Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #19

Since it's #NationalComicBookDay we thought it would be a good day to announce Magic Bullet, a large format comics anthology newspaper based out of the Washington, DC area, published our latest Black Magic Tales story in issue #19, written by Joe Carabeo and illustrated by Carolyn Belefski.

Our story "Saturday Night" introduces us to "The Baseball Bats," a high school girl gang, and continues the adventures of world famous criminals Roxy Monroe and Dean Casanova (plus their cat, Black Magic).

Be on the lookout for your free copy! Common places to find this publication include comic book stores, tattoo parlors, record shops, and hip restaurants.

Did you know? Curls Studio has been printed in every edition of Magic Bullet (#1-19 so far).

Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #18

Magic Bullet, a large format comics anthology newspaper based out of the Washington, DC area, has published our latest Black Magic Tales story in issue #18, written by Joe Carabeo and illustrated by Carolyn Belefski.

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A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Apr 16, 2019 at 1:50pm PDT

In Magic Bullet #18, which was just released, we follow the desires of "Big Shot" as he attempts to hunt down the treasured The Jade Dragon sculpture. We are also introduced to "The Twins" and other villains and thieves from our universe. The print run for this issue was 3,000.

Be on the lookout for your free copy! Common places to find this publication include comic book stores, tattoo parlors, record shops, and hip restaurants.

Did you know? Curls Studio has been printed in every edition of Magic Bullet (#1-18 so far).

Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #17

A few months ago Magic Bullet, a large format comics anthology newspaper based out of the Washington, DC area, published our latest Black Magic Tales story in issue #17. Many people were able to pick up this edition at Small Press Expo earlier this year. 

Our story "Help Roxy Plan A Heist" captures the adventures world famous criminals Roxy Monroe and Dean Casanova (and their cat, Black Magic). We took a different approach to the comic this time around and made a maze puzzle with many traps such as “Drowning In Self Doubt” and “Lost Sight and Focus” as the readers travel through Roxy’s brain. Once the puzzle is solved, readers are encouraged to email a photo of the completed page to us to receive a small prize reward. 

Did you know? Curls Studio has been printed in every edition of Magic Bullet (#1-17 so far).

Cartoonists Draw Blood is expanding to NYC in 2018

I've been working behind-the-scenes throughout the year trying to connect National Cartoonists Society chapter chairs with the correct American Red Cross representative connection in their region to expand “Cartoonists Draw Blood” events beyond Washington, DC. We are excited to announce the Manhattan chapter of NCS will be joining in this October 25! Not gonna lie, it's been hard to get the right people to help hook everything together, but this is a great start to make this program grow. I've heard interest from other chapters, so hopefully by this time next year I'd like to add a few more cities to the list and get the blood pumping.

Big thanks to American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, and all the volunteer cartoonists who will be donating their time and talents to the blood drive -- as well as encouraging blood donation.

Here are the two “Cartoonists Draw Blood” drives we have this year. I'll be representing at the DC event tomorrow morning.

WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, October 20, 2018
9AM - 1PM
Palisades Community Church
5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016

Schedule your appointment in advance with this link (walk-ins are also welcome):
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=Palisades

MANHATTAN
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Noon - 5PM
The King's College, Student Union
56 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Here is the National Cartoonists Society website announcement about the events: http://www.reuben.org/2018/10/cartoonists-draw-blood-events-in-dc-nyc

Cartoonists Draw Blood is this Saturday, October 20, 2018

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 6th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (same location as last year).

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 9AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=Palisades&fbclid=IwAR2S_VRfkPXaW4uwX-zcZ8dOFQm-EJrQ31p5wMMV96sNaafOFm3MllhHJFk

On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done five previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of several hundred people. 

This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Eric Gordon, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our second comics anthology, "Monsters" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have been donated to American Red Cross after printing costs). 

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2179785222302469

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards Nominations

Excited to see two projects I worked on nominated for Best Anthology in the 2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards -- Mine! (ComicMix) and Magic Bullet. Voting on the final ballot is restricted to comic book industry creative community. We find out the winners at Baltimore Comic-Con. Curls Studio will be exhibiting at Baltimore Comic-Con and we hope to see you this September 28-30, 2018.

Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #15 and #16

Catching up on a bit of old news -- hopefully it may be actual news to someone reading this blog! Magic Bullet, a comics anthology newspaper based out of the Washington, DC area has published our Black Magic Tales stories. Magic Bullet #15 came out in the fall of 2017. Our story "Vacation" captures the adventures world famous criminals Roxy Monroe and Dean Casanova (and their cat, Black Magic).

The printed newspaper page of Curls Studio's latest Black Magic Tales story -- look for it in Magic Bullet #16. Our story #Award Season" was written by @astrayj, illustrated by @carolynbelefski, inspired by the #MeToo movement and Harvey Weinstein allegations. #magicbullet #blackmagictales #comics #metoo #roxymonroe #deancasanova

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Apr 10, 2018 at 12:33pm PDT

The latest issue of Magic Bullet #16 premiered in February 2018. Our story "Award Season" was inspired by the #MeToo movement and Harvey Weinstein allegations. Both stories were written by Joe Carabeo and illustrated by Carolyn Belefski. Be on the lookout for your free copy! Common places to find this publication include comic book stores, tattoo parlors, record shops, and hip restaurants.

Did you know? Black Magic Tales has been published in every addition of Magic Bullet. The publication started with a print run of 500 in August of 2010. The print run for issue #16 was 4,000.

Cartoonists Draw Blood is this Saturday, October 21, 2017

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 5th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 8AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (new location this year).

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 8AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org -- search keyword “PALISADES” 

On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done four previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 250 people. 

This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Joe Carabeo, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our first comics anthology, "Trick or Treat" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have already been donated to American Red Cross). 

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1551371271590710/

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #13 and #14

A bit of catching up to do in the blog as it seems I've neglected to mention that a Black Magic Tales story called "Suggestion Box" was published in Magic Bullet #13 back in August of last year. The issue was released in preparation for the Small Press Expo and distributed all around the Washington, DC region.

The latest issue of Magic Bullet #14 premiered in time for the Trump Inauguration and Women's March this past weekend. Our story "We Did It!" captures the adventures world famous criminals Roxy Monroe and Dean Casanova. Both stories were written by Joe Carabeo and illustrated by Carolyn Belefski. Be on the lookout for your free copy!

Black Magic Tales returns! New story "We Did It!" (written by @astrayj with art by @carolynbelefski) is printed in Magic Bullet #14 comics anthology -- look for this free publication around the DC, VA, MD areas. #magicbullet #blackmagictales #comics #art #anthology #newspaper #publication #curlsstudio #dc

A photo posted by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Jan 25, 2017 at 6:27pm PST

Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #12

The latest issue of Washington, DC's Magic Bullet comics newspaper hit the streets a few weeks ago. Look for your free copy at many bookstores, restaurants, shops, and other establishments in and around the Washington, DC area.

In this issue, Joe Carabeo and I tell the tale of world famous criminals Roxy Monroe and Dean Casanova, along with reporter Sallie Ginger, in "Black Magic Tales: Breaking News." 

Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #11

The latest issue of Washington, DC's Magic Bullet comics newspaper hit the streets earlier this year. Look for your free copy at many bookstores, restaurants, shops, and other establishments in and around the Washington, DC area.

In this issue, Joe Carabeo and I tell the tale of world famous criminals Roxy Monroe and Dean Casanova in "Black Magic Tales: Cashing Out." 

Curls Kickstarter Update — Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Hi everyone, 

Hope you are having a great St. Patrick's Day and are enjoying this green image of Turtle Neck. We are gaining momentum online, but still need the actual pledges to raise $1,325 within the next week (ending March 25 at 8:20 PM) to make this project happen. Thanks to all of you who have supported me monetarily -- you are good luck.

I've been making the rounds on many podcasts and doing interviews. Take a listen Liz Reed's podcast People I Think Are Cool and read this interview getting a lot of action from PREVIEWS for Women in Comics Month. Yes, the news is out! I am a woman. It's shocking.

