Elk's Run Returns

So, ten years ago, more or less, Noel Tuazon, Scott Keating, Datsun Tran, Jason Hanley, Jason Rodriguez, Chris Arundel, and I began to release ELK'S RUN.  My first serious comic work.  Not counting the funny animals making dick jokes, or the Zombie Western, that is.  The very fine folk at Oni Press are going to release a deluxe hardcover collection (that will roughly match the Hardcover releases for TUMOR and ECHOES for those keeping track at home.) In the meantime, they're letting me fulfill a little bit of a dream by releasing the original series in it's serialized format via my pals at ComiXology.  

Elk's Run was not an easy book.  Originally published by my own small press company with Chris Arundel, HOARSE AND BUGGY, we made it three issues on our own when an upstart company named SPEAKEASY acquired it.  They had big hopes, even bigger dreams, and we started over.  We did a beautiful bumper edition (with a brand new cover by the brilliant Darwyn Cooke, mind you), and continued the series.  An issue later, and Speakeasy disappeared off the face of the earth.  Halfway done, and cobbled, it took the incredibly kind people of Random House's Villard Imprint to get the book over the finish line.  Specifically the wonderful Dallas Middaugh and Tricia Narwani.  

And then the book came out.  It got some Harvey nominations, it was in bookstores world wide, we sold the film rights a few times, and, each of my amazing collaborators moved on (almost all of them to some damn impressive successes), but, to some degree, I never really moved on.

This book defined me for a lot of reasons.  First, it was around the release of the TPB that I met my future (then, current now) wife, Christina.  Secondly, it was probably the first time I felt like I maybe knew what I was doing as an artist.  

I went to film school, I wrote and directed plays, I worked on films and tv shows, but, none of them ever felt... 'real.'  Elk's Run was real.  It was a physical remnant of the work my friends and I did that will remain long after each of us are gone.  It's a book that says something about people and family and love and disappointment.  It's an object that I will remain forever proud of (even if I do cringe a bit at the dialogue here and there).  

But more than that, it's a symbol.  When ever life seems overwhelming or, frequently, impossible, I remember the way that we fought.  Together.  A team united against a storm, and, while at times it didn't feel like it, I can say, with complete certainty now ten years later, we fucking did it.  

Purchase Elk's Run on ComiXology here. 

Pre-order the Hardcover Collection on Amazon. 

The DC Farewells

As DC leaves it's long native home of New York City, everyone is going through their tearful goodbyes.  I figured, I might as well add one.

I love DC Comics. I learned to read by reading them, I learned what was cool by seeing what I wasn't allowed to read, and, I launched the real second part of my career there. Getting to work on those characters is an honor.  I got to follow in the footsteps of all the terrific people who came before, the brilliant writers and artists who made characters into icons, and, more importantly, icons into characters.

A lot of talk has been made about how moving to Burbank is a fresh start for DC, and, I really hope it is.  The characters they control are the most important piece of mainstream comics. Marvel has made up ground, but, other than Spider-Man, the Hulk, and maybe the X-Men, there was little to know widespread knowledge of those characters prior to the launch of Iron Man.  Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, and Green Arrow, plus the Joker, Lex Luthor, The Penguin, Catwoman, Braniac, oh and don't forget, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson, Alfred Pennyworth, and on and on.  Those characters are known by my mom, who for the record thought I was writing "Mickey Mouse stories" for the first half decade of my career.  

The people in charge of DC hold the reigns to the most powerful gateway drug on earth.  My four year old knew Superman and Wonder Woman and Batman by the time she could talk, and not just because I work in comics.  Her friends at school love the characters.  An entire generation of kids are literally ripe for the picking to bring them into comics.  

If the New 52 launch taught us anything it's that people want to read comics.  It also taught us that if the content isn't there to back up the medium, it doesn't matter how cool people think folded paper with staples in the middle are. 

I want DC Comics to do great things, and maybe, this time, they will. 

To the writers...

I've got some bad news, writers.  In comics, the artist works harder than we do.  On a simple one to one basis, they just plain work harder.  A writer can easily write a script a week (or at least, should be able to.) An artist has to spend an entire month on the art.  That's a 1:4 ratio.  That means that when there's money to be had, the artist deserves to be paid first.  You, as a writer, can take other jobs.  You can have a day job and still do your job.  An artist, delivering on a monthly book, 99.9% of the time, can't.  It might be 'your idea' and you might have spent 'months researching it' but, this is a collaborative art.  It's a partnership.  You and your artist are married, but, as unequal partners.  You can sleep around with other artists, they're stuck only with you.  

