Issue #13 - The Struggles of the Creator

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Hey there … person whose first name I’m still figuring out (I’ll get this sorted eventually),

I usually save this part for last, making sure I’ve crossed all the t’s and dotted all the i’s before crafting a few clever sentences to set the stage. This week’s issue feels a bit scattered. Sure, there’s news, some exciting upcoming comics, and great ones released last week. But what I really want you to take away from this week’s newsletter is the struggle.

Comic creators, like everyone in the entertainment world, aim to make you feel something. They pour endless hours into their work, often for what amounts to minimum wage—or less—in most cases.

We, as comic lovers, gather around the fires they’ve sparked, building communities. We dive into discussions about the stories, the art, the history, and the future of the characters they bring to life. Yet, we rarely talk about the creators’ struggles—the late nights, early mornings, countless rejections, and the bills they juggle just to keep the lights on.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this newsletter (and the ones to come), it’s this: we need them as much as they need us. Take a chance and check out indie marketplaces like comix.one or crowdfunding platforms like zoop.gg. You might be amazed at what you discover. There are countless of small publishing houses that have great stories and I will be sharing as many of them as I can with you.

Thanks!

• Highlight #1: Revival of Marvel Knights

  • Marvel announced the return of its Marvel Knights imprint with a new six-issue series titled "Marvel Knights: The World To Come." Spearheaded by Joe Quesada and Christopher Priest, the series begins with the death of T'Challa (Black Panther), leading to global conflicts and a reimagined Marvel Universe. → Read more

• Highlight #2: Transformers Comic Arc Focused on Megatron

  • The upcoming "Transformers #19," part of the Energon Universe, will debut a new story arc centred on Megatron. Created by Daniel Warren Johnson and Ludo Lullabi, this issue is highly anticipated by fans eager for deeper insights into the iconic character. → Read more

• Highlight #3: Zack Snyder and Gail Simone's Rebel Moon: Nemesis Comic Announcement

  • Bleeding Cool reported that Zack Snyder and Gail Simone’s upcoming comic, Rebel Moon: Nemesis, is set to be announced by Titan Comics soon. This project ties into Snyder’s Rebel Moon universe, expanding its narrative into the comic medium. While no exact release date was specified, the announcement is expected imminently. → Read more

• Highlight #4: Derek Kolstad’s Planet Death Sells 655,000 Copies

  • Deadline reported that Planet Death #0, a sci-fi comic by John Wick scribe Derek Kolstad, sold over 655,000 copies before its April 30 release, timed with Free Comic Book Day on May 3. Published by Bad Idea and Lunar Distribution, this marks a significant milestone for independent comics. → Read more

• Highlight #5: Artists Criticize Marvel Over Pay Disputes

  • Industry artists publicly slammed Marvel Comics for refusing to pay fair cover rates or royalties. One artist declared they’d withhold future covers until conditions improve, spotlighting ongoing tensions between creators and the publisher, as shared via X posts. → Read more

Indie & Mainstream Spotlights of the Week

Letters from the Creator (Backmatter that is somehow in the Middle)

Growing up, mainstream comics weren't part of my world. It might sound unusual since most people probably had the opposite experience, but my introduction to comics came through smaller European publishers.

That said, I dove into mainstream comics during my teenage years. Now, as I rapidly approach a midlife crisis, I've found myself deeply immersed in indie comics. I've tried explaining this shift in past newsletters, but I truly believe indie comics hit harder for adults. The heroes in these stories deal with real-life issues—bills, families, and personal struggles.

In my recent "entry from the journal" post, I think I finally nailed down why I’m so drawn to indie comics. Sometimes it’s about the characters’ stories, but more often, it’s the creators’ stories that captivate me. Who are they? What emotions drove them to craft these works? Am I holding their dreams in my hands?

Through this newsletter, I’ve been fortunate to connect with some incredible creators—artists, writers, and letterers. These are people hustling to make a living, which is why it frustrates me to see stories like the one I linked earlier.

Every now and then, though, I come across someone like Saurabh, the founder of comix.one. Saurabh not only understood the struggle but took action, building a platform where indie authors can publish, earn money, get exposure, and start growing their own communities.

If you’re an indie author looking to publish or seeking support, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to connect you with the right people.

Thanks for reading!

Interesting Finds

• Boy do I know a lot of people suffering financially because of Haptic Perception 🙂 

• The Absolute Batman #8 Variant Cover by Ramon Villalobos is absolutely stunning.

Thanks for reading and as always, if you want to support this newsletter, please share it with your friends!

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