There’s some talk on the internet about which comic creators should/shouldn’t get royalties.

I personally think that comics are a collaborative creation- writers, pencilers, inkers, colorists, letterers, and editors are all a team.

If one creator gets more money, everyone should.  Royalties, bonuses, comp copies, whatever. Unless it’s a solo book, no one person is the book. Some creators’ names sell more books than others, and if they get a bigger piece of the pie that’s probably fair. But their comics wouldn’t get done without the rest of the creative team. Share the wealth.

On newsarama.com Image Comics’ Erik Larson was quoted as saying, “I don’t know of a colorist that moves the needle–so I don’t think they should get royalties–same with letterers. Sorry.”

Dave McCaig replied, “Print your books in black and white. Put your money where your mouth is if you think colorists are not essential to the team.”

I tend to agree, and other than Owly I don’t know many comics that can do without lettering, too. And every comic should have a good editor.

I’ve seen inkers save pencilers on a book.  I’ve seen colorists save inkers. I’ve picked up books because I really dug the colors or inks. I’ve also seen both butcher a book, too-and I’ve dropped a book because of bad inks/colors. Bad balloon placement and fonts can take a reader out of a story. And without a letterer and the credits how would we know who did what on a comic!

I’m not crazy that there’s a food chain in comics- and that colorists and letterers tend to be considered at the bottom of it.

Shame when they’ve had to pull a late writer or penciler’s fat out of the deadline fire.

Lin

Last weekend at Cape-Con in Cape Girardeau, MO I was set up next to the “Mike and the Ninja” team.

Mike and the Ninja creator BrianRhodes (L) and well, the Ninja- or at least one of them.

There was one on Saturday (Josh) and one on Sunday (Thomas- above).

Mike and the Ninja is a webcomic where things just never go right for Mike and when he meets a ninja named Stu his life is never the same again.

What I really liked about meeting the MATN Crew was that they had a good table set up, including printed copies of the comic (some standing up, some fanned out on the table), fliers, stickers, a price list, and the name of the comic across the front of the table. But what really made them stand out was a booth ninja! The ninja would stand very still in front of the booth and when someone would walk in front of their table the ninja would spring into action and hand the potential reader a flier or sticker while striking a martial arts pose. It was a lot of fun to watch, especially when the ninja would catch someone not paying attention to their surroundings! The creator of Mike and the Ninja and “introvert at heart” Brian Rhodes decided to try something new at his hometown show this year when his cardboard stand up of  Stu the ninja was damaged earlier in a move. He enlisted a couple friends to don a mask and black ninja attire and help him promote his comic. It worked, and worked well. One of the other things I noticed was the Mike and the Ninja web address (URL) on all of their promotional items. Why is that so important some folks may ask- well, for a webcomic it’s everything. You’d be surprised at how many creators forget to promote their website.

I’ve said it before, if you’re going to set up at a show bring a friend. Most shows will let you bring an extra person to work your table, if not it’s worth paying a bit extra to have another body there. If you’re a bit shy and have a friend who isn’t bring them, give them a tee with your logo or art on it and let them be your pitch man(or pitch woman). If you have a friend who doesn’t mind dressing up as one of the characters in your book bring them. If nothing else you’ll get a bit more attention for your booth/table and have someone there to talk to and/or watch your booth if you want to do sketches,  go see some of the show, meet with editors, or go visit the restroom- very important for a weekend show!

Good luck to Brian and “Mike and the Ninja”.

Lin/neenjah

Free Comic Book Day is a single day – the first Saturday in May each year – when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.

I’ll be at the Cape Girardeau Comic Con this weekend.  Cape Comic Con is partnering with FCBD (Free Comic Book Day) and will be giving away free comics Saturday, May 1
while supplies last.

If you’re in the Memphis area stop by Comic Cellar or Comics and Collectibles. If you’re in Phoenix stop by Samurai Comics and say hi to my Bushi Tales partner and DC Comics artist Dave Beaty.

To find out more about FCBD click here.

This May collector card company Topps will celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with the release of The Empire Strikes Back 3-D trading cards.

The Empire Strikes Back 3-D set is designed in the Wide Vision format. The base set includes 48 cards featuring never-before-seen photos. Each box contains 24 packs, each pack contains 3 cards, and each box includes a guaranteed 1 of 1 original hand-drawn sketch card from one of today’s top Star Wars artists.

Look for Topps Certified autographs from The Empire Strikes Back cast as well.

You can see some of the sketch cards I did on my site or at the Scoundrel Art boards.

May the force be with you all!

Lin/Dork-Vader

This just in from Wonton and the MAW Productions/Jetta team-

MAW Productions is excited to finally show some stuff
from the set of Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa – Defiance.

Check out www.toshigawa.com for some sneak peak shots from
the set of JETTA: DEFIANCE.

We are very pleased to announce that Michelle Laurent will be staring as Jetta!

Produced by LizardBrain Productions. I’ll be posting more photos as
they come. Hope you guys like the production shots so far. Let us know
what you think and drop Michelle a line on her fan page!

Michelle was born in Langhorn, PA. Growing up in a military family,
she had the opportunity to travel the globe and experience other
cultures. She studied theatre and European history at Old Dominion
University. She also studied Shakespeare in London before graduating.

After graduation, Michelle made the move to Los Angeles where she
landed roles in independent features such as “Arc Angels,” “Wasteland,”
“Purgatory” and most recently “Is It Just Me?” Television credits include
“Sexual Consideration” (CBS), “Detective Series” (Discovery Channel),
and a recurring role on “The Bold and the Beautiful” (CBS).

We look forward to seeing Michelle in action as our lead ninja! Drop
by her facebook page and show some support.

As well, join our Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa – Facebook Fan page
and let us know what you think.

Produced by LizardBrain Productions and coming soon!
Check it out!