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I know an ex-Disney animator who similarly laments the death of 2-D animation.
It would be a delight to be proven wrong about both comics and traditional animation, by the way, as much fine quality work can be still done in both arenas, particularly in furtherance of the Gospel.
Kind regards in Christ Jesus,
Alec
That statement hits my point right on the head!
The real Christian pro's out there have mortgages to pay and until some publisher steps up to the plate to offer a venue for doing creator's stories, or hiring them to work for hire on Faith based projects, they've first got to cover their nut, so to speak. And I cannot fault them for that, either.
I believe it was Paul who wrote (can't recall the specific book/verse at the moment) about apostles and disciples being like soldiers for God...and just like soldiers of the day (I.E. the Romans) they had the right to expect to be paid or compensated in some form...for their efforts for the Church.
So there are creators out there, just like Jason, who'd love to harness their gifts for the Lord's service, but just don't have a viable way to do it, short of being a starving artist. That's not to say that for some that might be an option, but of course not for all.
Thats why I am doing my best with Modern Christians and hoping it can change how people see Christian comics and how they can be done. I know my artwork isn't up to the professional level (is it really necessary when people with less "skill" have been successful?), but I have been slowly improving and my storytelling technique has improved also, with the help of some books I read. I already have a few fans on both Facebook and Deviant Art and hoping to make even more when I manage to publish it.
Though I am not intersted in making a highly professional comic like what you would see in DC or Marvel, I still want to create something that would stand the test of time and that would prepare Christian readers and make them stronger.
I do plan on one day writting and illustrating a creator owned project but I would probably choose to go with image or something of the equivalent. I also plan in the coming years to do a sketch book of biblical artwork.
I do think that if I was ever approached by Stephen lawhead, or Ted Dekker to work along with them on a project, I would have to weigh the opportunity and see if I could do it. For many, doing christian comics is a side hobby of sorts that is done after work. For me, this is my career, and like alot of christians in any art based industry, it takes time, skill, and devotion to your craft, and I believe we deserve to be paid for our services. Within the christian-indy comics industry...it's not an option for me.
For now, Im hoping to grow as an artist, get better, and find where I want to go in my career. Even though I work in the secular industry and sometimes have to work on things or draw things I don't particularily want to draw, I still pray for the Lord to open the doors and lead me where he wants.
1. Now that gets the wheels turning: Would they rather produce a) 1 shots, b) Graphic novels, c) mini-series, or d) ongoing series? Truthfully, I see options a, b or c being the only viable options.
2. How much would they be looking for? (This is potentially rhetorical)
Hm. Hm. Hm.
The answer to this, goes back to my contention about commerical viability.
The so called "Bigger Names" (who are believers) are typically doing work for hire for the majors in the industry, rather than self publishing. This is an topic several iconic names in the industry have brought up to me over the past few years, when I speak with them at conventions....that either they've always wanted to do a faith based story, or have had one in mind, but there has not been a company (or venue) through which they could do it.
Christian comics need to look better and be better overall if they want to be taken seriously.
There is nothing more disheartening than seeing a badly executed "Christian" product - be it a book, or comic, or music album.
Caveat: If the Holy Spirit is behind it, it will succeed in spite of itself/ourselves - and all the best work in the world, if the Holy Spirit is not behind it, will amount still to a big fat nothing.
So yes - until a "major hit" occurs in the "Christian Comic Space" and other companies then follow the lead, this will be a constant thorn in the side.
That said: PRINT FOR COMICS IS OVER - if you are a small publisher trying to produce a monthly. GO DIGITAL.
PRINT WILL WORK FOR GRAPHIC NOVELS.
DC just went digital in a big way. Follow their lead.
Couple of additional thoughts:
1. Don't try to take the entire world by storm - focus on a select market and target it.
2. DO make a well made product
3. DO deviate from the norm e.g. BOOM Studios shifted it's focus, IDW has it's focus
4. DO be more creative than angels and demons and bibleman variations
5. PRAY
Now, out of curiosity, (and I think Mr. Fabok may have touched on this) why haven't bigger names in the industry stepped up to the plate to put out high quality fare from a "Christian" perspective? Or is their position that they represent Christ through the quality of their work, and their work ethic - and their belief should be reflected in what people see? (I am not suggesting they continue to reproduce 'Bible Stories' in their comic style - even though they could).
Some names that come to mind who could do this: Our very own Alec (who is doing just that), Scott McDaniel, Lee Weeks, Chuck Dixon (a believer?), Jason Fabok, others? Care to comment?
And why can't believers make things stick? What are we missing here? Lack of prayer? Lack of focus? Lack of the Spirit? Or are we focusing on the wrong thing?
Just thinking out loud.
Martin
What you said about Jack Chick is interesting and so true! Interesting how whenever there is a discussion on Indy comic creators, he is left out of out, despite the fact that his comics have been read by billions.
And that's objectively speaking
The Indy comic world loves to boast it's " anything goes, we embrace all creators" platform, and doesn't invite Jack Chick to the party
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