Doing Business

Recently I took my youngest artist and started showing him the numbers.  This is a part of the industry that I think we all neglect from time to time but I have to keep a close eye on it always.  The reason for this post is to enlighten the masses to some truths that have come to light.

I used to think after Capital distribution folded that Diamond was the only distributor.  I was wrong.  There was Cold cut which eventually became Haven.  But then I recently found out that Haven has folded.  So in reality the only way for a third party publisher to get to the book shelves is to go through one of the big 5; Marvel, DC, Image, IDW or Dynamite.  IDW and Dynamite do not look promising and Marvel and DC are very much the corporate scum we all think they are when it comes to intellectual property.  It looks like the only one willing to help out the small press is Image.  With this I give kudos out to the Image folks.  They look like they take more chances and give up and coming people the best chance at expanding their talents.

Don't get me wrong I think working for Marvel and DC is the bomb but like anything worth value you have to sacrifice to work for them.  If you are not willing to make that sacrifice then you really shouldn't look to them as an end game.  Working in the independent field you need to sacrifice.  Believe me I have sacrificed time and money to start this venture.  I knew it was an uphill climb and the road would be paved with thumbtacks as I walked along it with bare feet.

Don't get me wrong it all sounds depressing but its not.  There is a clear line between reality and fantasy.  Thinking your comic will be the next hot thing like the 'walking dead' is fantasy.  Making the comic you want to read that isn't being written is reality.  If people are able to see and enjoy your vision then you succeeded no matter how many fans you have. 

With that I have decided to let the fans make judgment calls by offering free to select fans.  I haven't decided if I want to make it free online or free through the mail yet.  I would rather have it free through the mail.  But what I need is honest unbiased opinion on story and art.  If the story sucks ass let me know.  If the art is crap let me know.  If it's kick ass story and kick ass art let me know.  I would rather create something people want to read than stroking my own ego.

Terry Wagner