If you're looking for even more entertainment, listen to Curls Studio plugging the Kickstarter project on The Dollar Bin podcast. You can also meet hosts Adam and Shawn this weekend at SC Comicon and look at their new Comic Stars anthology. Tell them I said hi!

Hashtag Comics named the Curls Kickstarter as their "Kickstarter of the Week" and the Comics and Coffee podcast (00:35:37) included Curls in their first-ever top Comic-Book Kickstarter Picks!

Two new pledge levels have recently been added. One includes the exclusive cover I illustrated for Cartoon Network's Adventure Time comic book and the other is an opportunity for you to have a walk-on role in the Curls comic strip (you keep the original art and more). Check them out if you are interested!

Send your friends a direct link -- http://kck.st/1EprkMX -- or use the "Share this project" button under the video to connect with your pals on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Embed Video or Widget on your website or blog. All the backers of this project are my inspiration to push forward in our last week of the campaign.

 XOXO,
 
 
Carolyn

PREVIEWS Women In Comics Month: Interview with Carolyn Belefski

In honor of Women in Comics this March, PREVIEWSworld interviewed me. Have a small taste of the interview below, then read the full article here: 
http://www.previewsworld.com/Home/1/1/71/1264?articleID=160953

PREVIEWSworld: Tell us a little bit about yourself! What are you currently working on?



Carolyn Belefski: I'm a cartoonist and designer based out of the Washington, DC area. I have just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a print run of all the "Curls" comic strips I've ever done collected into one book. I'm working on comic anthologies—I have a story in RISE #2 (MAR151438) from Northwest Press—and other activities with Curls Studio. I also produce a blood drive with the American Red Cross called "Cartoonists Draw Blood" and we'll be having a drive later this year on Halloween day. It's the perfect mix of blood and comics! Check out my portfolio online at www.CarolynBelefski.com to keep up with the latest news and view my creations.



PREVIEWSworld: How long have you been working with sequential art? What titles, companies, and creators have you worked with over your time in comics?



Carolyn Belefski: I've been creating comics professionally for about 6 years, but I knew I wanted to be involved with the arts from a young age. I write and draw the comic strip, Curls. I also work with writer Joe Carabeo on the comic books Kid Roxy, Black Magic Tales, and The Legettes. Outside of self-publishing, I do freelance work and have completed projects with Clorox, Gannett, National Geographic, and more. Jimmy Palmiotti asked me to draw a pin-up for his book, Queen Crab (DEC110483), published by Image Comics. I also did a cover for Cartoon Network's Adventure Time book, published by BOOM! Studios. Recently, I was asked by The White House to do a series of comics for HealthCare.gov. I'm really excited to have had the opportunity to work with these people to create great experiences.

Black Magic Tales published in Magic Bullet #10

The latest issue of Washington, DC's Magic Bullet comics newspaper has hit the streets. Look for your free copy at many bookstores, restaurants, shops, and other establishments in and around the Washington, DC area.

In this issue, Joe Carabeo and I tell the tale of two teenagers inspired by world famous criminals Roxy Monroe and Dean Casanova to form a band. At the end of the story there is a QR code you can scan using a QR code reader app. By scanning the code, it will lead you to the song the characters in our comic perform at the end of the story. 

If you can't wait to listen to the song, here is Mickie & Mallory performing "I'm Done." I should also mention I designed the Mickie & Mallory logo earlier this year! Mickie & Mallory were formed in late 2014 and have performed around northern Virginia and New York City. I hope you can catch one of their live shows soon!

RISE: Comics Against Bullying Kickstarter

There is a Kickstarter anthology project that I am a part of called RISE: Comics Against Bullying, which ends in 5 days. As of this writing, the project is funded a bit over 75%. 

This comics series dealing with bullying is geared to be distributed free by organizations such as GLAAD, Stand for the Silent, and Prism Comics.

The story I am illustrating is written by Amber Love. It’s about the consequences of teens who feel they are mature enough to take nude selfies and the damage it does to one girl and her loved ones.

There are several other artists and writers to check out as well who are working on this project with their own stories.

To find out more, please read Amber's blog post about the project and pledge towards the Kickstarter to make it become a reality.

