So Jake's presentation was especially enlightening for me for three reasons:
1. Entering the Comic World as a reader
2. Entering the Comic World as an artist
3. Process
First off, I found it odd that he would tell us that as newcomers into the comic world that we should steer clear of Superhero comics. The independent stuff him and his wife brought were great, but I love superheros. I also was wondering about content for comics in general. What is the ratio of comics that have nudity/mature content in them vs comics that don't? Jake made it sound like comics were not for those bothered by those things.
Second, I was surprised about how much work goes into making comics and how little the payoff was. That alone is disheartening. How could an artist make a 600 page comic and never be reimbursed for it? And why can't an artist try and distribute his own stuff? Is it just too hard? I suppose people wouldn't make comics if it wasn't lucrative but at the same time, it seams that talents would better be implemented somewhere else.
Lastly, Jake's process was super helpful. He is the second artist I have encountered who begins on paper and finishes digitally. Something that I am excited to try, as well as focus on iteration like Christina talked about.
Good observations, you've asked some questions and I think i have some answers. 1st, Jake was actually steering you away from superhero COMIC SHOPS, and more towards boarders and barnes&nobles, which have a more accessible and more friendly reading environment. As far as that experience you had at Dragons Keep, I experienced that too - that shop is a good example of a bad comic shop. While Nightflight in Murray is a lot better, i still find myself preferring Borders, when I go to Nightflight its more out of respect for the industry, like a museum trip as opposed to window shopping. But that is a discussion all in itself, and it has to do with a big transition in readership that is happening right now. Comic shops need to evolve to their international counterparts or they will not survive. Ask me later about that.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the ratio of maturity, I'm not quite sure. All I know is that I wish there was a better labeling system in order, because it seems that the genre is favoring people that, like Jake said, aren't bothered by mature content, and i think that sucks. Avoid reading Powers if this annoys you, its written really well but can leave a bad taste in your mouth - and I want to respect your taste. If there are less than 6 people willing to read Powers, I need to change that book out - so those who are willing, please help the other students out. Maturity is usually defined by the publishing company; Marvel, for instance, created ICON comics and Marvel KNIGHTS for mature readers. DC created Vertigo.
2nd, the system in place right now is disheartening, yes, but it is getting better. Remember Jake's comment on how he felt he was being treated bad, but actually it was pretty good treatment considering the industry standard. 10 years ago it was even worse. Just looking at the amount of independent books out there tells me something is right is happening. and if you look at historic trends, in the 90's artists were getting screwed out of owning their on stuff - they overcame that. Now artists are getting screwed over receiving profits, they'll overcome that as well.
Basically what i am saying is that, if you look at it from a certain perspective, things are getting better. its up to us to make it better - and i can tell you were all appreciative that jake was kind enough to equip us with truth. Truth is our sword.
BTW. If you're ever in Torrence, L.A. CA, check out Stuart Ng books (see link on left column.
ReplyDeleteStuart Ng Books looks so cool!
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