Twin Cities Book Fest this SATURDAY

2dc is returning to the MN State Fairgrounds once again this weekend -- this time with Will Dinski repping / pimping / signing his latest and greatest, Ablatio Penis. Both Justin and I (Raighne) will be milling around the show floor and behind the table this time too. I'll be there when the doors open, and Justin will be there when they close, so if you like one of us more than the other, plan accordingly!

As it’s autumn out, we’ll have our fall colors surrounding AP -- expect to see Christopher Adams' 2dc debut comic Period as well as Justin's newest little inscrutable menace, RDCD Fist 1.5.

As always, the usual 2dc party favors will be on hand too, such as the on sale Little Heart (50% off!! just try and dodge that deal), the quiet beauty Startled Maggie, the wordless fable Things You Carry, the dirty Minnesotan flavors of Motherlover, Noah Van Sciver’s Ignatz nominated The Death of Elijah Lovejoy, and so on. So VISIT US already!! You won’t be disappointed, promise. 

Ignatz Nomination for 2dc!

Noah Van Sciver's The Death of Elijah Lovejoy was not only our first comic with the mighty talent, but it is also our first comic to receive a nomination for an Ignatz (for Outstanding Mini-Comic), period.  

This Lovejoy mini is a perfect adjunct to Noah Van Sciver's Fanta release, The Hypo (which you really REALLY should pre-order). And while you are in Fanta's neck, stop by TCJ to see NVS' weekly diary comics unfurl on your monitor! Beautiful stuff!

Hearing about the nomination was a nice way to start the week for sure! Congrats and thanks to Noah for offering us up this guy to 2dc. Also of note, getting the comic printed by Zak Sally at La Mano was pretty sweet and fitting as well -- soo, a BIG thanks to Zak too!!

Porn Love : Top of 2011 lists + New Comics in 2012 by Noah Van Sciver!

We just got a new shipment of Sharon Lintz' Pornhounds 2 in from the printer -- so current and recent orders, prepared to be filled! And apologies on any lag time.

In case you missed it, Pornhounds 2 got some nice accolades over at High-Low, making the list for the Top 15 Comics of 2011! Booyah! Head over to the 2DC shop and pick it up (scroll down a bit), it's brilliant stuff!

And on the TCJ site we have another comic list, again put together by Rob Clough. This one with Noah Van Sciver's The Death of Elijah Lovejoy coming in at #8 for Top 30 Mini Comics of 2011! Above is one of the super rad cover miss-prints -- you do recall that Zak Sally printed this puppy on his press? This is a killer mini, made by hand by Zak at La Mano. If you haven't picked it up yet you owe it to yourself to do so now (it's in our online shop, scroll down to the mini's)! It's a tasty adjunct to The Hypo.

Speaking of that Noah Van Sciver chap, check his blog for peek at a newspaper split we will publishing later in the year, featuring him and Nic Breutzman! It's going to be called The Mayfly & The Cow's Head. Really excited for it too!

Noah Van Sciver in the 'Best of' News!

Over at Poopsheet Foundation and Thirteen Minutes, Justin Giampaoli threw together a Best Mini-Comics and Small Press Titles of 2011 -- The Death of Elijah Lovejoy by Noah Van Sciver made the cut!   Here is a quote from list: "Van Sciver is one of the small elite cadre of creators who make me yearn to still be reviewing comics 10 years from now just so I can see what he'll do next." Nice! A bunch of other great books like The Disgusting Room by Austin English, The Wolf by Tom Neely, Too Dark To See by Julia Gfrorer, Passage by Tessa Brunton and many others were mentioned as well. It's a wonderful list -- go check it out!

Speaking of that Van Sciver feller, he was featured on TCJ Talkies a while back with MariNaomi, as interviewed by Mike Dawson. I tell yah, if ever a guy had a radio voice, it is that guy. Mike also has a new comic (Troop 142) out himself by the fine folks at Secret Acres.

Last up, Noah has a sneak peek of The Hypo up on his blog. Really excited for that book, go give it a look!

Lovejoy at Copacetic

The latest shop to get on the Noah Van Sciver // Death of Elijah Lovejoy band-wagon is the Copacetic Comics Company. While I have never made it to Copacetic myself, that shop looks to be a comics / art / literature / media mecca. So folks in Pittsburgh, why don't yah treat yourself to some gorgeous tactile media and stop on by the Copacetic Comics Company? I don't think you'll regret it. And besides, how could you not want to add a little bit of that Noah Van Sciver magic to your collection?

This image is snipped from a bunch of misprints of Noah's Lovejoy comic booklet. We plan on having a show sometime this year involving those misprints and some originals from the comic itself. For those unaware, the entire book was printed by La Mano's head-cheese, Zak Sally (they have their own press!). Anywho, I'll keep yah in the loop on that as it develops.