 

Harvey Award Nominations 2013

Two books my work is published in were announced earlier today as nominees for Harvey Awards in the same category (Best Anthology). I have work in Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's and District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC.

Team Cul de Sac is also nominated in the categories of Special Award for Humor in Comics, Special Award for Excellence in Presentation, and Best Biographical, Historical, or Journalistic Presentation. Way to go, Team!

The Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art and will be presented at this year's Baltimore Comic-Con on September 7, 2013. Curls Studio will also be exhibiting at the show in Artist Alley.

View all the nominees here: http://www.harveyawards.org/2013-final-ballot/

If you'd like to be a part of the Team Cul de Sac Moving Day Walk on November 10, 2013 in Washington, DC, you can sign up here: http://www3.parkinson.org/site/TR/MovingDayEvent/ParkinsonFoundationoftheNationalCapitalArea?team_id=10070&pg=team&fr_id=1430

Anthology Books of 2012

Team Cul de Sac: Cartoonists Draw the Line at Parkinson's and District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC were two anthologies I was glad to be a part of this year. I've already started to reminisce about 2012, even though we still have a little over one month left. The great thing about both of these projects is that they are a team effort.

Team Cul de Sac, lead by Chris Sparks, is a cartoon community dedicated to honoring Richard Thompson's comic strip, Cul de Sac. Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease which led to him retire the strip this year. You can follow his blog with current updates on his brain stimulation surgery here. Being a part of this project, I was able to attend two book signing events, one of which was at One More Page in Arlington, VA and the other at Politics and Prose in DC. I was also able to take part in the panel at Baltimore Comic-Con. All the original art was auctioned off and so far the project has raised $100,951.42 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Here is a photo of the Obama family visiting the site of the first Team Cul de Sac book signing, One More Page. The Team Cul de Sac book is on the counter display. The Team Cul de Sac book was also recently included in Tom Spurgeon's The Comics Reporter 2012 Holiday Shopping Guide.

Here are some of my event recaps and other links related to Team Cul de Sac: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/search/label/Team%20Cul%20de%20Sac

If you are interested in purchasing Team Cul de Sac you can order directly from this link. We all wish Richard luck and look forward to any future creative projects he'll be a part of.


District Comics is another project I was able to contribute to this year. District Comics contains many stories about Washington, DC that you would not normally read about in a traditional history book. Matt Dembicki is the editor and he really got a great group of mostly local creators to structure something that had never been done before. We were able to attend book signings at One More Page in Arlington, VA and Locust Moon Comics and Movies in Philadelphia, PA.

I worked with Joe Carabeo on the 11-page "Spytini" story about Elizabeth Bentley "The Red Spy Queen" and her activities in Georgetown, primarily at the restaurant Martin's Tavern. To prepare for the book, Joe and I ate at the restaurant and did research on the visuals there and I took reference photos. I used a different art approach and a lot of people have remarked that it is a more mature style.

The Washington Post recently ranked District Comics as a Top 10 Graphic/Comics Reads of 2012. It makes for a great gift this holiday season and an honor to be recognized alongside with books like Drama by Raina Telegemeier, Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis, and Drawn Together by Aline and R. Crumb. District Comics was also recognized by winning a 2012 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA.

Here is a whole rundown of the press District Comics has stirred up this year:
Washington City Paper (cover story during the week of SPX)
Huffington Post
Comic Book Resources
Kirkus Book Reviews
Scripps Howards Foundation Wire
DCist
Panel Patter
Comic Related

Here are some previous blogs I wrote about District Comics: http://curls-studio.blogspot.com/search/label/District%20Comics

Dollar Bin Friends Assembled Volume 5: Showcase

If you'll be at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC this weekend, be on the look-out for The Dollar Bin and their 5th annual Friends Assembled anthology. This year's theme is "Showcase" and required a pin-up style contribution. Joe Carabeo delivered the scenario for this Kid Roxy art in Friends Assembled, so be sure to pick a copy up while you are there.

The Dollar Bin will also be covering many of the panels and interviewing people all over the convention hall. Another thing to check out while you're there is Team Cul de Sac and Chris Sparks representing at Heroes Con. Many other great people such as Bryan JL Glass, Thom Zahler, and Rafer Roberts will be at the event as well. If you'll be exhibiting at Heroes Con this weekend, feel free to add your name and booth info in the comments!

