Johanna's January Previews
Johanna Draper Carlson
New Products
SANDWALK ADVENTURES (Active Synapse, $20)
Jay Hosler's explanation of the theory of natural selection involves an
adorable Hobbit-like Charles Darwin, a talking mite living in his
eyebrow, imaginative legends, and the nature of belief. Mr. Hosler's
natural history comics are brilliantly entertaining and wonderfully
educational with strong cartooning and clever writing. For more
information, visit www.comicsworthreading.com or
www.jayhosler.com/Sandwalk.html.
LITTLE SCROWLIE #1 (Amaze Ink/SLG Publishing, $3.50)
This goth cat comic has a unique look and a charming approach to
anti-consumerism. (I've read the first two self-published issues, which
are now being reprinted to bring them to a larger audience.) It should
be a great match with SLG's titles. For a preview, visit
www.slavelabor.com.
THE FALLEN #1 (Blue Feather Press, 24 black-and-white pages, $2.95)
This moody story of a young woman dealing with the death of her mother
has a Vertigo-like approach to memory, fear, and fantasy. Sample it
online at www.petestathis.com.
DIGNIFYING SCIENCE (GT Labs, 240 pages, $19.95)
This collection features true-life stories of female scientists written
by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by some of the most amazing female
artists working today, including Carla Speed McNeil, Linda Medley,
Roberta Gregory, Donna Barr, Lea Hernandez, and comic legends Ramona
Fradon and Marie Severin. More information is available at
www.gt-labs.com.
ODDS OFF (Highwater Books, $14.95)
Hey, Highwater's back in Previews! Cool! Makes it easier to get their
unique and lovely books. This one in particular deserves a wider
audience. It's the intriguing story of a group of grad students dealing
with writers' block, love, life, and facing the world. More information
is available at www.mattmadden.com.
BRATPACK (King Hell Press, $19.95)
This nasty take on superhero sidekicks was one of the earliest
reinterpretations of the superhero genre, and it's now back in print.
I'm curious about how well it holds up -- if I reread it, I suspect that
I'd find that many of the elements of its approach have made their way
into other projects over the years. That's one of the problems of being
an innovator. Still, those who like dark humor and superhero parody will
find it hilarious.
DAYS LIKE THIS (Oni Press, $8.95)
J. Torres (THE COPYBOOK TALES) writes this story of the rise of a 60s
girl group. It's a great idea for a story, and the design by Scott
Chantler looks fabulous. What an exciting project!
From the exclusive publishers:
SMALLVILLE #1 (DC Comics, 48 color pages, $3.50)
THIS is what people have been asking for. A TV-tie-in series written by
episode writers, with what looks like classic-style art, complete with
interview features and an episode guide to provide more value to
readers. THIS is how you should do media synergy projects. Except for
that price... yes, it's a larger-than-normal size first issue, but 48
pages is half what non-comic-readers expect in comparison to magazines,
which are published at lower prices. Let's hope the stories are good,
and I'm betting on success.
BATMAN ADVENTURES #1 (DC Comics, 32 color pages, $2.25)
The bedrock of DC's superheroes-for-kids line relaunches in May with a
great talent lineup, including Ty Templeton and Bruce Timm (who provides
covers for the first four issues). Issue #1 is DC's Free Comic Book Day
entry, or retailers can order the Newsstand Edition if they want a
regular-priced version on their shelves. I wouldn't want to be figuring
out how to order that. Does a retailer up her FCBD orders to cover
regular Batman-interested customers, or does she have to take the PR hit
of telling customers that they have to pay for what she's giving away to
others? Looking on the bright side, FCBD is a great way to get more
visibility for the project, and I like the idea of two stories in every
issue.
BLOOD AND WATER #1 (of 5) (DC/Vertigo, 32 color pages, $2.95)
Hey, didn't I see this plotline on the second season of BUFFY THE
VAMPIRE SLAYER? Judd Winick brings us a story about a young man who
avoids dying from hepatitis by becoming a vampire. Classic idea, playing
to the writer's strengths, should be interesting.
BIZARRO COMICS (DC Comics, 240 color pages, $19.95)
The fascinating collection of takes on established DC characters by
well-known alternative creators is now available in softcover. There's
some great work, some odd work, and an unnecessary framing sequence to
somehow fit this into continuity. Ignore that and check out writers and
artists like Eddie Campbell, Mark Crilley, Jessica Abel, Evan Dorkin,
Dean Haspiel, and Andi Watson letting loose on the DCU.
THE HOOD: BLOOD FROM STONES (Marvel Comics, 144 color pages, $14.99)
This six-issue miniseries managed to put across a fresh take on the idea
of a low-level villain in the Marvel universe who's really a schlub just
trying to deal with life's challenges. If you like 100 BULLETS, ALIAS,
or Y: THE LAST MAN, check this out. It's even a great deal, cheaper than
the original issues! (I'm wondering about the "Volume 1" label, though.)
Continuing Series
PANEL TWO: MORE COMIC BOOK SCRIPTS BY TOP WRITERS (About Comics, 212
pages, $20.95)
The previous volume, PANEL ONE, was essential reading for anyone
interested in the craft of comics, especially aspiring writers. The
followup returns with yet more diverse creators and script types,
including a drawn script by Scott McCloud, as well as additional
commentary by writers and artists on their work. For more information,
visit www.aboutcomics.com.
BABYHEAD MAGAZINE #2 (Amaze Ink/SLG Publishing, 48 black-and-white
pages, $3.95)
I thought the first issue of this anthology was an amazing, hilarious,
jam-packed pop culture puree. Zoe, The Atomic Twenty Something, is the
best treatment of young adult superheroes I've ever read, with realistic
characters and terrific dialogue. The art pages have something happening
in every possible spot, while the strong lines and intense blacks keep
them readable. The designs are great, and Mr. Jordan's also got the
ability to caricature necessary for a media-full book like this one.
Fans of Evan Dorkin should definitely check this out. Find out more at
www.babyheadmagazine.com.
STYLISH VITTLES: ALL THE WAY (Dementian Comics, $17)
This volume continues the story of young lovers Tyler and Nanette as
they struggle with their relationship maturing, including coming to
terms with each other's past. For a preview, visit
www.stylishvittles.com.
SUPERNATURAL LAW #37 (Exhibit A Press, 24 pages, $2.95)
What can you say about an entertaining series with a clever concept that
just keeps chugging along? Not enough, apparently -- it's too easy for
readers to ignore good series that aren't doing flashy stunts every
other month. For more information, visit www.comicsworthreading.com or
www.exhibitapress.com.
HOPELESS SAVAGES: GROUND ZERO (Oni Press, 128 pages, $11.95)
The second book in the series deals with Zero's first trip into the
world of dating. When your crush may be revealed on a TV show about your
parents' music career, life isn't easy. I can't fault her taste, though;
the guy is a thinking girl's dreamboat. A wonderful story about young
love and creative expression. For more information, visit
www.comicsworthreading.com or www.onipress.com.
AMELIA RULES! #10 (Renaissance Press, 24 color pages, $2.95)
This great all ages series gets better every issue. It doesn't matter
what the specific plot is; the art and writing are beautiful in all
cases. For more information, visit www.comicsworthreading.com or
www.ameliarules.com.
From the exclusive publishers:
BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #39 (DC Comics, 40 color pages, $2.75)
Cliff Chiang alert! He illustrates a backup story about a young Bruce
Wayne (pre-Batman) at a costume party in this issue. The main story is
something about Huntress needing her life saved by Batman when she's
injured. (After loving the Earth-2 version as a kid, I sometimes think
everyone will be happier if I just pretend that the new version of the
Huntress, doesn't exist, because her love/hate relationship with Batman
as a father figure gives me hives.)
