2005 in comics

See also:List of years in comics

Notable events of2005 in comics.

Events

January

• January 14:French cartoonist Piem is namedCommandeur des Arts et des Lettres.
• January 20:Dutch cartoonistTom Janssenwins his firstInktspotprijs(edition 2004) forBest Political Cartoon.During the same ceremony Joep Bertrams receives his first Inktspotprijs too
• January 31:John R. Norton begins theGeorgecomic strip.

April

• April 13:
  • DC Comicsannounces the discontinuation of itsHumanoidsand2000 ADtitles.
  • Poweradeand DC Comics show the first of four new online comics starringLeBron Jamesas superhero "King James". Written byRon Perazzawith art byRick Leonardi(Batgirl).
• April 20:DC Comics launches the new DC Direct website.
• April 26:ArtistEd Benes(Superman) extends his exclusive agreement with DC Comics for an additional three years.
• April 28:
  • Marvel EnterprisesandParamount Picturesannounce an agreement under which Paramount will distribute up to ten films over an eight-year period to be produced by Marvel.
  • Marvel Enterprises announces settlement of all pending litigation withStan Leeover claims for participation in profits from various sources.
  • Marvel Comicsannounces the creation of a custom comic book written byBrian Michael Bendis(Ultimate Spider-Man,The New Avengers) and featuring superheroes such asSpider-Man,Captain Americaand theFantastic Fourin a military-themed storyline. More than one million copies of the "Salute Our Troops" comic book were to be distributed to the troops and their families in May.

May

• May 1:AtClickburg,The Netherlands, the firstClickiesare awarded, awards forwebcomics.The awards will continue up until 2010.
• May 5:ArtistGeorge Pérez(The New Teen Titans,Wonder Woman,Justice League of America) signs a 5-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.
• May 19:ArtistJ. G. Jones(Villains United,Wonder Woman) signs a 2-year exclusive contract with DC Comics.
• May 31:ArtistBart Sears(Captain America and the Falcon) signs a 2-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.

June

• June 6:ArtistsAdam Kubert(Ultimate Fantastic Four,Ultimate X-Men) andAndy Kubert(Marvel 1602,Origin,Ultimate Iron Man,Ultimate X-Men) sign 3-year exclusive agreements with DC Comics.
• June 11:Harvey Awardswinners announced.
• June 21:Belgian comic artistMarc Sleenis declared ahonorary citizenofBrussels.
• June 22:The first comic to carry theBoom! Studioslogo,Zombie Tales#1, is published
• June 28:ArtistJustiniano(Day of Vengeance,The Human Race) signs a 2-year exclusive contract with DC Comics.

July

• July 12:WriterBill Willingham(Fables) renews his exclusive contract with DC Comics for an additional two years.
• July 13:
  • DC Online launches a new website for kids featuringJohnny DC.
  • DC Comics' DC Direct announces the newLooney TunesGolden Collectionaction figureseries. The sculptures would be officially unveiled later in the week atSan Diego Comic-Con.
• July 15:Eisner Awardsceremony is held atSan Diego Comic-Con.
• July 19:
  • Joe Quesadaextends his contract agreement with Marvel Comics, and in addition to his current role as Editor-in-Chief, he will take on the added role as the Chief Creative Officer, Publishing.
• July 26:
  • WriterMark Waid(Legion of Super-Heroes,Empire) signs a 2-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.
  • Turkish cartoonistOğuz Aralreceives a statue inIstanbul.

August

• August 2:ArtistTony Daniel(Teen Titans,Spawn,X-Force) signs a 2-year exclusive agreement with DC Comics.
• August 8:In the Danish magazineJumbobo,The legacy,by Andreas Phil and Mårdøn Smet; debut of the gentleman thiefFantomius.The character, already often mentioned in thePaperinikstories but never appeared until then, has later had a more fortunate version by the Italian Author Marco Gervasio.
• August 30:
  • A square inSan Telmo,Buenos Aires,is named afterMafalda.
  • August 30:The webcomicCrying Macho ManbyJose Cabreragoes live.

September

• September 6:
  • The New York Timesis to carry a comic strip byChris Warewithin its pages.
  • Marvel has changed its corporate name toMarvel Entertainment, Incand is to produce its ownmoviesbased upon comics characters such as Captain America,Nick Furyand theAvengers
• September 8:Contributors have been announced for theComic Book Legal Defense Fund's annualSPXanthology.Scott MorseandJordan Craneare amongst the forty creators
• September 12:Doonesburyis dropped and then promptly reinstated byThe Guardian
• September 13:
  • TheIgnatz Awardsnominees are announced, withGilbert Hernandezreceiving three nominations
  • Dynamic Forcesacquirelicenseto print comics based on theHighlander filmsandtelevision series
• September 19:Joe Ferrarais elected to the Board of Directors of theComic Book Legal Defense Fund
• September 20:Marvel Comics announceNeil Gaiman'snext project as being related toThe Eternals
• September 21:
  • Art Spiegelman'snext project,Portrait of the Artist as a Young %@?*!,is to be serialised in theVirginia Quarterly Review,commencing in the Fall 2005 issue
• September 22:Bill Wattersonanswers fifteen selected questions from fans around the world to publicise the upcoming release ofThe Complete Calvin and Hobbes
• September 23:
  • The two-day Small Press Expo opens withHarvey Pekaras special guest.
• September 25:The 2005 Ignatz Awards are announced at the Small Press Expo. Amongst the winners wereDavid B,voted the Outstanding Artist andPersepolis 2: The Story of a Return,voted Outstanding Graphic Novel

