The end
Posted by: Rich Watson on May 18, 2010 at 9:30 am
I’ve been writing about comics, in one form or another, for ten years… and the truth is, I’ve reached the point where I’m tired of it. I don’t feel as enthusiastic about it as I used to, for a number of reasons. Comics have become too expensive – $3.99 for 22 pages of a piece of a story is not a bargain. In Marvel and DC’s case, their superhero books rely far too much on continuity minutiae and excessive violence. And recent trends have made it clear they’re not interested in paying little more than lip service to the idea of multiculturalism. Yes, there’s still good stuff out there, and I’ve done my best to write about them, but after ten years… I need a break. I want to get back to making my own comics, which I started doing during my sojourn in Columbus, and I’m continuing now. But I need to get away from the industry at large for awhile. The Glyph Comics Awards will continue – I wouldn’t dream of giving that up. Great Black Comic Books will continue as well, however infrequently. When I have something to write about there , I’ll write it. Otherwise, that’s it – for now. My thanks to Jon Haehnle and everyone at PCS for all their support, and to you for reading.
15 Responses to "The end"
1 | Jon Haehnle
Hey Rich,
I’ve already said most of this in private, but I just want to say publicly you did important work (and you already know PCS was always proud to support you). It’s great to know Glyph Awards will still continue too.
Sadly, I totally feel you regarding your feelings for giving up on mainstream comics. Word to Cheryl Lynn: “Make The Fucking Comics”! Good luck from myself and everyone at PCS in pursuing your own path of creativity.
Peace,
-Jon Haehnle
2 | Shola Akinnuso
Rich, as far as I’m concerned, you’re awesome. You’ve been the primary voice spotlighting overlooked multicultural comics for as long as I can remember, and I am saddened to see you go. Glyphs was a regular e-stop for me, and I totally agree with you and your reasons for stepping back.
Jon knows that I’ve taken the same stance myself. There’s something to be said for creating something new instead of accepting things as they are. I look forward to see what you’ll create in the future, but deep love and admiration for what you’ve given to the Internet community through GLYPHS.
This brother deserves the slow hand clap ;) Show some love comic fans!
3 | Tony Isabella
Rich…sorry to see this column go, but please keep me in the loop about your future projects,
4 | Jay Potts
I’m sorry to see you shut your doors, but I think it’s a positive thing if it helps you reinvigorate your love for the medium.
One of the things I wanted to do this weekend (before shock and surprise caused me to lose all bearings and coherence), was thank you for having the vision to recognize and address a need by creating the Glyph Awards. You seemed prouder than anyone else up there and you have every right to be.
I look forward to your comics. Anyone else claiming that they will be the first in line to buy them had best beware my sharp elbows.
Take all the break you need and take a bow. You deserve them both.
- JEP
5 | Sean K.
I have to admit that I’ll miss this column, Rich. There are a lot of great comics you turned me on to (although I’m sure your other blog will feature some of those). You’ve done a great service here for creators and readers alike.
That said, I’m looking forward to seeing new comics from you – I’ve enjoyed your stuff ever since I bought a copy of “Rat” from you almost 8 years ago.
6 | Robert Monroe
Bro. Rich, you’ll be missed. Best of luck in all of your future endevours.
7 | Damian Duffy
I’ll miss the column a ton Rich, but no one can begrudge a comics creator creating comics.
Of course, glad to hear the Glyph Awards will continue. Hard to get across my sincerity in a comment, but: Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in making and keeping comics a medium that matters.
[...] Blogosphere | Rich Watson, who has blogged about race and comics for many years, has announced he's stepping away from blogging. "I don’t feel as enthusiastic about it as I used to, for a number of reasons. Comics have become too expensive – $3.99 for 22 pages of a piece of a story is not a bargain. In Marvel and DC’s case, their superhero books rely far too much on continuity minutiae and excessive violence. And recent trends have made it clear they’re not interested in paying little more than lip service to the idea of multiculturalism. Yes, there’s still good stuff out there, and I’ve done my best to write about them, but after ten years… I need a break." Watson says he'll continue to administer the Glyph Awards and plans to focus on making his own comics. [Glyphs] [...]
10 | Valentine Frances
Thank you so much for your column Mr Watson. I first discovered you when Static won a Glyph award so many, many years ago and have been following your work since. I’ll miss your column but can’t wait to see what you’ll do in the near ( hopefully) future.
Peace
11 | Mathan Erhardt
Rich,
I completely understand why you’re stepping away. On one hand it’s the current state of the industry, which is pretty dismal. But on the other hand you’ll be reenergizing and creating, which is a positive.
I want to thank you for a myriad of things. You’ve exposed me to books and I otherwise probably wouldn’t have heard about. You really championed creators/works that deserved championing. And you also allowed me to take part in the Glyph Awards which was a true honor that I’ll always be grateful for.
If you ever need anything, just let me know. I wish you best and I look forward to your next creative offering.
12 | Adalberto McFarlane
Brother Rich:
I understand the need to take a break from an industry that is just doing the bare minimum for its readership. I remember your self-published comic many years ago entitled “Celebrity” that you printed through the Small Publishers Co-Op. Get back to the drawing board and create. You’ve got stories to tell, so go ahead and get to work. Best of blessings to you for your journalism and integrity of reporting.
13 | Elayne Riggs
Dang, your RSS feed died a few months ago so I just found this out now. I’m glad we’re keeping in touch in person, but I’m sorry this is over now.
14 | Geoffrey Thorne
I understand your feeling this way and, on some level, I concur. But I think, despite the long haul, we have made a little bit of progress if in no other region than the Indie market.
We appreciate your time in the trenches, Rich, and I think you know where I’m at vis a vis the current/consistent regressive actions by the Distinguished Competition.
Do what you can. Take as long as you like.
Come back.
15 | Robert Trujillo
Yo Mr Watson, although you are taking a step back and which i totally understand I want you to know that to a “new” comer to black comics youre knowledge and work has made an impact.As a result Im doing my best to help a local black bookstore in my community bring in more youth of color to their store by investing in Comics made for/by African Americans and people of colr.In addition, Im an illustrator who has been quietly working on ideas for my own comic.The idea the the Glyph awards exist is inspiring me to “do it” and make comics myself too! Thank you
-Robert Trujillo
TYS Collective, Come Bien Books