BATGIRL #38 (DC Comics, 32 color pages, $2.50)
When did I start buying comics for the art? When
talented-but-not-well-known-enough creators started getting guest shots.
In this issue, art is by Jeff Parker, whose INTERMAN I recommended a
couple of months of ago. I'm also intrigued by DC giving a newcomer a
tryout writing a Bat-family book.
Snarky Comments
Free Comic Book Day is coming back. There's a nice four-page spread
promoting the many many titles that will be available (if your retailer
chooses to buy them) in May. I read through the list thinking "wow, new
James Kolchalka story" and "hey, that Second to Some book looks like
it'll be funny". Then I realized that that's entirely the wrong thing to
do. I'm an existing comic reader. I've been reading comics for decades,
and you couldn't get me to STOP at this point. Why am I being tempted
with all these comics? I'm buying comics anyway. I'm not the person you
need to attract. Ideally, I shouldn't want any of these, because that
would make them more available to the people they're really intended
for. Make these too nifty for the existing readers, and there'll be none
left for the new potential customers that will hopefully show up once
they've found out about the event.
On the positive side, it's great to see so much more diversity among the
titles. I'm still not seeing anything for the demographic group of older
women (who make up a high percentage of the book-buying audience), but
aside from that, a very nice range of material.
Dark Horse has redesigned its section, for which it gets a round of
applause. Aside from the orange (which is overused in general), the new
layout is much easier to read and navigate, with key information picked
out in consistent locations. All their books are listed in a table of
contents, grouped by genre, which makes it easy to get an overview of
their output and make sure I haven't overlooked anything.
Fangeek on: Those Kingdom Come figures look very very nice. I do have to
quibble with the idea that all of these characters were "pivotal to the
series", because although Hawkman looks amazing, I don't remember him
doing much of anything. I guess they're saving the older Batman for a
possible future wave.
In order to read the first new story of the returning AUTHORITY series,
you have to buy STORMWATCH, SLEEPER, and WILDCATS this month. They all
need the help, judging by sales trends, but I suspect DC is wildly
overestimating how popular the AUTHORITY still is. "These 8-page
chapters appear ... at no additional cost." Except to people who've
already tried these new WildStorm series and don't care for them. (In my
case, the last two, anyway.) I'm betting that this story will be
collected in an eventual trade, if there is one, just providing another
incentive to wait for the preferable book format.
There's a new Prestige Format ZATANNA one-shot guest-starring John
Constantine. I'm not putting it in the recommendation section because
the solicit leaves me going "bleh". See, it seems that even with her
powers and amazing career, Zatanna's life isn't complete because she
"can't find a decent boyfriend". Male characters get stories about
saving the world, Zatanna gets a story about trying to find someone to
shack up with. I'm astounded they didn't mention what most fans seem to
follow Zatanna for: her fishnets.
I thought the SUPERMAN 10-CENT ADVENTURE was supposed to restart some
excitement for that line of books, but I fear whatever interest it may
raise has fizzled out. I'm not interested in all the Batman books, but
at least I can see why other people are, and there's a definite sense
that it's a group to watch, probably due to editorial leadership.
Superman... it's more of the same old. The only thing that's been
interesting to talk about in that group has been the whole SUPERGIRL
problem, with DC killing one of their few titles that's been gaining in
sales lately (by order estimates). Time for a shakeup?
No one seems much interested in the CAPTAIN AMERICA series any more,
likely due to a story that can be described as muddled at best and some
very iffy politics (no matter what slice of the spectrum you classify
yourself in). Marvel is providing some alternative choices this month:
the start of new penciller Olivier Coipel on AVENGERS, promoted with an
image of Cap, and a weekly miniseries by Bruce Jones and Steve Rude that
looks to be of more traditional interest. (Although given that you'd
have to order all the issues of the mini at once anyway, and given
Marvel's tendency to rush out collections, I'd suggest anyone interested
wait for the trade to see if it lives up to its promise.)
THUNDERBOLTS: "More drinking, swearing, and fighting in the Mighty
Marvel Manner!" Yeah, but usually the drinking's done by retailers who
have to cope with no publisher support; the swearing is by fans turned
off by radical new revamps like this one; and the fighting is done in
public between the president and editor-in-chief and respected creators
working for them.
So I'm flipping through the Dynamic Forces section laughing at the
disembodied Spider-Man heads when I see listed an "Avengers Giclee".
What's a Giclee? It's a fancy poster, a print on canvas that costs $700.
Apparently "giclee" is the sound you make when you choke on the price
tag.
That's it! Please check back next month!
--
Johanna Draper Carlson
Reviews of Comics Worth Reading -- http://www.comicsworthreading.com
New: Dork Tower, Lady Constantine, Noble Causes, Thor, Witch Girls,
and much of the new Image superhero line
Sean Walsh
message news:johanna-052A6B...@news.fu-berlin.de...
>
> In order to read the first new story of the returning AUTHORITY series,
> you have to buy STORMWATCH, SLEEPER, and WILDCATS this month. They all
> need the help, judging by sales trends, but I suspect DC is wildly
> overestimating how popular the AUTHORITY still is. "These 8-page
> chapters appear ... at no additional cost." Except to people who've
> already tried these new WildStorm series and don't care for them.
Or to people who don't buy any of those series and don't really want to...$9
(or so) for 24 pages? -BLEEP- that... :p
> THUNDERBOLTS: "More drinking, swearing, and fighting in the Mighty
> Marvel Manner!" Yeah, but usually the drinking's done by retailers who
> have to cope with no publisher support; the swearing is by fans turned
> off by radical new revamps like this one; and the fighting is done in
> public between the president and editor-in-chief and respected creators
> working for them.
I've learned that if Marvel wants to ruin something, I'll largely not give a
crap about complaining.........it hasn't done any good so far (except for my
wallet)...
--
Sean,
APWW's resident Royal Rumble guru
My webpage: http://www.Sean-Walsh.com
Quantum Piett! http://www.geocities.com/quantumpiett/
My latest eBay auctions: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/slwalsh/
¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø
James Schee
wrote:
Cool, just in time for me to make out my Westfield order!
> Items shipping in March 2003
>
> New Products
>
> SANDWALK ADVENTURES (Active Synapse, $20)
Wow already? I love Jay's stuff, but if I knew the tpb would be out this
soon I would have just waited for it. (I haven't even read the last two
parts yet.) I'll know to do so with his next project at least.
>
> LITTLE SCROWLIE #1 (Amaze Ink/SLG Publishing, $3.50)
> This goth cat comic has a unique look and a charming approach to
> anti-consumerism. (I've read the first two self-published issues, which
> are now being reprinted to bring them to a larger audience.) It should
> be a great match with SLG's titles. For a preview, visit
> www.slavelabor.com.
Interesting... I've only read a few pages as its taking too long for the
pages to load so maybe this is covered in the book. Yet is the Goth
girl's clothes supposed to look like Xena's?:) I'll put it down as a
maybe...
> THE FALLEN #1 (Blue Feather Press, 24 black-and-white pages, $2.95)
> This moody story of a young woman dealing with the death of her mother
> has a Vertigo-like approach to memory, fear, and fantasy. Sample it
> online at www.petestathis.com.
Very fascinating art, and the feelings she describes in the first few
pages over the death of her mom is something I can relate to. I think
i'll give this a one issue try at the very least...
