Blog @ Canadian Geek

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Happy Harbor, in it’s mad idealism of trying to do things that no one else does, publishes a semi-annual anthology called “Tales from the Harbor”. The book allows anyone to create anything they want and see it in print while working under the guidelines and deadlines of a publishing schedule. It even comes with the added bonus of being just like a real publishing company in that no one gets paid. HA! Zing!

Anywho, the first volume of “Tales”, released in Dec 06, did well. 200 copies of the 290 page book were printed and at this time, more than 160 have sold. Not bad. It did take some work to encourage many customers to try it out and many obliged. Some even commented on the stories on CG.

Volume 2 of “Tales” had a page count pushing 340 with the same $19.95 price tag so more bang for the buck should sell much better, right? Wrong. Out of the 200 copies released in June of 07, sales are currently under 75 copies. Granted, Volume 1 has had more time to sell but with both, the vast majority of sales came in the first couple weeks to months. Volume 2 doesn’t appear to have the legs to match 1 after 8 months of sales.

So what went wrong? Was the format of publishing anything and everything to much of a deterrant for some? Was the length to lengthy? Was the “quality” not there? Was the lack of a big, corporate logo a factor?

Last December, ICv2 columist Steve Bennent comment on the death of the anthology, stating that he believed most fans just don’t want anthologies any longer, even though they could easily produce more bang for the buck. But a compnay spending money to put top talent on a book that probably wouldn’t have any impact on that companies universe (Jimmy Olsen would never die in any book other than “Superman” or “Action Comics”, right?) doesn’t seem viable and the modern method of decompressed storytelling seems to work against the concept of short storytelling in an anthology.

Has the nature of storytelling evolved to a point that short stories aren’t wanted any longer? Has the demand from modern audiences for every story to have impact negated the desire for fun, off-the-cuff tales? Can the anthology come back and survive in today’s climate?

I won’t use “Tales” as a true gauge since it’s nature of being independant creator-owned material already puts it at a disadvantage but with Marvel returning their long running “Marvel Comic Presents” title this September, we’ll see exactly how the publisher approaches what material to print and excatly how the fans will react. Hopefully the book will be company supported for long enough to work out the bugs and bring the anthology back to the forefront of comicdom.

As a retailer who, even with all the space we have, is running out of room, I would be more than happy to see the end of the dozens of mini-series taking up shelf space and replaced with one book showcasing four different titles. Maybe it’s just me.

Shepherd

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As the title says, lots of ups and downs for us here in the past few weeks. Nothing earth shattering but still a bit tough on the soul. Our first forary into the performance arts was truely remarkable. Being the “Executive Producer” on SUPERHEROLIVE! showed me a side of the theater world I didn’t know existed and now I have a whole new respect for what these people do for us. It’s a lot of work and most of it goes unnoticed or misunderstood.

That’s where the roller coaster came in. I was putting a huge amount of time (and money) into something I was impressd with, proud of and really thought my little world would appreciate but sadly, they didn’t. Even though attendance was poor in my eyes, by the standards of the theater community, it was good. Even better than good. But I was hoping for more and that crushed me.

It’s not to say that that is the first time I’ve ever felt defeated by trying to do something for people and failed but this was big, even bigger than my percieved failure earlier in the year with the in-store book signing.

It really hurts to put so much into something and seemingly have no one care what you are doing for them. I was just about ready to pack it this week but I was holding on to the few bright spots that made putting this show together worthwhile (thanks to the staff, Alana, Brent, Megan, Robert and the couple other customers who did come and especially to Brian who, even though he had only 1 day off work over the 10 days of the show, drove 3 hours to see us perform).

That rather tenious thread wasn’t very strong but then on August 30, after I came back to the store from buying some groceries, I had a message that someone wanted to book the store for an event. This wasn’t too unusual; people frequently rent the space for different things so I phoned back and the rental request almost made me cry.

I have done some interesting things with Happy Harbor but I am proud to announce that in April of 2008, Happy Harbor will host it’s first wedding. Yep, a local couple wants to have a costume wedding in Canada’s Best Comic store and I couldn’t be more proud.

While people don’t always respond to many of things we do clearly we are doing (or have done) something right to entice two people to say, “We should get married at Happy Harbor.” I’ve been married and though the marriage didn’t last, the memory of it will. It is an amazing event, shared with those closest to you, creating stories that will be retold for many years to come. I am unbelievably grateful that this couple wants us to be a part of their memories.

