Musings

New Interview / Patrick to Sign at jaZams in Princeton 11/28

2009-11-20T10:52:00.005-05:00

Looking for something fun to do Thanksgiving weekend? Come visit Patrick in a local appearance here in New Jersey. Patrick will sign copies of Wag! and Guardians of Being at jaZams, 25 E. Palmer Square, Princeton, Saturday, November 28, 3-5 p.m. It's free! For more information, call 609-924-8697.

And don't miss "The Power of 'Wag!'", the great interview posted at CentralJersey.com. You'll want to read to the very end for exciting MUTTS news!

Monsters, Inc Director and MUTTS Cartoonist @ Schulz Museum

2009-11-09T18:42:00.003-05:00

Sonomaonthecheap.com has just reported that Patrick and Pixar's Pete Docter (who directed Monster's Inc. and UP) will have a panel discussion (along with author Glen David Gold) at the Schulz Museum this Saturday at 3:00pm. The talk will be centered on creativity and creating characters. The three will be on-hand afterward to sign books.

We are expecting that this event will be completely sold out, so be sure to get there early!

The Schulz Museum is in Santa Rosa, CA.

From O the Oprah Magazine: A review to make us wriggle with joy!

2009-10-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

We at Muttscomics just love Oprah, and we're thrilled that the November issue of O, the O prah Magazine has given Guardians of Being a full -page rave review! Cathleen Medwick writes:

(Eckhart's) serene text tells you how to relish each moment,and McDonnell responds with droll, delicately rendered drawings.... A book to make you wriggle with joy.

Pick up the November issue of O which is on newstands now. Oprah is, of course, on the cover. The entire review is also available at oprah.com.

Interview With the Mutts comic guy, Eckhart Tolle's co-creator of 'Guardians'

2009-10-10T10:49:00.000-04:00

Patrick was recently interviewed by David Crumm for Read the Spirit. The two discussed life, art, and the new book, Guardians of Being. We're confident that you'll enjoy reading the complete interview.

In it, David says:
I know this: "Guardians of Being" is going to be a hit. I've been toting a review copy around with me and I've seen people respond eagerly to this lovely book. Why? Because Patrick McDonnell selected very brief excerpts from Tolle's work and then illustrated them with colorful comics—and the result is magical.

Thanks David, your work is legendary, and we love the interview!

New: Special Edition of "The Gift of Nothing!"

2009-10-09T07:59:00.003-04:00

What do you get the friend who has everything? How about nothing?

A new special edition of The Gift of Nothing is now available. It includes an elegant paper slipcase designed to look like gift wrap. The book itself has an elegant, simple cover with just the words "the Gift of Nothing" and "Patrick McDonnell" on it, along with the drawing of a little wrapped box. We think it's perfect for everyone on your holiday list!

Reports the Washington Post: "A mellow paean to anti-materialism that should ideally be handed out now, before holiday gift mania really kicks in. Spare drawings done in black, white and a seasonal touch of red reinforce the Zen-inspired idea that less is more."

Beliefnet: Tolle and McDonnell Celebrate Pets

2009-10-06T21:09:00.010-04:00

BeliefNet.com has posted a wonderful piece which goes into depth on Guardians of Being and includes excerpts from the book.

In addition, we are happy to report that Sherry Huang interviewed Patrick McDonnell for BeliefNet and the result is an insightful interchange where Patrick shares his love for Eckhart Tolle books and animal advocacy.

Thanks, BeliefNet, for both of these articles!

Children's Books Guide Reviews Wag!

2009-10-06T15:54:00.006-04:00

Children's Book Guide has reviewed Wag! and it's making our tails go fwip! They say:

This is the sort of children’s book that comes with an uncomplicated message that even parents can appreciate. The simple things in life that one loves are what can be the most important.

and

Parents can even take the story and shift the idea to their children, asking them what it is they love enough that would make their tail fwip-fwip—that is, if they had one.

Read the entire review, and get a little Wag!

Patrick to present at The Bodhi Tree in LA on 10/16

2009-10-05T15:20:00.001-04:00

If you are in the Los Angeles area on October 16th, you are invited to see Patrick’s presentation at the The Bodhi Tree on Friday at 7:00pm. Patrick will speak, show slides and draw - all centered on his collaboration with Eckhart Tolle: Guardians of Being.

We'd love to meet you there!

