Comics get love from the Louvre

In the whole "comics as art" debate, someone will usually throw in the idea that comics get more respect in countries that aren't the United States. And for the most part they're right, with other countries embracing comics in a wide range of genres aimed at a variety of age groups without the stigma we seem to hold onto here in the States.

We're getting better about it, though, and in spite of the reputation other countries have for acknowledging comics as a legitimate literary art form, it's still big news when one of the most respected museums in the world has an exhibit dedicated to them.

That's why I was happy to read about the Louvre exhibit, appropriately titled "Small Design: The Louvre Invites Comic Strip Art," which opened today. The show will include the work of five artists, with the Louvre used as the setting for each. I realize it doesn't do you much good unless you live in Paris, but I thought it was nice to see comics finding their way into one of the world's top museums (even if the curator seems to waffle between approval and dismissal — what's up with that, M. Douar?).

Like most comic fans, I've seen comic book work displayed in shops and even some galleries, but I don't think I've ever personally seen it done in an established art museum. Has anyone out there seen comics get their due from a major museum? Share your story in the comments!

Is this thing on?

Well ... hello, there.

As you may have noticed (or not), things have been pretty quiet around these parts. The one-two punch of the holidays and a two-week vacation gave me the chance to take a nice little bit of time off. Now I'm rested and ready to reacquaint myself with this electronic addiction. In other words, I missed you guys and I missed talking comics, so let's get going.

So where was I for the past two weeks? I was lucky enough to spend the time in New York City, and let me tell ya, that's a happening little town. My wife and I saw nearly every museum, landmark and tourist destination while we there, and discovered 14 days is just enough time to realize it's not enough time. Still, we saw almost everything on our list and had a great time. And in case you're wondering, yes, a certain store was on the list:

Sorry about the photo quality — I was a half-block away, for God's sake! Anyway, I'm happy to report that Midtown Comics is pretty much everything you'd feverishly imagine. Friendly staff, plenty of floppies and books in stock, a ton of back issues, toys and statues ... all in all, fairly high on the awesome scale.

Fortunately for me, my wife was patient enough to let me drag her to both Manhattan locations. If you don't live in the New York area and have to choose only one during a trip, I'd recommend the Times Square store. It's bigger (two floors!) and it felt like there was more to gawk at and geek out over. On the other hand, the cozier Lexington location was hiring at the time and it's easy to fantasize about working there.

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Another stop on my NYC geek tour was the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, which is hosting exhibits of Harvey Comics art and the work of Ryan Dunlavey (who's probably best known as the co-creator and artist of Action Philosophers). It's really more a gallery than a museum at this point, but it's nice to see someone giving unfiltered attention to comic art and MoCCA does a good job of it. Both of the current exhibits are great, and the Harvey art is particularly fascinating. Both the process and craftsmanship that went into these comics are on display, and it's a treat to see it up close. If you have the chance, you should go check it out and give your support to an organization that's supporting an art form we all love.

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And this has nothing to do with vacationing, but I was sorry to see veteran character actor Pat Hingle died Saturday due to a type of blood cancer. Hingle played Commissioner Gordon in the first four Batman movies, and had a long career that spanned film, television and the stage. He was 84.

Huh. Well, nothing like ending on a depressing note to alienate whatever readers are still here, right? Again, thanks for your patience, and thanks for reading! As always, I appreciate your comments, and thanks for the e-mails asking just where the hell I was. Things will be getting back into the usual rhythm soon — I swear!