In my position as editor and creative director at Dark Horse, it's not unusual for me to talk to people who are passionate about their work. Whether they're writers, artists, other editors, designers, production people, or even folks in marketing, the comics publishing biz is, happily, full of people who've brought a love of comics with them to the job, or who have developed a real appreciation for the medium as a result of their jobs.

I know that this passion for the medium also exists at every point along the road from distributor to retailer to consumer. But is passion enough? As sales on many titles continue to decline, and as more and more stores close their doors -- in some cases leaving entire states without a single comics specialty shop -- is the passion felt by so many for the medium enough to save it?

Comics boosters like Joe Kubert, Will Eisner, and Frank Miller think it is. They point to past market declines from which the industry rallied. Other people are less positive, citing concerns such as the increase in comics cover prices (which are dictated by the costs of production, printing, and shipping) and the many new entertainment venues open to the audience that have traditionally been comics readers (video and computer games, movies on demand, the Internet, etc.). Everybody agrees there are problems, but not everybody agrees on what those problems are, or what should be done about them. But everybody agrees that a world without comics would be a sadder place.

We'd like to know what you think, readers. Whether you're a first-time reader or a longtime fan; an aspiring artist or an established pro; an employee at a comics shop or the owner of a multi-store chain; a truck driver for a distributor or the head of the company, we'd like to hear your ideas on what's wrong with comics, what's good about the industry, and how you would like to see things changed. We'd like to turn an occasional Finish Line over to you; make it something of an open forum on the state of the industry, featuring views from people from all areas of comics. There are no wrong answers, so don't be afraid to speak up.

Who knows? Your suggestion could be the one that sparks a new way of looking at the concerns facing the industry and turns everything around. You could be a hero. At worst, you'll be heard. Be proactive. Be passionate.

Send your comments to:

Finish Line
c/o Dark Horse Comics
10956 SE Main St.
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Or, email to: finishline@dhorse.com

--Randy Stradley
creative director