DESPERADO LEAVES IMAGE

[MattBrady]

<i>Press Release</i>
<blockquote>Continuing its mission of publishing the highest quality comics from top-notch creators, Desperado Publishing has announced that their two and a half year publishing partnership with Image Comics will come to an end this summer. Black Mist #4, solicited for May 2007, will be the final co-publishing venture between the two publishing companies. Desperado Publishing will begin publishing under its own banner with eight solicited titles this coming July.

³It was just time,² noted Desperado founder and President Joe Pruett. ³I want to publicly thank Image Comics for their faith in our company and the enthusiasm that they¹ve shown for our line over the last few years. I have no doubt in my mind that the decision to partner with them at our onset has allowed us to survive the turbulence of being a small, specialty press in today¹s marketplace. That being said, I¹m excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for us.²

³Some people may feel that we¹re being overly aggressive with our upcoming publishing schedule (8-10 titles per month), but the fact is that we¹re not really a new company‹we¹ve been publishing for over two years now‹but rather an existing company that is expanding by just a few titles per month. We¹re just not going to be listed under the Image banner any longer.²

Pruett continued, ³We¹re trying to ensure that we¹re not just throwing unknown commodities out there either. Each title we introduce has an identity about it, whether it¹s the creative team or the series itself. Fans will have an idea of what the series is about (such as Negative Burn, Deadworld, Sabre or Dr. Syn) or what the creators have done in the past (such as Ron Marz, P. Craig Russell, Bryan Talbot or Brian Stelfreeze). I think this is what separates Desperado from other companies of similar size as we¹re dealing with known commodities for the most part.²

³People have asked what our identity is as a publisher. We believe in providing a home for top writers and artists, with a few talented newcomers mixed in, and allow them to create those personal projects that they¹ve been dying to do. I¹d like to think everything we do is of the highest quality, but quality is subjective, that¹s understandable. The key word I would like to focus on is diversity. The market needs to be diverse if it is to grow in all of the exciting new avenues that are presenting themselves to our industry. We plan to be a part of that movement by allowing our creators to be as diverse with their projects as they need to be, as long as the quality remains high."</blockquote>

[THB]

Any word on that Tony Harris 'Roundeye' project that was previewed in 'Desperado Primer'?

[Ye Olde Iowa]

This seems like good news to me. Desperado puts out some interesting stuff, so I hope that they can continue to publish on their own with some success. I just hope that this change will mean that they will finally release more issues of Dusty Star. The first issue was fantastic, but then the book just disappeared.

[Warewolf]

8 to 10 titles a month? I'll believe it when I see it. How long has it been since we've seen an issue of The Atheist or Beyond Avalon?

[creatorman]

Desperado definitely has a unique set of titles and interesting content. I look forward to reading more.

[render man]

So what's Flaming Carrot's status? Is/was it Desperado or Image? And will there be new issues in the future from either of those companies?

[ziza9]

Sabre? As in Paul Gulacy, Don McGregor Sabre? Oh hell yeah. Count me in if that's the case.

[ziza9]

Just checked the website. Bummer. I'll miss Gulacy's art, but I'll still give it a try when it hits.

[Arvandor]

Foolish. If they can't get comics out under Image, they'll have no chance on their own.

[SalCipriano]

Sabre? As in Paul Gulacy, Don McGregor Sabre? Oh hell yeah. Count me in if that's the case.

Most definitely looking forward to Sabre, as Don was my mentor at SVA and will always have my support, respect, and loyalty. (not that he doesn't deserve any of those anyway because he is a great writer and creator!)

I believe Mr. Gulacy is not illustrating this new book, but the art I've seen is awesome!.

[grphxkindaguy]

Foolish. If they can't get comics out under Image, they'll have no chance on their own.

IIRC, except for Devils Due, haven't most of these comics that left Image, eventually went under?

[tiso_spencer]

What happened to Dusty Star? Yeah, ummm.... 8-10 titles, believe it when pigs fly.

[jza1218]

IIRC, except for Devils Due, haven't most of these comics that left Image, eventually went under?

Does Wildstorm count?

[Mrsupertight]

Does Wildstorm count?

No.
Wildstorm was sold to DC. They didn't attempt to self-publish

[Tom Daylight]

If Devil's Due doesn't count then how could Wildstorm?

In all seriousness, Devil's Due did something that genuinely surprised me and probably others - it survived. It lives outside of its little Image bubble. It exists as conclusive proof that it can be done. If another imprint-turned-publisher does it as well, then that proof is only reinforced. Obviously it's not an easy feat, but I very much doubt they took this decision lightly. Good luck to them!

[The 'Nam]

If Devil's Due doesn't count then how could Wildstorm?

In all seriousness, Devil's Due did something that genuinely surprised me and probably others - it survived. It lives outside of its little Image bubble. It exists as conclusive proof that it can be done. If another imprint-___-publisher does it as well, then that proof is only reinforced. Obviously it's not an easy feat, but I very much doubt they took this decision lightly. Good luck to them!

The power of Joe.

So, what exactly is Desperado publishing right now? What's coming up, as in what's in this month's Previews for May?

I'm not sure if this news pertains to me or not, because I don't really remember what they publish. There does seem to be some negative feedback, particularly on the issue of lateness. Did they publish Tabula Rasa a few months ago? That was pretty decent, I guess.

Either way, good luck to you guys, and bravo for having the courage to go it on your own.

[Jed Saxon]

IIRC, except for Devils Due, haven't most of these comics that left Image, eventually went under?

UDON is still around.
But yeah, I'm getting a "Dreamwave" feeling, too.

[Scorned1]

Booooooooo ! Why anyone wants to leave Image is beyond my understanding. Maybe Desperado wants more money. It always is the case.

[HouseStark]

Dabel Brothers don't seem any worse for it either. Margins are so tight with comics, I can see whay they would want or have to branch out on their own. I think they are making a bold move and I wish them luck.

[wiley acerno]

In addition to The Atheist, it would be nice to see the final issue of Common Foe before they pack their bags & head out.

[EMeadow]

Foolish. If they can't get comics out under Image, they'll have no chance on their own.

Quoted for truth. Let's check the MIA list:

Atheist - Last issue has been over a year in never coming out (including re-solicit). Supposedly John McCrea's doing work to pay for the book to come out, but I haven't seen him do much of anything cept for an issue of Star Wars: Legacy.

Beyond Avalon - Still no idea if its ended. If it did, they pulled a "Ninja Boy" ending and killed everyone in the 2nd issue.

Sidekick - You can get the team to do 2 pages every 2 weeks in World War Hulk: Frontline but you can't be bothered to get the last issue out of a mini?

Dusty Star's already been mentioned.

Russian Sunset - This must be why the first 2 issues solicited have never come out. Being re-done under their own banner.

Well Pruett's not going to be happy when this becomes Caliber all over again and it all falls in on him.

The people who want the books will buy them, but he'll get no market/retailer support because no one's going to bother to look for the books. At Image they've got a chance to be seen. In the back half of the book, not so much.

Of course if they could get their stuff OUT ON TIME, then maybe they'd have a better chance, but that's just wishful thinking.

[HouseStark]

This was a voluntary move on Desperado's part, right?

[alan brown]

I use mail order, so I'm keenly aware of late shipping titles.
Turns out, I ordered issue 2 of Dusty Star more than a year ago. Not only has it yet to ship, but it hasn't been cancelled either.
Let me just add to the chorus - nice books, too bad they barely ever come out.

[Scorned1]

This was a voluntary move on Desperado's part, right?

Duh, yeah. Which is where the stupid part came in.

[reedgary]

Well, I'm not going to speak for Joe since it is his company but since I talk with him all the time and aware of everything going on, there are some things that should be addressed.

As far as late books go, when you do creator owned books, that's going to happen. I'm not going to mention any specific creators or books but when a publisher solicts for a book that has 18 of 22 pages done and a promise from the creator, it is reasonable to assume that it will come out when it is solciited five months later. But in this case, it didn't. Overall, Desperado has gotten the vast majority of the titles out (I think the count is over 75 in the two years with Image...and that was with minimal output at the beginning and for the last few months). So, overall the books do come out although there are a couple high profile books that are late as mentioned.