In 'Da News: New Distro, New Shop

Tony Shenton, who just so happens to be our main man and sales rep. has been been pushing Noah Van Sciver’s 'The Death of Elijah Lovejoy' aggressively, which is awfully kind of him. He even got on the horn, calling it “...the best handmade minicomic of 2011 so far.” BOOYAH!! We now have a publisher page listing off books available to shops through Shenton as well. What this all means of course is you ought to order away (and why not make it today?)!

A fair portion of the 2DC catalogue is making it’s way over to John P. at Spit and a Half. Spit has some excellent, obscure and amazing small press comics, zines, art books, and other miscellaneous visual paraphernalia. Do check it out and order it up! I don't think you will regret it. You’ll likely see John at just about any small press show as he tours frequently. Also, like Noah Van Sciver, his drawings have a way of multiplying, becoming several different beautiful comic books. The drawings themselves must have some king of drinking habit to include the copious amounts of workahol they consume. For example John’s regular output of touring, distro-ing, and 'King-Cat Comics' comic-ing, he also has a new book, 'The Next Day' just released by the nice folks at Pop Sand Box. It’s a beautiful book, I just bought a copy of it myself. And before I derail myself any further, it looks like John has a new book coming next year as well as a split with Noah that is forthcoming! That's all I am trying to say, he is busy and on top of a lot, go support him and us while you're at it!

So, back to tooting our own horn: the orders keep on coming for 'The Death of Elijah Lovejoy' and I say-- keep ‘em coming! Last weekends new retailer was the Escapist Comic Bookstore, based in Berkley. They have quite a bit of history for a newer shop as they acquired Comic Relief’s back stock (prior to it shuttering) and their two cats. They also added a couple copies of 'Yearbooks' by Nic Breutzman to their order. If you are in the area and curious as to what we are up to, visit the Escapist Comic Bookstore and buy our comics!!

Over at Quimby’s Bookstore in Chicago, another damn fine shop, Neil Brideau has just informed me they received their order. And thanks to Ed Choy Moorman, we’ve had a sale at that shop too. Thank you kindly gentlemen! I hope thar be more where that be coming from!

Lastly but certainly not least, it’s been confirmed but maybe not formerly announced that 'The Hypo' now has a home at Fanta! Congrats to yah yet again Noah-- the stars align for you sir and your glorious mustache!

K-I-S-S-I-N-G: Noah and 2DC get more love for their Lovejoy baby

"Noah Van Sciver's The Death of Elijah Lovejoy is his single strongest work to date..." --Rob Clough, High-Low

We love yah Noah!

"Van Sciver also uses a lot of interesting panel shapes which often help convey the chaotics circumstances of this story." --Xaviar Xerexes, ComixTalk

I've had my eye on our pal Noah Van Sciver for a little while now and when I saw his Lovejoy comic on his blog I saw this as a strong leap forward in his work. It made me wish I were a wealthy fellow instead of small press comics publisher-- so as to shower him with dough (not bread or cookie dough-- MONEY!), so as to allow him to continue the good work in style. In any case, I am immensely pleased that Noah and 2DC were able to bring this project to life with Zak Sally over at La Mano. I think it's a perfect fit if I do say so myself. AND, I am really happy about these reviews we have been having come in too! The Death of Elijah Lovejoy really is a tasty salvo for Noah's upcoming graphic novel about Abraham Lincoln, The Hypo. That book is going to rock so hard!

We recently got another order from a shop we had not had any books at previously-- the awesome shop that is Floating World Comics! I have not been there myself-- but I really really liked no, LOVE the Diamond Comics newsprint anthology that FWC puts out. It is a glorious thing!

Well, I gotta split, my wife has to update her mouth therapy blog.

New review over at 13 Minutes, new retailer added, um...

Moving drudgery concludes with half of 2DC's, uh, "crew" (?) settling in to their/our new pad. I am tired and have been staring at the screen for about an hour trying to figure out what in the heck I am doing. Anyways and elsewhere--

"The Death of Elijah Lovejoy plays like a tasty appetizer for whatever main course awaits us in the form of the pre-Civil War toiling-away-in-obscurity Abe Lincoln book called The Hypo that Van Sciver has been crafting and promising us for months."

As I was trying to get at, Justin Giampaoli, the chap that write's thoughtful, intelligent reviews over at 13 Minutes, did just that for our first book with the very talented, newly mustached Noah Van Sciver-- which is of course The Death of Elijah Lovejoy. Oh, the above blurb is taken from his review of said book. So, make with a habit and click with the links!

Twin Cities Comics, which incidentally is on the edge of MPLS and Columbia Heights, has just picked up Yearbooks (and at it's new price of 10 bones)! I am always thrilled to see that book in shops.

