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“As more people are able to make a living doing it, I think we’re moving into an atmosphere were creators are able to define their careers more than creators in the past have been able to,” he observes. “Relying on Marvel and DC is no longer becoming a viable option, because the contracts aren’t viable and the rates aren’t set. They make the rules. A lot of people have fooled themselves into thinking that’s stability but are now realizing that it’s the exact opposite. The real stability is controlling your own career and being in a position to hire yourself, generating ideas that are enough to make you a sustainable income, and also controlling those ideas and your own destiny. That’s the new stability and that’s something people are realizing. I’m very optimistic that it’ll be something that is here to stay.”
Via a Graphic NYC profile by Christopher Irving and Seth Kushner.
17 Comments on Quote of the day: Robert Kirkman on career planning, last added: 4/1/2013
Christopher Moonlight said, on 4/1/2013 9:00:00 AM
I’m totally sharing this. You can apply this to any aspect of your life.
Christopher Moonlight said, on 4/1/2013 9:04:00 AM
This is worth sharing. This advice can be applied to any aspect of life, right now.
Christopher Moonlight said, on 4/1/2013 9:05:00 AM
Hmmm, thought the first one didn’t post. Sorry about that.
MBunge said, on 4/1/2013 10:25:00 AM
I’m all for people doing their own thing, but Kirkman speaks like a guy who’s oblivious to the reality that a bunch of people are trying to do exactly what he’s talking about and can’t pay their rent doing so.
Mike
Massimo Spiga said, on 4/1/2013 12:11:00 PM
With no big comics companies except one, which is very strict on hiring new authors, in Italy we’ve been living the scene depicted by Kirkman for the last 30 years. The result is that the comics medium, as a whole, is dead in my country. That’s a very peculiar kind of stability, but stability nonetheless.
Richard Caldwell said, on 4/1/2013 12:29:00 PM
If this isn’t an April Fools bit, that man is in more of a bubble than I thought.
Jamie Roberts said, on 4/1/2013 1:15:00 PM
He’s not saying everyone can make a living without Marvel and DC, just that more people are able to compared with previous years. Jesus, the guy makes a statement inspiring creators to not just consider the Big Two as the endgame and everyone gets defensive. Let’s just settle, eh? That’s how things move forward from a pathetic business model.
Synsidar said, on 4/1/2013 1:41:00 PM
Kirkman:
The real stability is controlling your own career and being in a position to hire yourself, generating ideas that are enough to make you a sustainable income, and also controlling those ideas and your own destiny.
At what point can a cartoonist justifiably call creating comics a career? When it provides the majority of his yearly income, or a certain percentage of it? Or when he’s certain he’s on track to making cartooning his primary source of income? People who can refuse assignments or choose between offers are in enviable positions.
SRS
Christopher Moonlight said, on 4/1/2013 2:08:00 PM
I don’t really understand why people are calling bull on this. You don’t think that Kirkman ever struggled in his life, to be where he is today? He’s the living example of what he’s talking about. Just because not everyone makes it, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be real. Do you not believe it can be real, because there are those of us who haven’t “made it” yet? Really? Maybe your IP isn’t good enough yet and needs more work. I’m sure RK has been there. Maybe, there’s not enough of it, or not enough people have heard of it yet. Maybe, it’s not the right time for it, but it will be in a few years. Maybe, it just plain sucks and you should reexamine why you thought anyone would every want to buy it. I’m sure RK has been through all of these things. If you can’t face these realities then your just making excuses. However, if you can and you’re willing to do your trials by fire, and you have faith and you don’t give up, then maybe, just maybe, you have what it takes to make it. But please, don’t sneer at the advice of those who have done what you haven’t, yet. It’s rude, disrespectful, and it’s wrong. You will only end up being the nameless naysayer that successful people talk about, once they have made it. Look outside the box of negativity and be free. My friendly (if not stern) advice.
Jamie Coville said, on 4/1/2013 2:51:00 PM
What Kirkman is saying about Marvel and DC has always been correct as a whole lot of freelancers have found out the hard way. Herb Trimpe in 1996 and Jerry Ordway being public examples. What is different from previous years is the internet opening up more revenue streams. But truth be told a monthly comic book as a revenue stream is no longer viable though, except for hopefully pays for itself advertising for the trade.
Still, I suspect a whole lot of freelancers (particularly those approaching 50) wish for the stability of Stan Sakai, Jeff Smith, Terry Moore, Phil Foglio, Sergio Aragonés among others.
Richard Caldwell said, on 4/1/2013 4:05:00 PM
For every single comic book professional, regardless of exact trade or dilection, that is under any sort of regular or semi-regular contract there are easily a thousand who are hungry and desperate.
The number of comic book professionals even employed by Marvel and DC, I’d bet the farm more than half of them still have to seek out side work of an entirely non-creative variety.
The writers and artists who earn a living entirely from their comics work is microscopic compared to all of the writers and artists who want in to the business. Even the popular “wave of the future” kickstarter admits that less than 40% of their comic book-based campaigns meet their goals, and I absolutely believe that even those numbers are trumped up.