October

• October 1:Lea Hernandezsteps down as editor ofGirlamatic,to be replaced byLisa Jonté
• October 3:Jay Stephenslaunches his ownblogCute Creeps From Pop Culture
• October 4:The Complete Calvin and Hobbesis released
• October 5:Matt Maddenis interviewed byBookslut
• October 8:Art Spiegelman is one of 196 inducted into theAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences
• October 10:
  • Dark Horselicenses the rights to reprint a number of manga titles, includingJuon
  • Peter Schjeldahl ofThe New Yorkeranalysesgraphic novels
• October 11:Marvel 1602wins the inaugural graphic novelQuill Award
• October 13:The tenth annualInternational Comic Arts Festivalbegins inWashington, D.C.
• October 14:
  • Lynd Wardis profiled byIn These Times
  • The Oberlin ReviewprofilesMarjane Satrapi
  • Maus and Beyond,an exhibition looking at comic book and graphic novel portrayals of theShoah,opens at theCentennial College,Toronto. It runs until November 30
• October 16:Bob Andelman,biographer ofWill Eisner,picks 10 graphic novels for a beginner to start with
• October 17:
  • Charles Burnsis interviewed byThe Book Standard
  • TheMelvin Gelman LibraryofGeorge Washington Universityis to add 300 graphic novels to its collection
  • The New York TimesprofileLittle Nemo in Slumberland: So Many Splendid Sundays!,a collection ofLittle Nemostrips publishing them as originally printed
  • Hunt Emersonhas adaptedJohn Ruskin'sUnto This Lastinto comics format, retitling the workHow To Be Rich.Two-thirds of the 15,000 print run will be distributed tosecondary schoolsin the United Kingdom
• October 18:
  • Dale Eagleshamsigns a two-year exclusive contract with DC Comics
  • Watchmenis named as one ofTimemagazine's top 100 English language novels published since 1923
  • Carla Speed McNeillaunches the online serialisation Carla Speed McNeil ofFinder.McNeil has suspended the publication of the work in comic book format, although serials will still be collected and published as graphic novels
• October 20:Dave Simand Al Nickerson place a DC Comics contract, as annotated by Sim,on the web. See also:Creator's Bill of Rights
• October 22–23:During theStripdageninHouten,The Netherlands,Jan Steemanwins theStripschapprijs.The websiteStripsterreceives the P. Hans Frankfurtherprijs andDik Bruynesteyn,Dick VlottesandJan van der Vooreceive the Bulletje en Boonestaakschaal.
• October 23:Joe Saccois profiled byThe Oregonian
• October 24:
  • Roger Sternis interviewed by Newsarama
• October 26:Stephen Kingis to launch a comic book series withMarvel Comicsbased upon hisDark Towerseries
• October 27:
  • The latestXeric grantsare announced
  • Image Comicslaunches a new website
  • Thomas N. Thornton,CEOofAndrews McMeel Publishing,responds to perceived criticisms of the company's newCalvin and Hobbescollection
  • Todd McFarlaneis to be guest of honor at February 2006's inaugural New York Comic-Con
• October 31:
  • Carly Berwick laments the lack of great femalecomic book artists
  • The Guardianprofiles Chris Ware