Speaking of shops & Mustache Van Sciver, I finally managed to get some copies of The Death of Elijah Lovejoy over to Big Brain Comics. Now please folks, if you happen to be in either 'dem woods of the neck, pick and peck them's books on up.  A Hairy Backed Hogan sends yah.

Fleeting Pages & SpringCon 2011 + notes

Last week Justin sent out some copies of Yearbooks to Fleeting Pages, a pop-up book store in Pittsburgh, PA. They ended up taking over the Borders that went out of business and will be selling independently published and small press books of all stripes in their HUGE 24,000 square foot shop until early June. They have also been getting a ton of press coverage on their venture. If you are in Pittsburgh between now and early June, stop by, pick up some gorgeous small press books and check out their workshops and film showings!!

Next on the agenda: This Saturday and Sunday is SpringCon 2011! We will be premiering Noah Van Sciver's 'The Death of Elijah Lovejoy' at the show. The show opens to the public at 10 am both days and ends at 5 pm and takes place and the MN State Fair Grounds. Below is the address for quick reference.

1265 Snelling Ave North
St. Paul MN 55108

At our table will be Nic Breutzman, Justin Skarhus, Meghan Hogan, and myself (raighne here). Noah might be at our table too, not sure if he has his own table or not... Hrm. So visit us, say hi, take a look at our new book!

2 quick notes:

1:
Help Zak get this baby out in the world!! Pre-ordering the book is only 12$!

2: in a future post, after SpringCon I will talk a bit about my curatorial picks for MIX-- sorry about the delay JP.

A double dose of dat Noah Van Sciver fella'

First, as seen from the picture, The Death of Elijah Lovejoy has been a little cursed over at the printer -- running into snags and complications due in part to the way I coloured and designed the cover and inside cover. The good news is that 10 or so copies have made it through unscathed and will be giving 2D Cloud a minor presence at TCAF today and Sunday via Zak Sally of La Mano 21. Should you find yourself in Toronto-Land this weekend, stop by the downtown library for comics goodness and be sure to checkout the beautiful books at La Mano 21 and Uncivilized Books! And while we're dispensing recommendations, stop by Sparkplug Comic Books and i will destroy you!

Ok, I lied about the Noah double dip, it is a Quad Powered trip into the Van Sciver world: A week or so ago our pal, Noah Van Sciver, had the latest issue of Blammo reviewed over at The Comics Journal. It was maybe a sterner review, but still a positive one. Shortly thereafter he was interviewed over at Ink Panthers. They talk about getting harsher reviews, make it or break it deals with their female counter parts, etc. It's interesting and funny stuff -- go give it a listen. If you want to take a peek at one of the stories included in Blammo # 7 (and trust me, you do), head on over to Top Shelf 2.0 for 'Who Are You, Jesus?'

And speaking of this Noah Van Sciver fella', The Death of Elijah Lovejoy is getting closer and closer to  finally being realized in print and will be premiering proper at SpringCon 2011 in exactly 2 weeks!! Noah will be on hand for the show, so stop on by then and chat him up. We will have more news on SpringCon soon.

Extra, Extra: Spring Cleaning Addition

So, some news: we at 2DC have been doing some spring cleaning on this old blog, perhaps you have noticed it looks a bit less-- fugly? Well, I do hope so, dear reader. I have been distracted working on it, instead of colouring comix, which puts me at 3 weeks behind schedule. I will, however, have time to catch up soon as I'll be shaving a day off my schedule by months end.

Our pal, Noah Van Sciver was recently interviewed on Indie Spinner Rack, pimping his new works: Blammo 7; The Hypo; and the first book we are doing with him, The Death of Elijah Lovejoy! WOO-YAH! Sorry, excited there. We have some big plans for that little book. More news on that front soon.

The Chicago Zine Fest was Justin and I's first out of town solo show without the ladies in tow. You know, for a minute there, I thought we'd probably get a little too blissed out in our adventuring. Not so much though, nearing and hitting 30 does that I suppose. Megabussing in also took some of that wind out of our sails. Enough wind that after Neil Brideau directed us to his fun-house, Ed Moorman gave us a ring and asked me when I/we started drinkng-- haha! No drinking, just dehydration, hunger, and my own sense of goofy-odd behavior.

CZF, which was a blast and is now about 2 weeks in the past. While we did not have a final finished version of The Death of Elijah Lovejoy available at the show, we did have some last minute ashcan's dropped off by none other than Zak Sally the very day prior to our departure! I was super thrilled to have them there-- I am seriously indebted to Zak for pushing to get us those ashcans for the show. Ed did a huge favor by us with lending us usage of his awesome stapler-- a life saver fer sure, as those books needed binding bad (Michael Jackson Bad).

Another huge thank you to Neil for helping to make CZF the awesome show it is AND for letting us crash at his pad! And before I forget-- thanks to everyone who made it out there and stopped at our table to chat us up and/or purchase something!! We love yah!