Puppy Love: 'Mutts' and Patrick McDonnell

2009-10-04T22:31:00.005-04:00

Recently Nina Hammerling from Guideposts.com interviewed Patrick for October - Adopt A Shelter Dog Month. She describes MUTTS : "In turns funny, poignant, beautiful and just plain wise, Mutts offers glimpses into how Mooch and Earl—and their many friends of all species—see the world. Along the way, it shows us a lot about human nature, too."

Read the entire interview and let us know what you think!

Comic Book Resources: The McDonnell Interview

2009-10-02T08:48:00.000-04:00

Read a new interview with Patrick at Comic Book Resources, where, among other things, he talks about the inspiration behind Wag!

"Wag! started out as a question: "What makes Earl's tail wag?" It was fun to have Mooch attempt to answer it for the reader. That part of the book was inspired by my book tours in schools and the wonderful, crazy participation you get from the kids."

Patrick also describes how creating a strip is different than creating a picture book, and even discusses what three cartoonists' work he'd take on a deserted island.

To find out more, read the interview.

10/3 and 10/4 Book Signings in NY and NJ

2009-09-30T12:30:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, October 3, at 12:00 noon, Patrick will be signing books in NYC at Books of Wonder, a precious children’s book store located at 18 West 18th Street in Manhattan.

And the next day, Sunday, 10/4, Patrick will be at Mendham Books in Mendham, NJ, at 1:30pm.

He will be signing Wag! at Books of Wonder, and both Wag! and Guardians of Being at Mendham Books. Don't miss these two chances to meet Patrick!

Little Pink Sock Blues

2009-09-23T09:05:00.001-04:00

We're tickled pink to have Muttscomics linked on CuteOverload's post this past weekend. That wrinkly pup may have the blues, but at least he's got his little pink sock.

Patrick describes Wag! on Video

2009-09-22T07:11:00.000-04:00

If the video does not play, click here to view.

Patrick to sign books in Denver, 9/25 and 9/26

2009-09-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

Colorado MUTTS fans have a treat in store for them as Patrick does two book signings in the area. And later, if you have a photo from the signings, we'd love to see it! Post it to our Facebook page or share it here.

Denver MPIBA
Friday, September 25
5:00pm - 7:00pm

More info: http://www.mountainsplains.org/tradeshow.aspx

The Tattered Cover
Saturday, September 26
2:00 pm

Patrick McDonnell, creator of the comic strip MUTTS, will discuss and sign his two new books The Guardians of Being, a collaboration with spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle, and Wag!, a tribute to his dog Earl.

More info: http://www.tatteredcover.com/

People are talking about Wag! and Guardians of Being

2009-09-20T07:50:00.000-04:00

Here are some early reviews of Guardians of Being:

The latest issue of Modern Dog Magazine: "...beautiful, thought-provoking and enlightening"

The New York Daily News online: Dog lullabies and cat tales make up latest offering of pet-themed books

Diana Page Jordan blog: Eckhart Tolle in Cartoonland: Guardians of Being

Lunch. blog: Joy in Simplicity, Stillness Among Furry Folks

And here's what Kirkus Reviews had to say about Wag!:

Sweet, gentle, delightful - all illustrated in line drawings and washes that show exactly what's needed and no more. McDonnell's simple pictures demonstrate humor, personality and keen insight into the world of the small tail-waggers, and the artist as author clearly knows the joys in the small, sweet beings' universe. Although intended for the very young, older humans - and maybe even a cat or two - will understand. Many woofs and FWIPs for this charming book.

Have you read these books? We'd love to hear what you think!

Patrick celebrates Day of Peace with a special strip

2009-09-20T15:34:00.000-04:00

Each year members of Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots come together with others to promote peace in support of the United Nations International Day of Peace. This year there will be celebrations in over 40 countries.

Patrick will be honoring The Roots and Shoots International Day of Peace with a special MUTTS strip which will be in the newspapers on Monday, September 21st.

WAG! Available Very Soon

2009-09-02T11:36:00.002-04:00

Wag!, Patrick's latest children's book, will be available very soon (perhaps even by the time you read this). If you want to get a pre-order discount, we recommend you place your order now!

Barnes and Noble also has a video interview with Patrick describing the book (scroll down on the page to view). Find out what really makes Earl's tail wag!

Julia W's Summer Vacation: 350 and Helping Tigers

2009-09-02T11:38:00.011-04:00

Julia W. is our youth correspondent with a big mission: she is doing all she can to raise awareness about our beautiful planet and the people and animals who share it. We are all so lucky to have young people like Jules among us.

