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Zub at New York Comic Con 2016!

NYCC-Logo

October is here and that means it’s time for New York Comic Con! Once again I’ll be set up in Artist Alley and look forward to seeing friends and meeting readers. In addition, several of my collaborators will be at the show, so you’ll be able to get multiple signatures on some of my books!

TABLE S-03 = Edwin Huang (Artist on Skullkickers)
TABLE S-04 = Jim Zub
TABLE S-05 = Djibril Morissette-Phan (Artist/Co-Creator on Glitterbomb)

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On top of the table set-up, you’ll also be able to find me on several panels over the weekend:

THURSDAY Oct 6
11:00am – 12:00pm Writers Unite: Writing and Pitching Comic Stories – ROOM 1A18

Comics have grabbed the imagination of the pop culture-loving public all over again and publishers are looking for fresh ideas from a new generation of talent. Listen closely as Charles Soule (Daredevil, Death of Wolverine) and Jim Zub (Thunderbolts, Wayward) discuss writing comics and pitching their work to publishers, along with comic writing techniques and amusing anecdotes.

FRIDAY Oct 7
12:15pm – 1:15pm Marvel NOW: Divided We Stand – ROOM 1A24

With the effects of Civil War II being felt across the Marvel Universe, how will our heroes pick up the pieces and move on? Learn about the landscape of Marvel Universe in this exciting panel showcasing the most exciting new series and stories launching in the aftermath of Civil War II! PLUS – Get the inside scoop on some of Marvel’s biggest break-out hits such as Squirrel Girl and Moon Girl! Panelists include Ryan North (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), Greg Pak (Totally Awesome Hulk), Amy Reeder (Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur), David F. Walker (Occupy Avengers), Jim Zub (Thunderbolts), and other Mighty Marvel Guests!

SATURDAY Oct 8
11:00am – 12:00pm Let’s Make a Villain – ROOM 1B03

Creating great villains is essential for making great stories, whether you love their every appearance or just love to hate them. Award nominated duo Comfort and Adam, joined by Jim Zub and Dirk Manning lead this seminar in two parts: first, you’ll learn what makes great villains in both writing and in art. Then, Comfort & Adam will invite the audience to participate in creating a new villain which will be designed and drawn live.

SUNDAY Oct 9
12:00pm – 1:00pm Image Comics: Spectacle – ROOM 1A24

What is it that excites you about comics, that makes Wednesday the best day of the week? Whether it’s the idea of seeing a new world through someone else’s eyes or getting a look at reality from another angle, we’ve got you covered. Our Panelists, including Jim Zub & Djibril Morissette-Phan (Glitterbomb) and Brendan Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, & Babs Tarr (MotorCrush), know what you want and aim to please.

Zub at Rose City Comic Con

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It’s been a couple years, but I’m happy to announce that I’m a guest at this year’s Rose City Comic Con in Portland, Oregon happening September 10-11th. I’ll be set up at TABLE C-08, and several of my other collaborators will be at the show too!

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JIM ZUBTABLE C-08
ZACK DAVISSONTABLE D-07Essay/back matter writer on Wayward.
GAIL SIMONETABLE N-10Co-Writer on the Conan-Red Sonja mini-series.
CHRISTIAN WARDTABLE Q-18Glitterbomb #1 Rose City variant cover artist.

Glitterbomb launches the week of Rose City Comic Con so, as a special treat, we have an exclusive version of the first issue available at the show with an incredible cover by Christian Ward (ODY-C, Infinite Vacation, The Ultimates).

Glitterbomb01-00-RoseCity

In addition, I’ll be part of the Image panel happening on Saturday:

SATURDAY SEPT 10
4:30-5:20pm – Image Comics: Comics In #YourImage – Panel Room 4

Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey create Autumnlands. Brian Schirmer co-creates Black Jack Ketchum. Jim Zub writes Glitterbomb. Meredith McClaren masterminds Hinges. Leila del Duca draws Shutter. We can create the comics industry we want to see by checking out the books that are out-there, fascinating, or just plain ol’ emotionally resonant. What’s the next big thing in comics? Whatever you want it to be.

Zub at Fan Expo Canada This Week!

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It’s time for another Fan Expo, the largest pop culture convention in Canada! I’ll be set up at TABLE P-29 selling books, signing, chatting, and sketching all four days (September 1-4).
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JIM ZUBTABLE P-29
DJIBRIL MORISSETTETABLE P-30AArtist on Glitterbomb, my new Image series.
JON MALINTABLE P-30BArtist on Thunderbolts, my monthly Marvel comic.
KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKYTABLE P-86Wayward #1 Fan Expo variant cover artist.

