Zuda is just all right with me
October 14, 2009 | Posted by Brigid Scott Kurtz has been notably critical of Zuda in the past, but what he saw at the Baltimore Comic-Con made him question that a bit:
Here’s what I do know: these guys, these Zuda creators seem to be having the time of their lives. They’re learning things about the industry and meeting people. I can see that there are things they like and dislike about Zuda. But I could say that about Image too. The bottom line is that I’m witnessing them progressing.
That’s what I have noticed about the Zuda panels at the cons I go to—they crowd a million people up on stage, and everyone seems to be happy and enthusiastic and all talking at once. The creators really engage with the audience, too, both online and in person. It’s like they put the fun back in comics. Like Kurtz, I have serious reservations about the talent-contest model, but in this case the results seem to be worth it. (Via Robot 6.)
More Zuda news from Robot 6: Scott O. Brown is bringing his Zuda entry Red Ice over to his own website. I wish more people would do this—my favorite Zuda comic is often one of the also-rans, and I hate losing a good story after just eight pages.
Congratulations to High Moon creators David Gallaher, Steve Ellis, and Scott O. Brown on winning the Harvey Award for best on-line work.
Interviews: We have quite a mixed bag today. Julia Wertz (Fart Party) discusses her work at Hayden’s Ferry Review. Laura Hudson interviews Randall Munroe (xkcd) about his new print collection and other matters at Comics Alliance. Sequential Tart has a 13-question interview with Ethan Young, the creator of Tails. PC Weenies creator Krishna Sadasivam talks to iProng magazine. And Lora Innes, who has just published a print edition of The Dreamer, chats with Jeff Ritter at The Trades. (First two links via the invaluable Fleen.)
Little Terrors is back from its near-death experience.
Joey Manley is handing out lots of free advice at the ComicSpace Blog these days; his most recent posts, on search engine optimization and promoting your comics to people who don’t usually read comics, seem to be particularly useful.
Coming attractions: Alternative Press Expo, a.k.a. APE, is happening this weekend, and comics will be well represented there. And make your reservations now for next year’s MoCCA Festival.
Reviews: El Santo is observing the Halloween season with a series of reviews of vampire webcomics; the latest objects of his attention are Annyseed and Juliette: Worst Vampire Ever.
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7 Comments »
You know, it’s interesting– I was just mentioning this to Simon. Japan uses a talent contest model for pretty much all their manga anthologies. If you want to get into Shounen Jump, you send in some complete manga whenever they put out the call, unless you’re already a well-established mangaka for whatever reason (previous publications, internet fame, etc).
I don’t know diddly about Zuda’s setup, but it is interesting that such tactics in the past tend to get looked down on in the US, like TOKYOPOP’s Rising Stars of Manga thing (though admittedly it did turn out some pretty “meh” works along with some great ones). Is it just a mindset that contests are for amateurs and a grueling submissions process is for pros?
…Which is not intended to lay any commentary about your feelings on Zuda, of course, since again I don’t know much about their setup, but just a general mindset I’ve seen around.
Just wanted to leave a comic saying I like the blog. I’ve always wanted a webcomic news site to follow but something about Fleen’s writing style didn’t grab me.
Looks great and good luck!
Might as well chime in to say that I’m pretty excited over your new blog too, Brigid! You’re one of the most knowledgeable people anywhere when it comes to webcomics. I plan on checking out this blog as much as I can… to steal your stuff. Ha ha! Kidding, kidding! (Or… am I?)
Hey, Em and El, thanks for the good wishes! Visit often and leave lots of comments (and links!).
Gia, I have two problems with talent contests. One is that they make it seem like talent trumps everything else, and if you have enough of it, you can dispense with training, experience, etc. Of course, it doesn’t really work that way—a lot of the Zuda competitors are pros, and you can usually tell the difference. The talent contest makes it seem like anyone can win, but that’s not really the case.
The other problem I have with talent contests is that only one person can win. There are months when I want to read two or three of the comics, and months when I don’t want to read any.
I think all those cheesy model/chef/designer talent competitions have made everything worse. I just assume anyone who would go on those shows is a loser; otherwise, they would be working their way up in the usual way.