Image Comics Community

Hey! That's me!

If you care to hear me ramble on for about 45 minutes about Shadowline Comics, why so many creators are coming to Image Comics, what I think of digital comics, my own published work and even who I'm rooting for in the Super Bowl, the link is right here: The Next Issue podcast

If you give it a listen, please let me know what you think. Thanks!

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Promotions/Communications at Shadowline Comics
Writer/Editor/Talent Acquisitions at GrayHaven Comics
Follow me on Twitter: @marclombardi

Hi, nice podcast. However, one thing I never get is how people always shill Image as if it is the only self-publisher in comics. Comic book self-publishing in the U.S. has been around even before the Image founders were out of high school. And Dark Horse, Drawn and Quarterly, and Fantagraphics have been self-publishing years before Image was even conceived. I think it needs to be pointed out that Image is the most popular and financially successful self-publisher. But it's not the first, nor is it the only self-publisher.

Also, about digital, as you said, sometimes people go digital because they don't have a nearby store. However, one female reader I know goes digital because she's tired of the poor customer service from the only shop in town. So she prefers to read digital, or go to Barnes and Noble or a used bookstore. It's ironic how comic bookstores can actually push away fans.

I know that Image isn't the only creator-owned outlet out there (in fact, I think I even mention Dark Horse and Boom!), but they're the one that makes up for about 60% of what I read. And you can't dispute the point that some of the biggest names in comics are choosing Image for their creator-owned work. Surely there's some reason for that.

As for your female friend, I've been blessed with always have great shops to choose from and only once can I recall a shop woth customer service so poor that I chose a different store over them. Another option for her may be a service like DCBS where she can order what she wants and have it shipped directly to her, even at a vast discount sometimes, too.

Thanks for listening to the podcast and for the feedback.

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Promotions/Communications at Shadowline Comics
Writer/Editor/Talent Acquisitions at GrayHaven Comics
Follow me on Twitter: @marclombardi

Yes, you did mention Dark Horse and Boom. But it felt like you glossed over them. I'm not necessarily trying to stab at you. But so many Image fans gush over Image as if they are the only or first comic self-publisher that it gets tiresome. Although there are creators I like, I've never bought a comic for a name. If I don't like the guy's work, I don't care what the name is. A good comic is a good comic.

About the female readers, thanks for telling me about buying online. I'll tell my friend. But I think we as guys are thicker-skinned to bad customer service. Many times I have gone shopping with women and notice how they can be quicker to complain about customer service than I am. It'll be weird because I'll say, "Yeah, that cashier could improve on his customer service skills, but it wasn't that bad," but for the women it was something to really complain about. So from a guy's point of view, the customer service wasn't that bad, or if it was we just tell ourselves to suck it up, but from a woman's point of view it's so horrible she doesn't want to shop there again.

When's the next podcast, by the way?

It certainly wasn't my intent to gloss over any of the studios/publishers. Hell, some of my favorite books are from publishers other than Image: Cobra, Locke & Key and The Cape (IDW); Irredeemable & Incorruptible (BOOM!); Buffy (Dark Horse). I'm definitely an Image junkie (much like a Marvel Zombie I suppose) but my love is not exclusive.

My wife is a relatively new REGULAR comic reader but even before we met she spent time in comic shops as a casual fan. I think that comic shops have a bad reputation for dealing with women. Some are great and it's not a factor. Some still view it as a boys club, which is stupid. You should never do anything to alienate a potential customer. But the reality of it is, it happens. Thankfully there are plenty of alternatives and online stores are a great way of helping some people. And, as you mentioned, so are digital sales. Bottom line? Whatever keep the fans coming back, I'm in favor of it.

The podcasts from The Next Issue are updated pretty frequently (and your best bet is to check their page on Multiversity.com), but I was only on this particular one. I'm always looking for another opportunity to talk comics with someone though....

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Promotions/Communications at Shadowline Comics
Writer/Editor/Talent Acquisitions at GrayHaven Comics
Follow me on Twitter: @marclombardi

Well, since the podcast was only about 40 minutes, and you guys talked about a variety of subjects, I don't think you had the time to talk about the history of comic book self-publishing if you had wanted to. So maybe it's my problem for not seeing this. I'll check out more pods.

But isn't Marc the media communications for Shadowline/ Image Comics?

Thus, it's kinda his job to talk about Shadowline titles -- which is why he was asked to be on the podcast. I'm not sure he was supposed to talk about indy-comics *in general*. It's the same I'd expect from Eric Stephenson when he's asked to do an interview, or from Jim Lee, or whomever. They support what they know best and inform the listener of their titles and products.

If this was the *only* podcast in town then I'd agree it would need more balance, but in the world of podcast there is something for every corner of the industry (both mainstream and indy). What Marc did was no different than any spokesperson for any publisher.

The digital is a tough nut to pin down. Shadowline has content on Comixology and digital-only content on Shadowlineonline.com so if you ask me they are in the middle of it and supporting both sides. I've also heard stories like Dave's friend who hasn't had good service at some comic stores. So it's not a black-and-white issue. At this point, people have their individual reasons for how they purchase comic entertainment. There is no one-way to read them anymore.

Neither Boom! nor Dark Horse publishes 100% creator-owned comics.

-BCM

Yeah, exactly -- IDW, Boom, Dark Horse, Vertigo and all the others retain a portion of ownership of everything they publish, whereas Image doesn't. That's what makes it the best game in town when it comes to creative freedom.

~ Jay

The problem with digital is there are few places online that let you browse the entire thing like you could in the shop. So digital shoppers are skeptical to try something new.


Uh, you forgot about Drawn and Quarterly and Fantagraphics.