Beautiful people!
Thank you again for joining me in another issue of Love Letters on the Walls, where we talk all things comics, including breaking into the industry! Like any; art form, hobby, or message: practice and hard work is the only way to reach the masses. Well, I shouldn’t say only, but it's the way I believe in without selling any “souls” or holes.
With that being said!
This issue I will talk about a current campaign on GoFundMe I’m running where the goal is to create my next two graphic novels and publish them through mainstream outlets. Having mentioned and explained the premises to both books; The Ronin Craftsman & American Bane in previous newsletters, I’ll save us the synopsi and speak more on where the funds will go.
With majority of The Ronin Craftsman completed, this book has moved into the artist stage where Mari ‘Dzhelasi’ begins her work on illustrating, inking, and coloring the pages. But, as with most if not all artist, the work can cost up to $150 per page and with a 60 page book, that can get costly for an independent author. So, the plan is to get a sample of the book going; i.e manuscript, synopsis, first couple pages finished before moving into the pitching phase. Which is where you all come in. Some of the funds from the GoFundMe will go to the artist to help illustrate, ink, and color the first 6 pages of Ronin Craftsman, and then it’ll be pitching time!
The draft to American Bane
is wrapped up in a 110 page manuscript and ready for the editor to dig into. As mentioned before, these books were created for mainstream distribution which will entail them being published at; Image, Dark Horse, Ahoy, Godhood, etc. so, I will need some professional eyes, dissecting and critiquing these stories, dressing them up for the public.
After researching and speaking with different editors, I’ve decided to go with someone who has a bit more background and personal experience in working directly in the mainstream, comic book world. Someone who has worked with both independent publishers like IDW and Image as well as major ones like Marvel; Matthew Murray.
Speaking on personal experience…
on why I feel an editor is needed, especially developmental, is because insight as well as an outside view of how your story flows. We, as authors, tend to be trapped in our own heads, ALOT of the time and it’s good to get someone else’s view that is outside your normal circle. With that being said, I expect my editor to not tear the story apart nor lift it up for the sake of, but them to give reason and background to their critiques, because I trust in them to tell as well as a story as I’ve imagined.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING?!?
Y’know, we’re always talking about what I’ve been reading, which I absolutely love and will talk about soon. But, what have you been reading? Absolute Batmant, Akolyte, TMNT? From your own personal works to mainstream graphic novels, let me know what you have been reading in the comment section!
My Reads
The Kids By Garth Ennis & Dalibor Talajic
What would you do if your seven-month-old sudden grew to the age of thirty six? Their minds still developing as an infant while their strength advances ten fold. In Garth Ennis’ The Kids, Jenna and Leo place their baby to bed when screaming is heard through the baby monitor. Throughout this one shot you see vivid images of child-like adults behaving as such as they throw tantrums and cry about the streets. The artwork is definitely intriguing as Talajic uses dark imagery and shading to generate some of the most disturbing panels to tell. A weirdly wild ride from the beginning to end, though there’s no real lore or explanation to the phenomenon, Garth Ennis is a constant reminder of how the world around us can always get stranger.
The Kids: 4 stars
Cover Art by Dalibor Talajic
Godzilla Vs
Coming in, in Godzilla fashion: full force, there has been a flood of Godzilla comics, including a line of Godzilla taking on the world arcs. From your favorite cities like Chicago and L.A, to heroes like the Justice League or The X-men, Godzilla has been the center of these books since, what seems like, the popularity of Godzilla Minus One. But, I will say, it seems like Godzilla’s popularity fluctuates in comparison with their screen time as it seems like he/she’s been a fan favorite in the depths of our minds until the season calls for us to rejoice/panic in their appearance yet again.


Most of these stories are fun to read pieces, lacking in that major radioactive punch the series can carry such as Godzilla vs Chicago. Although I thought watching Godzilla chase the blue line down Logan Square was cool to read, the comic as a whole felt as though it was created for a handful of Chicagoers and them only. The illustrations were also lacking in luster when it came to the larger than life figure, destroying the city. Whereas, Godzilla vs Fantastic Four did an excellent job at incorporating the two worlds of Marvel and Godzilla as we see King Geedorah, summoned as the new herald for Galactus. With only one creature who can stop either of them and souped up with the power cosmic, Godzilla vs Fantastic Four was cool ride for fans of both worlds, even though these weren’t some of the greatest drawn panels neither.
Again, you’re always appreciated for reading and hope to hear what you all are reading in the comment section below!
Remember to work with compassion, empathy, and patience as the foundation in anything you set forth to accomplish.
Chris.Dot