> DIGNIFYING SCIENCE (GT Labs, 240 pages, $19.95)
> This collection features true-life stories of female scientists written
> by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by some of the most amazing female
> artists working today, including Carla Speed McNeil, Linda Medley,
> Roberta Gregory, Donna Barr, Lea Hernandez, and comic legends Ramona
> Fradon and Marie Severin. More information is available at
> www.gt-labs.com.
i keep meaning to get this, but always seem to change my mind at the
last minute for budget reasons. I love the artists work though so maybe
this time I'll give it a go.
Er sorry to derail from commenting on your piece, but I have the
Westfield site open making my order out as I'm reading your rundown. So
after looking the above up, I'm just scaling down to see if anything
else on the page looks interesting.
Well I see a new issue of a book that I've really liked but haven't seen
an issue of in a while called BONEYARD. Which made me go "Yay", until I
see that it's a Swimsuit issue. ::shakes head:::
Sorry but I had to rant there for a second. Back to your writing...
> DAYS LIKE THIS (Oni Press, $8.95)
> J. Torres (THE COPYBOOK TALES) writes this story of the rise of a 60s
> girl group. It's a great idea for a story, and the design by Scott
> Chantler looks fabulous. What an exciting project!
Oh wow that does seem interesting, as there were a lot of true stories
from that time involving music groups that were interesting. Why does
the name Scott Chantler sound so familiar?
> From the exclusive publishers:
>
>
> BATMAN ADVENTURES #1 (DC Comics, 32 color pages, $2.25)
> The bedrock of DC's superheroes-for-kids line relaunches in May with a
> great talent lineup, including Ty Templeton and Bruce Timm (who provides
> covers for the first four issues).
I'm looking forward to seeing this, though I find it curious that at
least from the cover it seems that they have gone back to the original
B:TAS designs.
Hmm Westfield is offering #1 and #2 of it this month as well,
interesting...
> BIZARRO COMICS (DC Comics, 240 color pages, $19.95)
>
Wasn't there a report of a second volume of this to come/
>
> THE HOOD: BLOOD FROM STONES (Marvel Comics, 144 color pages, $14.99)
Wow how did I miss a Vaughan written series, since I love his Y: THE
LAST MAN stuff. Hmm this is the only thing that grabs me from Marvel
this month.
> Continuing Series
>
> BABYHEAD MAGAZINE #2 (Amaze Ink/SLG Publishing, 48 black-and-white
> pages, $3.95)
> I thought the first issue of this anthology was an amazing, hilarious,
> jam-packed pop culture puree.
Yeah I really liked the first issue of this, very funny stuff and the
format did remind me a little of Dorkin's work.
>
> STYLISH VITTLES: ALL THE WAY (Dementian Comics, $17)
> This volume continues the story of young lovers Tyler and Nanette as
> they struggle with their relationship maturing, including coming to
> terms with each other's past. For a preview, visit
> www.stylishvittles.com.
>
Darn that looks interesting, but i missed the first voulme when my
retailer (before I switched to mail order) didn't order it for me.
> HOPELESS SAVAGES: GROUND ZERO (Oni Press, 128 pages, $11.95)
I wonder if this will be a better read in one volume. The main artist
really stuggled in giving everyone a consistent enough look in my
opinion, thus making it hard for me to keep up with who was who in the
monthly installments.
> From the exclusive publishers:
>
> BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #39 (DC Comics, 40 color pages, $2.75)
> Cliff Chiang alert!
No real comment on the Huntress stuff as while I have never read about
the Pre Crisis Huntress (any particular stories I might want to look
at?) I don't care for the current one much at all. (At least not in the
past 6 years or so)
Yet thanks for he Cliff Chiang alert, as I love his work but he does so
little that it can be easy to overlook.
> BATGIRL #38 (DC Comics, 32 color pages, $2.50)
> When did I start buying comics for the art? When
> talented-but-not-well-known-enough creators started getting guest shots.
> In this issue, art is by Jeff Parker, whose INTERMAN I recommended a
> couple of months of ago. I'm also intrigued by DC giving a newcomer a
> tryout writing a Bat-family book.
Schreck seems very open to giving new talent a try, it probably goes
back to his Oni Press days. The story certainly sounds interesting (Girl
sneaks out for night on town with girl friend her "dad" doesn't approve
of.) so it may be the first Batgirl story I've read since the beginning
of the series. (when it seemed like she was letting people die every two
issues)
> Snarky Comments
>
> Free Comic Book Day is coming back. There's a nice four-page spread
> promoting the many many titles that will be available (if your retailer
> chooses to buy them) in May. I read through the list thinking "wow, new
> James Kolchalka story" and "hey, that Second to Some book looks like
> it'll be funny". Then I realized that that's entirely the wrong thing to
> do. I'm an existing comic reader. I've been reading comics for decades,
> and you couldn't get me to STOP at this point. Why am I being tempted
> with all these comics? I'm buying comics anyway. I'm not the person you
> need to attract.
I think I know what your saying here, but I don't know if I agree with
you. In general your tastes aren't very... standard(?) for the comic
buying audience as it is today. So if the books interest you I feel a
bit better then if they interested the guy who has been buying all of
the X-titles for the past 25 years and is interested in debates on
whether Wolverine could beat Superman.
>
> In order to read the first new story of the returning AUTHORITY series,
> you have to buy STORMWATCH, SLEEPER, and WILDCATS this month. They all
> need the help, judging by sales trends, but I suspect DC is wildly
> overestimating how popular the AUTHORITY still is.
I would say so as I had no idea there was even a new Authority series
planned. Westfield doesn't list much about it, is it written by Dwayne
Turner? And who is Regla?
>
> There's a new Prestige Format ZATANNA one-shot guest-starring John
> Constantine.
Hmm that's a nice cover by Bolland. The way DC moves Zatanna back and
forthe between their superheroes U. and Vertigo always surprises me.
Though I guess with some of subject matter being covered in Regular DCU
books, the line between the two is becoming blurred.
> I thought the SUPERMAN 10-CENT ADVENTURE was supposed to restart some
> excitement for that line of books, but I fear whatever interest it may
> raise has fizzled out. I'm not interested in all the Batman books, but
> at least I can see why other people are, and there's a definite sense
> that it's a group to watch, probably due to editorial leadership.
> Superman... it's more of the same old. The only thing that's been
> interesting to talk about in that group has been the whole SUPERGIRL
> problem, with DC killing one of their few titles that's been gaining in
> sales lately (by order estimates). Time for a shakeup?
I think so. The Batman books each have a certain style about them, you
know what you are going to get depending on which book you are reading.
The Superman book just don't have that same feel, they may use one style
one month and then will be totally different the next.
> No one seems much interested in the CAPTAIN AMERICA series any more,
> likely due to a story that can be described as muddled at best and some
> very iffy politics (no matter what slice of the spectrum you classify
> yourself in).
Wow you know I used to be a huge CAP fan growing up, but lost interest a
while back. I tried the new series when it started but it wasn't for me
but I wasn't even aware that the creative teams had changed. Wow does
that cover makes Cap look grumpy.
> Marvel is providing some alternative choices this month:
> the start of new penciller Olivier Coipel on AVENGERS, promoted with an
> image of Cap,
Is that Avengers cover by Copiel? I'm impressed as usually his style
never appealed to me.
>and a weekly miniseries by Bruce Jones and Steve Rude that
> looks to be of more traditional interest. (Although given that you'd
> have to order all the issues of the mini at once anyway, and given
> Marvel's tendency to rush out collections, I'd suggest anyone interested
> wait for the trade to see if it lives up to its promise.)
Wow Cap being grumpy again from the description anyway...
> THUNDERBOLTS: "More drinking, swearing, and fighting in the Mighty
> Marvel Manner!" Yeah, but usually the drinking's done by retailers who
> have to cope with no publisher support; the swearing is by fans turned
> off by radical new revamps like this one; and the fighting is done in
> public between the president and editor-in-chief and respected creators
> working for them.
Uhm wow... I like Arcurdi's writing but that cover is just so.... the
word bad just doesn't seem to cover it. I'll wait and see what the word
is on it when it comes out. (if anyone reads it:) )
> So I'm flipping through the Dynamic Forces section laughing at the
> disembodied Spider-Man heads when I see listed an "Avengers Giclee".
> What's a Giclee? It's a fancy poster, a print on canvas that costs $700.
> Apparently "giclee" is the sound you make when you choke on the price
> tag.
Giclee!!!
> That's it! Please check back next month!
Thanks for all of the work you put into this.
James
Johanna Draper Carlson
> >Johanna Draper Carlson <joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com>
> wrote:
>
> Cool, just in time for me to make out my Westfield order!
Yay! My retailer is very nice about flexible deadlines, which sometimes
makes me lazy in getting this out in a timely fashion.
> > SANDWALK ADVENTURES (Active Synapse, $20)
>
> Wow already? I love Jay's stuff, but if I knew the tpb would be out this
> soon I would have just waited for it.
I'm feeling the same way, but I didn't decide to wait for trades until
halfway through this miniseries. Anyone want to buy a set of 1-5? :)
> > LITTLE SCROWLIE #1 (Amaze Ink/SLG Publishing, $3.50)
> Yet is the Goth girl's clothes supposed to look like Xena's?:)
She does wear a decorated bustier, yes.
> Well I see a new issue of a book that I've really liked but haven't seen
> an issue of in a while called BONEYARD. Which made me go "Yay", until I
> see that it's a Swimsuit issue. ::shakes head:::
I noticed that too. That series is a fun read when it stays on this side
of the sex farce style, but sometimes it falls right over the edge into
pinup pandering.
> > DAYS LIKE THIS (Oni Press, $8.95)
> > J. Torres (THE COPYBOOK TALES) writes this story of the rise of a 60s
> > girl group. It's a great idea for a story, and the design by Scott
> > Chantler looks fabulous. What an exciting project!
>
> Oh wow that does seem interesting, as there were a lot of true stories
> from that time involving music groups that were interesting. Why does
> the name Scott Chantler sound so familiar?
Dunno -- I'm not familiar with his work. You can see more at
www.scottchantler.com if you're curious. I'm hoping it's as good as
Grace of My Heart (a film about a female songwriter, loosely inspired by
the life of Carole King).
> > BIZARRO COMICS (DC Comics, 240 color pages, $19.95)
> Wasn't there a report of a second volume of this to come/
Yes, according to some of the contributors.
> > HOPELESS SAVAGES: GROUND ZERO (Oni Press, 128 pages, $11.95)
> I wonder if this will be a better read in one volume. The main artist
> really stuggled in giving everyone a consistent enough look in my
> opinion, thus making it hard for me to keep up with who was who in the
> monthly installments.
I suspect it will be. I had trouble keeping some of the kid characters
straight myself, but I blamed my bad memory for faces month-to-month.
> the Pre Crisis Huntress (any particular stories I might want to look at?)
She had some neat appearances in All-Star Comics, from #69 on in the
late 1970s.
> it may be the first Batgirl story I've read since the beginning of
> the series. (when it seemed like she was letting people die every two
> issues)
Death doesn't mean what it used to in comics.
> > I'm an existing comic reader. I've been reading comics for decades,
> > and you couldn't get me to STOP at this point. Why am I being tempted
> > with all these comics? I'm buying comics anyway. I'm not the person you
> > need to attract.
>
> I think I know what your saying here, but I don't know if I agree with
> you. In general your tastes aren't very... standard(?) for the comic
> buying audience as it is today. So if the books interest you I feel a
> bit better then if they interested the guy who has been buying all of
> the X-titles for the past 25 years and is interested in debates on
> whether Wolverine could beat Superman.
Point. I just don't want to want the books, because I feel bad about not
getting into the spirit of the thing.
> I would say so as I had no idea there was even a new Authority series
> planned. Westfield doesn't list much about it, is it written by Dwayne
> Turner?
Robbie Morrison, from 2000 AD, I think.
> And who is Regla?
No idea. Where'd you see that?
> > Marvel is providing some alternative choices this month: the start
> > of new penciller Olivier Coipel on AVENGERS, promoted with an image
> > of Cap,
>
> Is that Avengers cover by Copiel?
That art in Previews is, but I don't think it's the cover.
--
Johanna Draper Carlson
Reviews of Comics Worth Reading -- http://www.comicsworthreading.com
New: January Previews Recommendations!
James Schee
wrote:
> James Schee <jameswsc...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > >Johanna Draper Carlson <joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > Cool, just in time for me to make out my Westfield order!
>
> Yay! My retailer is very nice about flexible deadlines, which sometimes
> makes me lazy in getting this out in a timely fashion.
Yeah, Westfield gives me until the 23rd to get my order in, so I'm a bit
spoiled too.
> > Well I see a new issue of a book that I've really liked but haven't seen
> > an issue of in a while called BONEYARD. Which made me go "Yay", until I
> > see that it's a Swimsuit issue. ::shakes head:::
>
> I noticed that too. That series is a fun read when it stays on this side
> of the sex farce style, but sometimes it falls right over the edge into
> pinup pandering.
Yup, I think that has to do with Richard Moore's past work though. I
looked up his name when I first discovered this series, and saw a bunch
of pinups of his from various fan sites.
> > the Pre Crisis Huntress (any particular stories I might want to look at?)
>
> She had some neat appearances in All-Star Comics, from #69 on in the
> late 1970s.
Hmm, I never read that series as I didn't really get into comics until
the mid-80s. i'll never find those books around here, but I can put them
down as something to look for at my next con. (if I can find them cheap)
Was she the one who was Batman and Catwoman's daughter like the Birds of
Prey show character was loosly based on?
> > I think I know what your saying here, but I don't know if I agree with
> > you. In general your tastes aren't very... standard(?) for the comic
> > buying audience as it is today. So if the books interest you I feel a
> > bit better then if they interested the guy who has been buying all of
> > the X-titles for the past 25 years and is interested in debates on
> > whether Wolverine could beat Superman.
>
> Point. I just don't want to want the books, because I feel bad about not
> getting into the spirit of the thing.
Oh I know, but I still think that you shouldn't worry so much. Your
tastes probably run a bit more towards the type of stuff your standard
non-comic readers might like to read. (In comparison to most other
comics fans do.) So if you are interested in them, then that gives me
hope that maybe some non-comic people will be too.
> > I would say so as I had no idea there was even a new Authority series
> > planned. Westfield doesn't list much about it, is it written by Dwayne
> > Turner?
>
> Robbie Morrison, from 2000 AD, I think.
>
> > And who is Regla?
>
> No idea. Where'd you see that?
I misread the credits on the books, the credits on the Stormwatch one
for instance read Wright & Robbie Morrison/Portacio, Dwayne Turner/Regla.
> > > Marvel is providing some alternative choices this month: the start
> > > of new penciller Olivier Coipel on AVENGERS, promoted with an image
> > > of Cap,
> >
> > Is that Avengers cover by Copiel?
>
> That art in Previews is, but I don't think it's the cover.
