The summer of 2021 may be the beginning of major shifts in the industry. Digital comics are gaining prominence, career struggles are being exposed and a new business educational service for comic creators is now available. Check out all the details and links below.
Education
The Comics Publishing Institute Launches Monday, September 13th.
(Nightlife Publishing)
Until now, many comic creators had to publish and pray to learn the business of comic book publishing. The Comics Publishing Institute teaches essential legal concepts and sound business principles. Join now while seats are still available.
Understanding Contracts (Video)
(Comic Book Writers on Writing)
I sat down with writer James Roche to discuss the major issues and concerns comic book creators need to consider in relation to their contracts.
Understanding Your Rights as an Artist (Video)
(Project Anime)
I joined global pop culture expert Kuo-Yu Liang to discuss the key things artists should know when it comes to protecting their work for a panel that was part of Anime Expo Lite 2021.
Career Advice
Can You Have a Career in Comics Without a Second Income?
(Comics Beat)
“The Beat has certainly detailed the struggles of paying bills through comics, plus also trying to maintain any kind of work/life balance, as these are all factors that have and continue to convince talented creators to quit, so it’s probably good for the community that the realities be unobscured and readily discussed without stigma.”
(The Hollywood Reporter)
“Comic book history is full of stories of writers and artists who signed meager deals only to see their creations become icons, dating back to 1938, when Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster signed away the character for $130. Conventional wisdom within the comic book industry is to go to Marvel and DC to build your personal brand, then leave, bringing that audience over to publishers that allow you to retain character rights.”
Open Positions in the Comic Book Industry
(Comic Book School)
Comic Book School provided a list of open positions at companies including DC, Marvel, Valiant, and PRH.
Digital Comics
Scott Snyder Signs Massive Deal with Comixology
(Comics Beat)
"Former Batman writer Scott Snyder has signed a deal with comiXology Originals that will see him and a set of collaborators both new and old publish eight titles on the platform ahead of physical releases from Dark Horse Comics."
(The Hollywood Reporter)
"As a major player in this industry, it’s really up to us to redefine what this means for the next generation of fans and to build the right type of organization that can future-proof itself to meet that fan demand."
DC and Webtoons Team Up for Webcomics
(Comics Beat)
"As the comics periodical struggles to be a storytelling medium finding new readers on mobile platforms is a logical extension of the DC brand."
Major Creators Sign Up for Substack
(The New York Times)
The creators will be paid by Substack while keeping ownership of their work. The company will take most of the subscription revenue in the first year; after that, it will take a 10 percent cut.
Comics on Substack Make Sense in Every Way But One
(ICV2)
This news is a case of the same story, on a new platform, but this feels disruptive, especially since it’s being driven by the buzzy flavor-of-the-month tech brand, Substack, which has already raised eyebrows for its impact on journalism.
Have fun with your comic.
Gamal
If you have questions about the business or legal aspects of your comic book publishing and you'd like a free consultation, please contact me and we can set something up that fits in with your schedule.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS BLOG POST IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR COMIC PROPERTY, DISCUSS IT WITH A QUALIFIED CONTRACT ATTORNEY OR CONTACT C3 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION