Comic book creation explores our entrepreneurial spirit. Most of us self-publish; our products rise from inner–passions and expressions. Above any supportive networks, like family and friends, we need to elevate our own self-image. I would like to examine how comic book creators forge ahead with their craft and creator identity.

Envision a perfect mouse-trap. For readers with aversions to rodent harm, assume this device merely repels the invaders. With our Rube Goldberg machine fully operational, consider one missing or overlooked piece: bait. Merely assuming “cheese” robs us of creativity. Similarly, we cannot expect fans’ loyalty by offering unimaginative products. Honestly, we cannot compete against DC, Marvel, or a number of mainstream comic book publishers’ advertising or talent pools.

Instead, we must offer a completely different option.

We give an audience something mainstream comic books currently lack:

• Provide a window, however comfortably large or small, into our works. Show readers how we mature along our creative process. Assume we have THE perfect comic book – now what do we do with it? We build anticipation, accept feedback, and hold ourselves accountable through our transparency while working. We may attend every comic book convention from here to everywhere, but we need an audience to follow us. Let people know we exist, and what content we offer.
• Many fans have asked me to help them make comic books. Collectively, we see mainstream comic books introduce diverse characters from many minority groups…and fail. We may expect some prejudice from certain readers. However, I believe too many writers disconnect themselves from their readers. They write make-believe heroes using oversimplified stereotypes and blame bigotry for poor sales. Worse, some very prominent creators engage in bullying, harassment, and outright violent exchanges with their fanbase. For an example, look at Marvel Comics’ Mark Waid and his excommunication from social media. No, our experiences with autism, anxiety, depression, body image and more can fill a niche in the comic book genre. Stan Lee promises Marvel Comics reflect the “world outside our window.” Have we seen an overweight hero? Have we seen heroes struggle with mental health? Often, mainstream comics’ villains assume these roles of social outcast or as somehow defective. I reject these labels, and feel sickened whenever an evil character mirrors my problems instead of a hero. I suggest nobody has more authenticity about these topics (and more) than ourselves – so write stories.
• As independent creators, our works meet no set deadlines. Likely, our friends (or me, if asked nicely) edit our scripts. We may punch a clock from 9-to-5, but comic book production happens during off hours. We pace ourselves against no benchmarks aside from our own motivations. This freedom spawns greater creativity without gatekeepers telling us when, what, and how to do our projects. Own it.

In future posts, I will begin to outline how creators may begin seeing and subsequently marketing themselves. Our books must follow an introduction of who we are. While some creators may stand on merit alone, they do not represent a majority of success stories. My suggestions are just suggestions, but I wish someone could have guided me along the journey I now offer you.

HOMEWORK: As a clinician trained in rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), I like to give homework. My blog posts may motivate, but homework gives readers tangible action steps. For next week, consider writing a short biography. Specifically, plan for these points:

• Write a minimum/maximum of three paragraphs. The first one tells the audience what to expect from you and your project. The second paragraph tells readers more details about the first paragraph, including one specific thing about you, and one specific thing about your comic book. A final paragraph reminds readers what you told them, and possibly when to expect production to begin or end. Each paragraph should hover between 75-to-100 words, with the second one holding the most weight.
• Avoid sob stories. Go to a therapist to deal with whatever sadness confronts you, because readers cannot be reliable confidants. While we may brave depression, we do not need to share the names of childhood bullies any more than we need to share our dinner plans. Stay general, but hone the specific, targeted heroic identity or comic book theme. Why is this angle important to YOU, and why should it be important to READERS?
• Be welcoming. Demonizing any specific groups only paints you as a demon, too. Instead, offer readers an opportunity to see good and bad behaviors in villains; this humanizes characters and makes them understandable. Likewise, a villain should not represent any other person’s challenges insomuch as they feel vilified. Our individual and collective struggle gains no positive momentum if we throw another marginalized group under our feet. Again, avoid using comic books as a rant against a certain person, place, or thing. We have enough generic threats to personify better than any detailed experience we have had in our past.

Good luck with your homework. Members of our FaceBook Mentoring Group can submit their homework to me via messenger or saved document. Next week, I plan to share how to create a social media footprint to gain more followers and promote yourself and work.

–Dave