And. They. Should. Be. Paid. For. That. Loyalty.

I've heard a few stories from a few friends who are in situations where there's an advance or a page rate and the writer takes 50% leaving the artist with their 'fair' share, which is not enough money to actually live on AND execute the project.  I was shocked BOTH times, but I suppose I shouldn't be.  

Everyone THINKS they work hard.  Hell, I think I work hard. I'm writing 5 creator owned series, a work for hire comic series, plus working on a tv show and a cartoon series.  And y'know what? I still have more free time than any of my collaborators.  

Should everyone profit from the collaboration, absolutely, but, advances and page rates those are not profits. Those are costs.  Those are the hard costs of the sacrifice your partners are making in order to complete the project.  Do I wish I could get paid up front for my creator owned work? Absolutely.  But you know what I prefer?  My partners making a living wage that allows them to actually MAKE THE BOOKS. 

Caveat, obviously, every situation is different, and in full disclosure, on one of my books, there is no page rate, and the profits are minimal, and the artist and I split that money 50/50, but it's by agreement, not by greed.  Y'see, we've always treated each other fairly, so when we saw what the financial outlook of the book is we had a conversation about it.  I didn't just decide to take that money.  

Long story short. Don't be an asshole. Appreciate that your partners are undoubtedly working as hard, more likely, harder than you are, and give them the support and love they deserve. 

ADDENDUM: The same goes for colorists, inkers, letterers, and, yes, even editors. We are slugs compared to the lives of almost all of our collaborators. Except for publishers.  They're lazy fat cats. Maybe not all of them. 

Everything Coming up Grady

Get your pre-orders in, people. 

THE PULL - Episode 1 - Interview with ME

Video Autoplays, so, LINK: 

I'm in the 2nd hour, but, watch the whole thing.  It's lots of fun. 

Sneak peak at BUNKER 12

Joe Infurnari has an early look at our upcoming crazy Prison issue of THE BUNKER. Go check it out. 

And right here is the cover for said issue. 

NYC & New Haven Schedule

Hey gang -I’ve got a busy busy week in NYC coming up, including a day at the University of New Haven, so here’s the where’s and when’s.

Tuesday 7pm - Comic Book Club Live with Josh Williamson @ Fontana’s 105 Eldridge St, New York, NY

Wednesday 6:30pm - University of New Haven - Alumni Lounge in Bartels Campus Center - Talk and signing with Joshua Williamson

Thursday 3:15pm - NYCC - ComiXology Panel - Room 1A08 4:30 - NYCC - Signing - ComiXology Booth

Friday 6:00pm - NYCC - Dark Horse Comics Signing

Saturday 4:00pm - NYCC -Marvel Cup o’ Joe Panel

Sunday 1:00pm - Marvel Signing - Marvel Comics Booth

Fairly limited appearances this time, and, of couse, feel free to bring any books to any signing, no matter the publisher.

See you this week!

j.

San Diego Comic Con

Hey gang -Long time, no-

Next week is San Diego Comic-Con, and I'll be on a few panels, and signing at a few places. I'm only there for Friday through Sunday, so, my times are pretty limited.

Friday 12:30 pm - Marvel's Ultimate Universe Panel - Room 6DE 5:00 pm - Surviving Collaboration - Tips and Tricks for Great Comics Collaborations - Room 30CDE 6:00 pm - Living Together: How Business and Creative Goals Can Align - Room 30CDE

Saturday 2:00pm - Signing - Marvel Booth 3:00pm - Signing - Doctor Who - IDW Publishing Booth 6:00pm - Dissecting Brands: How do you know what Makes Batman Batman - Room 30CDE

Sunday 1:00pm - Signing - Marvel Booth

Also don't forget to pick up Ultimate Comics THE ULTIMATES and the HUNGER miniseries, which starts in two Wednesdays. And, a brand new creator owned series is going to be hitting the digital racks pretty soon. Be sure to follow me on Twitter or, y'know right here to find out more on all of that.

