lent

669 Ferne Blvd.

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

U.S.A.

Email: john.lent@gmail.com

Phone: 610-622-3938

Use the email address for Paypal requests.

New drawing hip

Amy sent this new portrait of Richards hip to us tonight. Sounds like he will be standing up on Friday.  Keep the love coming folks!

Richard's post-op state of mind

was 'funky' according to Nick. But he's apparently shaken off the anesthesia and is back to being his normal charming self. Updates to follow tomorrow, I assume.

Richard's out of surgery

Nick G has just written in to say that Richard is out of surgery and 'did great.'

Richard in surgery for his hip

Nick reports that Richard is now in surgery to replace his hip. More details as we get them.

12/3 medical update - surgery postponed again

And a medical update - Richard's surgery is postponed again for today (12/3) due to a fever he had last night. According to Nick Galifianakis he's pretty darn hungry since they've wanted him to have an empty stomach for the surgery.

Sending best wishes to Richard Thompson

As most of you know our beloved Richard Thompson broke his hip a few days ago. Instead of sending physical mail, please leave your elove right here!
Ecards can still go to his personal email but this would be better for Richard to check for the time being.

Richard Thompson interview from 2008 now in print

Richard Thompson Q&A at the 2008 Small Press Expo.

International Journal of Comic Art 15 (2; Fall): 94-116

You can find out how to order a copy at http://www.ijoca.com

Moving Day Walk in DC

Hello everyone, It is Chris Sparks! Three years ago Richard Thompson and I started Team Cul de Sac. So far we have raised over 100,000 for the Michael J Fox Foundation. A couple of years ago we even walked in the National Parkinsons Foundation walk. Would you please support my effort this year?
Donate here to support me---> http://www3.parkinson.org/site/TR/MovingDayEvent/ParkinsonFoundationoftheNationalCapitalArea?px=1051527&pg=personal&fr_id=1430

My goal is just a hundred bucks but 10 times that would be awesome! Oh I have 10 days to do it! Help please?

Our team page

http://www3.parkinson.org/site/TR/MovingDayEvent/ParkinsonFoundationoftheNationalCapitalArea?pg=team&fr_id=1430&team_id=10070

Thanks to everyone on the TCDS. Glad I am just a member on this walk and a big shout out to

Carolyn Belefski!!!!!

Richard Thompson announces Complete Cul de Sac book

Here's his blog post.

What is up with Richard Thompson? A book and art show with Bill Watterson?

So now that Richard Thompson is talking about it officially. I can chat about some stuff.
http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-whole-thing-2.html

Yeap, that is correct folks! Not only will there be this cool Complete Cul de Sac for purchase in the spring of 2014(intro by Art Spiegelman)BUT a two man art exhibit at The Ohio State University in the brand spanking new Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum will happen too! That is right folks, Richard Thompson and Bill Watterson is having a little art show for a few months together next year. So if you ever wanted to see some original Calvin and Hobbes strips and see a wonderful wide range of Richard Thompson's mad skills, this will be a once in a life time experience. A big thanks to Jenny Robb and Bill Watterson in making this show happen. We are in for a treat!

What is this nonsense about a wide range of art from Richard?
Why not just Cul de Sac art?
Very good questions! I hope Richard talks about that soon!
Drooling yet? You will be, YOU WILL BE!

Wanna See Chris accept the Bob Clampett Award? Its only 2 months late!

I was beyond thrilled to win the Bob Clampett Award for TCDS. Here I am with Bobs Daughter. This was the 25th year for the award and I can't believe we are among this group of Award Recipients. (See Below) Most of these folks are childhood heroes of mine. Oh just watch me get all teary eyed. Thanks everyone for believing in us.

