Anthology titles a waste of time ?

[Scott Claringbold]

Hi guys
I'm in the middle of putting together an anthology title. However I have had some comments from industry insiders saying that anthology titles are a complete waste of time and that publishers, editors etc want to see some full on commitment.

While I can understand this as a writer who can't draw but would like to see some of his work in more than just word form surely an anthology title is a useful medium.

I have many friends who can draw but again these people do this as a living and unless I can pay I wouldn't expect them to draw a 28 page comic free

I would be interested on views from other APA members

[dave hailwood]

Hi Scott,

I wouldn't say that Anthology titles are a complete waste of time. Me, Tony Suleri, John Kirkham and a few others recently put out a comic through a new (now defunct) Digital Publisher IK Comics. Although we only managed two issues before the company decided to stop publishing digital comics (due to lack of sales) we found it an incredibly useful experience. It helped motivate us to put work out every three months, and taught us quite a bit about comic design and meeting deadlines. Also almost every strip that appeared in the comic has gone on to find a new home since in better known anthology titles. We were also given a certain momentum in our projects since doing that comic, which hasn't really stopped since.

I think what attracted me to putting out a digital anthology was the fact that it wouldn't cost anything to do (the disadvantage being piracy issues). This is, of course, the biggest negative aspect about starting up your own anthology tite - the running costs.

The alternative to putting out your own anthology would be to target a few strips at well known small/medium press comics such as Bulletproof, Futurequake or Accent UK. These titles are likely to get you more recognition than your own small press comic, and won't cost you anything to have your strips appear inside.

Best advice would be to put together a strategy; write out the strengths and weaknesses of having your own comic, and the strengths and weaknesses of having your work appear in other peoples comics, and see which is most likely to fit with your long term goals.

[Scott Claringbold]

Hi David
Yeah , i think it's important to learn as much as you can - using a 6 page story in someone else's title is all good and well but unless I can find a willing artist that's not as easy as it sounds either.

I have some funding towards the project and I have got some artists interested - if nothing else it will be a decent showcase piece to show around in Bristol next year

Thanks mate

[dave hailwood]

Another avenue you may want to look into is publishing your anthology through http://www.lulu.com/uk/

This way you can 'print on demand' which will help cut down on your costs. Also you'll have a more professional looking comic than the A5 staple-jobs of old.

If you study the more recent small press comics you'll find that the stakes have been raised considerably since the ol' CAOF days. To call Accent UK etc 'small press' seems almost insulting, as the printing's of a professional calibre and the material inside rivals most professional publications.

[simon mackie]

Don't be put off by what these so called insiders say. In France, Italy and Spain anthology titles have been huge, very successful with very high print runs: titles like 'El Vibora','Pilote' and 'Metal Hurlant'. We are way behind our continental cousins because of our narrow minded, unadventurous spirit. We should look away from the blandness of American Super Hero Titles and look closer to home to what really works.

[Scott Claringbold]

Thank you Simon, I'm going to accept that as a challenge. I might not get things right with my first attempt but I plan on putting out a more Britsh feel comic - like 2000 a.d. of old - good old fashioned story telling with art by talented creators.

That is just the kick up the arse I needed mate ! :o)

[John Kirkham]

If you’re going to put out a 2000ad style anthology book, Scott you may want to check out Omnivistascope, because Paul Von Scott seems to have his proverbial excrement together when it comes to Sci-fi anthologies.

I agree with Simon, the prejudice against anthologies seems to come from the older mainstream comic people. A lot of the younger creator who seem to be more influenced by Manga see it as the way to go, have a look at Flight.

[Scott Claringbold]

Nice ! Well I'm going to stop making excuses and get on with this - first issue is filled already - ok it's only 28 pages but it's a start !!

Second issue will be much better thanks to the advice I've had from you peeps !