Monday, November 20, 2006
AK Comics - Graphic Novels!
At last, AK Comics have taken the very positive decision of shifting to graphic novel format. There are several problems with producing the characters in monthly comic book form:
Firstly, communications and distribution become strained when the artists are in Brazil, production is in Egypt and distribution is throughout the Middle East, North Africa, the USA and Europe - you try juggling with six balls and you'll get the message.
Secondly, the comic book market is so, so crowded. It is - as we know - essentially a duopoly so this is where most people spend their money. But then, we have a whole gaggle of smaller publishers fighting for the final few pence. There's no way that the consumer has the time or energy to explore this fully - to separate the quality stuff from the dross.
Thirdly, there's the declining distribution outlet - fewer and fewer comic book stores, offering less and less space to comic books - and who are only able to operate on a paid-order basis - thereby ensuring they won't take any risks.
Finally, there's the extremely short shelf-life - one month to sell all your product or die in the attempt - and then you have to do it all over again the next month!
The graphic novel format on the other hand offers a shelf-life of up to TEN YEARS for a book. Also, there are many more outlets - bookshops, airports and so on. The profit margins are higher, people will look for back titles of characters they enjoyed, deadlines are less crucial. This is why the Japanese keep all the issues of their titles on sale all the time - and even the Italians are moving in that direction - what possible reason could you have for taking a title off th shelf after a month - isn't that crazy?
And then of course, with over 100 pages, you can develop richer plots, characterisation, artwork and so on - you end up with a much better product all round.
So this is the start of a new era for AK Comics - the first graphic novels should start appearing in the spring of 2007. I can't wait!
Firstly, communications and distribution become strained when the artists are in Brazil, production is in Egypt and distribution is throughout the Middle East, North Africa, the USA and Europe - you try juggling with six balls and you'll get the message.
Secondly, the comic book market is so, so crowded. It is - as we know - essentially a duopoly so this is where most people spend their money. But then, we have a whole gaggle of smaller publishers fighting for the final few pence. There's no way that the consumer has the time or energy to explore this fully - to separate the quality stuff from the dross.
Thirdly, there's the declining distribution outlet - fewer and fewer comic book stores, offering less and less space to comic books - and who are only able to operate on a paid-order basis - thereby ensuring they won't take any risks.
Finally, there's the extremely short shelf-life - one month to sell all your product or die in the attempt - and then you have to do it all over again the next month!
The graphic novel format on the other hand offers a shelf-life of up to TEN YEARS for a book. Also, there are many more outlets - bookshops, airports and so on. The profit margins are higher, people will look for back titles of characters they enjoyed, deadlines are less crucial. This is why the Japanese keep all the issues of their titles on sale all the time - and even the Italians are moving in that direction - what possible reason could you have for taking a title off th shelf after a month - isn't that crazy?
And then of course, with over 100 pages, you can develop richer plots, characterisation, artwork and so on - you end up with a much better product all round.
So this is the start of a new era for AK Comics - the first graphic novels should start appearing in the spring of 2007. I can't wait!