November

• November 2:
  • Scott Morse announces he is to launch his own imprint, Red Window. He has established a distribution deal for his imprint withAdHouse Books
• November 3:Mark Millarannounces he is to take a six-month sabbatical from comics for health reasons
• November 4:
  • TheHarvey Awardshave ended their ties with New York'sMuseum of Comic and Cartoon Artand are now to be presented at theBaltimore Comic-Con,with the 19th awards to be presented on Saturday, September 9, 2006
  • Don Bluthdonates over a million pieces of artwork to theSavannah College of Art and Design.The donation consists ofanimation cels,preliminary sketches and associated drawings
  • Alan Mooreis interviewed inThe Independent
• November 6:It is reported thatThomas Haden Churchis to playSandmanin theSpider-Man 3movie
• November 7:
  • Slatepresent a slide show essay onCalvin and Hobbes
  • Newspapers in the United States are reported to be considering carryingmangastrips from January 2006. The two strips reportedly up for inclusion areVan Von HunterandPeach Fuzz
• November 8:Alan Moore is profiled byPublishers Weekly
• November 9:
  • Marvel releases its third quarter financial statement
  • IDT Entertainmentannounce an animatedHellboyproject
• November 10:Paramount has optioned the movie rights to Charles Burns' recently completed graphic novel,Black Hole
• November 11:
  • Arnold Drakeis interviewed bynewsarama
  • Pulitzer PrizewinnerMichael Ramirezdiscusses theLos Angeles Timesdecision to let him go
  • David Simpsonis fired by Tulsa World amid allegations ofplagiarism
• November 12:TheLos Angeles Timesprofiles selected artists featured in the "Masters of American Comics" exhibition, which opens at Los Angeles'Hammer Museumand theMuseum of Contemporary Arton November 20
• November 14:Chris Morgan, (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift) is hired to draft a script forUniversal'sadaptation of DC ComicsThe Psycho,byJames HudnallandDan Brereton
• November 15:Daniel Acuñasigns an exclusive contract with DC Comics
• November 16:
  • Kevin "KAL" Kallaugher,editorial cartoonist ofThe Baltimore Sun,has been offered a buyout along with other members of the paper's staff
  • Harvey Pekar takes hisAmerican Splendorseries toVertigo,with a mini-series slated for 2006 withDean Haspielhandling some of the art chores
• November 17:
  • Steve Laflermoves toself publishinghis next works
  • Doug Harveywrites of10 Comics That Shook The WorldinLA Weekly
• November 18:The trailer forSuperman Returnsis released
• November 19:Nominees for the secondGrand Prix RTL de la BDare announced
• November 20:
  • The New York TimesreviewsAbsolute Watchmen,an expanded collection of Alan Moore andDave Gibbons'comic bookseries of the 1980s
  • It is reported thatPosy SimmondsandRaymond Briggsare to be featured on the cover of the 2006 edition of theRoyal Society of Literature'sannual magazine, having been madefellowsof the society earlier this year
• November 21:
  • Timemagazine has archived its articles related tocomics
• November 22:The United Kingdom'sPress Gazettenames its 40 most influentialjournalists,and includes three cartoonists,Gerald Scarfe,Carl Giles,andMatt Pritchett
• November 23:
  • Duncan Fegredois to provide art for the 2006 Hellboy miniseries,Darkness Calls
  • Marvel Comics allows fans to vote on writerChris Claremont'snext project via its website
  • Marvel also launch thepodcastingof company press conferences via its website
• November 27:Claypool Comicsasks for consumer help to ensureDiamond Comics Distributorscontinue to carry their products
• November 28:
  • TheAssociation des Critiques de Bande Dessineeannounces the fifteen works it is considering for its Prix de la Critique.Joe Kubert'sYossel: 19 Avril 1943is amongst those in the running for the award, won in 2004 by the French edition ofBlanketsbyCraig Thompson
  • MalaysiancartoonistLatis awarded a Special Jury Award at the 2004 Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards
  • Archie ComicsandThe Veronicassettle their dispute over the rights to the nameThe Veronicas
  • The New York Timesexplores the use the two biggest American comic book publishers have made of theepic storylinein their releases this year
  • RK Laxman'sBrushing Up the Years: A Cartoonist's History of India 1947-2004is published
• November 29:
  • Christian Laxwins the second Grand Prix RTL de la BD
  • According to reports, theCartoon Networkwill not be commissioning a sixth series of the animatedTeen Titansseries
• November 30, 2005:
  • Slate magazinere-evaluateWatchmenin the wake of the release of theAbsolute Watchmenedition

December

• December 1, 2005:
  • Lorenzo Mattottiis awarded the Grand Prix by the jury at theBloiscomics festival
  • Selected DC Comicssuperheroesare to appear onUnited States postage stampsin 2006
  • Four of the seven charges against comics retailerGordon Leehave been dropped. Lee still faces three misdemeanor counts of Distribution of Harmful to Minors Material charges
• December 3, 2005:
  • TheThat's Lifepanel byMike Twohyends
  • Marvel Comics: The line of comics based uponStephen King'sDark Towerseries is to be pushed back until February 2007
• December 4, 2005:Pakisatinibased groupJamaat-e-Islami,have placed a price of around€7,000 upon the head of what it believes to be one cartoonist of 12 cartoons. The cartoons were actually drawn by separate illustrators, and were solicited by Denmark newspaperJyllands-Postenas part of an editorial point regarding commentary on public figures
• December 5, 2005:
  • It is reported thatFoxare to make a sequel to this year'sFantastic Fourmovie, with a proposed release date of July 4, 2007
  • TheWebcomics Examinerannounces itsWeb comicsof 2005
  • Les Mauvaises Gens, by Etienne Davodeau, wins Grand Prix de la Critique for 2005. The prize is awarded by L'Association des Critique et Journalistes de Bandes Dessinees
  • The trailer forX3is launched online
• December 6, 2005:
  • ICv2announces it is to host a Graphic Novel Conference at the New York Comic-Con
  • Chris Batistasigns an exclusive agreement with DC Comics
  • It is reported Stephen King's role in the line of comics based on hisDark Towerseries will be "Executive Editor and Creative Director"
  • Bill Jemasannounces plans to launch a comic book line
• December 7, 2005:
  • TheAngoulême Festivalannounces the nominees under consideration for awards at the 2006 festival.Charles Schulz,Jeff Smith,Chris Ware andJaime Hernandezare amongst the many contenders
  • Italian cartoonistGipiwins the Prix Goscinny, an annual prize awarded by jury and named in honour ofRené Goscinny
• December 8, 2005:
  • Pierre Wazemwins theSwissPrix International de la Ville de Geneve
  • Warren Ellisis to revamp Marvel'sNew Universeline, originally launched in 1986 byJim Shooter
  • Jonathan Shapiro,cartoonist for theCape Timesunder the pen name Zapiro, wins the PrincipalPrince ClausAward
  • Canada'sDoug Wright Awardsare to become an annual affair
• December 9, 2005:Bill GriffithandJames Sturmare interviewed byWashington Postcomics page editor Suzanne Tobin online
• December 11, 2005:Roger Sabinreviews recent graphic novels inThe Observer
• December 12, 2005:
  • American cartoonists participate in "Black Ink Monday", producing cartoons for publication based upon the decline in the number of newspapers which keep an editorial cartoonist on staff
  • Tom SpurgeoninterviewsComic Book Legal Defense FundExecutive Director Charles Brownstein
• December 13, 2005:The Village Voicenominates three graphic novels within its favorite 25 books of the year
• December 14, 2005:Archie GoodwinandAl Williamson's run on theFlash Gordonstrip is to be collected by Image Comics andEva Ink Publishing
• December 15, 2005:
  • Marvel Comics settles its lawsuit withCity of Heroesover trademark and copyright issues
  • The judges for the 2006Eisner Awardsare announced
• December 17, 2005:
  • Jacques Faizant,cartoonist onLe Figaro,retires
  • Andrew ArnoldofTimeopinion on the ten best comics works released in 2005
• December 19, 2005:It is reported that cartoonistJoe Martinis to launch his own syndicate to better promote his own work. He was previously syndicated byTribune Media Services
• December 20, 2005:
  • Ben Katchor'snew strip is to be debuted inThe Forward
  • Comixpedianames its 25 People in Webcomics for 2005
• December 26, 2005:
  • Marvel Comics is to produce custom sized comic book inserts featuring Spider-Man for distribution via newspapers
• December 28, 2005:
  • CartoonistsMike LuckovichandMike Petersnominate some of their favorite editorial cartoons of the year
  • Audrey Puentereports onA New Golden Age of ComicsforCBS
  • Kurt Busieksigns an exclusive two-year agreement with DC Comics
  • It is reported thatRobert Crumbhas filed suit againstAmazonregarding usage of hisKeep on Truckin'image
• December 29, 2005:A sale of cartoon art opens in London, with artwork ofDan Darestrips byFrank Hampsonamongst the work offered for sale
• December 30, 2005:
  • Scott McCloudis planning to tour the United States in support of his forthcoming book,Making Comics
  • A Turkish court of appeal has overturned a decision which saw the newspaperEvrenselfined $8000 because of a cartoon bySefer Selviwhich caused Turkish Prime MinisterRecep Tayyip Erdoğanto sue fordefamation
• December 31, 2005:
  • Modern Talesannounces it is to expand its operations and launch free webcomic strips, supported byadvertising

