COMICS CULTURE SHRAPNEL from CBEM 340

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

So last week I braved my graphics class and asked the instructor all about getting doujinshi (self-published Japanese comics) published here in America. Rather, what would a potential doujinshi-maker would have to go through in order to get something of that quality produced and how much it would cost them. A lot, apparently. This woman is supposed to be an expert in her field (at least she keeps telling us so) and all she can say to me is "Oh, that's gonna cost a lot." It has to be possible for the average person to do it though, right? I can't honestly believe that paper is more expensive in America. There's really no good reason for that.

Fortunately she gave me the name of some company that does digital printing, which is good for small runs like the typical self-publishing stash. So that will be my next stop and I'll get back to you.

And so far two people have suggested working in a print shop to get a deal. One was this instructor, the other being a faithful reader. Anyone willing to take a bet on how often I'll get that answer?

A trip to the comic shop yielded better results, namely in that I did find several books which covered aspects of comics production beyond the creative processes.

The first which caught my eye, mainly in the specificity of it, was Digital Prepress for Comic Books: The Definitive Desktop Production Guide by Kevin Tinsley, Tim Smith (Illustrator), Scott Koblish (Illustrator), Greg Schigiel (Stickman Graphics: 1999; ISBN: 0967542308). Looking through this title, I saw that it covered things like scanning, file formats, alteration, and all those neat little things you could learn in Photoshop for Dummies. Except this was probably the better because it actually referred specifically to comics, with even a chapter on halftone effects in inking.

The other book, which was more pocket-sized and probably made to be carried around and tucked into drawers was How to Self-Publish Your Own Comic Book: The Complete Resource Guide to the Business, Production, Distribution, Marketing and Promotion of Comic Books by Tony C. Caputo (Watson-Guptill Publications: 1997; ISBN: 0823024555). It's quite a mouthful, and seems like a lot for one book to cover. Obviously the book tries to cover every aspect of the post-creative process, even going so far as to provide business forms to copy and fill-out when needed. This book was not meant to be consumed so much as referenced often, and would make a good addition to any budding entrepreneur's library.

Next week I'll be headed over to some print companies to get their feedback, but first I have a graphics midterm to worry about. Oh, and the Big Apple Anime Fest is this weekend. So I'll get back to you.