IDW announces Bullwinkle, Mr. Peabody and Sherman comics and more

Some refreshing news for those of us who bemoan the lack of for-kids comics titles these days.

From the press release:

IDW Publishing, along with DreamWorks Classics and Bullwinkle Studios, have teamed up to bring Jay Ward's classic characters and stories back to comics! Beginning this fall, fans will see the return of Rocky & Bullwinkle, Boris & Natasha, Snidely Whiplash, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, and Dudley Do-Right, just to name a few.

In anticipation of DreamWorks Animation's  3D comedy adventure Mr. Peabody & Sherman coming to theaters on March 7, 2014, IDW will release a comic series. ,Additionally, IDW is planning a brand-new Rocky & Bullwinkle series for early 2014 release.
 
While creative details have yet to be announced, there are also plans for reprints of the wealth of previously published comics based on Ward's colorful characters.

"Jay Ward's characters and concepts are landmarks in animation storytelling, and they remain as funny and relevant as ever," said IDW President Greg Goldstein. "The phrase 'fan-favorite' is often overused, but in this case, it's well earned and justified. We're thrilled to add these brands to our ever growing list of all-ages titles."
 

Vintage photo: Milt Caniff


Great Carmine Infantino comic book covers: Detective Comics and more










The roots of Crockett Johnson's Barnaby

The Comics Journal recollects the origins of "Barnaby," an underrated but beloved comic strip by Crockett Johnson, creator of the classic children's book "Harold and the Purple Crayon."

Fantagraphics, which publishes the Journal, is collecting the complete strip in a series of hardcovers, the first of which comes out in June.
Barnaby’s fans have included Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, Family Circus creator Bil Keane, and graphic novelists Daniel Clowes, Art Spiegelman, and Chris Ware. It had many fans beyond the world of comics, too. Dorothy Parker compared Barnaby to Huckleberry Finn, and said: “I think, and I am trying to talk calmly, that Barnaby and his friends and oppressors are the most important additions to American arts and letters in Lord knows how many years. I know that they are the most important additions to my heart.”
 

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BBC Radio this week: Professor Challenger; Bram Stoker; Goon Show; Fela Kuti, Eric Clapton!

Click the links to hear the following programs.

Professor Challenger: The Disintegration Machine Arthur Conan Doyle's indomitable academic investigates Latvian scientist Theodore Nemor.

Bram Stoker: The Squaw An arrogant American earns himself a horrific retribution. Tale from the Dracula author.

The Goon Show: Tales of Men's Shirts It's 1942 and Neddie Seagoon must stop the Germans' secret weapon. Stars Spike Milligan. 

Weird Tales: The House on Pale Avenue The Williams family can't settle in their new home - is it trying to tell them something? 

The Afrobeat Revolutionary Neneh Cherry concludes the story of musical pioneer and cultural revolutionary Fela Kuti. 

Guitar Greats Alexis Korner presents a profile of Eric Clapton. First broadcast in 1983. 

 

Great Carmine Infantino comic book covers pt 2