This one had Cap, Wasp, and Scarlet Witch on Mt. Rushmore.
James
Johanna Draper Carlson
> Was she the one who was Batman and Catwoman's daughter like the Birds of
> Prey show character was loosly based on?
Yes, that's the original Huntress.
> > That art in Previews is, but I don't think it's the cover.
>
> This one had Cap, Wasp, and Scarlet Witch on Mt. Rushmore.
That's not what's in Previews, so I dunno.
George Grattan
joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com wrote:
> James Schee <jameswsc...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> Was she the one who was Batman and Catwoman's daughter like the Birds of
>> Prey show character was loosly based on?
>
> Yes, that's the original Huntress.
And the BoP TV show might have had a shot at longer life it had gotten
closer to the character beyond her parentage, I think. :-)
As Johanna said, you can get some solid pre-Crisis/Earth-2 Huntress stories
in the revived All-Star Comics from #69 on, but I'd also recommend the
following:
DC Super-Stars #17 (?? Not sure on the cite)-- her origin story.
The conclusion of the JSA/All-Star revival into _Adventure Comics_, where
some very Huntress-centered stories occurred, including the death of the
Earth-2 Batman and the final story, wherein Huntress relates the secrets
behind the JSA's retirement to Power Girl.
Several of the JLA/JSA teamups in JLA (and even All-Star Squadron) feature
her quite nicely--particularly the New Gods story, which offers up some
great sequences between Huntress, the Earth-1 Batman, and Mr. Miracle
sneaking into Darkseid's fortress on Apokolips.
Some excellent back-up stories in the late 200's of _Wonder Woman_-- I
really admire these stories for their economy. There was one or two that
preceded these in either _Batman Family_ or _Dectective_.
One _Brave & the Bold_ Christmas story team-up with the Earth-1 Batman.
Finally, Roy Thomas's handling of her in both the _America vs. the JSA_
miniseries and the amazing first ten issues of _Infinity, Inc._ is quite
good.
--
Shalom, Peace, Salaam
George Grattan
Ralf Haring
<jameswsc...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>Is that Avengers cover by Copiel? I'm impressed as usually his style
>never appealed to me.
The cover is by J.G. Jones.
http://westfield2.com/wow/art/large/m03.jpg
-Ralf Haring
"The mind must be the harder, the heart the keener,
the spirit the greater, as our strength grows less."
-Byrhtwold, The Battle of Maldon
Ralf Haring
<joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com> wrote:
>
>SMALLVILLE #1 (DC Comics, 48 color pages, $3.50)
>THIS is what people have been asking for. A TV-tie-in series written by
>episode writers, with what looks like classic-style art, complete with
>interview features and an episode guide to provide more value to
>readers. THIS is how you should do media synergy projects. Except for
>that price... yes, it's a larger-than-normal size first issue, but 48
>pages is half what non-comic-readers expect in comparison to magazines,
>which are published at lower prices. Let's hope the stories are good,
>and I'm betting on success.
I don't see how. Why would tv viewers care about a comic version? How
would they know about a comic version? Isn't this going to be a
bimonthly series? I mean, just to make sure there's no chance of any
tv viewers following it regularly...
Ralf Haring
<jameswsc...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>Yeah, Westfield gives me until the 23rd to get my order in, so I'm a bit
>spoiled too.
Well, that means that on the 23rd they'll extend the date until the
26th. On the 26th they'll extend the date until the 28th. On the 28th
they'll extend the date until the 29th. All because month after month
they can't seem to get all the Previews data entered by when they say
it'll be entered. If the date is just a total guess, then they
shouldn't put it up.
Johanna Draper Carlson
> DC Super-Stars #17 (?? Not sure on the cite)-- her origin story.
The number's right. I couldn't remember the title. That special issue
also has a Legion origin story and a Green Arrow.
> The conclusion of the JSA/All-Star revival into _Adventure Comics_, where
> some very Huntress-centered stories occurred, including the death of the
> Earth-2 Batman and the final story, wherein Huntress relates the secrets
> behind the JSA's retirement to Power Girl.
Is that the one where they race down the staircase? One of my favorite
small character bits ever.
> Finally, Roy Thomas's handling of her in both the _America vs. the JSA_
> miniseries and the amazing first ten issues of _Infinity, Inc._ is quite
> good.
The America vs the JSA is a total snorefest, though. Illustrated
footnotes. Roy's history jones at its worst.
Thanks for the list!
Johanna Draper Carlson
> <joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com> wrote:
> >
> >SMALLVILLE #1 (DC Comics, 48 color pages, $3.50)
> >THIS is what people have been asking for. A TV-tie-in series written by
> >episode writers, with what looks like classic-style art, complete with
> >interview features and an episode guide to provide more value to
> >readers. THIS is how you should do media synergy projects. Except for
> >that price... yes, it's a larger-than-normal size first issue, but 48
> >pages is half what non-comic-readers expect in comparison to magazines,
> >which are published at lower prices. Let's hope the stories are good,
> >and I'm betting on success.
>
> I don't see how. Why would tv viewers care about a comic version? How
> would they know about a comic version?
It's mentioned in this week's TV Guide with a small column, along with
the Alias and CSI comics, for one thing. I suspect fans will quickly
spread the word as well.
Leaving aside the question of non-comic-readers for a minute, there have
been many comic fans interested in Superman again because of the show,
yet disappointed that there are no comics with a similar approach. I
think this fills that niche nicely.
Maybe you're right -- maybe it'll suck and/or sink. I thought the
previous one-shot did a good job, though, and I'm glad this book will be
out there for more reader choice.
--
Johanna Draper Carlson
Reviews of Comics Worth Reading -- http://www.comicsworthreading.com
New: January Previews Recommendations!
George Grattan
joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com wrote:
> George Grattan <gra...@rcn.com> wrote:
>
>> DC Super-Stars #17 (?? Not sure on the cite)-- her origin story.
>
> The number's right. I couldn't remember the title. That special issue
> also has a Legion origin story and a Green Arrow.
>
>> The conclusion of the JSA/All-Star revival into _Adventure Comics_, where
>> some very Huntress-centered stories occurred, including the death of the
>> Earth-2 Batman and the final story, wherein Huntress relates the secrets
>> behind the JSA's retirement to Power Girl.
>
> Is that the one where they race down the staircase? One of my favorite
> small character bits ever.
That's the one, and, yes, it's a great moment. That story also has the great
exchange between the two, where Kara thinks its odd that the whole JSA only
gets together at things like funerals, and Helena observes that that's how
most human families function and that "sometimes it's painfully obvious that
[Kara] was raised by a machine." Wonderful stuff.
There are similar moments in an earlier JSA tale in the _Adventure_ run,
where the team is seeking a poison capsule throughout the city, and the
Huntress and PG end up tracing down a particular lead. Levtiz really
understood that the way to make both of these characters work was to write
them as the parallels to Earth-One's Superman and Batman, not to their
distaff versions.
>
>> Finally, Roy Thomas's handling of her in both the _America vs. the JSA_
>> miniseries and the amazing first ten issues of _Infinity, Inc._ is quite
>> good.
>
> The America vs the JSA is a total snorefest, though. Illustrated
> footnotes. Roy's history jones at its worst.
Too true-- *except* for the good character bits with both Helena and Dick.
Readers not interested in the minutia of JSA history should skim the rest,
indeed.
>
> Thanks for the list!
My pleasure-- you know I've got my own jones for the Earth-2 Huntress. :-)
Brian Doyle
"Ralf Haring" <ra...@duke.edu> wrote in message
news:3e21245b....@news.verizon.net...
