So sorry that your experience with Vault was as bad as mine, Victor. Their PR team is a disaster, in my experience, and unless you're one of their buddies, you don't get much promotion.
It's a shame that a sure-fire combo like you and Cantwell couldn't get better, but I can't say I'm surprised.
I think they did a good work with the solicitations (we have a very productive meeting with the marketing department) and they can do a good work when the book is finally published but right now I can't find if they are explaing what was going to do with the series (maybe I'm wrong). But anyway, the process of doing the book has been a delight, working with the editor and the colorist and Chris of course.
I, for one, am stoked about the graphic novel and will be placing an order ASAP! It's a shame what happened to the series... You have highlighted some of the big reasons I left publishing. It's an extremely cynical industry, but I share your confidence that we'll weather the storm. The mass majority of comic creators are passionate about their work and that's resilient as hell!
Some viewers or audiences do not want to hear about the melancholy side of the creative process or when artists clash with their commercial "bosses". But if artists create things which brighten our days and fill our lives with, at the VERY least, temporary joy, can we not as those who appreciate their art not give the artists some moments to "vent" their frustrations and lend them our ear?? I think we can.
Victor, sorry to hear about your publishing setbacks. I hope that you'll be able to recover with the publication of the OGN. I'm feeling pretty pessimistic about the US comics market these days. Between Diamond's bankruptcy troubles and Trump's tariff wars that's sure to increase the price of printer material, it's not looking good.
I totally share your fears, Dara, and although in that aspect I am optimistic because the world of comics has always been flexible, and I think we will find a way to adapt the market to the new times, I'm also though that this time of transition will be hard for everyone.
Great article Victor, I hope you're hanging in there.
Truthfully I think you're right on the money. The American comic book market is saturated with 80s nerd-nostalgia that's really only appealing to middle-aged dudes.
Fortunately there's a growing and ravenous audience of kids and young adults who are engaging more with OGNs, Websomics, and Manga.
You might find new readers by leaning into your love of Cartoon Network styled action shows.
Honestly, one of my fears is that the audience of manga and webtoons will not "jump" to other formats when they grow up. I hope so, but sadly I know some readers who has no interest in other form but again, I can be wrong. I was a pasionated manga reader and discovered Miller and Trondheim and Moebius and Eisner and right now I read comics from all the world, and I'm sure I'm not more clever than anyone. So I hope I'm wrong in this point.
So sorry that your experience with Vault was as bad as mine, Victor. Their PR team is a disaster, in my experience, and unless you're one of their buddies, you don't get much promotion.
It's a shame that a sure-fire combo like you and Cantwell couldn't get better, but I can't say I'm surprised.
I think they did a good work with the solicitations (we have a very productive meeting with the marketing department) and they can do a good work when the book is finally published but right now I can't find if they are explaing what was going to do with the series (maybe I'm wrong). But anyway, the process of doing the book has been a delight, working with the editor and the colorist and Chris of course.
I, for one, am stoked about the graphic novel and will be placing an order ASAP! It's a shame what happened to the series... You have highlighted some of the big reasons I left publishing. It's an extremely cynical industry, but I share your confidence that we'll weather the storm. The mass majority of comic creators are passionate about their work and that's resilient as hell!
Thank you Rob! I always appreciate your support!
Some viewers or audiences do not want to hear about the melancholy side of the creative process or when artists clash with their commercial "bosses". But if artists create things which brighten our days and fill our lives with, at the VERY least, temporary joy, can we not as those who appreciate their art not give the artists some moments to "vent" their frustrations and lend them our ear?? I think we can.
Victor, sorry to hear about your publishing setbacks. I hope that you'll be able to recover with the publication of the OGN. I'm feeling pretty pessimistic about the US comics market these days. Between Diamond's bankruptcy troubles and Trump's tariff wars that's sure to increase the price of printer material, it's not looking good.
I totally share your fears, Dara, and although in that aspect I am optimistic because the world of comics has always been flexible, and I think we will find a way to adapt the market to the new times, I'm also though that this time of transition will be hard for everyone.
Great article Victor, I hope you're hanging in there.
Truthfully I think you're right on the money. The American comic book market is saturated with 80s nerd-nostalgia that's really only appealing to middle-aged dudes.
Fortunately there's a growing and ravenous audience of kids and young adults who are engaging more with OGNs, Websomics, and Manga.
You might find new readers by leaning into your love of Cartoon Network styled action shows.
I wish you the best of luck!
Thanks Tito!
Honestly, one of my fears is that the audience of manga and webtoons will not "jump" to other formats when they grow up. I hope so, but sadly I know some readers who has no interest in other form but again, I can be wrong. I was a pasionated manga reader and discovered Miller and Trondheim and Moebius and Eisner and right now I read comics from all the world, and I'm sure I'm not more clever than anyone. So I hope I'm wrong in this point.