And that's that. Hope to see you at the show!

j. www.thefialkov.com

C2E2 or Adventures in the Windy City

Hey gang -I'll be at C2E2 in Chicago this weekend. You can find me here:

Friday - 5pm - 6pm - Marvel Signing

Saturday 12pm - Marvel Signing 2pm - Superior Spider-Panel (Room W474)

Sunday 12:45pm - Writing for Comics with Comics Experience (Room W470B) 2:45pm - Marvel's Next Big Thing Panel (Room W471)

See you in Chicago!

j.

GONE AWAY... On Signings and Conventions and Funereal Duties

The next month or so, I'm hitting the road for a BUNCH of events, most of them to celebrate the end of I, Vampire. Celebrate might not be the word I mean.

First, on April 24th, I'll be signing at both Mayhem Comics locations, joined by my LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT collaborator (and genius of many trades) Phil Hester. 11am - 1pm I'll be at the Ames store, and then 4pm till whenever people stop showing up, I'll be at the Des Moines store. My parents live in Des Moines, so, y'know, make sure to tell them how awesome I am so that stop telling me that I should go to Law School.

Then, I'll be C2E2 signing and panelling with the Marvel folk, as well as joining Comics Experience maestro Andy Schmidt for a Writing Comics Panel. More info forthcoming, including signing times and all that.

Next up is Free Comic Book Day. I'll join the gang at Metropolis Comics in Bellflower, CA from 10am till 1pm, and I'll have some great folk like Tone Rodriguez, the Houghton Brothers, Rob Worley, Shannon Denton, and more fun and surprises. I have some ultra rare old comics of mine that I found recently, that might just be coming along to be given out for free. So come by!

And then, the amazing gang at Collector's Paradise in Winnetka are having a Wake for I, Vampire. We're still in the planning stages, but it's going to be an, ahem, Irish style wake, with drinks and music, and stories that'll curl your toes. That's going to be on Saturday, May 11th in the evening. More details forthcoming.

And WAAAY off in June, I'll be at the Amazing Las Vegas Comic-Con, including teaching some writing classes. More info forthcoming at http://amazinglasvegascomiccon.com/.

That's the big stuff, so keep your schedules open, and I'll see you there!

j.

The Story...

Hey guys, Just a quick note to confirm what everyone knows, I am no longer the writer of GLC and Red Lanterns for DC Comics. There were editorial decisions about the direction of the book that conflicted with the story I was hired to tell, and I felt that it was better to let DC tell their story the way they want. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'll miss working with the entire Green Lantern team.

This was not an easy decision to make emotionally or financially, but, I'm sure it was the right decision for both me, and for the Green Lantern books. The outpouring of support, your kind words and well wishes means so much to me and my family.

In the meantime, I'll be writing ALPHA: BIG TIME and THE ULTIMATES over at Marvel, and THE DEVILLERS at Dynamite. I've got a couple more projects in the works, so stay tuned.

Thanks again, j.

LBCC - Writer's Workshop

This weekend is the LBCC! I'll be set up at Booth 1300, and, in the afternoon, teaching the above mentioned workshop alongside Jim McCann, Sam Humphries, Rob Levin, and Brian Bucellato. It's $100 for three hours with us! How can you say no?

See you at the show!

NYCC

Hey gang - I'll be heading out to New York Comic Con this week.  I'm still working through my back injury (which you know about from my twitter, right?) so I'm going to only have extremely limited signing times.

As follows:

Friday - Noon - DC Comics Signing

Saturday - 11am - DC Comics Signing

Saturday - Noon - DC Comics New 52 Panel

Sunday - 2:45 - Dynamite Comics Panel

I'll be announcing a new project at the Dynamite Comics Panel, but aside from that, it should be business as usual.  Hope to see you at the show!

j.

Harvey Awards & SDCC!

Hey folks,No small thanks to you guys, ECHOES was once again nominated for a slew of Harvey Awards. If you're a comics professional you can vote for us (and a bunch of my friends including Justin Jordan, Jeff Lemire, Francesco Francavilla, Nate Edmondson, and Mark Waid (although, not against me) and this link: http://www.harveyawards.org/

And of course, San Diego Comic-Con is upon us again, and, I'll be there, signing and spouting off.