So click the link below to watch my make the long walk to the stage.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2_6zHVNRYbRa0M1dDVRcnV5cjA/preview?pli=1

AWARD RECIPIENTS

2000-Present

2013: Chris Sparks and Team Cul de Sac

2012: Morrie Turner
2011: Patrick McDonnell
2010: Jeannie Schulz
2009: Denis Kitchen
2008: Paul Levitz
2007: Neil Gaiman
2006: Calvin Reid
2005: George Pérez
2004: Mimi Cruz
2003: Alex Ross
2002: Herb Trimpe
2001: Mark Evanier
2000: Peter Laird

1990s

1999: Jerry Robinson
1998: Frank Miller
1997: Joe Kubert
1996: Andrew Vachss
1995: Maggie Thompson
1994: Will Eisner
1993: Jack Kirby
1992: Archie Goodwin
1991: The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
1990: Sergio Aragonés

1980s

1989: Phil Yeh
1988: June Foray
1987: Ray Bradbury
1986: Bernie Wrightson and Jim Starlin
1985: Robert A. Heinlein
1984: Forrest J Ackerman

- See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/awards/bob-clampett-humanitarian-award#sthash.gwA9LxWD.dpuf

Matthew and Jennifer Holmes at National Book Festival

Team Cul de Sac panel at Baltimore Comic-Con

ZARVOX PRESENTS: The Team Cul De Sac – BCC13 Panel

EPISODE 244

Download! Subscribe! iTunes! Stitcher!

The Carolyn and Joe Show has been hijacked by aliens once again!
The alien warlord ZARVOX has intercepted the original show that was intended to be released this week and has used their alien technology to rewarp what they believe is a more important show to broadcast on the Carolyn and Joe Show, The Baltimore Comic Con 2013 – TEAM CUL DE SAC panel with Barbara Dale, Dawn Griffin, Carolyn Belefski, Chris Sparks and Joe Sutliff. Enjoy…humans.

Drink and Draw photos from Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Comic-Con (2013) -- Drink & Draw 2013 pictures by Bruce Guthrie.

The event was set up by Joe Sutliff. Joe, anything left of these neat art coasters?

Team Cul de Sac fundraiser at Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Comic-Con Drink & Draw 2013 BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 29, 2013 - Can't wait for September 7th to roll around for your first day at the Baltimore Comic-Con? Then good news! The Baltimore Comic-Con Drink & Draw to benefit Team Cul de Sac and the Michael J. Fox Foundation will be taking place from 6pm-8pm on September 6th, 2013 at the Pratte Street Ale House, 206 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201 - across from the Baltimore Convention Center!   Join artists, cartoonists, and fans for FREE food, great beers, original art, rare collectibles, and door prizes! Gather with artists and attendees to have a great time and benefit a great cause.   Team Cul de Sac (TCDS) is a TEAMFOX fundraising effort initiated by Chris Sparks in honor of his friend Richard Thompson, the cartoonist behind the Cul de Sac comic strip who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today.  TCDS asked cartoonists across the world to contribute artwork to a fundraising book and auction to raise additional money. Hundreds responded and sent artwork in, the result of which was Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's published by Andrews McMeel.  The book is a multiple 2013 Harvey Award nominee, and Chris Sparks received the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Eisner Awards for his efforts towards the book and the charity.   September 6th, 2013 - from 6-8 PM Interested in donating art? Need more information? Contact Joe Sutliff at joe@joesutliff.com or check our event's Facebook page for details!    In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.    Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con: press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries    About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 25 years, the last 7 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org .

Phil Nel recommends Cul de Sac

BARNABY: The Greatest Comic Strip You've Never Read
by Zack Smith, Newsarama 09 August 2013
http://www.newsarama.com/18635-barnaby-the-greatest-comic-strip-youve-never-read.html

I've read the WWII strip, and recommend it. Phil Nel, one of the
editors of the current volume, recommends Cul de Sac at the end of the
article.

Sept 6: Team Cul de Sac fundraiser Drink and Draw at Baltimore Comic Con

Joe Sutliff says,  "The Drink and Draw will be Friday, Sept. 6 from 6-8pm at the Pratt Street Alehouse, private room, cash bar and I'm looking at a food menu."

So consider attending and either bidding or drawing!

SDCC 2013 Team Cul de Sac Panel video

Racine, Tom.  2013.

SDCC 2013 Team Cul de Sac Panel

talltaleradio·62 videos

Published on Jul 25, 2013

Chris Sparks, editor of the book, "Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinsons," heads up an all-star panel of artists! Lincoln Peirce, Mark Tatulli, Lucas Turnbloom, Jenni and Matt Holm, Andrew Farago, Shaenon Garrity, and Rob Harrell talk about their pieces in the book and what the great Richard Thompson's art and writing has meant to them.