> I don't see how. Why would tv viewers care about a comic version? How
> would they know about a comic version?
Because they know Superman is a comic, so might see if there is such a thing as a
Smallville comic.
Worked just fine for Buffy, and Batman the Animated Series for that matter.
mart...@umn.edu
> Items shipping in March 2003
>
> New Products
>
> Fangeek on: Those Kingdom Come figures look very very nice. I do have to
> quibble with the idea that all of these characters were "pivotal to the
> series", because although Hawkman looks amazing, I don't remember him
> doing much of anything. I guess they're saving the older Batman for a
> possible future wave.
Isn't there still licensing issues with Batman compared to other
characters?
B. Martin
Jay Hosler
> James Schee <jameswsc...@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > >Johanna Draper Carlson <joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> > Cool, just in time for me to make out my Westfield order!
>
> Yay! My retailer is very nice about flexible deadlines, which sometimes
> makes me lazy in getting this out in a timely fashion.
>
> > > SANDWALK ADVENTURES (Active Synapse, $20)
> >
> > Wow already? I love Jay's stuff, but if I knew the tpb would be out this
> > soon I would have just waited for it.
>
> I'm feeling the same way, but I didn't decide to wait for trades until
> halfway through this miniseries. Anyone want to buy a set of 1-5? :)
Hi James and Johanna
First, let me say thanks for all of the nice things you have both said
about Clan Apis and Sandwalk Adventures. A few points about the trade:
1. The trade is in no way an inevitability when I start a series. I
mean, I always hope to see my work collected, but there was no way to
know if a story about a coversation between Darwin and a follicle mite
would fly with readers. The premise aside, the possibilty always
exists that what I write won't be well received.
2. By the time orders for issue 3 came in, it was clear that a trade
would be more than possible. Now, by that time issue #1 had sold out
and we needed to decide if we would reprint it or just release the
trade as soon as possible. We chose the latter for a number of
financial reasons.
3. The NYTimes article generated a ton of interest and demand for a
trade from a number of booksellers and educators. Since bookstores and
schools comprise 80% of Active Synapses business (i.e. sales of Clan
Apis), this just underscored our desire to go to trade quickly.
4. Finally (and I am not being snippy-honestly), what is an
appropriate amount of time that needs to pass before a trade is
released? When we saw the level of interest and recognized that people
that couldn't get the first issue might be holding out for a trade, we
assumed that going to trade would be best.
Cheers
Jay
Johanna Draper Carlson
> 1. The trade is in no way an inevitability when I start a series.
You've had a pretty good track record so far, though. :)
I can't speak for James, but personally, I no longer have the money or
the space to buy comics twice. I prefer the book format much more than
single issues, so from now on, I'm no longer buying comic miniseries.
If for some reason a collection never appears, then if I'm still
interested in the story (concept, artist, etc.), I'll hunt down the back
issues. I'll probably pay less than I would have in the first place,
another bonus.
Of course you should put out a collection as soon as you can if there's
demand for it. Since I'm only interested in the book format now, the
sooner the better!
--
Johanna Draper Carlson
Reviews of Comics Worth Reading -- http://www.comicsworthreading.com
New: Jack Staff, Sandwalk Adventures, Little White Mouse, minicomics,
reviews of Superman, Ult. Daredevil, Metallix, more
Carlos Hernandez
> hos...@juniata.edu (Jay Hosler) wrote:
>> 1. The trade is in no way an inevitability when I start a series.
>You've had a pretty good track record so far, though. :)
>I can't speak for James, but personally, I no longer have the money or
>the space to buy comics twice. I prefer the book format much more than
>single issues, so from now on, I'm no longer buying comic miniseries.
>If for some reason a collection never appears, then if I'm still
>interested in the story (concept, artist, etc.), I'll hunt down the back
>issues. I'll probably pay less than I would have in the first place,
>another bonus.
I made the same decision over a year ago, and since then I haven't picked
up any miniseries or started reading any new ongoing series. At the same
time, I'm much more willing to order trades or graphic novels blind out of
Previews. I figure anything worth my time is going to wind up collected
eventually, and if anything slips through the cracks, I spend enough as it
is.
--
Carlos Hernandez Fisher | "Dogs lie. We know they do."
cahe...@nospam.sfu.ca | -- Dr. Lawrence J. Myers
remove 'nospam' to reply | Auburn Veterinary Medicine
Andrew Stephenson
joh...@discardme.comicsworthreading.com
"Johanna Draper Carlson" writes:
> [...]
>
> I can't speak for James, but personally, I no longer have the money or
> the space to buy comics twice. I prefer the book format much more than
> single issues, so from now on, I'm no longer buying comic miniseries.
>
> If for some reason a collection never appears, then if I'm still
> interested in the story (concept, artist, etc.), I'll hunt down the back
> issues. I'll probably pay less than I would have in the first place,
> another bonus.
>
> Of course you should put out a collection as soon as you can if there's
> demand for it. Since I'm only interested in the book format now, the
> sooner the better!
I am probably stating the obvious (well, obvious for those who've
had to look into the subject) but the economics of going straight
to TPB for individual creators are stressful. Even making deals
with friendly publishers does not, from the sample numbers I have
been quoted, help much.
Staying alive and solvent until publication, not to mention then
waiting for the profits to roll in, means something (eg, healthy
savings) has to bankroll the development. No point in having a
huge success eventually if by then debt has eaten you.
Doing it serially is a whole lot more possible. Naturally, this
means someone has to buy the serialised version.
OTOH, if someone can show how to go straight to TPB while staying
afloat, I'd be very glad to hear from them, as I do largely agree
with your expressed preferences. TPB makes for a more pleasing
package, especially without all that d*mned extraneous commercial
matter.
--
Andrew Stephenson
Johanna Draper Carlson
> I am probably stating the obvious (well, obvious for those who've
> had to look into the subject) but the economics of going straight
> to TPB for individual creators are stressful.
You're right. Getting a title to the point where continuing book sales
occur can be tough. Once you get there, though, I'm told they're a nice
recurring source of revenue.
> Staying alive and solvent until publication, not to mention then
> waiting for the profits to roll in, means something (eg, healthy
> savings) has to bankroll the development.
All I'm saying is that I'm no longer going to be part of that bankroll.
I've gotten burned too often when publishers put out superior collected
versions, and it's rare that I can sell my back issues for enough to pay
for the book form. Instead, I'm going to wait for the product I prefer.
If the comic doesn't survive that long, oh, well, that's not my problem.
That sounds harsh, but I'm not responsible for keeping a publisher or
title going. All I'm responsible for is spending my money to buy
products I want. It's stupid for me to buy formats (like miniseries)
that I'm no longer interested in.
> OTOH, if someone can show how to go straight to TPB while staying
> afloat, I'd be very glad to hear from them
You should probably ask publishers like AIT, Top Shelf, and the guy who
does Stylish Vittles (a new series of OGNs), since they all seem to be
succeeding with that strategy. I'm also exciting to see Oni Press
releasing original graphic novels.
Andrew Stephenson
> am...@deltrak.demon.co.uk (Andrew Stephenson) wrote:
>
> > OTOH, if someone can show how to go straight to TPB while
> > staying afloat, I'd be very glad to hear from them
>
> You should probably ask publishers like AIT, Top Shelf, and the
> guy who does Stylish Vittles (a new series of OGNs), since they
> all seem to be succeeding with that strategy. I'm also exciting
> to see Oni Press releasing original graphic novels.
Fair enough. If they have a cunning scheme, more power to them.