As of now, the plan is the following:

THURSDAY 11:30 am - DC DARK Panel 4pm - DC Entertainment Signing - I, VAMPIRE 7pm - Comics & Magic Panel 8pm Onward - CBLDF Party

FRIDAY 1pm - Horror on the Printed Page Panel 4pm - Top Cow Signing - ECHOES 10am - Tricketer Symposium (Tickets and info here: http://trickstertrickster.com/) 4pm - Comics Experience Writing Panel 7pm - Comics Experience Advanced Writing Panel

SUNDAY 11am - IDW Publishing Signing - DOCTOR WHO 2pm - DC Comics - I,VAMPIRE

I'm pretty sure I'll be adding more as the week approaches, so be sure to follow me on Twitter @joshfialkov or keep checking the Blog which I'll do my best to update.

Have a great San Diego and thanks of reading,

j. www.thefialkov.com

FCBD & LONG BEACH COMIC EXPO - WRITER'S SEMINARS!

Hey folks!This weekend I'll be joining the extremely talented quartet of Ed Brubaker, Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, and Sonia Oback (as well as some guy named 'Kyle Higgins', who I've heard nothing but bad things about) at Collector's Paradise in Winnetka, CA.  This will also be my daughter's first signing event, so, please come by from 12 till 3 to watch me chase my kid around and occasionally sign books.

Next weekend is the second annual Long Beach Comic Expo.  This is a small one day show that's a part of the bigger Long Beach Comic Con that happens around Halloween.

This year, I'll be hosting TWO workshops with friend, collaborator, and all around smart guy, Rob Levin.  These Seminars last two hours, have extremely limited seating, and will cover how to break into comics and what to do once you're there.

Each individual seminar costs $45 (including admission to the show), or you can do BOTH seminars for a paltry $55.  That's a full day of intimate knowledge from two veterans of the indie and mainstream comic world.  More info, and sign up here: http://longbeachcomiccon.com/buy-tickets.php

Please feel free to repost, forward, tweet, or facebook about the seminars.

Thanks for reading and see you folks in a few weeks!

j. www.thefialkov.com

Long Beach Comic Expo - Workshops Announced!

Hey folks,Similar to last years two hour workshop with Mark Waid, I'm going to be hosting a couple of them for the show, this time with editor, writer, and gentleman extraordinaire, Rob Levin. Here's the press release with details and you can buy seats in the class at this link.

Long Beach Comic Expo Announces Workshops!

Fialkov and Levin to Host In-Depth Seminars

LOS ANGELES, CA, April 20, 2012. Long Beach Comic Con presents the Comic Expo on May 12th at the Long Beach Convention Center with special workshops by critically-acclaimed writer Joshua Hale Fialkov (I, Vampire, Last of the Greats, Doctor Who, Echoes) and veteran writer/editor Rob Levin (7 Days From Hell, Abbatoir).

Fialkov and Levin will be hosting two seminars on May 12th. The first one is titled ‘Intro to Careers in Comics’ and will last for 2 intense hours. This session will feature the art of breaking in, the process of writing, finding collaborators and getting your book made. The second 2 hour workshop will be titled ‘Advanced Careers in Comics’ and will provide an in-depth look at the business side of writing and producing comic books. Advance registration is required and there is an additional fee. Seating is extremely limited to only thirty people and tickets are available on the website now (www.longbeachcomiccon.com).

"Rob and I have twenty years combined experience in the comics business, and we're thrilled for the chance to share our years with another great crop of Long Beach Comic Expo attendees." said Joshua Hale Fialkov (Eisner, Harvey, and Emmy nominated writer of the graphic novels ECHOES, TUMOR, ELK'S RUN, and the LAST OF THE GREATS).

“When we decided to add programming to the one day Comic Expo, we were thrilled with the response from both the creative community and the attendees. Having the chance to collaborate with industry veterans like Josh and Rob on programming is one of the biggest perks of my job.” said Phil Lawrence, Director of the Long Beach Comic Con.

For a complete list of events, guests, activities, ticket prices and times, visit www.longbeachcomiccon.com.Tickets for Long Beach Comic Expo are on sale now through the website and will also be available at many Southern California comic book and hobby shops, including WSS Shoe Stores and their Geeky Mamma stores.

Harvey Awards Deadline

Hey folks,Just a quick reminder that quite a few of my books are eligible for the Harvey Awards. If you're an eligible voter (comics professionals of all ilks) I'd greatly appreciate your votes. My (and my collaborators) are eligible in the following categories:

BEST WRITER Joshua Hale Fialkov - Echoes, Last of the Greats, I,Vampire

BEST ARTIST Andrea Sorrentino - I,Vampire Brent Peeples - Last of the Greats Rahsan Ekedal - Echoes

BEST LETTERER Troy Peteri - Echoes, Last of the Greats

BEST INKER Matthew Waite - Last of the Greats

BEST COLORIST Mirka Andolfo - Last of the Greats Marcelo Maiolo - I,Vampire

BEST COVER ARTIST Brent Peeples - Last of the Greats Rahsan Ekedal - Echoes Jenny Frison - I,Vampire

MOST PROMISING NEW TALENT Brent Peeples - Last of the Greats

BEST NEW SERIES I, Vampire - DC Comics Last of the Greats - Image Comics

BEST CONTINUING OR LIMITED SERIES Echoes - Top Cow Productions Last of the Greats - Image Comics I, Vampire - DC Comics

BEST GRAPHIC ALBUM - PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED Echoes - Top Cow Productions

BEST SINGLE ISSUE OR STORY Echoes #5 - Top Cow I, Vampire #1 - DC Comics

SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRESENTATION Echoes - Top Cow

Feel free to vote for any or all of those with the form at this link: http://harveyawards.org/2012ballot/Harvey_2012_nom_ballot.txt Voting ends on Monday.

Thanks as always,

j. www.thefialkov.com

Grind - On Writing for a Living

Probably the most frequent thing I'm asked is about how to 'go pro' as a writer, and I frequently answer more or less the same thing. I realized it's something that I haven't actually written about extensively (or at least haven't in a while) so, here we go. First off, writing for a living is amazing. It's the best job I've ever had, and I hope to never have to have any other job (unless it's, I dunno, directing and writing, or producing and writing, as long as it's something with a writing component, I'm happy). But, here's the thing. It's a non-stop fight. I've yet to met a writer including some of the most successful screen, tv, and comics writers in the world who's not over-worked and slightly over-whelmed. It's just par for the course.

Part of being a writer is learning to grow and change and flex muscles that nobody else is interested in helping you stretch. Becoming better is nobody's job but yours, and, again, no matter how supportive the people around you are or how much anyone has your back, the weight remains firmly on your own shoulders.

And, part of being a writer, at least, y'know, now, is fighting to keep the work coming. I spend almost as much time looking for work as I do actually writing. It's something that I constantly think I'm going to 'grow out of' but have yet to actually do. And it's one of the most frequent topics of conversation I have with my writer friends.

The truth is that when you're working freelance you're at the mercy of the people with the jobs. Which, of course, is the problem with breaking in. You need to prove that you're worth the risk of the people who hold the purse strings. You need to do this in a couple of ways.

Step one is to have produced a TON of original material that is beloved critically (or, even better, successful financially.) This, of course, is not particularly easy at all. But, you spend a few years (or decades) honing your craft, and, hopefully something great comes out the other end. Which leads us to...

Step two, having pre-existing relationships with those people of power. This, actually, is a bit easier. Unfortunately, you still need to do the other thing first. Because Editors, Publishers, Executives all want to be around success.

They want to feel like they're gleaning some of your golden glow and in their way are helping you to glow brighter. They want to meet people who's books they've enjoyed. They want to grab a beer with the person who made that book that everyone is talking about. It's just human nature, and, it's business sense. But even with both of those things going for you?

It's still damn hard. Maybe I'm wrong (or I just don't have a high enough class of friends) but, it never gets easier. There's no short cut. There's no secret way in. You just have to do good work and get in front of people, some of whom, hopefully, are the right people.

Nobody can do that part, unfortunately, except for you.

So, get working and get used to it, bucko.

WONDERCON

Hey folks,This weekend I'll be in Anaheim at Wondercon. I'll be set up alongside Convention pal Tony Fleecs at Artist Alley Table 12 all weekend. Additionally, you can spot me here:

Friday 3pm Signing @ DC Comics

Saturday 10:30am Hosting the Spotlight on Richard Starkings Panel 1pm DC Comics Panel 2pm Signing @ DC Comics 4pm MTV Geek Panel

Sunday 12:30 Hosting the Spotlight on Steve Niles Panel 4pm Signing @ DC Comics

I'll have advance copies of the Last of the Greats TPB on hand, as well, as ECHOES, TUMOR, DOCTOR WHO, and of course I,VAMPIRE!

See you this weekend!

j.

www.thefialkov.com