Kirkman is dead wrong- no creator is making the rules, they all flock from new idea to new idea, from the old Zuda competitions to crowd-funding to whatever the next pipedream might be. Make a webcomic, build an audience and sell the trade, works out dandy for less than 1% of all the webcomics out there.
Making comics is a HOBBY. For supposed professionals like Kirkman to give any indication otherwise is irresponsible. Image alone turns down far far far more comickers than they publish.
Jamal Igle said, on 4/1/2013 4:43:00 PM
*Making comics is a HOBBY. For supposed professionals like Kirkman to give any indication otherwise is irresponsible. Image alone turns down far far far more comickers than they publish.*
Making comics have been my primary source of income for 23 years. Richard. Making comics is only a hobby if you allow it to be. This from a guy who was told by people, who thought like you do, that it can’t be done and i wasn’t going to be able to do it.
Comics are just like any other creative medium, it requires sacrifices early on and dedication to your craft to be successful. Kirkman isn’t wrong is his over all opinion, evenif you dislike the person saying it.
Richard Caldwell said, on 4/1/2013 5:46:00 PM
@Jamal I love you and your work (Audio Molly F-Yea!), but you yourself just said comics were your PRIMARY source of income, not the only.
Real success stories in comics are the minority. I sincerely believe genuine passion is the driving force for all great things in this world, but just as easily genuine passion has doomed more ships before they ever set sail. I co-edited a comic that surpassed its kickstarter goal, but I know my case was among the minority. You and I both know a guy who has plenty of Marvel and DC credits who still had to work at McDonalds for awhile to fight off homelessness.
I’m not saying creative thinkers should not try, but they need to have a more realistic look at their chances if they can know to be ready for the worst that sacrifice demands. If what Kirkman said is so truthful, then why isn’t every single comic creator doing it?
johnrobiethecat said, on 4/1/2013 7:37:00 PM
Cool discussion… I wish this kind of thing appeared more in the main articles besides “How about that Walking Dead, killing it again” or the latest kernel of wisdom from someone up high… Work hard and you’ll be like me kids… The schitck the Image gang puts out to the gullible really deflects the kind of conversations people should be having about the comics business. They suck as much as any other publisher. They just put an ad out that the creator pays for and maybe the first print run is on the creator too as I understand it so Image can get things started. Thats not really going to bat or taking much of a risk to find talent. Which is why they seem to prefer established creators in the Marvel/DC ranks, not the aspiring joes the zombie guy cheers on.
johnrobiethecat said, on 4/1/2013 7:59:00 PM
Oh wait, just reread…the Zombie guy is not even talking to aspiring joes, no mention of that ilk. It’s directly to DC & Marvel’s top talent. Go Image!!!
Kyle Baker said, on 4/1/2013 8:12:00 PM
The key phrase here is, ” generating ideas that are enough to make you a sustainable income”. The people who are complaining that they aren’t making money haven’t come up with ideas that people want to buy! I was discussing this morning with my girlfriend what subject I’ll choose for my next project. Should I do something that will sell, or should I do something that gets good reviews and awards but no sales? If you want to make money, write about the kinds of things people want, like zombies and superheroes. Write a story which is properly constructed, entertaining, and character-driven. Use artists who draw in a style currently popular. There is nothing wrong with artistic self-expression, but don’t expect to get rich. You ant to get rich, give the fans what they want the way they want it.
With 11,525 votes, The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling has won the Best Fiction award at the Goodreads Choice Awards. Earning 20,328 votes, Veronica Roth was named Best Goodreads Author for Insurgent.
We’ve collected all the winners below, each winner nominated and picked by Goodreads users.
CBR has a nice roundtable on creator-owned comics that rounds up Robert Kirkman, Mark Millar and Steve Niles. Since they are all “strongly for” the piece doesn’t really ignite any banter, but it does allow many long, entertaining manifestos. For instance, how Millar terrorized Alan Moore when he was a teen.
Millar: And then I met Alan Moore when I was 13. It was around the same time, and there was a small comic convention in Glasgow where Alan showed up. He was still a new superstar then. He hadn’t really made his name in American comics except for a couple of issues of “Swamp Thing.” So he introduced me to “Warrior” where his early worked appeared. I’d never heard of him, but he was a really nice man and stood with me for an hour, which must have been torture for him, but for me it was fascinating because I got to talk to a comic book writer. And Alan was explaining to me about “Marvelman” and “V For Vendetta” and that he was starting on “Swamp Thing.” I remember I didn’t have enough money on me, so he bought me an issue of “Swamp Thing” and one of “Warrior,” which was the British independent comic that made me realize there was more going on beyond Superman and Batman.
Niles makes a few veiled allusions, first on the subject of those “movie pitch comics”:
Niles: I think content wins out in the end. In the end, you can sniff out those companies and those comics. You can tell when a comic is just a movie pitch or when it’s made with a genuine love of the medium. And I’ve been accused myself of just doing stuff to make movies, but everything I’ve done at its core is about loving comics and putting out good comics. There’s always that pile on where if something good happens for comics, EVERYBODY starts trying to do it, but we’re starting to see a lot of those companies that you’re referring to…well, I haven’t heard from a lot of them in a while. So I think the good stuff is floating to the top now.
