Odds ‘n’ Ends

Every day I plan on posting an update to this page and schedule it after I at least accomplish some progression on a number of items I need to get done during the course of a day. By the time I do, sitting down in front of my computer to write something does not rank high on my list, especially when I want to discuss certain topics like how to break into comics, or Jack Kirby not getting the proper credit for his contributions to the Marvel Universe, or a number of topics.

So today I thought I’d write about random items as if I were posting on Twitter or Threads or other similar platforms.

First, I’d like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of actor David McCallum. To his family, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a Great-grandfather and much more. To his friends, he was a cherished colleague someone they shared a great many happy memories with. To millions, he was Ducky on NCIS. To me, he was UNCLE Agent Illya Kuryakin, one of the coolest characters to grace a TV screen in the 1960s when I was growing up. He’s also a reminder that the era I grew up in is fast disappearing.

ITEM! I’ve been asked by a number of people how to break into comics, and the quick answer is there is no one way to break in. That’s the main constant that’s existed ever since I made my first attempt. In many ways, it was easier back then as long as one lived in New York. By the time I earned my first assignment, there was a lot more competition. Now, if one is looking to see one’s work published by Image, Dark Horse, Archie and other companies, it’s a lot harder. As for Marvel and DC, I wouldn’t even try. For one thing, with any of the publishers today, they want to know what you’ve accomplished. And by that, I mean they want to know what size audience you’re bringing with you, how many people follow you’re work. They’re looking to increase sales, and they’re not interested in building up newbies. Besides, if you’ve created something and you’ve built your audience, what do you need the mainstream publishers for? You’re doing all the work and they own the rights with a promise of unguaranteed royalties? What kind of deal is that? Plainly speaking, there is no long term security working in the comics industry. There is no health care or 401K benefits that’s offered in other industries. Your employment is subject to the whim of the editor in charge of any given title, not to mention what one earns in one month will be the same the next. My recommendation is to have a fall back job just for the daily existence paycheck and work on what you love at your own speed. It’s what I’ve been doing for a number of years and I’ve been a lot happier since.

ITEM! Above is what I consider the COMING ATTRACTIONS trailer for THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: SHATTERED TOMORROWS. I focused more on presenting key story points as opposed to any action shots to emphasize not only is the story a continuation of what came before, but also how far beyond it goes beyond what would have been possible in the pages of an Archie Comics publication.

It all starts in the pages of THE LARA-SU CHRONICLES: BEGINNINGS hardcover collection, which you can order by clicking HERE.

For you completists out there, this volume will never be reprinted. While only the first 200 individuals to order a copy will receive a signed color print of Lara-Su, the rest of the print run will still be a first come, first served basis. Not every comic shop is going to order one and getting Diamond Distributors to carry it is not a sure thing. I’ll alert everyone what methods I’m using to make the book available, but for now, ordering from me online is the best way. (And for the record, I’m approaching 100 orders placed, so those of you who want to be among the 1st 200 to order, now is better than later as I’m assembling the Supporters Thanks page to list the individuals who did order for both the book and the app. You have been notified.)

On that note, it’s my birthday, and my family and friends want to spend some time with me. I’ll be back with more soon.