Specific date unknown

• Barbara Brandon-CroftdiscontinuesWhere I'm Coming From.
• Toon van Driel'scelebrity comicabout comedianAndré van Duinis discontinued.
• Jean-Pol, Wim Swerts and Luc Van Asten'scelebrity comicbased onSamson en Gertis discontinued. It had run since 1993.
• French comic artistJean Gratonis knighted in theOrder of Leopold II.

Deaths

January

• January 2:
  • Frank Kelly Freas,American illustrator and comics artist (covers and advertising parodies forMad), dies at age 82.
  • Alberto Salinas, Argentinean comic artist (Dago|,Albatross), dies at age 72.
• January 3:Will Eisner,American comics writer, comics artist (Sheena, Queen of the Jungle,The Spirit,Contract with God) and author (Comics and Sequential Art,Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative), dies at age 87.
• January 5:Sean,a.k.a.John Klamik,ShawnorBuckshot,American activist and comics artist (made erotic comics for various gay magazines), dies at age 69 from lung cancer.
• January 10:Professeur Choron,French comedian, journalist, comics writer and singer (co-founder ofHara-KiriandCharlie Hebdo), dies at age 75.
• January 25:Chad Grothkopf, American comics artist and animator (Hoppy the Marvel Bunny), dies at age 90 or 91.
• January 25:Jill Elgin, American illustrator and comics artist (continuedGirl Commandos), dies at age 82.
• January 27:Peter Haars, German-Norwegian novelist, translator, illustrator and comics artist (Prokon,Happy Biff), dies at age 64.
• January 28:Daniel Branca,Argentine animator and comic artist (Barbeta y Grunchi,Sir Bombín,Caramelot,Disney comics), dies at age 53.
• January 29:Zika Mitrovic,Serbian-Yugoslav film director, scriptwriter and comics artist, dies at age 83.
• January 30:Pierre Forget, French comic artist (Thierry de Royaumont,Mic-Mac), dies at age 81.
• Specific date unknown:Jim Turnbull, Scottish comics artist, painter and political cartoonist (Pinky & Perky,continuedFreddie the FrogandThe Merry Tales of Mimi and Marny), dies at age 74.

February

• February 4:Eddie Sato, American comics artist (Dokie), dies at age 82.
• February 15:Dudu Geva,Israeli comics artist, cartoonist and caricaturist (The Duck), dies at age 54 from a heart attack.
• February 28:Umberto Manfrin, Italian comic artist (Ullaò,Devy Crock,Rolf Kaukacomics,Hanna-Barberacomics,Felix the Catcomics, continuedTiramolla) dies at age 77.

March

• March 13:Hal Seeger,American animator, comics writer and comics artist (Batfink,Milton the Monster,assisted on theBetty BoopandLeave It to Binkycomic strips), dies at age 87.

