Good morning! It’s Your Friendly Neighbourhood Previously Editor here, rounding up the latest news in the world of comics, pop culture, and entertainment.
There’s been a lot happening at the Vancouver Comics Arts Festival. On May 29, VanCAF announced that it had permanently banned Miriam Libicki, a graphic novelist and artist, from the event because she had been a soldier in the Israeli army. The decision has since been rescinded, followed by a formal apology from the event. The board of VanCAF has resigned. Libicki, born in Ohio, US, and now a resident of Canada, created graphic novels about her experience as a soldier with the IDF, but has also made it clear that she is pro-peace and supports a Palestinian state.
Anime NYC & The Japan Society have announced the launch of the American Manga Awards. Journalist Deb Aoki has shared that she is working closely with both organizations to develop this first-ever award for manga and manga publishing in English.
Former astronaut, Bill Anders, has died in a plane crash at the age of 90. Anders, known for taking the famous ‘Earthrise’ picture, captured one of most memorable images of our blue marble in space. We share our condolences to his family and loved ones.
That’s all for this week. It’s getting very hot so, please, stay hydrated as best you can. Take care of yourselves and each other. I’ll see you soon.