Editor Sparks wins humanitarian award for Team Cul de Sac

COMIC-CON EISNER AWARDS: Chris Sparks wins Humanitarian Award for Team Cul de Sac project to fight Parkinson's
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 20 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/comic-con-eisner-awards-chris-sparks-win-humanitarian-award-for-team-cul-de-sac-project-to-fight-parkinsons/2013/07/20/272e8f1e-f0fa-11e2-9008-61e94a7ea20d_blog.html

Harvey Awards Nominations time

 As you know I am leaving on the 17th to go to Comic-Con because Team Cul de Sac is up for an Eisner. Well, to take some pressure off of that award I received some awesome news this morning.Team Cul de Sac was nominated FOUR times for the Harvey Awards!
Please consider voting for us if you are a contributor or a professonal in the business. Also,please share and tell all of your pro friends to consider voting for us! I will be at the Harvey Awards and I hope to see many of the contributors there!


Vote HERE!!! 
A big thank you to everyone who is involved in TCDS!

SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR IN COMICS
____ Chris Sparks, TEAM CUL DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Andrews McMeel

BEST ANTHOLOGY
____ TEAM CUL DE DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Chris Sparks, Andrews McMeel

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL, or JOURNALISTIC PRESENTATION
____ TEAM CUL DE DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Andrews McMeel

SPECIAL AWARD for EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION
____ TEAM CUL DE DE SAC: CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE AT PARKINSON'S, Chris Sparks, Andrews McMeel

Richard Thompson is nominated too! He should win every year but this is the last time the strip will be up for the award!

BEST SYNDICATED STRIP or PANEL
____ CUL DE SAC, Richard Thompson, Universal Press Syndicate

You can access the ballots in electronic format here at :http://www.harveyawards.org/2013-final-ballot/

Team Cul de Sac panel and a cool freebie from GoComics!

We have some great news for everyone attending the Team Cul de Sac panel on July 20th at Comic-Con. GoComics is giving each attendee a one-year PRO membership to GoComics.com!!! So I am sure to attend now! A big thanks to Gocomics!!!! Times and all that cool info is on the last post!

TCDS Panel at Comic-Con update

Please come and see us take Comic-Con over with this amazing Panel of Cartoonists!

Saturday, July 20 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Team Cul de Sac

UPDATED: Tue, Jul 09, 05:13PM
Chris Sparks, editor and organizer of the Eisner Award-nominated Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinsons book, is joined by several contributors who will talk about the creation of this original cartoon art book done in tribute to Richard Thompson, Reuben Award winner and the creator of the comic strip Cul de Sac. The book features art from dozens of cartoonists in print and web, including the first original art published in 16 years by Bill Watterson of Calvin and Hobbes fame, and has helped raise over $105,000 towards Parkinsons research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Panelists scheduled to appear are Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), Mark Tatulli (Lio), Lucas Turnbloom (Imagine This), Andrew Farago (curator, Cartoon Art Museum), Shaenon Garrity (Skin Horse, Narbonic), Rob Harrell (Monster on the Hill), Matthew Holm (Baby Mouse), and Jenni Holm(Baby Mouse) an Eisner Award nominee. Moderated by Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio podcast).

Saturday July 20, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm 
Room 9

Comic Con Panel information

Saturday July 20th Time 4pm-5pm Room 9

Team Cul de Sac 

Come meet some of the TCDS contributors! 

Join Chris Sparks, editor and organizer of the Eisner Award Nominated Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinsons book. Joining him are several contributors who will talk about the creation of this amazing original cartoon art book that was done in tribute to Richard Thompson, Reuben Award winner and the creator of the comic strip "Cul de Sac." The book features art from dozens of cartoonists in print and web, including the first original art published in 16 years by Bill Watterson of "Calvin and Hobbes" fame, and has helped raise over $105,000 towards Parkinsons research through the Michael J Fox Foundation. Panelists scheduled to appear: Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), Mark Tatulli (Lio), Lucas Turnbloom (Imagine This), Andrew Farago, (Curator, Cartoon Art Museum), Shaenon Garrity (Skin Horse, Narbonic), Jenni Holm, (Baby Mouse) an Eisner Award nominee. Session moderated by Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio podcast). Room 9

Team Cul de Sac fundraising at HeroesCon

 HEROESCON 2013: A LOOK BACK AT DRINK AND DRAW
Seth Peagler
June 13, 2013
http://www.heroesonline.com/blog/2013/06/13/heroescon-2013-a-look-back-at-drink-and-draw/

Team Cul de Sac panel at Comic-Con

I have the official news that we will have aTeam Cul de Sac Panel at Comic-Con, Saturday, 7/20/13 Times will be announced closer to the date.