And then on some…other events.
Niles: On top of the fact that you’re not told what to do – which is amazing since every time I’ve done DC and Marvel stuff, the things I’ve been criticized for are the things I was pushed into doing – I am totally ready to get shredded for anything I chose to do in a creator-owned book. I can take that criticism. But when you do something with a character that’s against your better judgement because it’s the order, that’s not very smart publishing – to hire a creator because you think they’re talented and then you don’t allow them to do what they want to do.
I found myself nodding, pounding my fist and yelling “Yeah!” most at Kirkman’s comments though. Kirkman is still pretty young—even his Wikipedia page doesn’t give his age but he’s still in his early 30s—and was raised in a world where creator owned comics were the norm. Hence his insights that bust some old timer notions:
Kirkman: But I do think there’s one t
6 Comments on Kirkman, Millar & Niles gab about the creator owned world, last added: 7/8/2012
Jeffrey O. Gustafson said, on 7/6/2012 10:26:00 AM
“I’m pretty sure Chew has a longer running regular team than any mainstream comic at this point.”
Incorrect: INVINCIBLE IRON MAN by Fraction and Larroca has had the same creative team for four years now, their *55th* consecutive issue coming out this month. And it has shipped more than 12 times a year. AND it is arguably Marvel’s best superhero comic.
(The exception to the rule in the Big Two, I know.)
Oh, and (the superb) CHEW by Layman and Guillory is not the best example for timely shipping – it has skipped months at least seven times in its run, with multiple instances of two-month gaps.
And are any of these folks going to call Millar out on his transparent movie-pitch comics? Because that’s most of them, honestly.
Josh said, on 7/6/2012 11:24:00 AM
Millar is not the worst offender of the movie pitch comic. Pretty much everything from Top Cow’s pilot season felt like a movie pitch.
Apollo9000 said, on 7/6/2012 12:06:00 PM
A lot of Millar’s comics are what he would do with Big Two characters if the Big Two would allow it and pay handsomely for said work.
Niles is right about the Big Two companies hiring talent but not allowing them to actually use their talent. DC in particular feels like that is the work environment that have in place with the New 52. ( Johns, Morrison, and Snyder being the exceptions)
Kirkman is right about there being more variety available. With webcomics and the increased digital efforts, there’s even more titles around.
I do think that there’s room for growth in terms of genres to be explored ( re explored) in the current American comics landscape.
There’s an awful lot of creator owned titles that veer close to horror/ sci-fi just as the Big Two titles leaning heavily on superheroes.
Josh said, on 7/6/2012 1:52:00 PM
If feels like writing for the big two and other people’s IPs these days is a completely different skill set.
Gosh darn it said, on 7/6/2012 4:41:00 PM
“If feels like writing for the big two and other people’s IPs these days is a completely different skill set.”
Yeah and only half of it creative!
Blade X said, on 7/8/2012 12:59:00 AM
Millar: I like the Marvel and DC guys, so I don’t want to do any name calling. But I don’t like them so much that I’d create a character for them. [Laughter] I wouldn’t give them a free concept, but they’re fun to work with
___________________________________
I guess Millar forgot about SKRULL KILL KREW (which was inspired by a Byrne FF story) and AZREK:THE ULTIMATE MAN that he co-created with Grant Morrison.
OMT, Millar is the poster boy for creating movie pitch comics.
Buoyed by the storming success of Walking Dead #100, Image have taken the opportunity to remind readers that the 100th issue of Robert Kirkman’s OTHER megaviolent series, Invincible, is not too far away. With what looks like the first of several teasers released this week, it seems that Kirkman is going to offer up yet another sacrifice to the Legions of the Dead, whom he has served so faithfully for the past few years.
But will that sacrifice be Invincible himself? After deigning fit to let protagonist Rick survive Walking Dead #100, is Kirkman planning this time to go all out and push Mark Grayson into the skeletal hands of Vengeful Lady Death?
It’s like that today, tomorrow and the rest of the week will see some more teasers released for the book, suggesting that many of the other characters from the series are going to hang in the balance. Who else might be in trouble? Well, knowing Kirkman, basically anyone. It’s a little-known industry secret that after each fresh kill Kirkman absorbs the life-energy of the character into his chest, Shadowman-style, with every new soul adding to his power and inevitable ascent to all-destroying Godhood.
Is anybody else worried for what’s going to happen in Super Dinosaur #100?
4 Comments on Robert Kirkman Promises Death, Sweet Death, last added: 8/15/2012
NOOOOO! Dont kill Mark, anyone else! The new invincible guy is ok, but I want Mark back. Heck kill all the supporting staff, kill all of Image, but not Mark.
Trev said, on 8/14/2012 5:20:00 AM
Super dinosaur : not worried. Maybe at issue 95.
MattComix said, on 8/14/2012 9:41:00 AM
..because there was a severe shortage of gruesome death in modern superhero comics.
giuliano said, on 8/15/2012 6:38:00 AM
Well, I highly doubt kirkman could kill the main character of a successful tv show at this stage.
