Independent Doesn’t Mean Alone

Most view the Independent Market of comics as a lonely destitute group of hard core creators existing on the fringe of society. They are seen as leeches suckling off the leavings of the bigger industry publishers or a spawning ground for the next big thing. Sure they look to that dark corner, awaiting the next Kirkman or O’Malley, yet they approach this surrogate parentage with a hands off approach till they feel it is time. Sure some dream day in and day out of writing for the “Big Two”, but it’s not for everyone. (To be honest I’d love to write a Batman story someday, but that is about legacy.) There is still a large collection of these indie creators who really only wish to work on their own material, much like a novelist or musician. Yet where the novelist or musician can be excepted, perhaps a bit harder for the musician, the indie creator is seen as just playing around till he gives in and joins one of the larger publishers.

Independent creators are passionate about what they do. It’s not simply a 9-5 job, it’s often after hours work, it’s a job they love. You don’t do independent comics cause you think it’s fun, you do them cause you love the medium and you have a story to tell. The hours are long and draining, the work is often only seen by a limited audience. Yet when one person gets you, that makes it all worth it. Sure a paycheck is good, growing your audience would be even better, but your love of story comes first.

Recently there has been several different movements starting to bring awareness to this bastard child market. Creators like Eric Powell tried the shock approach but then backed off after backlash by some, saying he was going to rethink his approach. Fair enough, it’s his choice, but honestly if you are being true to yourself not everyone has to understand you. There will be people who do and they will spread the word in their own way. This eventually will reach others who perhaps didn’t get you but they get them. The Independent market needs a cohesive community of support, not cliques of this and that. In order to reach the wider audience, to grow your numbers you need to diversify your relationships. You should understand you will not always agree with or like the content created by others, but that in no way should stop you from supporting one another.

Over this week a new movement has started on twitter. Helmed by the frightening Dwight MacPherson, the Indie Comic Alliance is reaching out and bridging gaps between creators on twitter. Using the viral hashtag method, for those interested #ndca is the tag, they helping to promote one another work. Creative works are consumed and there for always in demand, there is no harm in showing your audience other material out there. Take a look at the blog post he put up today explaining his motives, far less sinister than someone so well versed in Cthulhu Mythos should be.

For those that know me, I am all about promoting community and growth in our market. Anyone who raises their nose at it doesn’t actually get it and there for shouldn’t be involved anyways.

So yes, while the latest Marvel and DC cross-overs are draining your pockets, remember there are books out there that may talk directly to you. There may be works you like beyond your super mutant civil wars and incorporated vigilantes.

Anyways that’s my jumbled thoughts on it for now, spread the word like a witness on a bike. (Though you can leave your tie at home.)