Blog @ Canadian Geek

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About a year ago I was interviewed by the Edmonton Journal about webcomics and their imposing march forward to the demise of the physical comic book. I said that webcomics were a different animal than regular comics and that there was no doom for the floppy. We can actually all just get along. However, what went to print was slightly edited (who woulda thunk) to read something like, “No von vill defeat zee comic book! Zig heil!!” and the end result was me getting slammed on other blogs and boards as a “wet blanket”, apparently making me some kind of anti-webcomic guy (even though I host panels on them and make one myself).

I still stand behind the notion that it’s a different beast and there is room for all. Webcomics tend to be fractions of story, even smaller than the comic book, spilled over even more numerous episodes than the comic book. If you’re reading this, I don’t need to tell you about them.

There are all sorts of reasons why both formats are appealing from not only an entertainment perspective but also from a creative standpoint. Webcomics are a bit easier and more flexible to produce. Size restrictions and quality control are pretty non-existent considering how cheap web space is but the comic book tends to present challenges that push creators to greater lengths. And as each format continues to strive to cross over into the other, all sorts of people are complaining and pointing fingers, especially when the book comes to the web.

Recently, DC Comics announced the creation of “Zuda”, a webcomic host site where people would produce paid-for-hire or royalty work for DC. Everyone was quick to point out flaws with the proposed system, especially those who aren’t doing a damn thing to bridge the gap or encourage a higher level of quality from people. Our first contestant is Mr. Joe Quesada and this from a “News”arama interview;

“If I’m an online comics creator, I already have the greatest stage in the world, why do I need someone else to showcase my stuff and then take a piece of it?”

Yep, the webernet is the greatest stage in the world. In fact millions of people have posted all sorts of crap on it. Repeatedly. Good luck carving out a significant niche out there if you don’t have tech knowledge, a huge circle of friends, money, talent or any combination thereof. While you can make what you want when you want, that does by no means mean that you’re doing yourself any favours. Deadlines? Who cares. Quality? Friends are great for telling you when your work is sub-par, ain’t they. Who needs the guidance of an experienced corporation to help you get a regular paycheque while honing your craft to a certain standard of excellence?

Granted, Zuda will not be for everyone but what has been done is another avenue has been opened for people to explore and utilize IF THEY CHOOSE TO, which is more than could be said for most companies. There are a lot of complaints that opportunities are limited out there in the comic market so kudos to DC for making an effort, one that I’m sure will be finely tuned in the months and years to come, and giving even more people a chance to see their ideas reach a broader audience.

The Shepherd