She spent some time in India this summer, and here is her wonderful report:

Dear Fellow Mutts fans,

Hello! It’s been a while since I last wrote for muttscomics.com. I am Julia W., the Muttscomics Youth Correspondent, and I would like to tell you a little about my latest trip to India. It was my fifth trip there, and although every trip is always interesting and exciting, this trip was particularly so.

My mom (who works for Sanctuary Asia magazine) and I started off in Delhi, where we attended the Fifth Bengal Tiger Consultation, which was titled “Ecosystems, Climate Change and National Development.” All five of these Bengal tiger consultations have been organized by Sanctuary. The conference was about conserving India’s tigers and forests (of which little remains) and how India can help fight climate change. In the two days of the conference (held in one of the few green areas of Delhi- the Nehru Memorial Library) so much happened.

The morning of the first day more than 2,000 Delhi schoolchildren arrived with their teachers and participated in all kinds of save-the-tiger activities. They also took part in making a human formation of a tiger and the number 350. You are probably wondering, what does 350 mean? 350.org (http://www.350.org/) is a climate change organization run by Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature. The number 350 is significant because that is what scientists have discovered to be the maximum amount (in parts per million- ppm) of carbon in the atmosphere for humans civilizations to survive. Currently there are 390 ppm of carbon in the atmosphere, and this trend must be reversed immediately. Bill McKibben and 350.org are on a mission to inform as many people and governments about the importance of returning to 350 ppm of carbon in the atmosphere. On October 24th of this year, 350.org has organized a global day of climate action, where they are hoping to spread the word to the entire world, and to the governments at the next climate change summit in Copenhagen in December, that we need to not only slow down on our carbon emissions, but reverse them right now.

All during the two days there were meetings and workshops held on such topics as India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests, the wildlife trade, and how India could benefit immensely as a country by protecting its ecosystems. Surprisingly (because you would never see this in America) I was not the only kid there. There were many other Delhi schoolchildren present, and at the workshops themselves, not just outside. Some of them are even members of the Junior Tiger Task Force. It was really terrific to see other kids participating, and asking questions, because this is the world that is going to be left for us, and we deserve to have it protected.

I was really happy to be able to be at the consultation, but I was also glad at the end of the two days when we got to travel to one of India’s national parks, Sariska. After the sheer number of people in Delhi, mile after mile, it was like stepping into another world when we entered Sariska. Even in the buffer area it was greener, cleaner, and incredible to think that all of India used to be like this, could be like this again.

We spent three days in Sariska, and while in the jeep it seemed like a long time, but it was way too short. Sariska National Park is interesting because in 2005, it was finally confirmed that every single tiger in the park had been poached. It was a terrible truth to realize, and a lot needed to be done to find out how it had happened, and how they could keep tigers that they would relocate to Sariska safe. Sadly, not much was done on the front of figuring out how to stop a massacre like that happening again, but a year and a half after the tigers disappeared, three were relocated from a nearby park, Ranthambhore. There is one male and two females, and the forest guards have been instructed on how to use radio telemetry, because the three have been radio-collared to keep them safe. We assumed that we would see a tiger (since they were collared) but sadly we didn’t. The one good thing about that, however, is that even though these tigers have collars on, they are still wild and can choose not to be seen when they want.

We did not see any big cats this trip, but we did see lots of other wildlife in Sariska. During the period of time when the tigers were absent, the prey (especially deer) populations leapt. Driving through the park we saw many herds of chital (spotted deer), groups of sambar deer, and individual nilgai. We saw many peacocks, wild boar, and jackals. At one point we knew we were incredibly close to a tiger because on a hillside next to the road, a jackal was doing its alarm call.

This trip was incredibly rich in so many ways. The consultation was very interesting, and meeting the other kids and talking to them was inspiring. Sariska was so beautiful, and considering what it has gone through it was a privilege seeing it so healthy. There is still so much to be done with dealing with villages inside the park’s boundaries and bringing the tigers back, but the forest itself was looking very alive and green. I hope everyone values the earth that we live on, and sees how very precious it is, and does everything in their power to protect it and the fellow animals we live with. Because by protecting where we live and who we live with, we’re protecting ourselves.

Your friend,
Julia W.

