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February 23rd, 2003

Look Who's Reading Comics Now

February 23, 2003 - 23:37 | Jim Zubkavich

In my column this month, I waxed philosophical and talked about an idealistic comic industry based on strong stories and diversity throughout the marketplace in the stores and online. It's a beautiful concept and although it warms my heart, it's definitely not the reality at this stage. So beyond the sequential paradise that I've envisioned, let's start down the road that can lead us to that brighter place, shall we?

Art & Narrative: Splitting the Atom Or A Comic Call to Arms

February 23, 2003 - 17:06 | Bill Duncan

Love him or leave him, no one has set the comics world on its ear in the last several years like Scott McCloud. His books Understanding Comics, and its sequel Reinventing Comics have challenged many preconceived notions of what comics are and still might be. Like a general marshalling his troops, McCloud has invigorated discussion and debate, and inspired a host of people to take up their pencils, markers and tablets to become part of the push towards whatever it is that Comics may become.

So, what are they becoming?

February 22nd

Newspapers getting shut out of online comics?

Submitted by Jamie Robertson on February 22, 2003 - 13:47

The Online Journalism Review has a great article on the plight of Online Newspaper Syndicates and their failure to make a splash in online comics.

February 21st

Audio Archive from TCJ discusses Creator's Rights.

Submitted by Jamie Robertson on February 22, 2003 - 01:32

From the audio archives of the The Comics Journal comes a discussion between Gary Groth, Steve Bissette and Scott McCloud on the subject of Creator's rights.

The interview, conducted by Groth, is from the out-of-print TCJ #137 from 1990. The conversation is offered on MP3 format for download until March 21st. It's a very interesting conversation, especially when contrasted by today's creator owned webcomics.

For Better or For Worse to End

Submitted by Jamie Robertson on February 21, 2003 - 22:01

The Seattle Times reports that Lynn Johnson's For Better or For Worse will end in four years. It's not a webcomic, but it has earned the respect of many webcomic artists. That's not an easy feat for a syndicated cartoon. The 24 year old strip will end after Lynn's contract with United Media runs out. Go to The Seattle Times for the whole story.

Moviepoopshoot Picks Up Another Webcomic

Submitted by Xaviar Xerexes on February 21, 2003 - 18:21

Moviepoopshoot.com, filmmaker Kevin Smith’s "all things entertainment" site, will be adding "Ted Noodleman – Bicycle Delivery Boy" to its line-up in March. Noodlesman is a weekly strip by creator and writer Jim Keplinger, artist Ryan Ottley, and colorist Ron Riley.

The strip’s protagonist Ted leads an exceedingly active fantasy life based on what he reads as he is waiting for packages to deliver. Ted is portrayed as a lanky, unattractive, greasy-haired geek who imagines himself transforming into all manner of heroes, villains, and genre specific characters. Meanwhile, the rest of the world continues as normal, but is affected by Ted’s odd antics as he peddles his way through the city on his delivery runs.

"We're happy they're joining the site," says Chris Ryall, the site's Editor-in-Chief. "They’re a perfect fit with our slightly askew look at pop culture and entertainment."

1000 BoxJam Doodles

Submitted by Xaviar Xerexes on February 21, 2003 - 18:07

BoxJam’s Doodle will celebrate the posting of its 1,000th installment on Monday, February 24, 2003.

Initially intending to call the milestone, “A Thousand Doodles That Changed the World,” BoxJam was dissuaded by his wife, who noted the innacuracy of it. “Besides,” she said, “it makes you sound like an asshole.”

BoxJam said, “In all honesty, this is an accomplishment that I’m really proud of, but especially humbled by. The Webcomic community has been very supportive of my work, and I think more than anything it’s that support that’s helped me turn something that started out as a hobby into a true avocation. – and while ultimately satisfaction has to come from the inside, encouragement from the outside has been really rewarding.”

Longtime fan Lee Herold said the 1,000th doodle is a real milestone for a comic that started on a personal Web site in 1999. “BoxJam’s Doodle really connects with people, and that’s very gratifying to the readers,” he said. “It shows that what makes a comic strip good is not flashiness, or slick art, but the ability to get somebody laughing and making it look effortless.”

A book collection of the best doodles will be coming out later this year, and the comic strip will also be featured in a book coming out this summer: "Toon Art – The Graphic Art of Digital Cartooning" (Steven Withrow, Watson Guptill Publications, 2003).

Melonpool on the Pulse

Submitted by Jamie Robertson on February 21, 2003 - 13:39

Steve Troop, creator of the Keenspot webcomic, Melonpool, was just interviewed on the Pulse. A sci-fi parody, Melonpool comes off as a "… mix between Gilligan's Island and Star Trek." Read the whole Interview!

February 20th

CafePress to offer Print on Demand

Submitted by Hyung Kim on February 20, 2003 - 19:19

Is it webcomic Nirvana or the final sign of Armageddon?

There aren't many details yet, but Cafe Press plans to offer CD and Books for print on demand.  Like many other things on the Internet, it could be a replay of the California Gold Rush of the Mid 1800s. The only ones who made a killing were merchants selling equipment and tools, not would be prospectors.

Cat Garza chats with Neal Von Flue on the new comixpedia irc channel

Submitted by Leah Fitzgerald on February 20, 2003 - 16:10

Cat Garza inaugurates the #comixpedia channel on Nightstar IRC with a chat with cartoonist Neal von Flue Wednesday, March 12 at 11:30 p.m. CST.

Watch for the transcript of Cat's first monthly chat on March 10th when he asks Scott Kurtz what GRAPHOMAXIMO was all about.