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Rob Balder

Successful Washington Webcomics Gathering

Submitted by Xaviar Xerexes on July 6, 2005 - 11:33

I finally made it to a Washington Webcomics Meetup this year. Lots of fun with several highly-caffeinated (some even without the aid of any coffee!) cartoonists. I saw Rob Balder, Chris Impink and Barb Fischer for the first time since last year's SPXPo (which we're all going to be at again).

Also saw T Campbell and met Jamie Noguchi, one of the artists for his new webcomic Search Engine Funnies. SEF is certainly a unique new idea for a comic and "search" is big business these days so T and his comrades may be on to something big there.

I also met Phil (KHAAAAANNNN!!!!) Kahn (sorry Phil, couldn't resist!) - cartoonist, blogger and part of the relatively new Biscuit Press collective. Rounding out our party was Rachael Richardson and Michael Moore who work on the webcomic Comrade Geek who told me their comics, but I promptly forgot while watching the Daily Show and an old Mr Show last night.

Alternate Press Syndicator Heavy With Webcomics

Submitted by Xaviar Xerexes on July 5, 2005 - 13:30

Here's a link I missed during last month's focus on webcomics-to-print: Creative Comix is a small syndication company focused on the alternative press market. They have quite a few webcomics on their roster of clients including: BoxJam's Doodle, Soap on a Rope, Gluemeat, Lost in Appleton, Innies and Outties, Tex & Jenny, You Damn Kid, and HOUSD.

Here's a few more details for creators on submitting your work to them and a FAQ on the company.

UPDATE: In the comments Rob Balder notes that the Creative Comix contract may not have the most creator-friendly terms.

Third Week of The Print Issue Is Up

Submitted by Xaviar Xerexes on June 26, 2005 - 23:48

Week 3's slate of articles leads off with "Case Studies in Webcomics Book Collections" by Rob Balder. Balder is the creator of Partially Clips and he talked with several webcomic creators about their experiences in putting their work into print. We also have "An Incomplete List of Webcomics in Print" collated by Kelly J. Cooper, by hand no less! If you've been curious about whether your favorite webcomic has a dead tree version or not this list (most likely) will answer your question.

Al Schroeder interviews Peter Zale who was one of the first to put his comic, Helen, Sweetheart of the Internet, on the Internet and one of the first to leave the web for newspaper syndication. And last but not least, Ping Teo delivers the latest installment of her regular column with "The Essence of... Webcomic Print Labeling."

We'll be back in July with our first ever SUMMER ISSUE with a cover from Jeph Jacques of Questionable Content.

Case Studies in Webcomics Book Collections by Rob Balder

June 26, 2005 - 23:00 | Rob Balder

Disclaimer

In this article, I am taking a look at the experiences of webcomics creators who have (or soon will) put portions of their archives into book collections. I'm using first person, because I will be including my own experiences as well.

This article is intended to tell a range of stories. It is not meant to be the definitive guide to putting your webcomic into book form. The creators I selected represent some, but not nearly all, of the most significant approaches and achievements in webcomics book publishing. You are especially invited to add your own experiences to the comment thread.

Webcomics Examiner's Triangulation Challenge

Submitted by Zabel on June 13, 2005 - 16:06

The search for a Grand Theory of Webcomics prompts essay contestants Alexander Danner, Brandy Danner, Steven Withrow, Tym Godek, Eric Burns, Shaenon Garrity, Rob Balder, Welton Colbert, Ryan Estrada, and Joe Zabel to consider 27 webcomics from uniquely skewed perspectives, in the latest issue of The Webcomics Examiner.

Photoshop Sucks at Saving in PNG

Submitted by Xaviar Xerexes on March 22, 2005 - 16:11

I use Photoshop LE mostly (cause I'm cheap like that...) - it SUCKS at saving in PNG. Is there a plug in or freebie program I can turn native photoshop work into nicely compressed PNG files?

Webcomics Documentary

Submitted by jandrewworld on March 18, 2005 - 02:59

My name is J. Andrew World, I am an Illustrator and a node, plus I happen to be a producer.

I am producing/writting a documentary on web comics. This project is as yet unnamed, but I am sure many things will change over the next few months. This group I started to promote this film will be updated once a month or whenever there is a major announcement. The first draft of the treatment is done and the second draft has begun. Once the second draft is done, webcomics insiders are welcome to look at it.

To join the groups, go here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/webcomicsdocumentary/

The Quality Question: Traffic, Appeal, Mass Appeal, and The Passion of the Stalin

March 14, 2005 - 00:00 | Rob Balder

One of causes of head-scratching among newer webcomics creators is the question of quality as it relates to popularity. Why are there popular comics that suck? Why are there great comics without much readership? (There are plenty, if you look.) If your comic's readership isn't growing much after a year (or two, or three), does it mean it isn't good enough to "make it?"

Webcomics at Katsucon, February 18 – 20. (Arlington, VA)

Submitted by kittykatya on February 14, 2005 - 15:36

Katsucon, one of the earliest anime conventions on the East Coast, will be featuring an expanded webcomic track this year.

Hiring an agent?

Submitted by Rebelsun on October 14, 2004 - 06:06

Is it a good idea for webcomickers to hire an agent to represent them?