Team Cul de Sac Join Chris Sparks, editor and organizer of the Eisner Award Nominated Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's book. Joining him are several contributors who will talk about the creation of this amazing original cartoon art book that was done in tribute to Richard Thompson, Reuben Award winner and the creator of the comic strip "Cul de Sac." The book features art from dozens of cartoonists in print and web, including the first original art published in 16 years by Bill Watterson of "Calvin and Hobbes" fame, and has helped raise over $105,000 towards Parkinsons research through the Michael J Fox Foundation. Panelists scheduled to appear: Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), Mark Tatulli (Lio), Lucas Turnbloom (Imagine This), Andrew Farago, (Curator, Cartoon Art Museum), Shaenon Garrity (Skin Horse, Narbonic), Jenni Holm, (Baby Mouse) an Eisner Award nominee. Session moderated by Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio podcast).

Drink and Draw at Heroescon

So I have been friends with Shelton Drum for many years. Over the years I have seen his Heroescon grow into one of the biggest and best comic conventions in the country.

Five years ago at heroescon I met someone who has changed my life...for the better. He is Richard Thompson. From the first time we met until this very moment our friendship and admiration has grown for each other.
Richard gave us one of the best comic strips ever, Cul de Sac and I became one of his biggest fanboys. Four years ago Richard found out He had Parkinsons. He has tackled it like he does with everything else, a laugh and missing the deadline as long as he could with Parkinsons.
We might not haveCul de Sac to laugh to everyday but we do have something else to turn our attention to. That is finding a cure for Parkinsons. In 2010 Richard and i started Team Cul de Sac. We asked artists to donate art using Richards characters and we auctioned the art off and even had a nice coffee table book made. We might not have a cure yet but we have raised some make dough for the Michael J Fox Foundation.Most of the almost 110k was made last year and we hope to add to that total this year.

This is where Heroescon has stepped in. For the last two years we have had a drink and draw for a few hours on Friday night after the con. Each year we have raised around 1400 bucks for our efforts.
Well this year Heroescon wanted to step that up a drop. With the wonderful help of Heather, Seth, Rico and the main man Shelton Drum we are having a big party this year. ( more details will be added very soon about the time and place) I do know it is Friday night after the show.



Heather and Seth asked me to help them round up some folks to donate art. So I have.

First off we have:

A signed hard cover of Maus with a sketch in the book by the legend himself Art Spiegelman!

Oh but that was not enough I wanted to make a real splash so I asked our wonderful friend

Bill Watterson to sign some copies of Team Cul de Sac for us to Auction off this year. He did and then to help out that little bit more. Bill has signed some Complete Calvin and Hobbes softcovers for us.

We will be auctioning off one of the TCDS books and one of the Complete Calvin and Hobbes off at Heroescon. This is one of the rarest cartooning signatures EVER!!!!!!!

But there is more!!! Now for the art!

Ron Ferdinad sent us this Dennis the Menace!

Terri Liberson sent us an original Pajama Diaries original!

http://pajamadiaries.com/

An original Lio Sketch by Mark Tatulli

http://www.gocomics.com/lio

A Mutts original sketch by Patrick McDonnell

http://muttscomics.com/default.aspx

A Zits sketch by Jim Borgman!!!

http://zitscomics.com/

This is just a sample...

We have a sketch from Lincoln Peirce of Big Nate fame!

A Sketch from Dan Piraro!

A sketch from Brian Bassett of Red and Rover fame!

A sketch from Bill Holbrock of Kevin and Kell fame!

Young Childrens book legend Mo Willems gave us a Pigeon sketch!

John Hambrock gave us a cool the brilliant mind of edison lee sketch!