April

• April 5:Dale Messick,American comics artist (Brenda Starr), dies at age 98.
• April 8:Nevio Zeccara, Italian comics artist, dies at age 80.
• April 12:Peter Bramley, American art director and comics artist (worked forNational Lampoon), dies at age 60.
• April 13:Juan Zanotto,Italian-Argentine comics artist (Bárbara,Yor (Henga)), dies at age 69.
• April 20:Ed Furness,Canadian comics artist (Freelance,Commander Steel), dies at age 94.
• April 22:Erika Fuchs,German comics translator (translatedCarl Barks'Donald Duckcomicsin a colourful sophisticated way which had a profound impact on German language), dies at age 98.
• April 23:Romano Scarpa,Italian comics artist, writer and animator (Disney comics), dies at age 77.
• April 23:Walter Merhottein, Belgian puppet performer and brother of comics artistMerho,on whose puppets his main protagonist Marcel Kiekeboe fromDe Kiekeboeswas based, dies at age 65.
• April 25:Ko Woo-young, South-Korean comics artist (Samgukji,Iljimae), dies at age 66.
• April 28:Zeke Zekley,American comics artist (assisted onBringing Up Father), dies at age 90.
• April 29:Hugo Lous, Dutch journalist, novelist, illustrator and comics artist, dies at age 93.
• Specific date unknown:Olle Snismarck, Swedish comics artist (Lajban), dies at age 75.

May

• May 2:Sahap Ayhan, Turkish comics artist (Gültekin,Turkish versions ofThe PhantomandFlash Gordon), dies at age 78 or 79.
• May 4:Don Trachte,American comics artist (continuedHenry), dies at age 89.
• May 8:Mehmet Gülergün, Turkish comic artist (worked forRolf Kauka), dies at age 85.
• May 23:John Albano,American comics writer (co-creator ofJonah Hex), dies at age 82 from a heart attack.
• May 31:Eduardo Teixeira Coelho, a.k.a.ETC,a.k.a.Martin Sièvre,Portuguese comics artist and illustrator (Ragnar le Viking,Yves Le Loup,Ayak Le Loup Blanc,Robin Hood), dies at age 85.

June

• June 1:Willem van Malsen, Dutch painter, illustrator, writer, inventor and comics artist (Amoebe), dies at age 65.
• June 10:Shinji Nagashima,Japanese comics artist (Wanderer,Miracle Girl Limit-chan,Night on the Galactic Railroad), dies at age 67.
• June 17:Charlie Schlingo,French cartoonist (Josette de Rechange,Désiré Gogueneau,Tamponn Destartinn,Gogueneau), dies at age 49 from the result of an accidental fall.
• June 19:Selby Kelly, American animator and comic artist (worked onPogo), dies at age 87.
• June 21:Harry Privette, aka Martin Hanna, American comics artist (MiniBoppers,Igor), dies at age 79 or 80.
• June 23:Sam Kweskin,American comics artist (Marvel Comics), dies at age 81.
• June 27:Owen McCarron,Canadian comics artist (Binkly and Doinke,worked for Marvel Comics), dies at age 70.

July

• July 1:Manuel Cuyás, Spanish comics artist (Cristina y sus Amigas), dies at age 83.
• July 7:
  • Paul Deliège,Belgian comics writer (Sam et l'Ours,Pétit-Cactus,Youk et Yak,Sibylline,Bonaventure,L'Envahisseur) and artist (Bobo,Les Krostons,Le Trou du Souffleur), dies at the age of 74.
  • Rudy van Giffen, Indonesian-Dutch comics artist (Vliegtuig Vermist), dies at age 74.
• July 9:Ann Brewster,American comics artist and illustrator (worked onSheena, Queen of the Jungle), dies at age 86.
• July 19:Jim Aparo,American comics artist (DC Comics), dies at age 72.
• July 22:
  • Jerry Marcus,American comics artist (Trudy), dies at age 81.
  • Hinako Sugiura,Japanese comics/manga artist, dies at age 46 from throat cancer.
• July 27:Marten Toonder,Dutch comics writer, artist (Tom Poes,Panda,Kappie,Koning Hollewijn), publisher and animator, dies at age 93.

August

• August 1:Wim Boost, aka Wibo, Dutch comics artist, cartoonist and animator, dies at age 97.
• August 10:Mar Amongo,Filipino comics artist (DC Comics), dies at age 68.

September

• September 10:Carlos Costantini, Argentine comic artist and animator (Doña Tele,Barbeta y Grunchi,Mac Perro), dies at age 69.
• September 13:Raymond Chiavarino, a.k.a. Maric, French comics artist and writer (wrote, among others forLes Pieds Nickelés,ValentinandBibi Fricotin), dies at the age of 78.
• September 16:F. K. Waechter,German cartoonist and comics artist, dies at age 67.
• September 21:Mort Leav,American comics artist (co-creator ofThe Heap), dies at age 89.
• September 26:Mickey Siporin, American cartoonist, dies at age 65.
• Specific date unknown:Horn, Belgian cartoonist and comics artist (Jim et sa Bande,Le Week-end Sportif), died at age 95.

October

• October 8:Fernando Bonini, aka Sil, Brazilian comics artist (worked for Vecchi, Disney comics and Heavy Metal Comics), dies at age 50.
• October 9:Ian Gammidge, British comic writer (The Flutters,Ruggles,Mr. Digwell,The Larks,Little Joe,Jane) and cartoonist (Gammidge Bargain Basement), dies at age 89.
• October 17:Tom Gill,American comics artist (continuedThe Lone Ranger), dies at age 92.
• October 21:Bob White, American comics artist (Archie Comics,Pat the Brat,Cosmo the Merry Martian), dies at age 76 or 77.
• October 24:Bill Fraccio,American comics artist (Charlton Comics), dies at age 85.
• October 26:Michael Kilian,American journalist, author and comics writer (continuedDick Tracy), dies at age 66.

