What would you like to see more of in comics?

[wesleycraiggreen]

People bitch and moan about different aspects of the direct market. So what would you like to see more of in regards to the comics themselves. Different formats? More variety? Some kind of hybrid format where you would buy a graphic novel which had a self-contained story but had links to web sites featuring a story or stories involving characters from the story, for example?

I don't care how wacky your idea(s) might sound- let me know what they are.

Wesley

[Mike Henderson]

At some point in the future, I'd like to sink my teeth into an oversized graphic novel. Maybe a square page 10x8 or 10x10 format. I don't think your name has to be Frank Miller to play with new book layouts.

[Mike Henderson]

Or maybe good flip book animations.

[David Doub]

I want to see Graphic Novels truly as the name implies, Graphic Novels. Not mini series, not collected monthlies, and not potential screen plays. A solid 200-300 page graphic novel that tells a complete story and doesn't have to do the pacing tricks (like say cliff hangers) that comics do now.

I do feel format is a trap of that. It's like GNs and Manga have to be an exact size and length to work. I think it should be what ever size and length it needs to get the job done (ie tell the story. Well with in finicial reason, I don't expect folks to read $200 comics).

You could almost say I'm looking for a back to basic approach of sequential story telling. Lose the trappings of the past and just focus on panels, layouts, poses, action, dialogue and so forth that tells the story.

Comics is the "cheapest" way to break the mold of the old ways. Other media like movies, have way to much money on the line to take such risks.

[Miguel Rodrigues]

I agree with David but like in most things we thread lightly through a field of hidden traps. Though i wouldn't mind and would in fact encourage a "back to basic" approach to Graphic Novels, i do believe that a lot of what's being done well right now can't cope with that. Paying 200 bucks to get the story isn't really appealing but sometimes it's necessary if we're sticking to printed format in this argument.

A lot of, lets call them, on going series that i have been following, some of which are reaching their conclusion, spent the last 6 years telling their tale and needed, some would argue, the last 6 years to do it right. 70 so issues is a long run by any standard excluding never-ending stories about impossible-to-stay-dead Super Heroes. While getting the job done in 300 pages would be sensational, it would limit the plot for these specific comics, comics that have a beginning, middle and hopefully an ending that will live to it's expectations.

There are Graphic Novels, that tell their tale - all of it between the front and back covers, being done right now. A lot of good things coming from various publishers, Oni for instance. I think the tide shifts as we speak. The fact that Comic Buyers understand the value of an ending explains why Vertigo sells so well, it's not just the good plots, good writing and good art, it's the sense of finality, and that's, i believe, a weapon for the Indies right now. There is just so much crossovers a man can take and soon people turn to closed series and then hopefully the Graphic Novel as you put it.

Maybe it's up to you guys, certainly you have an advantage over writers that work with a product that they borrow to tell their stories. 300 pages is more than enough Comic space to tell a tale and I'm delighted every single time that get to read a good one.

[Bill Cunningham]

I'm working on something for Wesley right now and I'm really trying to figure out how to make this the most unique yet universal project I can for Ambrosia. I've decided I'm going to treat this as a novel that has chapters (or actually, due to the subject matter, a serial with chapters). It will be complete, but allow room for a sequel if desired. I know some folks are going to be downloading the thing and reading it in short bursts, and then there will be the folks who read it in one sitting.

I want it to be accessible for everyone so these are the things I think about.

[Miguel Rodrigues]

That seems like a smart way to approach it. I look forward to reading it.

[Bill Cunningham]

Thanks.