As for potential sales, yes, it is likely that sales will fall off by being in the "back" of the Diamond catalog but with the fees paid to Image, it remains to be seen which way the profit situation will go. Sales can have quite a slide and still be more profitable. That's no suggestion that Image charges too much...I think just about everyone agrees that Image's deal is a good one and they're a good and fair company to work with.

There's a lot besides just being in the front of the catalog...there's the book trade market, the online market especially for trades, foreign printing, and many other considerations that have to be factored in.

I can understand what most people are saying...except the comment about being "another Caliber". Caliber was around for 12 years, published some 1,500 comics, 75 trades, and introduced a lot of titles and creators into the market. It's a legacy I'm proud of and I don't understand the negative conotation. Caliber ended because I ended it. I could have kept it going even thought the market had collapsed but I decided to pursue a different career...work less hours, make more money...stuff like that.

[Ravengregory]

Foolish. If they can't get comics out under Image, they'll have no chance on their own.

Trust me when I say it's not always the creators fault that books don't come out on time at Image.

[tiso_spencer]

Trust me when I say it's not always the creators fault that books don't come out on time at Image.

However without Image they will just be another indie publisher that someone will quickly past through the latest PREVIEWS. I am sure it is not always the creators fault for late books, but then again, most of it is.

[HouseStark]

Duh, yeah. Which is where the stupid part came in.

The press release is vague as if it was a forced departure or not ... ya snarky @#$K!

[EMeadow]

Trust me when I say it's not always the creators fault that books don't come out on time at Image.

That's true Raven. I'm sure its Image's fault as well at times. We've all heard stories of books getting put ahead of others at the publisher.

But there is a distinct difference between a few weeks/month and then any delays past that.

When you get to that point, its hard to blame the publisher when its obvious they don't have the book around in the first place.

[EMeadow]

Well, I'm not going to speak for Joe since it is his company but since I talk with him all the time and aware of everything going on, there are some things that should be addressed.

As far as late books go, when you do creator owned books, that's going to happen. I'm not going to mention any specific creators or books but when a publisher solicts for a book that has 18 of 22 pages done and a promise from the creator, it is reasonable to assume that it will come out when it is solciited five months later. But in this case, it didn't. Overall, Desperado has gotten the vast majority of the titles out (I think the count is over 75 in the two years with Image...and that was with minimal output at the beginning and for the last few months). So, overall the books do come out although there are a couple high profile books that are late as mentioned.

As for potential sales, yes, it is likely that sales will fall off by being in the "back" of the Diamond catalog but with the fees paid to Image, it remains to be seen which way the profit situation will go. Sales can have quite a slide and still be more profitable. That's no suggestion that Image charges too much...I think just about everyone agrees that Image's deal is a good one and they're a good and fair company to work with.

There's a lot besides just being in the front of the catalog...there's the book trade market, the online market especially for trades, foreign printing, and many other considerations that have to be factored in.

I can understand what most people are saying...except the comment about being "another Caliber". Caliber was around for 12 years, published some 1,500 comics, 75 trades, and introduced a lot of titles and creators into the market. It's a legacy I'm proud of and I don't understand the negative conotation. Caliber ended because I ended it. I could have kept it going even thought the market had collapsed but I decided to pursue a different career...work less hours, make more money...stuff like that.

First comics aren't solicited with a five month wait, its a three month wait. Five may be how it worked at Caliber. :)

And I'll apologize for thinking the whole thing could be another Caliber. Reason I said that was for all the things people remember originally coming from Caliber. Most gained real prominence after being published through other methods (works of Bendis for one example) and every story I had heard about Caliber's history had given the idea that the company basically stopped because of inability to get product out.

Since I'm apparently wrong in this case, again I apologize to you and will say I am a great fan of Baker Street and enjoyed it when the IBooks editoin came out.

But at the same time, the market will no longer sustain creators who don't feel their work should be produced in a timely manner. At least not anywhere that isn't in the front of Previews. Its time for the creators to hit their dates and stop picking up other work in the middle. If you're not financially able to get the product out, then you don't solicit it until you are.