Maybe they do it the old-fashioned way: draughty garrets, mouldy
crusts, madly romantic bohemian lifestyle 'n' that.
--
Andrew Stephenson
Johanna Draper Carlson
> Maybe they do it the old-fashioned way: draughty garrets, mouldy
> crusts, madly romantic bohemian lifestyle 'n' that.
Or maybe they're doing more advance planning, like laying out a business
plan that gets them to the first collection including structuring
appropriate financing. Who knows?
James Schee
wrote:
> hos...@juniata.edu (Jay Hosler) wrote:
>
> > 1. The trade is in no way an inevitability when I start a series.
>
> You've had a pretty good track record so far, though. :)
>
> I can't speak for James, but personally, I no longer have the money or
> the space to buy comics twice. I prefer the book format much more than
> single issues, so from now on, I'm no longer buying comic miniseries.
>
You've pretty much summed up my feelings as well. Especially since I've
made the switch to mail order where with the wait between boxes it's
just far easier to read comics in collected form.
> Of course you should put out a collection as soon as you can if there's
> demand for it. Since I'm only interested in the book format now, the
> sooner the better!
Yeah me too. I wasn't mad about the tpb being out so soon, I was just
surprised since I haven't even seen the last issue yet. Which just made
me feel even better about making my recent decision to swtich to mainly
reading GNs,tpbs, etc.
James
Johanna Draper Carlson
> pages, $3.95)
> I thought the first issue of this anthology was an amazing, hilarious,
> jam-packed pop culture puree.
Please note -- I have been informed that this listing was a mistake.
What is offered this month is a relist of BABYHEAD #1. It's still worth
looking at, but I wanted to make sure people who already had that issue
didn't accidentally order it again.
--
Johanna Draper Carlson
Reviews of Comics Worth Reading -- http://www.comicsworthreading.com
James Schee
> > BABYHEAD MAGAZINE #2 (Amaze Ink/SLG Publishing, 48 black-and-white
> > pages, $3.95)
> > I thought the first issue of this anthology was an amazing, hilarious,
> > jam-packed pop culture puree.
>
> Please note -- I have been informed that this listing was a mistake.
> What is offered this month is a relist of BABYHEAD #1. It's still worth
> looking at, but I wanted to make sure people who already had that issue
> didn't accidentally order it again.
How on Earth did they make that kind of widespread error? Thanks for the
heads up Johanna, hopefully the people at Westfield have heard this
too...
Is there a site somewhere that I can point them towards, with this info?
As I already placed my order for it.
James
Jackie Estrada
sales
occur can be tough. Once you get there, though, I'm told they're a
nice
recurring source of revenue.>>
Unless your bookstore distributor goes bankrupt without having paid
you for the books . . .
Jackie Estrada
Johanna Draper Carlson
> Unless your bookstore distributor goes bankrupt without having paid
> you for the books . . .
Sounds like a subthread -- "Horror Stories of the Comic Industry". It
could also include cautionary tales of publishers refusing to return art
or to pay for work done.
(I don't mean to make light of what sounds like a horrible situation to
deal with. My sympathies that you had to go through that.)
Andrew Stephenson
> am...@deltrak.demon.co.uk (Andrew Stephenson) wrote:
>
> > Maybe they do it the old-fashioned way: draughty garrets,
> > mouldy crusts, madly romantic bohemian lifestyle 'n' that.
>
> Or maybe they're doing more advance planning, like laying out a
> business plan that gets them to the first collection including
> structuring appropriate financing. Who knows?
Who indeed. Far be it from me to deny anyone the joys of spread-
sheeting. But let us not overlook the artistic side-benefits of
the O-FW: pathos, consumption and wonderful deathbed arias. And
rats. Mustn't forget the rats. And reducing editors to tears--
No, wait, I do that already...
Sadly (unless someone can prove otherwise) it seems serialising a
work is vastly easier financially than publishing as a TPB first.
On this, I don't think we disagree?
Nor do I disagree with your reasoning on why you prefer the TPB.
I just regret the implications for smalltimers trying to finance
their own projects, if every reader switches. This is based on
numbers outlined to me recently by someone very involved in TPB
publication at the quality end of the market. So not only does
the quality creator-financier have to invest more up front, total
returns are smaller. If serial comics publication vanished, I do
wonder how this would influence the average publisher's courage,
when pitched marginal/daring ideas.
I really, really, wish someone could show me where this line of
reasoning is broken. (With numbers, please, not optimism.)
See -- we got pathos and a deathbed aria out of this. Will you
take a rain check on the consumption and the rats?
--
Andrew Stephenson
Johanna Draper Carlson
> Sadly (unless someone can prove otherwise) it seems serialising a
> work is vastly easier financially than publishing as a TPB first.
It used to be, certainly. I think it's becoming less so (and publishing
an original graphic novel more so) because of the number of readers
waiting for the trade. Those readers seem to be more interested in
independent work, as well.
While the market was historically set up to handle issues, it was also
historically set up to handle superhero stories. If you're not doing
superheroes, then you're already talking about selling strongly to only
a subset (estimates are 10%) of the current group of stores. That
subset, who are going to end up supporting your work, don't have much of
a problem with OGNs.
> I just regret the implications for smalltimers trying to finance
> their own projects, if every reader switches.
If every reader switches (not likely), then smalltimers will adapt or
die, just like any other publisher. They've adapted previously to the
serialized superhero market; I have confidence that they (as a group --
there will be some individual losses, of course) will handle what comes.
From one perspective, putting a higher barrier to entry into the market
may not be a completely bad thing. Costs to put out a comic issue are
currently so low that there's an awful lot of junk out there now. Making
publishers do more planning (including lining up long-term financing)
would be a significant challenge, but it might have some positive
benefits.
Maybe this means more smalltimers creating co-ops or small publishing
houses to get started and take advantage of shared labor. Maybe this
means more webcomics and minicomics, as people build attention for their
work and thus set up an audience who's waiting for the book.
> the quality creator-financier have to invest more up front, total
> returns are smaller.
I'm not sure what you're referring to -- profit per piece? order numbers
on first offering? something else?
> I really, really, wish someone could show me where this line of
> reasoning is broken. (With numbers, please, not optimism.)
I gave you references to check out last message. The publishers who are
following this route (and seem to be succeeding) are the best source of
numbers.
Larry Young, who runs AIT, lays out exactly how he structured his
publishing in his book True Facts, which is also available online at http://www.savantmag.com .
Other than that, there are quotes from creators talking about how the
books keep their production of comics alive, because the books, once
they're out there, are a continuing source of revenue. I believe Dave
Sim, among others, has commented on that in the past.
Regardless, getting back to what started this thread, either a publisher
will offer products (graphic novels) I want to buy, or they won't. If
they don't, my money will go to those who do. As more people follow my
lead (heh), then publishers will adapt or die. My sympathies are with
small publishers who are facing many new challenges, but I can't afford
to buy comics out of charity.
Animeg3282
successful make a GN of that? Several web comics have done it, and it doesn't
seem so bad.. The GN has a built in market, because it's just so much more
convienant for trips and such to have a little book.
--
Hana no Kaitou
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Andrew Stephenson
> From one perspective, putting a higher barrier to entry into the market
> may not be a completely bad thing. Costs to put out a comic issue are
> currently so low that there's an awful lot of junk out there now. Making
> publishers do more planning (including lining up long-term financing)
> would be a significant challenge, but it might have some positive
> benefits.
Fair point. It might even raise readers' expectations.
> > the quality creator-financier have to invest more up front, total
> > returns are smaller.