As previously reported, for its 100th issue, Robert Kirkman’s superhero saga INVINCIBLE is following in the “issue 100 = a heartbreaking death” comics tradition, by teasing said heartbreaking death. And here are the teasers that have run since Monday, each featuring a different set of blood-spattered remains strewn around the rubble.
5 Comments on More Invincible #100 death teasers, last added: 8/17/2012
This is either a zombie renaissance, or a comic book renaissance for TV, as The Walking Dead has officially been greenlit for a second season or a whole 13 episodes after record ratings. As the President of AMC put it:
“No other cable series has ever attracted as many Adults 18-49 as ‘The Walking Dead.
That’s called making an impact. The second episode, which aired last night, w as down only a tick from the premiere’s record breaking ratings.
Congrats once again to Robert Kirkman and company. PR below.
AMC announced today the renewal of “The Walking Dead” for a 13-episode second season. Since debuting Sunday, October 31, “The Walking Dead” has broken ratings records, with the series reaching more Adults 18-49 than any other show in the history of cable television.
Today’s announcement also includes Fox International Channels’ (FIC) global renewal for a second season, following record-breaking premiere ratings in 120 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. “The Walking Dead” was the highest-rated original series premiere ever to air on FIC simultaneously worldwide.
“The ‘Dead’ has spread!” said Charlie Collier, President, AMC. “No other cable series has ever attracted as many Adults 18-49 as ‘The Walking Dead.’ This reaffirms viewers’ hunger for premium television on basic cable. We are so proud to be bringing back ‘The Walking Dead’ again, across the globe.”
Ratings Highlights for The Walking Dead – Episode 2, which premiered on AMC Sunday, 11/7:
• 10pm airing – 3.1 HH rating with over 4.7 million viewers;
• Adults 18-49 – 3.3 million viewers;
• Adults 25-54 – 2.8 million viewers;
• Men 18-49 – 2.1 million viewers.
Ratings Highlights for the The Walking Dead – Episode 1, which premiered on AMC Sunday, 10/31:
• 10pm airing – 3.7 HH rating with over 5.3 million total viewers;
• Adults 18-49 – 3.6 million viewers;
• Adults 25-54 – 3.1 million viewers;
• Men 18-49 - 2.0 million viewers.
“I wish all programming decisions were no brainers like this one,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP Scripted Programming. “‘The Walking Dead’ is a TV masterpiece on so many levels. We want at least 10 seasons, if not more. Kudos to AMC!”
AMC’s “The Walking Dead” is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. Kirkman serves as an executive producer on the project and three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) serves as writer, director and executive producer. Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, serves as Executive Producer. David Alpert from Circle of Confusion and Charles “Chic” Eglee (Dexter, The Shield, Dark Angel) serve as Executive Producers.
“The Walking Dead” tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive.
Shot on location in Atlanta, “The Walking Dead” is led by a cast that includes Lincoln (“Teachers,” Love Actually)
4 Comments on The Walking Dead shambles to another season, setting ratings records, last added: 11/9/2010
The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman announced a new monthly comic books series today–The Infinite.Rob Liefeld (New Mutants) will illustrate the series.
Published by the comic creator’s Image Comics imprint, Skybound, the science fiction series will follow a time traveler trying to connect with his teenage self and stop a war. The first issue will come out in August.
Kirkman explained in the release: “The Infinite is a new way of looking at time travel, we’re throwing out all the old rules of time travel fiction and coming up with new ways of dealing with it. We’re definitely doing things in this series that no one has ever seen before. I can’t wait to share this concept with the world.”
The cover for Robert Kirkman‘s first novel set in the world of The Walking Dead comic book series has been unveiled. Entitled The Walking Dead: The Rise of The Governor, the book debuts at the end of September.
Last year Kirkman landed a series book deal with the Thomas Dunne Books imprint at St. Martin’s Press. The first book in the series will be co-written Jay Bonansinga.
Above, we’ve embedded the cover for the new novel. SPOILER ALERT: The description of the book below reveals a few broad plot details from the comic book series.
The Bluewater biography of co-host Barbara Walters was mentioned in a previous episode, but this sounds like the real thing. Will Kirkman represent our tribe well to the legion of afternoon TV-watching pepperpots?
Our fate is in your hands, Robert.
5 Comments on Robert Kirkman is on The View today, last added: 10/31/2011
He is on the view because his name is associated with a popular zombie television series and it’s Halloween. Not because he writes funny books. I think there is still a long way to go.
David Hopkins said, on 10/31/2011 8:24:00 AM
Just watched his segment. Good job, Kirkman! He was able to get a word in over all the hosts trying to offer a thought and/or question.
Snikt Snakt said, on 10/31/2011 9:33:00 AM
Now that show’s a REAL horror show…
Charles Skaggs said, on 10/31/2011 10:14:00 AM
Oh, Kirkman — You poor bastard. I wouldn’t wish that fate on my worst enemy.
Robert Kirkman proved just how strong his will and courage are yesterday when he survived an appearance on The View — not just any appearance, but one where the hostesses were all in their Halloween costumes, including Sherri Shepherd dressed as Frankenstein’s Flava and Elisabeth Hasselbeck as…a pregnant wicker basket full of maple candy? What was that. Proving that he has the poise for the big time, Kirkman not only did not burst into screams — or laughter — but patiently answered all the biddies’ nosy questions about where zombies come from, how they live, what they eat (rugula, maybe?), and whether the zombies are seeing anyone right now and if not how are they going to settle down?
Although The Walking Dead’s origin as a comic was mentioned, the audience giveaway consisted of a Walking Dead Season 1 DVD and a copy of the new novelization. Sniff. Guess The View’s audience just isn’t ready to read a comic book.
Despite that, we have to cheer for Kirkman, The Beat’s 2010 Comics Industry Person of the Year. He’s handling the spotlight very, very well and staying true to his comic roots, too.
“Meanwhile, “The View” hopped on the zombie bandwagon. Each host dressed as a zombie version of a different reality show personality/premise. We have to admit, most of them were lame. We’re with Joy Behar, who thought the idea was kind of goofy. We don’t blame her since she had to dress as a Zombie Hoarder. Whoopi Goldberg’s Zombie Steven Tyler just seemed wrong somehow given the “American Idol” judge’s recent shower face plant. And Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s Zombie “Bachelor” — totally phoned in. The only woman worth paying attention to was Sherri Shepherd, who was dressed as a Zombie Flavor Flav and stayed in character throughout the show.”
So that was a hot tub, and she was a “Bachelor”. That looks like a bespoke costume, so she (or the designer) gets points for creativity.
Was Mr. Kirkman also zombified? What’s that on his forehead?
Theo16 said, on 11/1/2011 11:49:00 AM
The book Rise of the Governor is not a novelization of the TV show or comic. It’s an original story.
Synsidar said, on 11/1/2011 12:14:00 PM
The book Rise of the Governor is not a novelization of the TV show or comic. It’s an original story.
No, the novel is based on the Walking Dead universe — in other words, a novelization.
SRS
hcduvall said, on 11/1/2011 12:24:00 PM
Theo’s right. As a term novelization is specific to taking an extant story and turning it into a novel.
“Noun 1. novelization – converting something into the form of a novel”
This is an original story set in the Walking Dead universe. In the book biz, the wider descriptor “media tie-in” (MTI) covers all books inspired by other media.
Just as we wonder why all comics are called “graphic novels” (even non-fiction), or why we call them “comic books” even though most are grim-and-gritty, it’s because that’s what the general populace recognizes.
If you ask the average person-in-the-bookstore, “novelization” would be defined as an adaptation from another source, most likely a movie screenplay.
Otherwise, fan-fiction could be called novelization.
Synsidar said, on 11/1/2011 1:43:00 PM
Otherwise, fan-fiction could be called novelization.
People make assumptions about what words mean, based on common usage, and they’re often wrong. A writer wouldn’t novelize a single issue of a comic book, or a half-hour TV episode; the sources wouldn’t provide enough material. And, unless he dumped the dialogue onto paper, he’d be writing material that didn’t appear originally anyway. So, arguing that writing a novel based on a TV series or another source isn’t a novelization relies on a very specific interpretation of the word “original.”
SRS
Jason Green said, on 11/1/2011 1:56:00 PM
Not to jump on you, Synsidar, but I have never seen the word “novelization” used in as broad a context as you’re using it.
Synsidar said, on 11/1/2011 2:05:00 PM
Not to jump on you, Synsidar, but I have never seen the word “novelization” used in as broad a context as you’re using it.
That’s probably because people are accustomed to seeing movies novelized, not TV series and definitely not comic book series. The word “original” isn’t appropriate, since the writer is using characters, settings, etc., which already exist. The word “tie-in” is too nonspecific; “novelization” refers both to the source material and the length of the work.
SRS
Joe S. Walker said, on 11/1/2011 2:36:00 PM
A prose novelist writes: “Novelisation” implies the conversion of a story that has already been produced in another medium. A Doctor Who graphic novel, say, wouldn’t be a “novelisation” if it was an original storyline, but would be if it retold episodes from the show. Perhaps the Walking Dead book would be better called the new prose novel.
Mikael said, on 11/1/2011 4:41:00 PM
“but patiently answered all the biddies’ nosy questions”
Wow. I’ll remember this quote the next time the Beat is banging the gender wars drum. Sheesh.
In the middle of a panel discussion about “Creativity & Imagination,” one audience member asked three great nonfiction writers if they had any advice for aspiring writers.
1. Magic Hours author Tom Bissell repeated the first piece of advice twice: “Read a lot. Read a lot.”
2. I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts author Mark Dery chipped in a simple response: “Write a lot.”
3. Is That a Fish in Your Ear? author David Bellos contributed the final, and perhaps most important, piece of advice: “Don’t expect to make any money.”
In the middle of a panel discussion about “Creativity & Imagination,” one audience member asked three great nonfiction writers if they had any advice for aspiring writers.
1. Magic Hours author Tom Bissell repeated the first piece of advice twice: “Read a lot. Read a lot.”
2. I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts author Mark Dery chipped in a simple response: “Write a lot.”