[Vydas]

But at the same time, the market will no longer sustain creators who don't feel their work should be produced in a timely manner. At least not anywhere that isn't in the front of Previews. Its time for the creators to hit their dates and stop picking up other work in the middle. If you're not financially able to get the product out, then you don't solicit it until you are.

Huzzah! Three cheers to that statement, Mr. Emeadow!

[ApacheDick]

So what's Flaming Carrot's status? Is/was it Desperado or Image? And will there be new issues in the future from either of those companies?

It was Desperado.

Burden seems to be busy writing Gumby for another company, unfortunately.

[ziza9]

Most definitely looking forward to Sabre, as Don was my mentor at SVA and will always have my support, respect, and loyalty. (not that he doesn't deserve any of those anyway because he is a great writer and creator!)

I believe Mr. Gulacy is not illustrating this new book, but the art I've seen is awesome!.

I'm definitely looking forward to it then.

[CMadness]

[QUOTE=Warewolf]8 to 10 titles a month? I'll believe it when I see it. /QUOTE]

That's a typo, it should read "8 to 10 months per title".

[Ravengregory]

That's true Raven. I'm sure its Image's fault as well at times. We've all heard stories of books getting put ahead of others at the publisher.

But there is a distinct difference between a few weeks/month and then any delays past that.

When you get to that point, its hard to blame the publisher when its obvious they don't have the book around in the first place.

On that note I'll only say ask Warren Ellis about FELL. They had a bunch of issues in the can, finished and done and for whatever reason Image was late on the series many many many times.

And HERE's THE BIG THING...readers can't really get the truth from the horses mouth on this since when creators are at Image they can't really blame the publisher if it's their fault because then it looks as if your bad mouthing the company.

Throw in dealing with various printers and the problems that happen there and ____ does indeed happen at times.

[reedgary]

First comics aren't solicited with a five month wait, its a three month wait. Five may be how it worked at Caliber. :)

And I'll apologize for thinking the whole thing could be another Caliber. Reason I said that was for all the things people remember originally coming from Caliber. Most gained real prominence after being published through other methods (works of Bendis for one example) and every story I had heard about Caliber's history had given the idea that the company basically stopped because of inability to get product out.

But at the same time, the market will no longer sustain creators who don't feel their work should be produced in a timely manner. At least not anywhere that isn't in the front of Previews. Its time for the creators to hit their dates and stop picking up other work in the middle. If you're not financially able to get the product out, then you don't solicit it until you are.

I'll split the difference with you. Example, for July of this year, all information had to be into Diamond by early March....so, that's four months. But again, that's the absolute deadline and most publishers get their information in by February.

I'm not denying Caliber had financial difficulties. Mostly though, it just came to "why bother" at the end.

Late books from creators is not a new problem, has been going on as long as I can remember. One of the problems with your statement is that for most creators, they don't know it is not financially viable until they get the orders in. That's why you see so many titles slip...because the creators "think" it will do better. First issue is done, second is near completion...and then they find out they can't make any money on it. Most figure they'll do it in their spare time.

I'm not justifying it, just explaining what happens far too often.

But it's not just comics that similar situation happen in. Many novels released are set up to be series yet only the first come out because of lack of sales. How many TV pilots are done that last only a couple of shows. How many magazines launch that fold after a couple of issues. Same thing with comics.

[reedgary]

No one is going to deny that being in the "back" of the catalog is not as beneficial as being in the front but I don't think it's necessarily the death knell that's being assumed.

If you look at the "front", of course you have Marvel and DC and then Dark Horse with primarily licensed titles and Image. Top Cow operates at a different level than Image Central which is the important consideration for other publishers. And even with Image Central, you still have Spawn inlcuded there.

There are 8 "back of the catalog" titles ahead of the first Image Central title. There are 7 "back" titles between the 1st and 2nd Image Central titles, 5 between the 2nd and 3rd, and 7 between the 3rd and 4th. For the next 3 Image Central titles, there are 16 "back of the catalog" titles in the same range of sales.

So, it is doable to have success even at the back. Harder, sure...but not an insurmountable wall.