Plus we have all of the amazing art up for grabs at the Drink and Draw!!!

More to come!

yeah and you can donate using this link below!

http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/TeamFox/TeamFox?team_id=3700&pg=team&fr_id=1300

A big thanks to everyone at Heroescon helping us out!
Chris

Bill Watterson signing a few books for TCDS

Hi everyone, Chris Sparks here with some cool news!
Bill Watterson will be signing 5 Team Cul de Sac books and 5 Complete Calvin and Hobbes softcovers for Team Cul de Sac to sell to help raise money for the Michael J Fox Foundation. 
One of each will be sold/auctioned at Heroescon this year.
More news with details soon.

Thank you to Bill Watterson in helping us out!

T/Y to Shelton Drum,Seth Peagler,Heather Mobley Peagler,Rico Renzi and everybody at http://www.heroesonline.com/ for their support.

We will also have a copy of each book at Baltimore Comic-Con to sell. 
Thank you Mark Nathan and Bradford Tree for all of their support at the Baltimorecon.

Team Cul de Sac nominated for an Eisner award!!!!!!!!!!

Hi its Chris again!
Wow! What an Honor to be nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Comics-Related Book:
Team Cul De Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s, edited by Chris Sparks (Andrews McMeel)! 

Congrats to all of the contributors from Team Cul de Sac and a big shout out to Richard Thompson. We love ya! http://www.comic-con.org/awards/will-eisner-comic-industry-award-nominees-2013

Between all of the Fundraising(donations,art auction of the book art, books, drink and draw at Heroescon,signed books by Richard Thompson and Bill Watterson, T-shirts, prints, matching donations etc...
We have raised over $110,000

I want to say more but I am speechless! Besides Stay tuned for more ways to give and maybe get a cool piece of art. 

If you contributing artist or a professonal cartoonist, please consider voting for us for the Eisner Award and Harvey Nominations.

Here is what Richard Thompson had to say about all of this!

http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2013/04/eisner-awards.html

photo:
Jennifer Elliott(my wife) Michael J Fox and Chris

Awards time of the year. Go VOTE for TCDS

Just a reminder to all of the contributors, professionals and fans. I have sent TCDS off to the Eisner awards for nomination consideration. We should know about if we were nominated in about a month. Also, if you are a contributor or a professional who loved our book vote for us to be nominated for the Harvey awards. Information on that follows:

Remember folks, if you contributed to Team cul de sac then please nominated your book for the Harvey awards. Please vote for us! If we get nominated then lets get the word out to vote for us in the finals! I have no shame do I?
I just Nominated Team Cul de Sac for:

Best Anthology: Team Cul de Sac/Andrews McMeel

Special Award for Humor in Comics Chris Sparks/Team Cul de Sac

Special Award for Excellence In Presentation:Team Cul de Sac/Andrews McMeel
and 

Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Presentation :Team Cul de Sac/Andrews McMeel
(for Michael Cavnas Story on Richard Thompson)

http://www.harveyawards.org/2013-nomination-ballot/?utm_source=Pro2+2013+Harvey+Nom+Ballot&utm_campaign=Harvey+2013+Nom+Pro&utm_medium=email

TCDS discussed in year-end podcast

2012 Year-End Roundtable with Joe McCulloch, Bill Kartalopoulos and Tom Spurgeon.

By Robin McConnell

Inkstuds February 12, 2013

http://www.inkstuds.org/2012-year-end-roundtable-with-joe-mcculloch-bill-kartalopoulos-and-tom-spurgeon/

http://www.inkstuds.org/wp-content/podcast/130211_2012_Year-End_Roundtable.mp3

The discussion begins about Team Cul de Sac begins at 1 hour 31 minutes, and Spurgeon picks one illustration by Chris Schweizer to focus on. He also focuses on the possibility of self-promotion (ie being in a book with Richard Thompson), but when we were putting it together, it was more of a jam (albeit one-sided).

TCDS contributor Dave McDonald profiled

Cartoonist helps kids learn history by creating comics [Dave McDonald].
 By Rob Novit
Aiken Standard February 17, 2013
http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20130216/AIK0101/130219630/1031/cartoonist-helps-kids-learn-history-by-creating-comics