Abstract Comics

2009-08-11T16:41:00.005-04:00

So this afternoon we received a copy of Abstract Comics, edited by artist and art historian Andrei Molotiu. The book is gorgeous with a cover that feels and looks great. It's a compilation of abstract comic art starting with Saul Steinberg, and includes Bob Crumb, Gary Panter and our own Patrick McDonnell (Patrick drew abstract comics during his college years). Published by Fantagraphics, Abstract Comics redefines the sequential art space.

Andrei recently wrote an insightful piece about his book for Artforum. And Graphic Novel Reporter describes the book: “The first thing you'll notice is the awesome cover by Jacob Covey. Then you'll wonder if this is an art book, a book about comics, or something else. It's something else.”

Check out the Fantagraphics page for the book. There you can download a PDF of some sample pages, including one of Patrick’s.

Thanks Andrei, for putting this cool book together!

MUTTS Series Highlights Shark Issues

2009-08-23T10:59:00.004-04:00

Starting tomorrow, 8/24, and running all week on Muttscomics.com, MUTTS will highlight the plight of sharks. You may not be aware that all shark species are in steep decline and manys are endangered. 50-100 Million are killed each year. Two of the reasons? The finning of sharks for shark fin soup, and shark tournaments.

HSI did an article on the series, and The Dorsal Fin blogged about it:

In the past few days, Patrick McDonnell’s “Mutts” comic strip has been following the perils of “Tony the Shark.” In the comic strip, Tony has been expressing his fears to his crab buddy, “Crabby,” about finning and “shark killing tournaments.” The recent entries in the comic strip are a clever play on the role-reversal of sharks having more to fear from humans than humans having to fear from sharks.

Comic-Con: 40 Years of Artists, Writers, Fans, & Friends!

2009-08-25T14:18:00.004-04:00

A must for the obsessed comics fan, Comic-Con 40 Years..., with a foreword by Ray Bradbury, is a gem. Covering all 40 years of the legendary comics convention, this book gives insight to, and illuminates, the history behind the phenomenon. Plus it includes a few tidbits - not found anywhere else - about Patrick and MUTTS....

Don't Miss "The Cove"

2009-08-10T12:28:00.007-04:00

It's been called "a cross between 'Flipper' and 'The Bourne Identity'" and this weekend we are planning to go see it. Critics agree that "The Cove" is an amazing cinematic achievement that thrills and engages, while highlighting an ongoing campaign of cruelty against dolphins.

View this powerful film's trailor, go see the film and find out more about what's happening to dolphins.

And then, as Mooch says "Do something."

The MUTTS iGoogle Theme: Like Wildfire!

2009-07-30T11:42:00.007-04:00

Just one week ago today, Google announced iGoogle Comic Themes. As of this morning, over 22,000 people are now using MUTTS to personalize their home page!

If you do not yet use iGoogle, this is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with this fantastic tool. Try, and make MUTTS your theme!

Announcing the MUTTS iGoogle Theme!

2009-07-23T17:11:00.004-04:00

Recently we received an email from Google - yes The Google. They wanted to know if we would like to create a Muttscomics iGoogle theme. iGoogle is esentially a customized internet homepage with lots of bells and whistles. An iGoogle Muttscomics theme will allow you to have MUTTS images on your customized iGoogle homepage.

Our own Elena Nazzaro worked with the folks at Google to create the Muttscomics theme. It made its debut at Comic-Con in San Diego this afternoon. We'll have more on this in the next day or so.

Be prepared for a real game changer if you don't yet use iGoogle. We think it's the greatest thing since the Mutts Musings blog!

We'll be posting some images and more detail in the next day or so, but in the meantime here's how to get the theme. And don't forget to give us some stars!

McDonnell Interviewed on Petcast Radio

2009-07-21T12:18:00.009-04:00

"There are comic strips about animals and then there’s the gold standard. Since 1994, Patrick McDonnell has been delighting readers with the antics and wisdom of Earl, Mooch and all their pals. "

On July 11, Petcast did a most excellent interview with Patrick as part of the broadcast (the interview follows a 10 minute discussion on cat grooming). Patrick speaks about his own companion animals, including Earl and new best friend, Amelie. Patrick's work schedule, comics in general and Guard' Dog's future were discussed in detail. Emily and Steve asked Patrick about his inspirations behind Shelter Stories, Mooch's little pink sock, and the history of the comic dog Earl. Patrick's also spoke of his collaboration with Eckhart Tolle in Guardians of Being, and his new children's book, WAG!

You can listen now or download for later. Thanks Steve and Emily!