Brecht Evens’ book The Wrong Place was named one of the best of 2009 by HUMO Magazine (Belgium) and Forbidden Planet. Wim Lockefeer of Forbidden Plant called Brecht ‘the newest young god at the Flemish comics pantheon’ and described is drawing style as ‘a sight to behold.’ The book, originally titled Ergens waar je niet wil zijn and published in Dutch by Oogachtend, will be available in English through Drawn and Quarterly in March 2010.

Catell Ronca contributed a piece to F/F magazine’s Moments of Youth project. The Korean-based online magazine asked four artists to contribute artwork inspired by the idea of ‘Youth.’ Catell’s piece explores the ambiguity of adolescence and the mix of fear and excitement that comes with growing older. The other artists that were involved in the project were Walter Newton, Ginger Davies and Sadia Rafique.

Bella Pilar has done five more illustrations for the online magazine Savoir Flair. The magazine showcases the hottest must-haves and coolest trends in fashion and beauty and is a perfect fit for Bella’s savvy, sweet and sexy girls. Each illustration coincides with a section of the magazine – clothing, bags, shoes, accessories and beauty. Click here to check it out.

Graham Roumieu’s Cat & Gnome (Blue Q) was named a favorite book of 2009 by Juliet Waters of The Montreal Mirror and is one of the ten books she recommends you carry with you into 2010.

The Blue Q blog also named it one of the nearest and dearest in their in collection of ‘world’s smallest coffee table books,’ along with Esther Pearl Watson’s Romeo & Juliet and Mark Todd’s Bad Asses.

Emiliano Ponzi was interviewed in one of Italy’s national newspapers, Corriere della Sera. In the interview he discusses his experience as an Italian illustrator working abroad and explains the differences between the Italian and American markets. Click here to read the article – even if your Italian is a little rusty, there’s still some beautiful artwork that is sure to please!

Bella Pilar illustrated for Galison’s Love Letters diary. The diary is 192 pages, printed with non-toxic inks and comes with a hot pink lock. It is recommended for ages 4 and up and is available now.

Bella Pilar’s illustrated character, Fleur, made her television debut in two animated spots airing in Italy during this holiday season. The character is the centerpiece of Italian cosmetic retailer La Gardenia’s new brand effort, Fleur. The line debuted in Milan last month. The campaign also includes print ads in Italy’s top magazines, such as Vanity Fair, La Repubblica delle Donne, Io Donna and Anna, among others. Click here to watch the ads.

Andrew Hem contributed a piece to Gallery 1988’s Lost Underground Art Show in Los Angeles, CA. The show was in commemoration of the sixth and final season of the hit tv series and boasted the gallery’s largest opening to date with fans of the show waiting in line overnight to enter the gallery. The show’s producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse were on hand to meet fans and sign autographs and even CNN showed up to cover the phenomenon. The show ran from December 15th to 24th, 2009.

Ana Bagayan is exhibiting work in The Multi-Plane Group Show at Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City, CA. The show features new original work from Glenn Barr, Gary Baseman, Ron English, Stella Im Hultberg, Sylvia Ji, Brandi Milne and Amy Sol, among others. Click here to preview the art in the show.

Opening reception: Saturday, December 12th, 2009 7-10pm
Cory Helford Gallery 8522 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA

Nate Williams was interviewed for Blue Q’s blog. He has done two products for Blue Q this year – the See You Around tote bag and the Black and Red All Over shopper. Both bags are made with 95% recycled post-consumer material that includes used grain sacks and plastic water bottles, making it the highest percentage of any woven polypropylene bag on the market.