Now, what to charge them….

The Shepherd

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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

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It is the biggest comic convention in North America. It has been in operation for more than 30 years. It is held in a convention centre bigger than George Lucas’s home, though not by much. It is the geek mecca and after going for my second year in a row I feel the need to tell you all that you should never go once to “The Con”.

You need to go at least twice.

This show is not just large in physical size but also in product diversity. So many people have been bashing the show recently because of the influx of other media that supposedly have nothing to do with comics. You know, cause geeks don’t watch the Spike Channel or Quinton Tarintino movies, buy trading cards or play video games.

I will concede that it is unfortunate that as these multi-media conglomerations move in with their massive displays occupying more space than my apartment, there become fewer booths for the smaller companies and independents to have. The dogfight for space begins and sadly those with the biggest pocket books will win.

Thankfully, the SDCC does have designated areas for those who fit into the categories of “small” and “independent” and here’s hoping that the flashy dollars of the WB and others of their ilk don’t corrupt them from shrinking those areas any further.

However, there are some up sides to these big companies coming in. First, they pay big bucks which help keep The Con viable and second, they attract visitors who might never have come to the con. Inevitably, this new breed will walk the floor and see something that might not have seen otherwise. It’s cross-promoting kids and while not prefect, we have to look at the positives until we develop a better game plan to keep comics in the public eye.

Another complaint often heard is the crowds. This year’s SDCC set an attendance record for the history of the show, selling out 3 of the 4 full days with estimates of 140,000 people or higher. While the floor does get crowded at times, there are things to remember.
1) If there’s a Big Company booth in your path to “Bob the Artist” and you’re not really interested, walk around that area. Trying to cut past will not save you time and only increase your hatred for mankind.
2) Check for when the big media panels are. Generally a large portion of the crowd will shift upstairs for them and create a small breath on the vendor floor.
3) Avoid the outer edges and the center alley. Most people tend to cling to walls or cut a path through the middle. I found the “side alleys” much easier to navigate.
4) Avoid booths with creator signings (unless you want an autograph).

If you pick and choose your path and timings well, you can still enjoy the biggest geekfest this continent has to offer in the company of your brothers and sister without wanting to kill them all (a few but not all).

Before I finish, a shout out to Earth 2 Comics in Sherman Oaks, California for being the receipiant of the 2007 Will Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award. They deserve it.

Shepherd

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Probably not very.

About half a lifetime ago, with the rise of the eco-friendly movement, I began to wonder why comics were still printed on paper. Wasn’t there a better way, other than a computer monitor, to provide this most excellent form of entertainment to the masses? Couldn’t they be printed on something man-made and less dangerous?

Now, I’m not “Joe Treehugger” (don’t even think of stealing that for a character name) but I have been trying to make a bigger impact in my personal life with being responsible about my footprint on the planet. Sadly, I then come to work and hear the cries of thousands of dead trees for 10 hours a day. Okay, a bit over the top but you get the point.

Why aren’t comics printed on something other than paper? Considering the chemicals used to make a lot of the comic paper more vibrant, it almost seems a no-brainer that we could advance forward to print this four coloured magic on something else. Turns out, there are options, like in any other industry, but again, like in any other industry, companies are resistant to change.

A recent article on the Comics Foundry website called “Crisis on Environmental Earth” covers the alternatives in some detail, providing the information about the damage being done to the world from not just paper production but also the typo of inks used as well. Personally, I had no idea how harmful most inks are and thankfully, there are alternatives that some companies (like DC) are using these days.

But using recycled paper seems to be the big bump in the road. Seemingly, as with most things environmentally friendly, recycled paper is perceived as more expensive. Dark Horse refuses to even consider it an option because of this perception but Image Comics changed printers over a year ago and discovered their earth friendly paper and process to not only maintain the quality of their product but actually improved it (too bad it can’t help on the creative side too).

While most companies are willing to at least talk about what they are doing or looking at to make this industry healthier, there is always one stick-in-the-mud. One guess. Yep, Marvel. They refuse to talk about their “trade secret” paper which means they are doing nothing except helping to bring Joe Quesada’s prophecy of paper comics going the way of the dodo in 30 years to fruition.

Most people familiar with the industry side of comics have heard of Quebecor printing. For decades, they were THE publisher for comics in North America, sometimes printing up to 80% of the periodicals on the comic racks and they are still a force today. Sadly, a tour of their website provides no information about what they offer for printing options in an eco-friendly manner instead choosing to focus on their multi-media expansion and global dominance in print media. A possible field trip to the Edmonton office may be in order to find out more but you would think that in the interests of just good, old-fashioned PR, they would tout “soy-based inks and affordable recycled paper” as much as possible.