November

• November 7:Harry Thompson,British comedy writer, radio and TV producer, novelist and biographer (author ofTintin: Hergé and his Creation), dies at age 45 from cancer.
• November 11:Lucho Olivera,Argentine comics artist (Nippur de Lagash), dies at age 63.
• November 20:Lou Myers,American cartoonist (worked forThe New Yorker), dies at age 90.
• November 21:David Austin,British cartoonist (Hom Sap), dies at age 70.
• November 26:Stan Berenstain,American writer and illustrator (co-creator ofThe Berenstain Bears), dies at age 82.
• November 30:
  • Jim Sasseville,American comics artist (assistant onPeanutsandIt's Only a Game), dies at age 78.
  • Hella Schiefer, Austrian illustrator and comics artist (worked forUnsere Zeitung), dies at age 81.

December

• December 7:Ben van 't Klooster, Dutch comics artist (Toonder Studios), dies at age 81.
• December 18:Rafael Fornés Collado, Cuban comics artist (José Dolores), dies at age 88.
• December 26,:Bud Blake,American comics artist (Tiger), dies age 87.
• December 29:Henk Sprenger, Dutch comics artist (Piloot Storm,Kick Wilstra), dies at age 85.
• December 30:Jean Ollivier, French comics writer and chief editor ofVaillant,dies at age 80.
• December 31:
  • Maurice Dodd,British comics writer and artist (continuedThe Perishers), dies at age 83.
  • John Johns, American caricaturist and comics artist (made a one-shot comic forMad Magazine), dies at age 84.

Specific date unknown

• Roberto Battaglia, Argentine comics artist (Don Pascual), dies at age 81 or 82.
• Luc De Ro, A.K.A. Robert Berghmans, Belgian painter and comics artist (Charlepoeng), dies at age 89 or 90.
• Harry Gladstone, American comics writer and artist (Disney comics), dies at age 67 or 68.