>
> I'm not sure what you're referring to -- profit per piece?
> order numbers on first offering? something else?
Keep in mind that all I have been saying is within the context of
creators who are funding themselves.
It's possible I misconstrued the numbers I was given as examples
of what one up-market publisher felt was typical of the TPBs they
put out. Our discussion went on hold while pressing matters were
handled; we may yet resume it. It appeared a work published as a
TPB could be expected to net creators/rightsowners less overall
(unit_price * unit_sales * fraction_returned_to_c/rs)
minus (c/rs'_costs)
than would a traditional serialised edition overall. The TPB, of
course, also calls for all the creative work to be done up-front,
at risk to c/rs. By "invest(ment)" I meant c/rs' up-front cost.
> > I really, really, wish someone could show me where this line of
> > reasoning is broken. (With numbers, please, not optimism.)
>
> I gave you references to check out last message. The publishers
> who are following this route (and seem to be succeeding) are
> the best source of numbers.
You did and I have not ignored your suggestion. My plea may have
been phrased inelegantly, being aimed not at you but at anyone in
the wider audience with personal experience. One must also allow
for the possibility that a publisher who has the key may not care
to give (or lend) it to others, so the ones you cited may prove,
hmm, laconic. So I was asking around whilst the topic was alive.
> Larry Young, who runs AIT, lays out exactly how he structured his
> publishing in his book True Facts, which is also available online at
> http://www.savantmag.com .
Ah, ta.
> Other than that, there are quotes from creators talking about how the
> books keep their production of comics alive, because the books, once
> they're out there, are a continuing source of revenue. I believe Dave
> Sim, among others, has commented on that in the past.
That's true for writers of text-only fiction too. Back-inventory
provides money and cross-sells other titles by the same hand(s).
Well, maybe we managed to kick this one to death.
--
Andrew Stephenson
Andrew Stephenson
anime...@aol.compelsia "Animeg3282" writes:
> Question here: Couldn't they just make a web comic, and then if
> it is successful make a GN of that? Several web comics have
> done it, and it doesn't seem so bad.. The GN has a built in
> market, because it's just so much more convienant for trips and
> such to have a little book.
That would save a few costs, certainly. (Eg, colour separation,
printing and probably distribution.) The style has to suit the
medium's technical limitations, of course.
ISTR "Rex Mundi" started that way. In their case, they chose a
simple palette, fairly clean lines and brief episodes. Seems to
have worked for them. Being picked up by "Comics International"
may have helped a bit. IASTR a "Hellboy" story (already a very
successful character, of course), put out via the Playboy site,
with even simpler technical requirements. Would it suit subtler
stories graced by complex art? Dunno. (Though, newspaper strips
may be a fair analogy -- many of those manage to run reasonably
complex stories, spread over weeks and months on grotty paper.)
OTOH, strips I have tried to follow on the Net (sorry, my brain
blanks on titles) take so much effort, partly due to rotten page
implementations, partly due to my need to remember to log on and
keep up, that I rarely bother with them except in splurges which
leave me feeling curiously unsatisfied.
But we still have the problem that up-front costs of TPB original
editions are formidable. Must go and chase Johanna's references.
--
Andrew Stephenson
Carlos Hernandez
>Question here: Couldn't they just make a web comic, and then if it is
>successful make a GN of that? Several web comics have done it, and it doesn't
>seem so bad.. The GN has a built in market, because it's just so much more
>convienant for trips and such to have a little book.
One of my favourite GNs of the year, Shutterbug Follies, did this.
Speaking of which, where is SF eligible in Squiddy voting? Webcomic,
though I never read it online? Reprint? Graphic Novel?
Johanna Draper Carlson
> It appeared a work published as a TPB could be expected to net
> creators/rightsowners less overall (unit_price * unit_sales *
> fraction_returned_to_c/rs) minus (c/rs'_costs) than would a
> traditional serialised edition overall.
If they're seriously telling you that they'd make less off a TPB than
they would the issues, I'd suspect one or more of the following is true:
1. they aren't pricing the TPB and/or the issues reasonably
2. they aren't considering the much longer lifespan of the TPB
3. they're doing a superhero book which will gain little or no interest
from TPB readers
> So I was asking around whilst the topic was alive.
Nothing wrong with that. I'd like to hear more stories of experience
with the subject, too.
Johanna Draper Carlson
> Speaking of which, where is SF eligible in Squiddy voting? Webcomic,
> though I never read it online? Reprint? Graphic Novel?
I'd put Shutterbug Follies in the Reprint category.
Andrew Stephenson
> am...@deltrak.demon.co.uk (Andrew Stephenson) wrote:
>
> > It appeared a work published as a TPB could be expected to net
> > creators/rightsowners less overall (unit_price * unit_sales *
> > fraction_returned_to_c/rs) minus (c/rs'_costs) than would a
> > traditional serialised edition overall.
>
> If they're seriously telling you that they'd make less off a TPB than
> they would the issues, I'd suspect one or more of the following is true:
> 1. they aren't pricing the TPB and/or the issues reasonably
> 2. they aren't considering the much longer lifespan of the TPB
> 3. they're doing a superhero book which will gain little or no interest
> from TPB readers
Definitely not #3, possibly #1, more likely #2, with the "they"
being me and/or my skill at getting a firm grip on the wrong end
of the stick. <g> All I know is, at first blush TPBs did not seem
the way to go, not first. Time should prove a great clarifier.
--
Andrew Stephenson
Carlos Hernandez
> Carlos Hernandez <cahe...@nospam.sfu.ca> wrote:
>> Speaking of which, where is SF eligible in Squiddy voting? Webcomic,
>> though I never read it online? Reprint? Graphic Novel?
>I'd put Shutterbug Follies in the Reprint category.
Damn, and there's so many good books in that category already. Copybook
Tales, Slow News Day, Pounded, Hopeless Savages, Magic Pickle, hell, just
about anything from Oni, Beg the Question, Sparks. Though those last two
have significant new material, don't they? Maybe I can finesse them into
the GN category.
Johanna Draper Carlson
> about anything from Oni, Beg the Question, Sparks. Though those last two
> have significant new material, don't they? Maybe I can finesse them into
> the GN category.
Sparks does qualify in the GN category because it has something like 35%
new pages by count. Beg the Question doesn't have enough new pages to
qualify, I'm guessing, although I haven't done the exact count.
Johanna Draper Carlson
wrote:
> DIGNIFYING SCIENCE (GT Labs, 240 pages, $19.95)
> This collection features true-life stories of female scientists written
> by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by some of the most amazing female
> artists working today, including Carla Speed McNeil, Linda Medley,
> Roberta Gregory, Donna Barr, Lea Hernandez, and comic legends Ramona
> Fradon and Marie Severin. More information is available at
> www.gt-labs.com.
I've received additional information since then from Jim:
"Diamond used old solicitation copy and the old cover image. The new
edition will have a redesigned and fully painted cover -- Linda Medley
of Castle Waiting fame will work from Ramona Fradon's original image to
create something fresh. I'm fixing some errors that I found in the
interiors as well, but the front and back covers are really the main
differences."
Plus, more information on Jim's next project, which I'm looking forward
to:
"The script for the next book -- SUSPENDED IN LANGUAGE, a book about
Niels Bohr -- is done, and Lee Purvis is hard at work on the art. Look
for it later this year. And if you've ever wondered how to teleport, you
can learn how thanks to a promotional poster for the book that Roger
Langridge (of Fred the Clown fame) and I have worked up. You'll want to
snag it at a convention appearance soon."
--
Johanna Draper Carlson
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