The Revolution Is Now

The Comics Revolution May Already Be Here

You can feel it in the air—a palpable shift that’s metamorphosizing the comics industry in a way we haven't seen since the mid-80s to early 90s. This was an independent boom that prompted would-be, up-and-coming, and seasoned creators to break away from mainstream constraints and strike out on their own with creations that either countered the mainstream or were simply passion projects they could no longer keep to themselves. Many of these creators joined forces with small press publishers or became publishers themselves, having no intention of seeking the approval of mainstream publishers or their fans. They created their own lanes and drove them like a bat out of hell!

Fast-forward to now, and things are much easier than they were back then. Thanks to platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Zoop, along with the exposure and advertising power of social media, creators—both new and established—now have more options than ever to make the comics they’ve always wanted. They can build platforms for the fan bases that would absolutely love their creations.

Let’s be clear: mainstream companies have indeed taken hits in the last several years, and we certainly don’t need to start on Diamond! However, they aren't going anywhere, and they aren’t the juggernauts they used to be. Now we see heavy-hitters like Viz/Manga, Penguin Random House, and Scholastic stepping into that role. That said, much like before, you don’t need a large percentage of the market to be successful. Smaller publishers like MadCave and Megascope/Abrams are holding on to enough to keep things moving and continue providing us with more comics.

Here’s the awesome thing! The Kickstarter platform has made it possible for new publishers to work and build steady fan bases outside the direct market—almost exclusively through Kickstarter! KS publishers like Charlie Stickney & David Hahn’s White Ash Comics, Dan Mendoza's Still Ill, Karl Kesel and the folks at Panic Button, and Pat Shand's Space Between showcase just a few examples of this thriving independence.

This is both the worst and the best time in comics...just like it always is. For someone who really wants to draw Spider-Man or Batman, you can still do that, but guess what? You don’t HAVE to. You never did. Just know it’s not a straightforward path to those characters. You have to earn the 'privilege', and it’s absolutely the right of the corporate comics to make you do that. It’s a world full of committee-driven decisions, with the primary purpose of maintaining their IP.

That said, there are many wonderful editors out there who genuinely want to produce the best books possible with great creators, but always remember they have bosses. Bosses who control their salaries, and their bosses in turn control THEM. Everyone in that chain has their own tastes and agendas before they even get to you and what you want. If you're up for that, as I once was, then go at it with everything you’ve got! Accept the things you can't change, enjoy the craft, and put your spin on the characters you loved growing up. Whatever path you choose is the right path if it fulfills you. The comics revolution is here, and it's bursting with opportunities for every creator willing to embrace it!

More MT: EVO Designs by Studio Skye-Tiger Elisa Williams & TJ Bell!

You Have to Create Something Before It Can Become Something

“No disrespect, but no one knows who Midnight Tiger is.”

A phrase I’d heard twice during and after Shayla and my return from Emerald City Comic Con from two different up-and-coming creators. These creators were vibrant, passionate, and filled with honest reflections about their concerns and ambitions. I appreciated their frankness; it showcased their commitment to the craft. However, the part they seemed to overlook was that, in order to create something that could rise to popularity and become widely recognized, you first need to make that something exist in the first place.

Mike Mignola and Brian Pulido both created and premiered drawings of their characters, Hellboy and Lady Death respectively, even before their books were conceived. Jeff Smith's critically acclaimed Bone, originally titled Thorne at conception, took almost a decade to hit comic book shelves, let alone become the sensation it is today. Similarly, Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim struggled when first published but blossomed into a cult hit, gaining popularity through word of mouth over time. Akira Toriyama faced multiple failures before achieving his first major success with Dr. Slump, not Dragon Ball. And we could delve into the iconic story of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, who brought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life. Remember, characters like Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man existed long before any of these creations, yet they paved the way for a rich tapestry of stories that resonated with audiences.

What connects these creators, however, is their tenacity, their desire to have fun while creating, and their belief in themselves and in their visions. In Mignola's case, it was a passion for drawing monsters and gothic organic forms over more conventional subjects like cars that led him to develop Hellboy. Because of their unwavering commitment to their craft and distinct personal styles, these iconic characters have become staples in pop culture and comics.

Many of my heroes write and draw their own comics, not because they haven’t worked with other companies or on properties that weren't theirs, but because their original creations—the things nobody knew existed at first but that they poured their heart and effort into—are forever linked to their legacies. Just like Goku, Scott Pilgrim, Hellboy, Lady Death, Bone, Leo, Mikey, Raph, & Donnie these characters and stories all started as mere ideas waiting to be realized. Nobody knew about them until those creators made the leap and brought them into existence. Nobody also knew about them....until they did.

The lesson here is profound: if you want to create something that leaves a mark, you have to start by creating something—anything. Your journey may mirror that of these legendary figures, where the path to success is often long and filled with challenges. But with perseverance and passion, your ideas can eventually resonate deeply with audiences and stand the test of time. So, take that leap, trust in your creativity, and let your stories unfold. That’s what I do!

C.A.F.E! The New Studio Skye-Tiger Shirts That Make the Statement 'Comics Are For Everyone!'

On that note, with the absolute passion I have for making comics a welcoming space for new and aspiring creators, Studio Skye-Tiger proudly presents the C.A.F.E! initiative. Our mission is to inspire creators to feel comfortable expressing themselves through the comics they want to make, telling the stories that matter to them, and working on properties for any publisher they choose. We want you to say it with your chest!

Be proud to create comics—whether they are American, manga, manhwa, webcomics, or any other form of storytelling that resonates with your voice! Remember, YOU DO NOT NEED PERMISSION to tell your story! C.A.F.E! stands for Comics Are For Everyone! It's a rallying cry for inclusivity and creativity within our beloved medium.

I’m excited to announce that these vibrant C.A.F.E! shirts will be available at Comic Con Revolution Ontario. They will be limited in quantity, so make sure you swing by our table early to grab yours! Wear it as a badge of honor, a statement of unity, and a reminder that the comics community thrives on diversity and imagination. Together, let’s celebrate the creativity that connects us all, and ensure that comics truly are for everyone!