Conventions

• January 22–23:Big Apple Comic ConI (Penn Plaza Pavilion,New York City)
• January 29:FLUKE Mini-Comics & Zine Festival(Tasty World,Athens, Georgia)
• February 5–6:Emerald City Comicon(Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle, Washington) — guests includeAdam Kubert,Jhonen Vasquez,Tony Harris,Josh Middleton,Travis Charest,Cary Nord,Steve McNiven,Mike Choi,Russ Heath,Michael Lark,David Finch,Eric Powell,Dustin Nguyen,Roy Thomas,Andy Owens,Drew Johnson,Pete Woods,Jason Pearson,Tim Sale,Brian Michael Bendis,Kurt Busiek,Robert Kirkman,Jim Cheung,Ed Brubaker,Sean Chen,Peter Bagge,Jim Woodring,Greg Rucka,Alex Maleev,Scott Kurtz,Crab Scrambly,Dexter Vines,Gail Simone,Jay Faerber,John Layman,Ford Gilmore,David Hahn,Matthew Clark,Tom Peyer,Karl Kesel,Rebecca Woods,Jeff Parker,Steve Lieber,Ron Randall,Paul Guinan,Steve Rolston,Takeshi Miyazawa,Dave Stewart,Matt Haley,Bill Schelly,andSteve Sadowski
• February 12–13:Dallas Comic Con( "DCC5" ) (Richardson Civic Center, Richardson, Texas) — guests includeBernie Wrightson,Tim Bradstreet,Steve Niles,Mark Brooks,Jaime Mendoza,Scott Kurtz,Todd Nauck,Raven Gregory,Cal Slayton,andBrian Denham
• February 18–20:WonderCon(Moscone Center, San Francisco, California)
• February 25–27:MegaCon(Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida) — guests includeMark Waid,Mike Deodato,George Pérez,Michael Avon Oeming,Chuck Dixon,Wilson Tortosa,Aaron Lopresti,Marv Wolfman,Ethan Van Sciver,Monte Moore,Phil Jimenez,Tone Rodriguez,Michael T. Gilbert,Roy Thomas,Dan Brereton,Allen Bellman,Gene Colan,George Tuska,Tommy Castillo,Andy Runton,Jinky Coronado,David Campiti,Lou Ferrigno,George Lowe,Richard Hatch,andGil Gerard
• March 5:STAPLE!(BPOE #201, Austin, Texas) — first edition of this convention; guests:Shannon Wheeler,Scott Kurtz,Terry Moore,andMichael Lark
• March 19:UK Web & Mini Comix Thing(Mile End, London, UK) — 2nd annual event, organized by Patrick Findlay
• March 18–20:Wizard World Los Angeles(Los Angeles, California) — 24,000 attendees
• April:Phoenix Comicon(Glendale, Arizona) — official guests:Todd NauckandMarv Wolfman
• April 1–3:Big Apple Comic ConII (Penn Plaza Pavilion,New York City)
• April 9–10:Alternative Press Expo(Concourse Exhibition Center, San Francisco, California)
• April 16:Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo(S.P.A.C.E.) (Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center, Columbus, Ohio) — special guests:Dave SimandGerhard
• April 22:Toronto ComiCONFan Appreciation Event (Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
• April 22–24:Pittsburgh Comicon(Pittsburgh Expomart, Monroeville, Pennsylvania) — official guests:George Pérez,Tom DeFalco,Ron Frenz,Michael Kaluta,Joseph Michael Linsner,Scott McDaniel,Jimmy Palmiotti,Howard Porter,Mark Texeira,Tom Smith,Michael Turner,andSal Buscema
• April 29–May 1:Toronto Comic Con(National Trade Centre, Hall F, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) — guests of honor:Brian Michael Bendis,Warren Ellis,andJerry Robinson
• May 13–15:Motor City Comic Con(Novi, Michigan)
• May 13–14:East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention(African American Museum in Philadelphiaand Ritter Hall [Temple University], Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — convention expands to two days
• May14–15:Comic Expo(British Empire & Commonwealth Exhibition Hall/Ramada Plaza Hotel, Bristol, United Kingdom) — guests includeJ. Michael Straczynski,Michael Avon Oeming,Gary Frank,Dave Gibbons,Alan Davis,Brian Bolland,Mike PloogandSimon Bisley;2,000 attendees
• May 27–29:Toronto Comic Arts Festival(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
• June 3–5:Wizard World Philadelphia(Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — 27,000 attendees; guest of honor:J. Michael Straczynski
• June 11–12:MoCCA Festival(Puck Building, New York City)
• June 17–18:Big Apple Comic ConIII (Penn Plaza Pavilion,New York City)
• June 18–19:Adventure Con4 (Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, Tennessee)
• June 24–26:Heroes Convention(Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina) — guests includeJim Amash,Robert Atkins,Michael Bair,Christian Beranek,Jackson Bostwick,June Brigman,Mark Brooks,Bob Burden,Nick Cardy,Richard Case,John Cassaday,Howard Chaykin,Cliff Chiang,Dave Cockrum,Paty Cockrum,Gene Colan,Steve Conley,Shane Davis,Kim DeMulder,Todd Dezago,Tommy Lee Edwards,Tom Feister,Ken Gale,Dick Giordano,Brandon Graham,Cully Hamner,Tony Harris,Irwin Hasen,Greg Horn,Paul Hornschemeier,Adam Hughes,Jamal Igle,James Jean,Georges Jeanty,Paul Jenkins,Nat Jones,Richard Kiel,James Kochalka,Scott Kurtz,Jason Latour,John Paul Leon,Rick Leonardi,John Lucas,Jonathan Luna,Joshua Luna,David W. Mack,Jim Mahfood,Nathan Massengill,Jeff Mason,Ed McGuinness,Mercedes McNab,Pop Mhan,Joshua Middleton,Chris Moreno,Phil Noto,James O'Barr,Tom Palmer,Jason Pearson,Brandon Peterson,Chris Pitzer,Mike Ploog,Paul Pope,Joe Pruett,Joe Quesada,Budd Root,Don Rosa,Craig Rousseau,Josef Rubinstein,Andy Runton,Alex Saviuk,Scott L. Schwartz,Marie Severin,Dash Shaw,Joe Staton,Brian Stelfreeze,Arthur Suydam,Mark Texeira,Roy Thomas,Tim Townsend,Herb Trimpe,Rob Ullman,Ethan Van Sciver,Mercy Van Vlack,Dexter Vines,Mike Wieringo,Renée Witterstaetter,andMarv Wolfman
• June 25–26:London Film and Comic Con(Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England, UK)
• July 14–17:San Diego Comic-Con(San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California) — 103,000 attendees; official guests:Lalo Alcaraz,Lee Ames,Sy Barry,Bob Bolling,Bruce Campbell,Nick Cardy,Greg Evans,Bob Fujitani,Pia Guerra,Ray Harryhausen,Phil Jimenez,Robert Jordan,David Lapham,Richard Morgan,Gary Panter,Eric Powell,Lou Scheimer,J. J. Sedelmaier,Dexter Taylor,Brian K. Vaughan,andJames Warren
• July 30–31:"Bargain BasementCAPTION"(Wolfson College, Oxford, England)
• August 5–7:Wizard World Chicago(Rosemont Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois)
• August 26–28:Fan Expo Canada(Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) — 39,753 attendees; guests includeElijah Wood,Clive Barker,Gary Gygax,James Marsters,Kevin Sorbo,Crispin Glover,Marina Sirtis,Adam Baldwin,Erica Durance,Margot Kidder,Kenny Baker,Elvira,J. Michael Straczynski,Frank Quitely,Mark Bagley,Greg Land,Neal Adams,Jhonen Vasquez,andPeter Laird
• September 2–5:Dragon Con(Hyatt Regency Atlanta/Marriott Marquis/Atlanta Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia) — 20,000+ attendees; guests includeRobert Jordan,Anne McCaffrey,Basil Gogos,andJonathan Harris
• September 6–11:Jornadas de Cómic(Aviles, Spain)
• September 17–18:Big Apple Comic ConIV (Penn Plaza Pavilion,New York City)
• September 23–24:Small Press Expo(Holiday Inn Select, Bethesda, Maryland)
• September 30–October 2:Wizard World Boston(Bayside Expo Center, Dorchester, MA) — guests includeJohn Cassaday,Lou Ferrigno,andMarc Silvestri
• September 30:Komikazen(Ravenna, Italy) — first iteration of the nonfiction comics festival; guests includePhoebe Gloeckner,Joe Sacco,andMarjane Satrapi
• October 1:Stumptown Comics Fest(Smith Memorial Ballroom, Portland, Oregon) — 80 exhibitor tables; 450 attendees
• October 13–15:International Comics and Animation Festival(ICAF) (Library of Congress,Washington, D.C.)— guests includeKevin Kallaugher,Ann Telnaes,Tom Toles,Jerry Robinson,Paul Grist,andBenjamin Herzberg
• October 14–15:Comics Salon(Bratislava,Slovakia)
• October 15–16:Dallas Comic Con( "DCC6" ) (Plano Centre, Plano, Texas) — guests includeMark Brooks,Ale Garza,Cliff Chiang,Rich Buckler,Terry Moore,Michael Lark,James O'Barr,Kerry Gammill,Jaime Mendoza,Cat Staggs,Cynthia Cummiens,David Hopkins,Ben Dunn,andBaldowriterHector Cantú
• October 26:Comica— London International Comics Festival (Institute of Contemporary Arts,London, UK) — organized byPaul Gravett;guests includeJessica Abel,Matt Madden,Igort,Paul Wright,Killoffer,Junko Mizuno
• November 4–6:Wizard World Texas(Arlington Convention Center, Arlington, Texas) — guests includeDan Didio,Ethan Van Sciver,Rob Liefeld,Peter David,Buddy Saunders,Margot Kidder,Sean Astin,andRon Perlman
• November 18–20:Big Apple National Comic Book Art, and Toy Show(Penn Plaza Pavilion,New York City) — guests includeNeal Adams,Dick Giordano,Adam Hughes,Paul Chadwick,Sam Kieth,Dave Sim,Jim Starlin,Dean Haspiel,Harvey Pekar,Spain Rodriguez,S. Clay Wilson,Dan Fogel,Jim Woodring,Kim Deitch,Michael Kaluta,Charles Vess,Walt Simonson,Arthur Suydam,Jim Krueger,Michael Avon Oeming,Joseph Michael Linsner,Mitchell Breitweiser,William Tucci,Ken Kelly,Lee Weeks,Mark Schultz,Tania del Rio,Arthur Adams,Michael Lark,Dick Ayers,Danny Fingeroth,Jim Salicrup,Rich Buckler,Mark Texeira,William H. Foster, III,Jim Muniz,Tim Vigil,Joe Vigil,David Quinn,Mirage Studios,Joe Staton,Josh Neufeld,John Lucas,andEd Piskor
• November 19–20:Comic Expo(Metropole Hilton, Brighton, United Kingdom) — guests includeMark Millar,Gilbert Shelton,Dave Gibbons,Sydney Jordan,andHarry Harrison
• November 25–26:Mid-Ohio Con(Columbus Hilton Easton, Columbus, Ohio) — 25th anniversary show

