In last month's column, I asked the question: "Is passion for comics -- from the creators, publishers, retailers, and consumers -- enough to save the comics industry?" I invited readers to share their thoughts on the subject. The day after the column was posted on the Dark Horse web site, the e-mail began to arrive. Among the first was this response:
From: Dennis DeRobertis <DeRobertisD@Approach.com>
Subject: What's wrong with comics?
As an aspiring writer and comic-book fan, I have many thoughts on this particular issue.
Could passion for the medium be enough to help the industry out of its slump? I don't think so. Passion is absolutely essential, but there needs to be a solid foundation on which to express that passion.
I think there are three areas that have to improve to get the industry healthy again. (Being a computer consultant and an avid observer of the industry, I have modeled these areas after what makes the computer industry so successful.)
1) PRODUCT:
First and foremost, the quality of the product being produced has to improve, in both artwork and writing.
1a. Artwork:
In too many instances artwork is given precedence over writing to sell a book. And though I like a lot of the artwork being produced, I don't necessarily think that same art is effective in telling a story. Comic-book artwork, in my opinion, must encapsulate an understanding of pacing, panel layout, foreground/background detail, character emotions, action, and storytelling.
1b. Writing:
The quality of writing also has to improve. More time should be given to develop a character or characters. They should have a purpose. They should grown and learn. All too often we read generic stories that have no clear direction or purpose. As with artwork, the writing is there for one purpose: to tell a story. (Here's a question to ponder: Can a great comic book be produced on a monthly basis, or is the monthly schedule too short to deliver a piece of work with strong writing, art, lettering, packaging, etc.? Is the monthly schedule inherently bad for comics?)
2) MARKETING:
What good is having a great comic book if nobody knows about it? It's like the garage band that has more musical skill than most professional bands but never leaves the garage. If a publisher believes in a story and its creators, he or she should push and market the book as best he or she can. Innovative marketing plans should be developed and implemented. Look towards the Internet, for example. (Even though Dark Horse has a web presence, I think they can do much more to increase that presence. I've been a frequent surfer to your site and it can be improved greatly. But that's another topic.) [The new, improved Dark Horse web-site should be up and running very soon! -- Randy]
3) FEEDBACK:
Don't take reader feedback lightly. Microsoft, the world's leader in software development, has dedicated huge resources in this area. They have developed plans and initiatives (PSS, Off-Line Plus, surveys, Internet feedback, Corporate feedback, etc.) to help insure the product they make is what the customer wants.
The comics industry should get all the feedback it can from its readers, analyze it, and funnel the results back in to area one: PRODUCT.
Well, that's a quick response to your Finish Line column. I think Dark Horse is a great entertainment company and can really help the comic industry get back to a state where it is producing not only fun, superhero work, but also innovative, thought-provoking material that will stand as not only great comic books, but also as great pieces of work. Thanks for listening. :-)
If you'd like to submit comments on this column, or any other aspect of the comics industry, send them to:
Finish Line
c/o Dark Horse Comics
10956 SE Main St.
Milwaukie, OR 97222
Or, email to: finishline@dhorse.com