3. Is That a Fish in Your Ear? author David Bellos contributed the final, and perhaps most important, piece of advice: “Don’t expect to make any money.”
EW has rolled out the first photo of Danai Gurira as Michonne, the sword-wielding zombie slicer from Robert Kirkman’s THE WALKING DEAD TV series.
As for why they cast the relatively unknown Danai Gurira for the pivotal role, Kirkman says, “We looked at a lot of talented people that were really fantastic, but we were waiting for that one spark, that moment where everyone was completely in agreement and completely excited, and we felt like we had found the essence of this fictional character that just randomly appeared in another person, and that person was Danai Gurira. She kind of came in and really just blew us all away. She’s got incredible presence, and she’s got a theater background, and is very physical, and was just perfect for the role.”
Why do we get the feeling that a new character could be added to the pantheon of all-time female badasses?
8 Comments on THE WALKING DEAD TV show’s Michonne revealed, last added: 5/24/2012
Exciting! I’ve been wondering how she was going to look ever since the season finale. Pretty spot on.
blacaucasian said, on 5/23/2012 11:42:00 AM
I can’t wait. Especially with the way they left things last season.
Otaku-sempai said, on 5/23/2012 12:10:00 PM
Danai Gurira. We may have found a lead for a STORM solo film. How is she with African accents?
ralph mathieu said, on 5/23/2012 12:57:00 PM
People who don’t know this character from the comic are going to explode with excitement when they see her on screen (as long as they don’t mind a Kill Bill element on the Walking Dead and why would you mind about that?)!
ron thibodeau said, on 5/23/2012 2:09:00 PM
I’ve been reading Walking Dead since issue #7, and I can honestly say that I have NEVER gotten a ‘Kill Bill’ vibe from Michonne at all…
ed said, on 5/24/2012 2:32:00 AM
FINALLY.
Bye-bye, “T-Dog”?
John D said, on 5/24/2012 6:25:00 AM
Amen to that! Will the writers either do something with T-dog’s character or kill him please? So far he’s just been the manual labor in the show. A far cry from Tyresse from the comic.
Joe Lawler said, on 5/24/2012 9:24:00 AM
@otaku: Her parents are from Zimbabwe and she lived there for several years. So I would guess at least better than Halle Berry.
The Walking Dead premiere last night was the highest rated cable series premiere of 2010, and its highest rating EVER on AMC for an original series, Deadline reports. The premiere drew 5.3 million total viewers, and the second showing increased the total audience to 8.1 million. “It’s a good day to be dead,” said AMC president Charlie Collier “We are so proud of this series, its depth of storytelling and the remarkable talent attached.”
AMC heavily promoted the show, and the nerd-related internet played right along with a barrage of promo. Reviews have been generally very, very positive.
This first season of The Walking Dead is only six episodes long, making it really more of a miniseries. However, a contest to be a zombie during the show pretty much gave away that a second season is planned, hopefully one that is a little longer.
As for the folks at Stately Beat Manor, we watched and greatly enjoyed the show, finding the tone highly reminiscent of Darabont’s polarizing The Mist. (The scene with the dad and zombie wife in particular.) The biggest complaint about it is the slow pacing but the franchise is really all about survival and character — let it unfold so we care.
If we can get a little analytical for a moment, the appeal of both The Walking Dead and Y: The Last Man have always seemed very similar: strongly written stories about the nitty gritty of post-apocalyptic survival through highly relatable characters. Both comics feature low-key art that emphasizes storytelling and character. Both have been huge hits in collected form. Y has been rumored for a movie for a long time, but for many of the same reasons that TWD is a potentially great TV series, Y would also be much better as a TV series than a movie…the fact that TWD is so similar may mean that we will never see a Y movie or series, we’d guess.
One final note: it was recently pointed out that the WALKING DEAD books have over three million copies in print. That is an amazing number. (For some perspective, the Stieg Larsson books, the biggest phenomenon in publishing since Harry Potter, have sold 15 million copies in English.) This is a hugely popular multimedia franchise that looks to have real legs. Congratulations to Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard for achieving this and also doing it on terms that favor the creator. It’s a good day for creator-owned comics.
16 Comments on Walking Dead was a hit!, last added: 11/2/2010
Great news…Now greenlight Season 2, AMC! We need to keep this series on the air long enough to reach the Governor storyline.
Francis said, on 11/1/2010 1:28:00 PM
I think they are following the Breaking Bad model. That started out with 7 and got a bump to 12 or 13 the next season. Now Breaking Bad might have been cut short by the strike not good planning. Maybe AMC wanted to test the waters with something so dark.
Can’t wait for the parent groups to start crowing about protecting the children from the gruesome images.
Jason Green said, on 11/1/2010 1:48:00 PM
I don’t think that The Walking Dead and Y are so similar that the success of the former precludes the latter from being a movie or TV series. Other the general idea that both are post-apocalyptic, the two series don’t really have that much in common, and I think that swapping horror for the sexual politics angle of “a world that’s all women except for one man and his monkey” would appeal to an awful lot of people who would never, ever watch something with zombies in it, regardless of how successful and well-liked it is.