Exhibitions and shows

• April 23–September 26:Charles M. Schulz Museum(Santa Rosa, California) —"Top Dogs: Comic Canines Before and AfterSnoopy,"curated byPatrick McDonnell
• June 29–October 16:Art Gallery of Ontario(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) —"Present Tense:Seth"
• November 20, 2005 – March 12, 2006:Hammer Museumand theMuseum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles(MOCA) (Los Angeles) —"Masters of American Comics,"featuring the work ofWinsor McCay,Lyonel Feininger,George Herriman,E. C. Segar,Frank King,Chester Gould,Milton Caniff,andCharles M. Schulzat the Hammer Museum; andWill Eisner,Jack Kirby,Harvey Kurtzman,Robert Crumb,Art Spiegelman,Gary Panter,andChris Wareat MOCA; curated by John Carlin and Brian Walker

First issues by title

These comic books were the first issued in each series.

Apocalypse Nerd

Released:January byDark Horse Comics.Writer & Artist:Peter Bagge

Archaic

Released:May byFenickx Productions LLC.Writer:James S. Abrams.Artist:Brett Marting

Batman: Dark Detective

Released:May 4 byDC Comics.Writer:Steve Englehart.Artists:Marshall RogersandTerry Austin.

Blade for Barter

Release:February bySeven Seas Entertainment.Writer:Jason DeAngelisArtist:Honoel A. Ibardolaza

Daredevil vs. Punisher

Release:July 6 byMarvel Comics(Marvel Knightsimprint).Writer & Artist:David Lapham.

Fantastic Four: House of M

Release:July 6 by Marvel Comics.Writer:John Layman.Artist:Scot Eaton.

Great Lakes Avengers

Release:April 6 by Marvel Comics.Writer:Dan Slott.Artist:Paul Pelletier.

House of M

Release:June 1 by Marvel Comics.Writer:Brian Michael Bendis.Artist:Olivier Coipel.

Hunter-Killer

Release:March 17 byTop Cow Productions.Writer:Mark Waid.Artist:Marc Silvestri.

Young Avengers

Release:February 9 by Marvel Comics.Writer:Allan Heinberg.Artist:Jim Cheung.

Young Avengers#1 "Director's Cut"

Release:March 16 by Marvel Comics.

Footnotes

¹Ratings are provided by the publisher:Marvel Comics ratings.