In addition to the trade paperbacks and issues at my table, I’ll have a limited number of advance copies of the Fan Expo-exclusive variant cover for GLITTERBOMB #1 available a week before the issue’s regular launch date. I’ll also have some of the WAYWARD #1 Fan Expo variants from our 2014 launch.

Launching Glitterbomb here at my hometown show is such a thrill. I can’t wait for people to meet Djibril and see what we’ve put together for the series.

Glitterbomb01-00-FanExpoWayward01-00-FanExpo

I’ll also be on three panels over the weekend:

THURSDAY SEPT 1
6:15pm – Comic Workshop: Writing For Comics 101 – ROOM 703
SATURDAY SEPT 3
5:30pm – Chapterhouse Comics – ROOM 714
SUNDAY SEPT 4
12:30pm – Image Comics Superstars – ROOM 713

If you’re heading down to the show, please stop by and say “Hi!”

Glitterbomb #3 Arrives in November!

Arriving in November…

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GLITTERBOMB #3
STORY: JIM ZUB
ART: DJIBRIL MORISSETTE-PHAN & K. MICHAEL RUSSELL
COVER A: DJIBRIL MORISSETTE-PHAN
COVER B: VIVIAN NG

NOVEMBER 9 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.99

“I gave him a piece of my mind…”

Fan favorite Jim Zub (Wayward, Thunderbolts) and newcomer Djibril Morissette-Phan tear into the heart of Hollywood in GLITTERBOMB, a dramatic horror story about fame and failure.

Zub at Gen Con 2016!

GenConLogo

This week I’m heading to Indianapolis, Indiana for Gen Con, the best four days in gaming. Tabletop, RPGs, board games, card games, and our little booth jammed full of comics.

Howard Tayler (Schlock Mercenary) and I are once again set up at the show and we’ll have a large selection of our wares. If you’re going to the show, swing by BOOTH #1343!

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I’ll have Skullkickers, Wayward, Samurai Jack, and Dungeons & Dragons comics available along with variant covers, sketch covers, and more while supplies last. Get comics signed, get gifts for friends, chat with me about comics, gaming, and all kinds of other good stuff.

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In addition, I’ll be on a panel for the Gen Con Writer’s Symposium and signing at the Paizo booth:
Thursday August 4
5:00-6:00pm – Westin Hotel Capital I Meeting Room – Batman VS Superman

Everyone is talking about Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Is it a triumph? Or a disaster? Our authors explore the controversy from a writer’s point of view (and geek out a little along the way!)

Saturday August 6
3:00-4:00pm – Paizo (BOOTH #103) – Jim Zub Signing

The Paizo booth will have Pathfinder comics for sale, or bring by any of my other comics to get them signed.

Zub’s SDCC 2016 Schedule

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Another year, another San Diego Comicon. This year is my 15th SDCC and I’m excited to see friends and readers alike in the midst of the pop culture maelstrom. I won’t be stationed at a particular booth or table this time so I’ll be wandering the floor and socializing, but there are several signings and panels lined up, so here’s where you’ll definitely be able to find me during the show:

THURSDAY JULY 21st:
12:00pm – 01:00pm Getting Into Comics and Staying There ROOM 28DE
“Breaking into comics” panels are among the most popular panels at comic conventions throughout the country. Aspiring writers and artists are as in-demand with publishers as social media wizards and Excel-loving number crunchers. Listen to the origin stories of Jim Zub (Wayward, Thunderbolts), Felipe Smith (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, All-New Ghost Rider), Caitlin Kittredge (Lucas Stand, Coffin Hill), Dan Mora (Klaus, Hexed), and Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, C.O.W.L.), and the behind-the-scenes professionals they work with to make the comics you love to read! Moderated by BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban.

FRIDAY JULY 22nd:
10:00am – 11:00am Signing at Image Comics (BOOTH # 2729)

12:30pm – 01:30pm Marvel NOW!: Divided We Stand ROOM 5AB
With the effects of Civil War II being felt across the Marvel Universe, how will their heroes pick up the pieces and move on? Find out what’s in store for Marvel NOW! this fall with editor-in-chief Axel Alonso and director of content & character development Sana Amanat, as well as Jason Aaron (Mighty Thor), Ryan North (Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), David Walker (Nighthawk), Jim Zub (Thunderbolts), and other Mighty Marvel guests.

03:00pm – 04:00pm The Art of Video Games ROOM 32AB
Great graphics can elevate a video game from fun to an artform, but how do artists develop a world setting and characters that will create a powerful connection with the players? Join artists Long Vo (Street Fighter HD Remix), Arnold Tsang (Blizzard Overwatch), and others to learn about the artistry behind video game design.