Raffaele Ienco said, on 11/1/2010 1:50:00 PM
I enjoyed it very much. Best thing on TV.
Erik Scott said, on 11/1/2010 2:06:00 PM
While characterization is strong in Y, it’s still very much plot based with a beginning, middle, and end. While most fans will likely watch it, knowing a large amount of the plot from reading the books could lessen the effect of translating it to the screen.
Walking Dead seems to have less of that problem. Being much more character based then plot based, it seems this show has less of that problem. I loved the pilot, but a huge amount of it was pulled from vol.1 of the series. Introducing new characters and situations (as seen as casting Michael Rooker and Norman Reeder as new characters not seen in the book) is the thing that excites me more as a fan of the books. I’ve read the book already. I’ve got no problem with them doing their own thing with the show as the tone and spirit of the books are most definitely in the series. While it would be nice to see what they do with a character like the Governor, if it ruins what they are trying to set up to create a great series, I’d much rather have no Governor, than one forced into the show to line it up more with the books.
Moubius44 said, on 11/1/2010 5:10:00 PM
Remember that other big hit,called Lost. Maybe we should just stick to 1 season.
Moubius44 said, on 11/1/2010 5:10:00 PM
or 2.
Russell Lissau said, on 11/1/2010 5:47:00 PM
I loved it. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED!
And I even got the wife to sit and watch it with me. As a testament to how good it was, she watched it all the way through and really was into it, even while she was complaining about how gross it was in parts.
maggie said, on 11/1/2010 6:06:00 PM
I thought the creators of the show did a really good job expanding the father and son character who, in the book, are only on a couple of pages and whose back story is essentially missing. Where once they felt like throwaway characters put on the page in order to fill Rick in on what has been happening, the show allows us to get much closer to them, to great emotional effect.
Steve Horton said, on 11/1/2010 7:20:00 PM
Russ, my wife probably made the exact same complaints about the exact same grossness.
AudioComics said, on 11/1/2010 8:20:00 PM
I FREAKIN’ LOVED IT!
Lance Roger Axt
The AudioComics Company
Web Behrens said, on 11/1/2010 8:38:00 PM
Jason wrote, “I think that swapping horror for the sexual politics angle of ‘a world that’s all women except for one man and his monkey’ would appeal to an awful lot of people who would never, ever watch something with zombies in it, regardless of how successful and well-liked it is.” I think he’s absolutely spot-on.
James said, on 11/2/2010 2:35:00 AM
Yeah, I’ve just watched it and really enjoyed it.
I dont think it was too slow, it was setting the scene for the rest of the series.
I even got a little emotional near the end in the scene with Morgan(?).
It was also nice to see the rest of the cast, as I thought I was going to have to wait an extra week to see them.
Its just a shame this first season is only 6 episodes.
kuo-yu liang said, on 11/2/2010 7:24:00 AM
Let’s hope WALKING DEAD’s cable TV success will pave the way for many more comics-based TV projects.
BTW, all the reviews I’ve read so far is treating it as a zombie series. That’s like calling Mad Men a series about advertising. Silly silly mainstream media.
Barry Buchanan said, on 11/2/2010 8:31:00 AM
Thank you angry badger Jesus!I was praying it would be well made and it was. Glad to see it was a success.
Russell Lissau said, on 11/2/2010 8:39:00 AM
@SteveHorton:
Direct quote from that night: “Ewwww, are they gonna eat the horse?”
She was OK with eating the people, mind you — but the horse was over the top.
With 11,525 votes, The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling has won 
The cover for Robert Kirkman‘s first novel set in the world of The Walking Dead comic book series has been unveiled. Entitled The Walking Dead: The Rise of The Governor, the book debuts at the end of September.
At the 
lol april fools
I’m totally sharing this. You can apply this to any aspect of your life.
This is worth sharing. This advice can be applied to any aspect of life, right now.
Hmmm, thought the first one didn’t post. Sorry about that.
I’m all for people doing their own thing, but Kirkman speaks like a guy who’s oblivious to the reality that a bunch of people are trying to do exactly what he’s talking about and can’t pay their rent doing so.
Mike
With no big comics companies except one, which is very strict on hiring new authors, in Italy we’ve been living the scene depicted by Kirkman for the last 30 years. The result is that the comics medium, as a whole, is dead in my country. That’s a very peculiar kind of stability, but stability nonetheless.
If this isn’t an April Fools bit, that man is in more of a bubble than I thought.
He’s not saying everyone can make a living without Marvel and DC, just that more people are able to compared with previous years. Jesus, the guy makes a statement inspiring creators to not just consider the Big Two as the endgame and everyone gets defensive. Let’s just settle, eh? That’s how things move forward from a pathetic business model.
Kirkman:
At what point can a cartoonist justifiably call creating comics a career? When it provides the majority of his yearly income, or a certain percentage of it? Or when he’s certain he’s on track to making cartooning his primary source of income? People who can refuse assignments or choose between offers are in enviable positions.