In other beleaguered and belabored news, a spell back I, Raighne here, was announced to be one of the curators for MIX. I am in some pretty cool company, the curators are as follows:

Rob Stenzinger
Michael May
Ursula Murray Husted
Brittney Sabo
Jason Loeffler
Barbara Schulz
Michael Drivas
Raighne Hogan
Tom Kaczynski
Zak Sally

Purty neat. Well, thanks for lending me your earballs and eyeholes. More pots and pans banging concerning our 2011 plots and plans soon! Also, apologies for any bad grammar or spelling issues. J-Stud, our co-pub, moved to NE recently and has been needing to get his place in order-- Justin normally makes me sound/look better in all regards, including editing my posts before they go live. Regards!

Lovejoy Proof

High draw-ma in Noah Van Sciver's The Death of Elijah Lovejoy. The above pic is a rough proof to catch any tom-foolery like mirror-flipped pages in the guts prior to dropping it off at La Mano. The book should be seeing print the end of March or early April. Keep your fingers cross-eyed for a debut at the Chicago Zine Fest on the 25th of next month.

Oh, those requiring regular nourishment of info on Noah Van Sciver may wish to check out the NVS interview saga over at Itchy Keen. It's a 1 2 3 parter, partner. Gettyup on all that already.

Noah Van Sciver on Itchy Keen + new book pre-order ready

Well it's late into the night or early into the morning and I've just finished re-organizing the Itchy Keen blogsite.  There's more work to be done, but, I gotta a whole lot of other things to take care of, know what I mean?  Anywho, as the title suggests, I have also put up the first part of that Noah Van Sciver interview I've been working on.  Parts 2 & 3 come next week.

Oh, the weird illustration.  I hate prep work.  Sometimes it works to my favor, sometimes not.  These are some attempted doodle's for the interview.  It's supposed to be Noah.  Not sure that it looks like him.  I think the final one included in the interview does all right though.  They were fun to do in any case.

Here I am quoting myself, from an email to Noah 2 months back:

"Last year and early this year I re-read a bunch of the single issues of Yummy Fur, and seeing/reading Blammo definitely put me in mind of Yummy Fur. What you are doing Noah is some of my favorite comic work right now. Your push of the traditionally sized comic single and the regular out put and how quickly you are growing-- if I could I afford it I would do my damnedest to steal you and your Blammo series."

Although I cannot (yet!) steal Noah, we will be doing a number of books with him in the coming years. The first one out the gate drops late next month. The Death of Elijah Lovejoy is now available for pre-order!

Noah on Inkstuds and BLAMMO #7 pre-order ready!

Yeah this was a couple weeks ago...  That is, that Noah and a few other cartoonists discussing Best of 2010 comics on the comix radio show, INKSTUDS.  Follow the link.  Noah named Nic's You Can't Be Here as one of his favorite reads of 2010!  Thanks Noah for the shout out!  Anyone interested in picking up that newspaper comic best act on it soon, there's only like 30 of 'em left!

Imma slow moving, tree dwelling sloth lately.  But, yeah.  Here is my current stab at colouring the cover of Noah's Lovejoy book.  Yeah?

Update: I forgot to mention, BLAMMO #7 is currently available for pre-order. Do yourself a favor and pick up that book from Kilgore! It's got a beautiful colour cover!

Happy New Year Folks!

So, it's 2001, er 2011.  Happy New Year folks!  We have some big plans for 2011.  For the past 2 years we have only put one or two books out all year.  This year, we are upping that to at least 4-5 titles at minimum.  We've budgeted for considerably more, but we have to wait on the artists to finish or for some (myself included) to start their respective books with the gusto required to get them done on schedule.  In a future post I will go over some of the titles and the artists involved.  It's going to be a full year!

The first book out of the gate for 2D Cloud will be Noah Van Sciver's The Death of Elijah Lovejoy.  To the left is a very rough colour test-- I'll be doing a number of these and having Zak Sally take a look at seeing which ones would be easiest to run off his press.

I'm very excited to be working with Noah, who recently had a fling with the press via the Most Memorable Comics and Graphic Novels of 2010 on NPR.  He is also going to be on Inkstuds in the very near future and he has a comic in an upcoming issue of MOME!  Congrats Noah!

I am also very excited to be using Zak Sally's press for The Death of Elijah Lovejoy, it's a perfect fit.  In the next month or so we will have a more in-depth interview with Noah over at Itchy Keen.  And at some point here we will get that video interview we did between Zak Sally and Dylan Williams up.

Speaking of interviews on Itchy Keen, we have a new one up with Jordan Shiveley, head cat over at fellow minneapolis based small press publisher, Grimalkin.  They have title out by Noah Van Sciver at their shop.