In conjunction with the exhibition Masters of American Comics, the Hammer Museum hosts an array of public programs that feature the living artists in the exhibition, explore the influences they felt from earlier generations, and provide a contemporary context by featuring the artists and topics of the younger generation.
Public programs are FREE of charge. Gallery talks are free with Museum admission. Seating is first come, first served. Hammer members receive priority seating; please arrive early.
Comic Art Onscreen is presented by the UCLA Film & Television Archive in conjunction with the exhibition. General admission is $7; the screenings take place at the James Bridges Theater in Melnitz Hall, UCLA.
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Discussions and gallery talks
7pm
Collecting Comics
Lucy S. Caswell, Chip Kidd, Tod Seisser
Discussion on institutional and personal collections of comics and comic art with Lucy S. Caswell founding curator, Cartoon Research Library, The Ohio State University, Chip Kidd, graphic designer and collector of Batman memorablia, and Tod Seisser, collector Jack Kirby works. Moderated by Cynthia Burlingham, Hammer Museum deputy director of collections.
7pm
Masters of L.A.'s Underground Comics
Michael Dooley, Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, Carol Lay, and Robert Williams
Moderated by author and comics scholar Michael Dooley L.A.-based alternative comics creators Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Robert Williams (Zap Comix), and Carol Lay (LA Weekly's WayLAY).
2pm
Gallery Talk
Denis Kitchen
Cartoonist, writer, editor, and publisher Denis Kitchen leads a talk through the exhibition Masters of American Comics. This program is free with museum admission.
7pm
Truth, Justice and the Politics of Comics
Lalo Alcaraz, Ho Che Anderson, David Rees, Jen Sorenson
A discussion with comic artists David Rees (Get Your War On), Jen Sorenson (Slowpoke Comics), Lalo Alcaraz (La Cucaracha), and Ho Che Anderson (King) on issues depicting politics in contemporary comics.
7pm
Spirituality and Comics
B.J. Oropeza, Craig Thompson
A conversation with author of The Gospel According to Superheroes: Religion and Popular Culture, B.J. Oropeza, and comic artist and author of Blankets, Craig Thompson.
7pm
Kramer's Ergot Night
Sammy Harkham, Jordan Crane, Shary Boyle, Souther Salazar, Paper Rad, Mystical Unionists
Kramer's Ergot Night is a special evening of discussion, readings, films, and music. This event is organized with Sammy Harkham, editor of the underground comics anthology series Kramer's Ergot, and featuring contributors Jordan Crane, Shary Boyle, Souther Salazar, films from Paper Rad, and live music by Mystical Unionists (Ron Rege, Jr. and Becky Stark).
Women and Comics
Trina Robbins, Jessica Abel
Writer and feminist pop-culture historian Trina Robbins and Artbabe artist Jessica Abel discuss women’s history and the female masters of American comics.
Comic Art Onscreen
7:30pm
Silent to Early Sound Animation
presented at James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall, UCLA
A slection of rarely screened animated cartoons from the silent to early sound eras including Winsor McCay's Gertie the Dinosaur, Otto Messmer's Felix the Cat in Blunderland, and many others. Films are drawn from the collections of the Film & Television Archive, The Museum of Modern Art, Library of Congress, George Eastman House, and Columbia Repertory. Silent shorts will be projected at varying speeds, with live musical accompaniment.
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Band of Ninja
presented at James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall, UCLA
An action epic constructed through a montage of photographed illustrations, dialogue, and sound effects, the film is based on Shirato Sampei's 1959 manga about peasant revolt in feudal Japan and is the only non-live-action feature film by Japanese New Wave master Oshima Nagisa.
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Screenings
7pm
Will Eisner, The Spirit of an Artistic Pioneer
Introduced by Denis Kitchen, this documentary by Jon and Andrew Cooke follows the groundbreaking accomplishments of Will Eisner, creator of original comic series Lady Luck and The Spirit, as well as creator of the first experiment with the graphic novel.
7pm
The Fifth World: Fan Films and Fan Fiction
Comic books are supported by legions of loyal fans. This evening celebrates the rapidly expanding genre of fan fiction and customized culture. Hosted by performer and author Beth Lisick, The Fifth World features staged readings of fan stories and a screening of some of the finest fan-films from 1964 through 2005, including three early shorts by fan-film pioneer, Donald Glut.
Special giveaway prize for audince members with the best comic-inspired costume.
For more information about Masters of American Comics click here »