Obviously, there are advantages to publishing with Image...and there are disadvantages. When you get into the bulk of the sales of the Image Central, with the fee that Image charges, a book can lose 30-50% of its sales and make MORE money. Is Image's fee fair? Sure it is...in most cases. Evaluating that fee with other considerations is what people who have the opportunity to work with Image (or not) have to evaluate.

A lot of fans don't like what Image has become since it first launched but in my mind, Image is what is keeping the diversity of comics alive. There are creators and publishers alike who have built off of Image and Image has a great model to protect themselves.

Going with Image is a great way to go but its not the only way

[matchesmalone]

Here's a bit of hopefully constructive criticism: The Desperado logo is very tough to read in that font at a small point size.

[eric_image]

Trust me when I say it's not always the creators fault that books don't come out on time at Image.

Do enlighten us, Raven...

[reedgary]

I have had delays at Image with books...BUT...

what happened is the book was late in the first place (because of one of the creators and the reasons were certainly understandable...but nonetheless, it was late) and it took a long time to come out from Image.

and the BUT part is that I understood it was because the book missed its original printing slot and then had to fit in with the already filled slots. The late book wouldn't automatically jump to the front as that would push books that were on time...back.

So, a book coming in late could suffer even more lateness due to the scheduling.

That's the way I understood it.

[KevenGardner]

On that note I'll only say ask Warren Ellis about FELL. They had a bunch of issues in the can, finished and done and for whatever reason Image was late on the series many many many times.

And HERE's THE BIG THING...readers can't really get the truth from the horses mouth on this since when creators are at Image they can't really blame the publisher if it's their fault because then it looks as if your bad mouthing the company.

Throw in dealing with various printers and the problems that happen there and ____ does indeed happen at times.

This horse will tell you the truth...when a 12 Gauge book ships late it’s because I turned it in late to Image. I wish we could get books from point A (12 Gauge) to point B (Image) to point C (printer) to point D (Diamond) to point E (comic shop/fan) faster, but that is part of the game. I understand the time it takes to get from B to E can fluctuate a week or two either way, but point A is where the problem starts.

Now, there are lots of reasons why we turn books in late---sometimes we take a leap of faith with a creator and get burned, sometimes it’s a freak accident (example: breaking your drawing hand), or we just screw up. 12 Gauge has done lots of books at Image and none of them have ever shipped ‘late’ when I turned them in ‘on time’.

[Ravengregory]

This horse will tell you the truth...when a 12 Gauge book ships late it’s because I turned it in late to Image. I wish we could get books from point A (12 Gauge) to point B (Image) to point C (printer) to point D (Diamond) to point E (comic shop/fan) faster, but that is part of the game. I understand the time it takes to get from B to E can fluctuate a week or two either way, but point A is where the problem starts.

Now, there are lots of reasons why we turn books in late---sometimes we take a leap of faith with a creator and get burned, sometimes it’s a freak accident (example: breaking your drawing hand), or we just screw up. 12 Gauge has done lots of books at Image and none of them have ever shipped ‘late’ when I turned them in ‘on time’.

That's very cool of you to say. Really upfront.

I wasn't trying to throw stones at Image and whatnot, just pointing out that there are many factors that go on behind the scenes that the general public is not aware of besides creators being late.

Look at what happened to THE BOY's for example (and the only reason we KNOW about that is because the creators behind it and it's a big selling book). Or what happened to all the creators at SpeakEasy. The list goes on and on.

When I was at Image I only had one problem where a book shipped late that wasn't my fault. The rest of the time Image was perfect with shipping and any late books were due myself or the creative team.

I've heard things about FELL...who knows what's true and what isn't. And the only reason I know about FELL is because I love that book so I follow it.

The majority of the time, EVERYONE in this industry has a face on. And that face is what the general public sees.
Being inside the industry, whenever I see press releases like these I wonder what really happened that caused this to occur.

I personally loved working with Image and given the chance would gladly do something with them again.

But then you look at Dreamwave, Devils Due, Hurricane Press, and now Desperado along with countless of others in the past it's makes you wonder why they REALLY leave.

Some of these companies go on and thrive...while others die slow. But I seriously doubt they ever get the sales they get at Image.

