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!