SATURDAY JULY 23rd
10:00am – 10:45am Signing at Marvel Comics (BOOTH # 2329)
11:00am – 11:30am Marvel Trivia On Stage (BOOTH # 2329)
03:00pm – 04:00pm Signing at UDON Entertainment (BOOTH # 4529)

SUNDAY JULY 24th:
11:00am – 12:00pm Signing at UDON Entertainment (BOOTH # 4529)

01:30pm – 02:30pm Disney Kingdoms: Theme Park Stories with Marvel Comics ROOM 8
The creators of the popular Disney Kingdoms imprint by Marvel discuss what makes this collaborative relationship of theme park storytelling in comic books so much fun. Expect anecdotes on the development of previous titles as well as a glimpse at what is next to come.

2:00pm – 3:00pm Image Comics: Tomorrow’s Comics Today ROOM 7AB
What do mainstream comics look like? What appeals to “the average reader”? Bryan Lee O’Malley and Leslie Hung (Snotgirl), Jamie McKelvie (The Wicked + The Divine), Brandon Thomas (Horizon), and Jim Zub (Wayward) are making books that appeal to anyone and everyone and are redefining the idea of mainstream comics in the process.

Glitterbomb #2 Arrives in October!

Arriving in October…

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GLITTERBOMB #2
STORY: JIM ZUB
ART: DJIBRIL MORISSETTE-PHAN & K. MICHAEL RUSSELL
COVER A: DJIBRIL MORISSETTE-PHAN
COVER B: MARGUERITE SAUVAGE

OCTOBER 12 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.99

Death, denial, and the darkness within. What’s got into Farrah?

Fan favorite Jim Zub (Wayward, Thunderbolts) and newcomer Djibril Morissette-Phan tear into the heart of Hollywood in GLITTERBOMB, a dramatic horror story about fame and failure.

Creator-Owned Economics: Grabbing The Long Tail

Nine months ago I posted an update on how Wayward was selling in the market and compared it to a similar release period for Skullkickers, my breakout creator-owned series that launched in 2010. I wanted to get this update pulled together sooner, but things have been busy, in a very good way. Lots of great new work-for-hire projects on tap along with a small break to clear my head. But now that the summer is well underway I’ve had a bit of time to dig back into the numbers and, as always, I think it’s interesting to look at how it’s developing.

The comic market is jam-packed with product. There’s a cornucopia of choices for readers every week, with more titles fighting for shelf space and a sense that grabbing market share requires constant reboots, renumbering, and controversy in order to move the needle.

Keeping a creator-owned title consistent and making it successful without the marketing muscle or global movie icon status Marvel or DC have is tough. Wayward launched quite strongly and by the end of our second story arc it looked like we’d found a relatively stable sales level. Let’s see how that’s continued with arc 3:

01-July2015Update-WaywardSingleIssueSales

Wayward #11-15 follows what a lot of industry people would call ‘standard market attrition’.
The start of each story arc sees a small boost and then the numbers continue to settle a bit lower each month after that. You’ll see a similar curve for a lot of superhero titles, which is why there’s a tendency to hit that ‘relaunch’ button more and more frequently. Raising awareness on a title and doing a round of press is expected for a new #1, while it’s much-much harder for readers, retailers, and reviewers to take notice of a #11 or a #16.

Still, that bar graph doesn’t look too bad. It’s a graceful easing after issue 1. What does that mean for our single issue profitability?

02-July2015Update-WaywardSingleIssueProfits

Yikes. Okay, that definitely doesn’t look good. In Wayward arc 3 we started skimming along the threshold where printing and distribution costs start to really eat into profitability. As I’ve talked about before, the cost of creating a product like a comic varies depending on your ‘price per unit’. The more you’re able to print (and sell), the cheaper each one costs, vastly improving your profitability. Once you dip below a certain key threshold, that balance between production cost and profitability starts to work against you. Even though our sales in arc 3 only dropped 21.2%, the profitability on those single issues dropped 67.7% because we fell below that ideal balance.

So, you look at that and it seems pretty obvious – Wayward’s days must be limited. We probably shouldn’t even be producing a fourth story arc because we’re going to drop right off that chart into unprofitability. At best we should wrap our story up by issue 20 and call it a day, right?

Wrong.

Let’s look at our trade paperback sales and you’ll see why.

03-July2015Update-WaywardTPBs

Since the first Wayward trade paperback launched in March 2015, we’ve seen explosive growth in our collection sales. Unlike single issue sales where initial orders define the health of a series, trade paperback sales have the potential to be ‘long tail’; They continue to grow rather than shrink. In fact, in Q3-Q4 2015 we sold more trade paperbacks than we did at launch. Wayward is consistently picking up new readers and quite a few of them are moving on to buy Volume 2 and 3 or our Deluxe Edition hardcover (which includes volume 1 + 2 + 80 pages of back matter + poster all in one spiffy over-sized package).

