Read on Twitter
Want to read comics for free? Good news! You don't have to pirate them. All you have to do is:
Tweet @ me a comic REVIEW, tagging the writer/site, and prove you read it (get creative)...
And for the next week, I'll DM you a digital copy of one of my books. More details
Tweet @ me a comic REVIEW, tagging the writer/site, and prove you read it (get creative)...
And for the next week, I'll DM you a digital copy of one of my books. More details
Here's an example: @ComicBookYeti's review of @Erik_Whalen's NE:10. I loved this review for two reasons: 1) It rightfully praises Erik's ability to depict FURY ROAD-levels of action 2) Yeti noticed my favorite easter egg, the "NAME OF CITY" plaque. https://www.comicbookyeti.com/post/ne-10
I saw a lot of posts over the weekend from various reviewers I follow about the dismal state of comics criticism: how they aren't paid; how it feels like no one is reading what they write but they do it anyway because they love it.
Sounds familiar.
Sounds familiar.
Criticism is like any other form of writing: you only improve with years of practice. If there isn't a sustainable forum for serious writing about the craft of comics, it's never going to evolve.
Pauline Kael didn't happen overnight, but she could make a living while learning.
Pauline Kael didn't happen overnight, but she could make a living while learning.
I feel so fortunate that I've had critics write thoughtful, considered reviews of my books. They took time—probably several hours that they could have spent doing literally anything else—critically thinking about something I made.
And they're not all raves. But in my experience, the honest feedback will *always* resonate with you good or bad because, subconsciously, you usually know what worked and what didn't.
(My artists only receive praise though because, let's be honest, I work with the best.
)
(My artists only receive praise though because, let's be honest, I work with the best.
)
I subscribe to @panelxpanel. I've read + enjoyed articles there by @missafayres, @leekassen, @teddyhaynes, @explodingarrow—probably forgetting a few. I'm a fan of the aforementioned @ComicBookYeti. @doomrocket_ is super well-curated, and @arpadokay is particularly good there.
@TheSaintOfTous has turned me on to dozens of animes and video games I would have never heard of otherwise, plus done some killer comics-related interviews. @commander_mac over at @AP2HYC has been a big advocate of mine since I started.
(I'm sure I'm forgetting some. And definitely willing to take recommendations to help broaden my horizons!)
Any good artistic ecosystem needs a healthy critical community. If you want good comics, READ and APPRECIATE reviews. Engage writers. Share their work. Argue (nicely)!
When you're not getting paid and it feels like no one is listening, a little encouragement goes a long way.
When you're not getting paid and it feels like no one is listening, a little encouragement goes a long way.
