January 22, 2009:

THE CLAW AND THE FANG: BLOG!

Is the comic book dead?

Based on the industry numbers over the past 7 months and business decisions by the largest comic book distributor it certainly seems that things are moving in that direction. The two powerhouses: DC and Marvel are whoring out their franchise heroes to cash in on movie dollars while churning out barely mediocre comics to keep the publishing wheels spinning.

As the writer /creator of a new comic book facing this dismal business climate I had to ask myself two questions to perform some sort of sanity check:

•  Is there a viable market for my product?

• Do I know who my audience/readers are?

I did the research, a lot of research about the story concept and the content of my book. I spent the first two years refining the concept of my comic, pitching it to a few Hollywood movie directors and anyone unfortunate enough to be trapped around me for more than a few moments. Most people really liked the concept but hated my pitch. I kept working on it, refining it until I nailed it.

Working on my pitch forced me to learn my concept inside and out. I had to know my characters, how they would look, act and feel. I had to know my story, but more importantly I had to know who my audience was. Why would they be drawn to my hero? Why would they despise my villain? I had to live, eat and sleep, The Claw and Fang until it flowed seamlessly backwards and forwards.

I researched movies I liked, dug up their budget numbers, revenue dollars, ticket sales and any other details squirreled out there on the web. I wanted to discover why they were successful or why they failed.

I don’t see this level of research happening with many comics book in the current market. As a writer/creator it is easy to shield yourself in a dark room and tell yourself people will like what I am going to give or damn them to hell. This is not what I would call a recipe for success and I think many Independents get caught in this trap.

Writers need to ask themselves,” are they writing for themselves or for an audience?” If you are writing for yourself great, write what you want, any way you want. If you are writing for an audience, research what they want, know what they like and dislike. You can use that knowledge to take them on some crazy rides and create some powerful characters. Place yourself in the position to give the audience something new.

Maybe the comic book is dead but I am confident that my research and story are solid. The Claw and Fang will have an audience.

Long live the comic book.

Mike Kutcher

The Claw and the Fang