I dunno, I hope you're being sarcastic about that. For years comics as a medium had been dying out thanks to things like the Comic's Code Authority and people eventually looking down on them as children's books, and that by association, adults who liked comics were stigmatized as geeks and socially-awkward loners who got together to play DnD or compare Trekkie figures and stuff like that.

Also, I don't know exact numbers, but what I can say is I remember even 5 or 6 years ago if you went to any typically book store (B&N, etc), there would be 10 or 12 graphic novels / mangas if you were lucky. I'm not counting titles, but books. Now if you walk into those stores there are hundreds and hundreds of them growing every time I walk in those damn places! So as far as them dying out, I wouldn't be too sure about that.

Also sence when did being stigmaized stop geeks and socially awkward loners to stop doing what they do?

I, Elio, here by declaim this thread to be one of the most important, intellectual and interesting thread in all of enter void.com! Keep it up everyone! This is great talk amongst comic geniuses!   

To continue…

Ah, very true. Just like any media, the market dictates what is "popular."

So from the following replies I thought of some questions for thought, (to anyone, just for fun damn it, don’t get crazy on us!)
 
1. When does a comic become “Mainstream” or a “cookie cutter”? When it reaches a certain audience? When it becomes something more than a book (example, movie). When it’s influence reaches other comic book artist? When your parents know what your talking about? Should “mainstream” be something you want to avoid, or reach? If your book is successful in your demo graph and goes beyond that, is it mainstream then? How can appealing to mainstream be a positive? No one wants to be (or should want to be) a cookie cutter, but is there no way to avoid that in comics since ultimately very comic follows sequential story telling (no way to break that cycle, or it wouldn‘t be a comic)?

2. The market, readers, and trends ultimately what dictates if a comic is successful or not. The problem is, comics as an art medium typically requires no formal education to enjoy it, the average “mainstream” comic artist, such as Sheldon’s friend get there hands on comics at the same light and time as one that is more educated on the medium (us). (also, fans drive the industry not the creators) While we (the educated) will get a better experience in the reading (in my own opinion) the fact is, mainstream is typically the bottom line authority (the world is market driven, etc)

Thus, because of this mainstream situation, it’s formula based creation, comics is considered to be “low brow art”.
(NOT BY ME!!!!!!!!!!, but art critics such as Clement Greenberg)
Of course not low brow like its not important, but low brow that It doesn’t push past what it already will be or do and because comics is based by a market system that will always appleal to the adverage joe comic book reader.

What do you think of this? What’s comics place in the art world? In the world general? Is there a way to break formula? Do only successful comics push its medium? How is “kitsch” being used it comics? Would you still make comics if you knew it would never sell or no one was interested? Where will comics be in 100 years?

Just something to chew on! Of course I don't know any answers, i think of these as well!
 

THATS A REAL BOOK?! I THOUGHT IT WAS JOKE SOMEONE MADE!

YES! Mr. Robot, This is exactly the kind of debate and talk I want here!!!!

If I can add my two cents as well on the matter, I believe James has it right where it seems more comics on the web that have the video game, anime influenced rather then print (except tokyopop, “manga”, etc)

I believe a big part of this trend is easily understood once you realize who is making these types of comics. From my point of view, it seems those who enjoy making these comics that are video game / anime obsessed are exactly that. They make comics about video games and anime because that’s what the artist is in too and where he gets his or hers “dynamic” or main influence. Often these artist are very engaged with what I call “forum culture”. They feel very comfortable posting and making art for the web and around others who share the same passion. Which in fact carries its own stigma. Its sad but true that you’ll find more “younger” artist posting for critics then you would more older artist with books. So naturally I believe the younger artist will produce more of this kind of video game, anime roled comics because that’s what there into, thats what they all like to a degree (or could, etc) Which of course nothing wrong with that, like mentioned its totally a product of our age and culture. Even artist in the 1950s drew because what they liked as children, etc, etc, etc.

You’ll find in some cases it’s also a maturity thing (not in a negative way, like anyone is better than anyone, but more of a natural way) but hopefully as the artist grows older he will find himself exploring more than a borrowed video game culture. (This is a theory of mine, and it sounds confusing but I’ll use this little growth chart)

This could be how a comic maker would grow, totally random (not in all cases duh, you know what im talking about)

Into video games ->  Japanese culture -> Japanese literature -> literature, etc, etc

Now that doesn't nesscairly mean he will never draw video game stuff, but hopefully it will be a little more then just typical video game / anime comic, because now instead of just making comics that are like video games and anime; the artist will understand what is behinde and what makes the video game or anime great! The face vaule is gone for the artist and now is ready to explore other elements in the video game comic, rathier then just making a guy with a big sword jump around, he will hopefully realize he loves the sword guy because he is a "classic hero" etc, etc.

I don’t know if this is a fair assumption, I see this trend in musicians as well. Every kid who wants to be a rock and roll star, as they slowly educate and grow artistically they find out about different types of music and there stregenths and weaknesses. Ultimately studying other techniques and methods could provide the musician with more of a knowledge about music in general. Making him a rock legend. I’ll hear rock gods on tv talk about how genius classical music was and they will draw parallels between what music did in 1700’s and how it related to today and thier work, etc, etc.   

I think that’s why titles like Sharknife is so appealing and successful. Because in my eyes its not a straight RIP from video games, it just uses a familiar video game vernacular that we all enjoy. Rey combined with his graphic sense, his drawing skills, plus his video game storytelling he has created something of his own but familiar from our childhood at the same time.

Does any of this make sense? These aren’t really complete thoughts and totally loose theory, but something I’ve often thought about.
I think I'm dizzy.

Anyways, go to the bookstore and past the sea of tokyopop books, hopefully there will be a good graphic novel section where you can find yourself at home!  

PS. Keep up the good work, knowing what you want is half the battle.

A super quick thumbnail, loosely based on one of the above photos. Not exactly what professor Marley asked for, so I hope I don't get in trouble in front of the class!  ^_^



- I forgot how much I really need to practice perspective again!

I know your character is a necromancer, but that doesn't mean you have to be one.

HAHAHA RAASSSSING TOPICS FROM THE DEADD!

No but seriously this should come back.  

GREAT study northern_raven.