Let’s compare cost versus sales:

04-July2015Update-WaywardTrends2

In late 2014 Image invested in a large print run of Wayward Vol. 1, confident the series could continue to sell as long as we were consistent with our release schedule. With each subsequent sales period you can see how that’s working: the collection back stock continues to move, making each six month block more profitable than the last. By Q3-Q4 2015 we’re making more than double what’s been spent on printing, shipping, and storage while digital sales continue to grow, increasing our overall readership.

Skullkickers had six month periods where the collections made more than was being spent on printing and distribution, but early expenditures dug a deep hole we had trouble getting out of and the overall margins were much thinner. We finished the series, but barely broke even when it was all said and done.

05-July2015Update-WaywardTrends1

If all you saw was analysis of monthly single issue sales, Wayward would look like a middle-of-the-pack Image title with unremarkable numbers. It has a small but dedicated readership in single issue format (and they mean a lot to us), but the bigger story is the success it’s seeing in collection sales.

Wayward does really well in comic shops, book stores, libraries, online retailers, and conventions in a collected format where people get a chunk of story all at once and then anticipate what comes next. Our ‘Buffy in Japan’ sales pitch mixed with high quality art/story, good word of mouth, YALSA recognition, and our ability to balance on a shaky tightrope between American comics and manga is working for us.

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I would love for our single issue sales to be higher (and I’m hoping more of our collection readers will get impatient and subscribe at their local comic shops) but right now our trade paperback sales are strong enough that we can continue to push forward. Steven can continue to make Wayward his full time job, Tamra, Marshall, Zack (and now Ann who is helping with Irish lore research), and our alt cover artists all get paid, and I get to keep building this supernatural adventure series chapter by chapter, arc by arc.

As I’ve mentioned many times before, tracking the life or death of one creator-owned comic series isn’t an accurate barometer for the industry as a whole, but I do think Wayward is following several trends worth noting:

The Long Tail:The importance of trade paperback collections for the long term viability of a series is undeniable and I think that trend is going to continue as the market keeps expanding beyond traditional comic shops. Image has done a masterful job at leveraging the visibility of The Walking Dead, Saga, Sex Criminals, The Wicked + The Divine and many other hit series to build trust in the book and library market for their collections. Every Image title has benefited from that rising tide.

Digital Is Growth: As many people have noted, digital isn’t killing the traditional print market. Yes, there are people switching to digital, but the majority of digital comic readers seem to be “additive”, new or returning readers supporting work rather than pirating it. Digital may only account for 11.28% of our sales, but profit-wise it’s a valuable addition that helps keep our series running.

Single Issues Matter, But They’re Not The Whole Story: Single issue sales still have a place in this market. Serializing stories over months builds an audience, builds market awareness, and gives readers more options even if trade paperbacks are the go-to choice for more and more fans. That said, I think the emphasis placed on single issue sales to determine success/failure is short-sighted and damaging. Right now it feels like the Diamond 300 chart and the New York Times Best Seller List for Graphic Novels are the only two metrics people follow and neither one covers a broad enough picture of sales and growth. The ‘single issue success’ mentality leads to the kind of boom-or-bust speculation and variant cover glut that has destabilized the market before and could do so again.

The Middle of the Pack Is Important: The prose publishing world has slowly eaten away at the idea of “mid-list authors” and I think comics should be careful not to slip into a similar mindset. Comic sales continue to grow in a market where many other categories struggle and the best way to keep those gains from being clawed back is by continuing to build out the market with variety rather than sinking all development into a narrow field of “hit-makers” or Hail Mary-style events/ controversies/ reboots/ renumberings.

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Wayward #16, beginning our fourth story arc, arrives in late September. Glitterbomb #1, my new Hollywood horror series, launches earlier that same month. I’m hopeful for my own personal growth and the continued strength of the industry as a whole. Tell people about the books you feel are worth investing in and support the kind of industry you want to see now and into the future.

If you found this post interesting, feel free to let me know here (or on Twitter), share the post with your friends and consider buying some of my comics, donating to my Patreon, or buying comics from me in person if you see me at a convention.

Image Podcast Interview

ImagePodcast

I chatted with David Brothers at Image Comics all about Glitterbomb, Wayward, and my 6 week sabbatical to Japan. Lots of great info and little anecdotes. Give it a listen!

This Friday: Zub at Coliseum of Comics in Orlando!

ColiseumSigning

This Friday, June 24th, I’ll be signing at Coliseum of Comics in Orlando. There are multiple stores, but I’ll be at the Millenia location!

Figment, Wayward, Samurai Jack, Thunderbolts, Skullkickers and a whole lot more!

Disney fans have been asking when I’d be visiting Florida and now, finally, it’s happening in just a few days! Please share this info with other Figment fans and, if you live in Florida, I hope to see you there!