Ninja Robot Dinosaur

In this long awaited and deeply welcomed announcement – The Comics Journal will be going online in the future.

I read TCJ whenever I can find a copy (easier said than done on PEI). The articles are hearty, opinionated, unapologetic and a far cry from the lighter fair of most comics journalism (thx Wizard). 20 page interviews are not uncommon.

Of course, reading articles of this depth online might be tiresome, but regardless of format/scope adjustments, at least it will still be done with the same TCJ integrity.

Thanks TCJ!

Kim Neville has put together an interesting assessment of Catherynne M. Valente’s new project – Omikuji.

It’s a little known but well documented fact that people who write short stories for a living cannot make a living writing short stories for a living. (got that?)

Valente’s Omikuji is an attempt to make a living at writing short stories by getting her readers to subscribe to her stories. Every month, her subscribers get an exclusive story that will not be published anywhere else. It’s her interpretation of 1000 True Fans.

Think about that? $10/month for a limited, collectible piece of work from your favorite creator.

What happened if someone else did this? Why aren’t more people doing this? Artists, writers, web-comicers, musicians? One small piece of work for $10/month from your fans.

For smaller webcomics, it could be half of one month’s rent (even one fan is $120/year).

For established creators, it could reach five figures easily.

If Penny-Arcade did this, I bet they could close to a million dollars/year – all for doing what they love and giving it to the people who love them for it.

Comics 212 has put together a wonderful comparison between the hardcore Otaku stores of Tokyo, the Tokyo fashion district and the New People store which recently opened in San Francisco.

New People Building Exterior. Photo by Ryan Sands, http://samehat.blogspot.com

Shopping in Otaku stores in Tokyo is like getting lost in the most disorganized comic shop on the planet – it’s all about finding treasure in a dark corner.

Regardless of who you are – it’s a decidedly nerdy endeavor – the dark stair cases and chaotic shelves will put off all but the most dedicated of Otaku.

Contrast that with New People. A clean, crisp and open space. The Apple Store of comic shops.

Hopefully this will bring new people to the wonderful nerdings of Japan, and needless to say, a trip to SF suddenly went up on the priority list.

Corey Lewis (aka Reyyy) busted out this sweet solo webcomic which really captures ‘The essence of Reyyy’

When Toho sued Pink G-dz-ll-, an incredibly cool games and geekery shop in Seattle, they changed their name to Pink Gorilla – I can’t think of a better way to announce the new name.

I met Corey at Emerald City comic-con 4 or 5 years ago – and all I could think was “WOW! This guy LOVES making comics.” Full of energy and love for the medium and the craft.

The best part of Reyyy’s work is that the passion he has can be seen in his work. His art and stories have the same frenetic pace and style that Corey carries with him every day.

More Corey Lewis:
Corey’s Homepage (pure brilliance!)

Seedless Webcomic

Twitter:@kenby
Sharkknife: