Though the announcement to test-sell comics may come as a surprise to many, in some ways it does make sense as the company has had some past-experience when it comes to printed media. Up until 2004, bookseller Barnes & Noble had control of Gamestop, after which the latter became its own company.
SD Comic Fest ’18: The ‘What’s Wrong with Comics?’ Panel Explores the Many Missteps of the Comic Book Industry
“Five years ago, Marvel was in charge, and they ruled everything I did as a retailer. It was ‘Marvel first.’ Now, they are the bastard children of the industry. I’ve lost probably 25% of my comic readership because 25% of my Marvel fans got tired of my higher cover prices, the non-sequitur storylines, the almost incomprehensible X-Men this and that… Marvel has done nothing to drive the industry towards us.”
INTERVIEW: San Diego Comic Fest’s Matt Dunford Discusses “Dunford Con” and “Frankenstein”
“What I love most about San Diego Comic Fest is that it dedicates itself to the small, intimate atmosphere. All the while, it still manages to be entertaining.”
WonderCon ’18: Dan Jurgens, Yancey Labat, and Chris Uminga Advise and Doodle at the DC Art Academy Panel
When asked how his art has changed and evolved over the last 30 years, Jurgens said, “The changes to my art are influenced by what I write. The best way to tell a story also changes over time.”
INTERVIEW: Daryl Gregory, Author of “Spoonbenders”
Fantasy author Daryl Gregory’s newest novel, Spoonbenders. centers around the Telemachus family in the very distant and backwards year of nineteen-ninety-five. The Chicagoan family are anything but normal as they were once known “The Amazing Telemachus Family,” regularly touring the country and appearing on television. Following an unfortunate T.V. appearance that marked them as frauds, […]
SDCC ’17: Interview: Author Karin Tidbeck Uncovers the Dreamlike Storyline of “Amatka”
Karin Tidbeck is a science-fiction and fantasy author, born in Stockholm, Sweden. Her latest novel, Amatka, focuses on a colonized alien-planet where the physical use of words plays an integral part in the shaping and maintaining of the world. At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, I sat down with her at the Penguin Random House […]
Interview: First Second’s Scott Westerfeld Talks of His Graphic Novel “Spill Zone” and More
First Second, publishers of “great graphic novels for every reader”, have just released today the story of Spill Zone. Written by New York Times bestselling author Scott Westerfeld and illustrated by Alex Puvilland, this graphic novel follows that of a young woman named Addison who must provide for herself and her younger sister ever since […]
San Diego’s Little Fish Comic Studio Is Educating A New Generation of Fans, Artists, and Writers
In recent years, more teachers and librarians are finally recognizing the educational appeal of comic-books. Yes, we the fans have known of their artistry, their (mostly) great writing, and the sheer enjoyment they illicit, but for many other adults, it still seems like a “nonsense medium.” Perhaps for this reason it is why places like […]
#SDCC ’16 First Second’s Gene Luen Yang: The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
By: Nicholas Eskey As one of the most influential graphic novel publishers in the United States, First Second is proud to celebrate 2016 as their their 10-year anniversary. Known for publishing noteworthy stories that also spark conversations, the publisher also does well with making strong connections with their writers and artists. One such writer is […]
#SDCC ’16 Dave McKean Talks Art and WWI in his Latest Graphic Novel “Black Dog”
By: Nicholas Eskey Artist Dave McKean is in every aspect a Renaissance Man. He expresses himself in illustration, art installations, music, theatre, writing, graphic design, and more. Notable for his work with author Neil Gaiman on the Sandman comic series cover art, Mr. McKean always finds a way to stay creatively busy. At this year’s […]