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in the past, i've gone on about how hard it is in the current comics market, for any book NOT published by the big 2 to have any kinda presence on the shelves. with cross-overs galore and all the ad space being monopolized by marvel and dc, its tough for ANYBODY to get noticed! right, todd--we've heard it before, blah, blah, blah...but this time i'm not talkin' about the perhapanauts.
there are tons of other books; small press, independent, call it what you will, clever, unique, innovative stuff, that are drowning out there in a sea of same old, same old. i go through previews each month and skirt the dc section (well, i do go back and look--i still LOVE these characters after all and i still read some of their books) but my first priority is to see all the new stuff, the personal stuff, the passionate stories/comics that are just DYING to be looked at in the independent section of the catalogue. this is where most of my actual ordering comes from--trying out something new, something that's caught my eye, something fresh...marvel and dc are gonna be fine if i decide to spend my wampum on true story, swear to god instead of civil war: part 29. or electric girl! or e-man:recharged! or death jr! or empty chamber!
which brings me to empty chamber...
perfect example. despite the cool art, despite the thrilling story, despite the added good fortune of having matt brady write it up in a plug on newsarama (with six compelling preview pages! check it out!)
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76411
this book is gonna get eaten up.
sorry, jason. sorry, a..
in the current climate, sadly, a gem like this will be overlooked by far too many people.
the industry these days is all about hype. (well, really, these days, what ISN'T?) and if you don't have the money or the corporate support team to build that hype, you're gonna get lost in the sauce.
but enough about the biz--that just makes me frustrated.
i've read this book. well, the first issue. jason was kind enough to send me a preview copy a month or so ago and i really dug it. it's a great little thriller and from page to page i wasn't really sure what was unfolding in front of me. empty chamber is the kinda tale that invites you in...and then slams the door behind you once you're over the threshold. played out like a movie, it begins 'in medius res', and i don't know who are the good guys, who are the bad guys, who's that girl, where'd THAT guy come from.
it's really well done.
and you'd like it.
how do i know? 'cause two months later i still find myself thinking about it, wondering, from time to time, what's gonna happen? how are they gonna get outta THAT?!
check it out.
check 'em all out.
i'm not saying stop being a marvel zombie.
or a dc...whatever.
but there's gold out there...
smell ya later!
todd
7 comments:
That looks like an interesting book. I'll check it out. Did it come out yet?
And I second your encouragement of reading independent books. Everyone should look on the second shelf at your LCS. You know, the shelf below DC and Marvel stuff. There are amazing books there. Far more imaginative, and you don't put those books down, going "What the F---!!! _____-Man would never do that. ARGH! and that character was killed off 30 years ago. Why is he back?"
SCOTT
Actually, that last rant made me think of something, Todd. You should start a list of small press titles (anything not DC or Marvel) that people are reading. Or that they should be reading. I'll start....
Strange Girl
Hero Squared
Goon
BPRD
Midnight Sun
Truth, Justin and the American Way
Local
Fear Agent
PERHAPANAUTS - Second Chances
SCOTT
Todd,
A. Dave is one of the good guys in the biz to boot. I haven't yet read Empty Chamber, but it looks cool. My friend and protege, Jenn Rodgers, colored Dave's Lone and Level Sands, which is up for a few Harveys this year! Now is a good time to check out what A. David Lewis has written. He's going to blow up!
Best,
Rich
www.thinkinkstudios.com
http://richfaber.blogspot.com
Todd - Thanks you so much for the kind words about the book. Yeah, I'm sure that EMPTY CHAMBER will go overlooked by 98% of the comic book readers. But, as long as those 2% like the book, I'll be a pretty happy guy.
Scott - Thanks for you interest in EC! The first issue is in this month's Preview catalogue, so your order for it (if you were to order it, that is (no pressure ;D)) should be into your LCS before the end of this month. I suggest preordering it because the chance of your LCS ordering it will be fairly small.
Rich - Yeah, ADL is a great writer. I first worked with him on his Mortal Coils book. Great stuff. And did you know that Jenn is doing the grayscales for EMPTY CHAMBER, as well? She's doing an amazing job! Hopefully, you give the book a chance.
Thanks to everyone for giving EMPTY CHAMBER a look! A. Dave and I truly appreciate it.
oh and I'll add to the list of small press stuff that people should check out:
Godland (Image)
Doomed Magazine (IDW)
Mouse Guard (ASP)
Shaolin Cowboy (Burlyman)
Walking Dead (Image)
Digital Webbing Presents (Digital Webbing)
Jason,
I didn't realize Jenn was doing the tones. I would have picked up the book anyway, but now I have more reason to. Did you know she's also a very talented Illustrator in her own right...? I first met her when she was a senior at Moore College of Art & Design (where I teach)in Philly, and even then she was working on professional gigs. Here's her website: www.jenniferrodgers.com
If you haven't seen her work, check it out!
Best,
Rich
www.thinkinstudios.com
http://richfaber.blogspot.com
That's a good point, Kojee. Forget about our book. EMPTY CHAMBER's got nothing on Cap and Tony having another squabble... ;-)
P.S. Thanks for the kind (commiserate) words, Todd!
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