I hope everyone has a good time. Even though Curls Studio isn't physically present, we are glad to be included in The Dollar Bin's Friends Assembled anthology.

If you are interested in reading Kid Roxy or any of our other books, visit our online store to purchase: http://www.etsy.com/shop/cartooncarolyn

Curls Studio Holiday Giveaway Contest

Ho! Ho! Ho! In honor of the holiday season and to celebrate our story, Black Magic Tales: How Roxy and Dean Stole Christmas, Curls Studio is giving away one copy of Indie Comics Magazine #4 to two lucky winners. Two people will win!

HOW TO ENTER (Do All Three Steps to Enter, Please)
1.) Like Curls Studio on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Curls-Studio/50763422380)
2.) Follow me on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/carolynbelefski)
3.) Tweet the following message: "Win a Indie Comics Magazine Christmas comic book featuring Black Magic Tales from Curls Studio http://www.curls-studio.com/curls #christmascrime"

Contest starts now (Monday, December 12, 2011 at 10PM EST) and ends Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10 AM EST. Winners will be announced on Saturday, December 17, 2011.


Ask your local comic shop to order Indie Comics Magazine #4. Good Luck and Happy Holidays from Curls Studio!

Black Magic Tales in Indie Comics Magazine #4

Curls Studio is in a jolly mood to announce we will be in Indie Comics Magazine #4 with our story, Black Magic Tales: How Roxy and Dean Stole Christmas. The image above is a tease of the first page of our new Black Magic Tales story. For our previous BMT stories, please check the write-ups and previews here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/cartooncarolyn?section_id=5309960


Be sure to ask your comic store to order this special Christmas Issue! Here is some more info on Indie Comics Magazine #4:

Knights, college freshmen, comic book geeks, an undying engine of destruction, the world's most famous criminals, jazz singers, killer clowns and more will shock, uplift and entertain in Indie Comics Magazine #4, a special holiday issue, scheduled for preorder in Diamond Comic Distributors' October 2011 Previews catalog and available ONLY through Previews, announced Publisher Gary Scott Beatty.

Starring in this issue are some indie comic heavyweights. Ignatz Award winner Rich Koslowski produced a holiday story with his fan-famous characters, The 3 Geeks. Nationally syndicated Adventures of Aaron cartoonist Aaron Warner introduces A College Girl Named Joe in her freshman year. Mad magazine's Douglas Paszkiewicz makes merry with a quirky Arsenic Lullaby.

64 pages of done-in-one stories is wrapped in a beautiful, painted cover by award winning artist Douglas Klauba. "This indie yuletide issue will make great gifts for the mature readers on your list," said Beatty, "naughty or nice."


The Curls Studio team of writer Joe Carabeo and illustrator Carolyn Belefski present How Roxy and Dean Stole Christmas. Kevin LaPorte and Amanda Rachels' macabre Clown Town characters shuffle in to share the holidays. Anthony Cacioppo explores a tense meeting between Indestructible Man and Saint Nick. Gary Scott Beatty's jazz pianist tells is nephew a Christmas story. Students of the Unusual's Terry Cronin returns with a story of knights and magic.

"We continue to be lucky landing creators with a diverse range of storytelling styles," said Beatty. "This is a real cross section of indy comic book genius! With our done-in-one stories, we help readers cut through the reviews and hype to experience these creators' raw talent."

Short biographies and contact information are included with the stories so readers can easily seek out more of the creators' work, said Beatty.

Beatty explained he always loved the holiday editions of books from the early days of comics, from horror to superhero to funny animal stories. "This time of year is so busy for everyone it's a good idea to kick back and immerse yourself in some holiday magic."

Indie Comics Magazine is 64 pages of the best story and art from today's independent comic book creators. No huge overprint, no digital version, no back issue sales, October's Previews under Aazurn Publishing is the ONLY way comic readers can get Indie Comics Magazine #4, the Christmas issue! Visit Indie Comics Magazine online at Indie Comics Magazine.com.