SRS
I don’t really understand why people are calling bull on this. You don’t think that Kirkman ever struggled in his life, to be where he is today? He’s the living example of what he’s talking about. Just because not everyone makes it, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be real. Do you not believe it can be real, because there are those of us who haven’t “made it” yet? Really? Maybe your IP isn’t good enough yet and needs more work. I’m sure RK has been there. Maybe, there’s not enough of it, or not enough people have heard of it yet. Maybe, it’s not the right time for it, but it will be in a few years. Maybe, it just plain sucks and you should reexamine why you thought anyone would every want to buy it. I’m sure RK has been through all of these things. If you can’t face these realities then your just making excuses. However, if you can and you’re willing to do your trials by fire, and you have faith and you don’t give up, then maybe, just maybe, you have what it takes to make it. But please, don’t sneer at the advice of those who have done what you haven’t, yet. It’s rude, disrespectful, and it’s wrong. You will only end up being the nameless naysayer that successful people talk about, once they have made it. Look outside the box of negativity and be free. My friendly (if not stern) advice.
What Kirkman is saying about Marvel and DC has always been correct as a whole lot of freelancers have found out the hard way. Herb Trimpe in 1996 and Jerry Ordway being public examples. What is different from previous years is the internet opening up more revenue streams. But truth be told a monthly comic book as a revenue stream is no longer viable though, except for hopefully pays for itself advertising for the trade.
Still, I suspect a whole lot of freelancers (particularly those approaching 50) wish for the stability of Stan Sakai, Jeff Smith, Terry Moore, Phil Foglio, Sergio Aragonés among others.
For every single comic book professional, regardless of exact trade or dilection, that is under any sort of regular or semi-regular contract there are easily a thousand who are hungry and desperate.
The number of comic book professionals even employed by Marvel and DC, I’d bet the farm more than half of them still have to seek out side work of an entirely non-creative variety.
The writers and artists who earn a living entirely from their comics work is microscopic compared to all of the writers and artists who want in to the business. Even the popular “wave of the future” kickstarter admits that less than 40% of their comic book-based campaigns meet their goals, and I absolutely believe that even those numbers are trumped up.
Kirkman is dead wrong- no creator is making the rules, they all flock from new idea to new idea, from the old Zuda competitions to crowd-funding to whatever the next pipedream might be. Make a webcomic, build an audience and sell the trade, works out dandy for less than 1% of all the webcomics out there.
Making comics is a HOBBY. For supposed professionals like Kirkman to give any indication otherwise is irresponsible. Image alone turns down far far far more comickers than they publish.
*Making comics is a HOBBY. For supposed professionals like Kirkman to give any indication otherwise is irresponsible. Image alone turns down far far far more comickers than they publish.*
Making comics have been my primary source of income for 23 years. Richard. Making comics is only a hobby if you allow it to be. This from a guy who was told by people, who thought like you do, that it can’t be done and i wasn’t going to be able to do it.
Comics are just like any other creative medium, it requires sacrifices early on and dedication to your craft to be successful. Kirkman isn’t wrong is his over all opinion, evenif you dislike the person saying it.
@Jamal I love you and your work (Audio Molly F-Yea!), but you yourself just said comics were your PRIMARY source of income, not the only.
Real success stories in comics are the minority. I sincerely believe genuine passion is the driving force for all great things in this world, but just as easily genuine passion has doomed more ships before they ever set sail. I co-edited a comic that surpassed its kickstarter goal, but I know my case was among the minority. You and I both know a guy who has plenty of Marvel and DC credits who still had to work at McDonalds for awhile to fight off homelessness.
I’m not saying creative thinkers should not try, but they need to have a more realistic look at their chances if they can know to be ready for the worst that sacrifice demands. If what Kirkman said is so truthful, then why isn’t every single comic creator doing it?
Cool discussion… I wish this kind of thing appeared more in the main articles besides “How about that Walking Dead, killing it again” or the latest kernel of wisdom from someone up high… Work hard and you’ll be like me kids… The schitck the Image gang puts out to the gullible really deflects the kind of conversations people should be having about the comics business. They suck as much as any other publisher. They just put an ad out that the creator pays for and maybe the first print run is on the creator too as I understand it so Image can get things started. Thats not really going to bat or taking much of a risk to find talent. Which is why they seem to prefer established creators in the Marvel/DC ranks, not the aspiring joes the zombie guy cheers on.
Oh wait, just reread…the Zombie guy is not even talking to aspiring joes, no mention of that ilk. It’s directly to DC & Marvel’s top talent. Go Image!!!
The key phrase here is, ” generating ideas that are enough to make you a sustainable income”. The people who are complaining that they aren’t making money haven’t come up with ideas that people want to buy! I was discussing this morning with my girlfriend what subject I’ll choose for my next project. Should I do something that will sell, or should I do something that gets good reviews and awards but no sales? If you want to make money, write about the kinds of things people want, like zombies and superheroes. Write a story which is properly constructed, entertaining, and character-driven. Use artists who draw in a style currently popular. There is nothing wrong with artistic self-expression, but don’t expect to get rich. You ant to get rich, give the fans what they want the way they want it.