Curls Comic

On Sunday, June 10, 2012 a few dozen cartoonists attended a book signing at One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia to celebrate the release of Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s. The book contains original artwork from cartoonists and illustrators inspired by Richard Thompson’s comic strip Cul de Sac, including Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) and Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury). The originals were recently sold at an online auction, which raised $47,000, for Team Cul de Sac, which is part of the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The place was packed and I heard from an online post by Michael Rhode that the 75 books the store had ordered for the signing sold out! Usually at conventions, perhaps being that they are six hours per day and can last a full weekend or more, I have some lag time in between fans and customers at the table. There might be a ten minute gap before another person swings by. At this two hour book signing, I can say it’s the most consistent crowd flow of signing book, after book, after book. We all must have signed around 100 or more books each!

This event was so fun! The man himself, Richard Thompson, creator of Cul de Sac (and 2011 ‘Cartoonist of the Year’ Reuben award winner) was there along with the book’s editor, Chris Sparks. Many local creators and comic supporters came out in droves to attend the signing. It was a large gathering of talent with combined forces ready to battle Parkinson’s disease and come together to honor Richard Thompson. It was a delight to see this level of commitment and respect for Richard. Straddling a career field myself in the design and advertising industries, I can say most cartoonists are friendly people who really come together for a cause. It’s hard to imagine another group of people making such an effort to raise money in a selfless way. It genuinely felt like everyone who came to the event was there for Richard, and that’s the memory I will take with me for the rest of my life. It is an honor to be a part of this project.

The book is really beautiful and I urge you to purchase it and see all the art for yourself. It is currently $16.73 (list price $29.99) on Amazon.

If you missed this signing, there will be another one on July 11, 2012 at 7PM which will include a presentation with Chris Sparks at Politics and Prose in Washington, DC. Please RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends!

More event photos can be scene on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150940960942381.439013.50763422380&type=3

Thanks to Bruce Guthrie for taking the group photo. All other photos were taken by Joe Carabeo.

To learn more about Team Cul de Sac, visit: http://teamculdesac.blogspot.com

I hope to see you on July 11!

The original art from the Team Cul de Sac book will be auctioned off starting today thru Heritage Auctions.

Team Cul de Sac was created to honor Richard Thompson, creator of the award-winning comic strip, Cul de Sac, after his recent Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Cartoonists, artists, illustrators, and animators have donated original artwork for this auction, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s research. The auction ends June 10 at 10:00 p.m. The artwork is also collected in a book, Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson’s (Andrews McMeel Publishing), to be published June 5, 2012. A portion of the proceeds from the book will also be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Team Cul De Sac Charity Auction #510: http://comics.ha.com/common/auction/catalog.php?SaleNo=510

Purchase the book here: Sparking Design or Amazon

Bid on Carolyn Belefski “Cul de Sac Meets Curls” original art here: http://comics.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=510&lotIdNo=11053

Carolyn Belefski Cul de Sac Meets Curls Comic Strip Original Art (2011). Carolyn Belefski, creator of Curls (page 9): “For my Team Cul de Sac art, I wanted to create a story involving Richard’s characters and my Curls character. I felt like the Otterloop parents needed to go on a date because they hardly have any time for themselves, so I wanted them to get away and introduce Curls to look after Alice and Petey. Richard Thompson is a brilliant cartoonist. I admire his skills very much, and I wish Team Cul de Sac the best of luck to raise money for Parkinson’s research.” This strip has an image area of 13″ x 10″, and the art is in Excellent condition. A computer color guide print is included with this lot.

Attend the book launch on June 10 in Arlington, VA: http://www.curls-studio.com/curls/?p=1603
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/332334420171612/