In the end this Rant’s a bit of downer, I know, and I’m certainly not going to tell any of you to buy fewer comics (honestly, I won’t be). What we should do is start letting companies know that we think is issue is important. Ask them to put it in their Previews solicitation and in the legal print of their comics how friendly they are made and see what kind of an impact it will have. I’m sure many of us, when debating on a new comic to test the waters on, will have the scales tipped towards the one book with a mind toward the future as opposed to one that’s less Marvelous. Just sayin’ is all.

The Shepherd

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So while shifting all the comics on the new comics rack this week (all 343 titles) to make room for the more than one dozen titles we added, I was fuming about all the books that come out each month and how agonizing it is to make room for them all and how little knowledge the industry has as to how comic shops actually function and the hate began to build and I couldn’t wait to write it all down for you how evil and stupid and wrong the vast majority of comic publishers are. And they are.

But I had a night to sleep on it and I changed my mind. I went so far that after I was done my weekly tradition of defiling a Marvel Comic in a unique and disturbing manner, I decide to write a positive Rant this time around. I haven’t really done one since FCBD and the last time before that was, well, a long time ago so I think it’s a bit overdue.

“So Shepherd, my Shepherd, what is good about today’s comic industry?” I’m glad you asked.

Diversity. Not since the 60s have there been so many genres of comic material. I’ve touched on it before so I won’t bother you too much with it again.

Access. Not since EVER have the creators been able to interact with the fanbase so easily and so often. This webernet-thing is really taking off and savvier creators are making sure they are online and in tune with their public. Then, there are cons and ho-boy are there a lot of cons! There are nearly three dozen different opportunities to travel and meet your favourite stars. And the really nice thing about having so many shows? They are not all so heavily attended, meaning that if you do your homework and pick and chose your cons carefully, you can go to the lesser attended shows, not get beaten down by crowds, meet your idol and have a great vacation.

Popularity. We will never have another “Batman” because there is too much on tv these days. It’s seldom to never that any one show will break through and have the impact that brilliant show did. However, because there are so many channels, we can watch “Preacher” on HBO, “Smallville” on Access, “Battlestar Galactica” on Space and “Heroes” on NBC. And let’s not forget about the movies. Kinda hard to considering there is still more than a dozen films due out this year based on geekdom and several dozen films for theater and Direct-to-DVD scheduled for 2008. The more accepted our product becomes, the more we get to see it adapted (not always well - Ghost Rider) into different forms of entertainment.

Opportunity. Going hand-in-hand with popularity, the bigger it gets, the more people take an interest in it. The more the interest, the greater the demand (in theory). Indie guys can crank out more product to be appreciated, more classes will be created in schools that will train people and educate them about the medium, more companies will be looking for staff, more, more, more. It’s still not easy to break in (like any business) but never has there been a better chance to get in.

Quality. Finally, after the decade known to most as “the 90s” but referred to by geeks globally as “The Dark Age”, the respect between the writer and artist has leveled. There’s still some imbalance from time to time but that generally falls down to the people involved. Alex Ross being associated with any project will practically overshadow any writer (except maybe Stan Lee) and Brad Meltzer seemed to be the big draw for JLofA but overall, it’s pretty even. In fact, fans seem to be demanding quality writing to go along with the art these days. A positive sign for things to come.

Availability. People say that comics aren’t in as many places and that is true but with there being more titles than before, having specialty stores is very important, if not essential, to the industry. As comics are moving back into Wal-Marts, only a select few get on the small rack. Plus, with many small press creators making niche or mature reader product, they limit themselves to where their books can be placed. With “core” comics being in Chapters and Superstore to catch people’s eye, it’s the educated and well stocked (and well kept) comic store that will hook people for life. You’re welcome.

Fandom Passion. There’s a lot of idiots out there but there are also a lot of very articulate, intelligent people who, I’m sure, not only help foster new readers but also help influence the direction of certain titles. Now, if only some of those people could take over running certain companies, we’d all be better off.

I hope that when you think about or discuss this little pass time of yours, you will think about all the positives the medium is experiencing and let your passion speak for you. Most importantly, make sure you do speak about it. We aren’t in space, we want to hear you scream.

The Shepherd