The Beat is a proud sponsor of Comix Experience’s Graphic Novel of the Month Clubs, which bring comics fans a curated mix of the best of new release graphic novels and conversations with the creators who make them. Each month, the staff of Comix Experience votes on three sets of upcoming books they are most excited about—one gets presented to adults, another to middle readers, and the third is a classic. Each club provides swag like original signed custom bookplates for adults or buttons and magnets for the kids (in this case, the former, to support the featured Comics Masterpiece book, Sandman).
Most excitingly, the Graphic Novel Clubs bring in the creators of selected books to talk exclusively to GNC members in interviews conducted by Comix Experience owner Brian Hibbs, who brings 30 years of experience in comics to the table. These talks are livestreamed to members all over the country and are a fun and informative mix of conversation on craft and form, as well as on the business of making comics. The Graphic Novel Clubs make a point of being inclusive, inviting creators from a wide variety of age, race, sex, and cultural perspectives to speak to members.
Membership is what propels these conversations, so if you like what you see, please support these discussions of comics, and the creators who make them, by joining the club.
Today: In a very special episode, Brian Hibbs talks to Neil Gaiman, Karen Berger, and Paul Levitz, the team behind The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes. In this clip, Hibbs asks Gaiman about how he initially pitched DC – and Black Orchid’s influence on Gaiman’s reputation. Then, the crew gives advice for new and upcoming creators. In a nutshell: “follow your dreams and read your contracts,” and be ready to bang your head against a wall.
Make sure to check out the full interview on Comix Experience’s official YouTube page.