So who knows what's really going on as very few if any would say so in public. Just my two bits.

[reedgary]

Again, I hate to be speaking for Joe but since he's traveling to LA, doing the con and the "Hollywood" circuit, he probably won't get on for quite awhile and I didn't want the speculation continuing.

Desperado left Image because it was time. Time to brand their own identity (for a myriad of reasons) and it was an amicable split. In fact, some titles that were started at Image will finish at Image instead of going with solo Desperado.

I have no idea of why the other publishers left and wouldn't even venture a guess. But for Desperado, it was simply time to venture out on their own. I don't see why there is an assumption otherwise because there isn't reason for it. As stated above, there is a lot that goes on that fans don't necessarily see but that doesn't mean it's all negative...just differences sometimes...neither good nor bad but different approaches.

I had ten comics/books go through Image---I don't have any complaints.

[EMeadow]

On that note I'll only say ask Warren Ellis about FELL. They had a bunch of issues in the can, finished and done and for whatever reason Image was late on the series many many many times.

And HERE's THE BIG THING...readers can't really get the truth from the horses mouth on this since when creators are at Image they can't really blame the publisher if it's their fault because then it looks as if your bad mouthing the company.

Throw in dealing with various printers and the problems that happen there and ____ does indeed happen at times.

The only comments I've ever seen Ellis make about FELL on his Bad Signal is that he's easily admitted he and Templesmith are really doing this for no money (except for the profits the book makes) and has always stated Templesmith has to get whatever else he's doing out of the way first.

Fans knew that one going in, and they're fine with it because the honesty level was right there with us. (And if I'm wrong bout any of this I know I'll get corrected.) Templesmith is generally fast enough that he can do a lot of different things and get them out relatively on time. So he ends up getting a lot of passes because of his known work ethic.

And the fans know they won't always get the truth. That's part of the problem as well. The constant lying. Its going to cause a backlash eventually cause we'll just be sick of it and no longer care and the sales will go kaput because of it.

They'll have taken away the fans trust.

[EMeadow]

I'll split the difference with you. Example, for July of this year, all information had to be into Diamond by early March....so, that's four months. But again, that's the absolute deadline and most publishers get their information in by February.

I'm not denying Caliber had financial difficulties. Mostly though, it just came to "why bother" at the end.

Late books from creators is not a new problem, has been going on as long as I can remember. One of the problems with your statement is that for most creators, they don't know it is not financially viable until they get the orders in. That's why you see so many titles slip...because the creators "think" it will do better. First issue is done, second is near completion...and then they find out they can't make any money on it. Most figure they'll do it in their spare time.

I'm not justifying it, just explaining what happens far too often.

But it's not just comics that similar situation happen in. Many novels released are set up to be series yet only the first come out because of lack of sales. How many TV pilots are done that last only a couple of shows. How many magazines launch that fold after a couple of issues. Same thing with comics.

I'll retract my 3 month based on the idea that I was unware the companies needed to get the solicits to Diamond earlier than when we actually see them.

And yes, late books is not a new problem. Its just never been this epidemic. Its on a level we've never seen before. As for creators watiing for the numbers, well its a very altruistic though I have but I'd like to think they want to do the material for love of the craft, not for the cash. (Yes I know that's not realistic.)

But if you're J Scott Campbell, you know its going to sell. So why play the game that way? Untried creators I can justify. Proven moneymakers? Not so much.

But I'm not sure you can use movies, books, and TV shows in the same vernacular as comics. While I agree everything lives or dies by the numbers (Neilsen ratings, weekend BO, what have you) one of the biggest noises fandom made when the Civil War delays began was too many attempts to say "Hey movies are late, novels are late, CD's are late. Same thing."

We yelled back "They are not the same thing because a none of those items when delayed start a domino effect that delays other things to the extent that Civil War has." Not to mention in the real business world, penalties and firings are usually the order of the day when delays in any of those businesses occur.

In comics, nothing like that happens and the publisher is expected to just take it and by nature, insult the fans and/or retailers for daring to complain.

[EMeadow]

Going with Image is a great way to go but its not the only way

I read everything you said in this post Gary and while it all makes sense it comes down to this quote and then this question of mine:

But if you can't even get the product out when going with Image, what makes you think you'll be able to do any better on your own?

[EMeadow]

I have had delays at Image with books...BUT...

what happened is the book was late in the first place (because of one of the creators and the reasons were certainly understandable...but nonetheless, it was late) and it took a long time to come out from Image.

and the BUT part is that I understood it was because the book missed its original printing slot and then had to fit in with the already filled slots. The late book wouldn't automatically jump to the front as that would push books that were on time...back.

So, a book coming in late could suffer even more lateness due to the scheduling.

That's the way I understood it.

There are always perfectly legitamate reasons to be late with a book.

But they're not relayed to the retailers/fans. I'm not saying we should be privy to personal information mind you but if something serious is going on, we should know so we just will not complain.

Look at Michael Turner. Aspen material is late plain and simple. Why? Because we know he's going through cancer treatments and his life is more important than the comics. (Though we didn't know the cancer was back when he was doing Superman/Batman and we yelled like our usual selves. :D )

We need to be treated with respect and told when something is going to cause the book to be late, not "You should be thankful you're getting this artist to do this book, don't you know how long it takes him to work?" (That's a Millar paraphrase)

[reedgary]

Well, I can't comment on the situation with Civil War as that is something just so foreign to me (I'm not even sure what it was...heroes against each other, I'm guessing) and the impact it has on other titles. But that isn't typically the case with the Image or Image "like" books.

There are a lot of reasons artists are late (and yes, sometimes it is the writer and not the artist, but generally its the artist because they have all the time invested work to produce). For me personally, my late book was Deadworld and I explained that it was late because the artist, Vince Locke, got so wrapped up in the demands of having a hit movie (A History of Violence) and you know, you gotta take advantage of things when they come---even when totally unexpected like it was. Once Dalibor came on the book, it shipped on a close to regular schedule (I think one issue was a couple of week late as he got another quick job to do that paid very well).

Generally, though, writers and publishers don't like to spell out why the artist is late. It could be for a number of reason and often, as a publisher, I didn't feel it was my place to specify why the artist was late. It would've been great if the artist explained it but many times, the publisher doesn't get a straight answer either. Even when they do, a publisher broadcasting that an artist had a temporary breakdown, or has some domestic problems, or decided they didn't like the project is not something that is going to endear that artist to the publisher.

Mainly, it comes down to economics. The artist can't dedicate the time to do the project because they don't make enough money. And it is usually the love of the medium that they will try to fit it in to get it done. But sometimes they end up finding out, they just can't.

I know that many times at Caliber, and I know in some cases at Desperado, the book should've just been cancelled and forgotten about. But the creators want to finish the story to complete it. It comes down to late or not at all and many creators and publishers figure late is better than nothing.

Going back to the Civil War...now, there I totally don't understand that. Most of the time with smaller publishers, the title is tied up with the artist as far as association goes but for Marvel, it's the characters and when its something that crucial, they should just put replacment artists on.

Also, if you notice, Desperado has not solicted anything for months. Lots of issues in the can but who wants to hear that same old story.

[Ben Templesmith]

The only comments I've ever seen Ellis make about FELL on his Bad Signal is that he's easily admitted he and Templesmith are really doing this for no money (except for the profits the book makes) and has always stated Templesmith has to get whatever else he's doing out of the way first.

Fans knew that one going in, and they're fine with it because the honesty level was right there with us. (And if I'm wrong bout any of this I know I'll get corrected.) Templesmith is generally fast enough that he can do a lot of different things and get them out relatively on time. So he ends up getting a lot of passes because of his known work ethic.

And the fans know they won't always get the truth. That's part of the problem as well. The constant lying. Its going to cause a backlash eventually cause we'll just be sick of it and no longer care and the sales will go kaput because of it.

They'll have taken away the fans trust.

I can't speak highly enough of Image personally. They're a pleasure to work with from my standpoint on Fell. Yeah, we're not exactly the monthly book right now, for al the reasons you've pretty much stated. ( ie we both have many other jobs to do to really make a real living ) though it's my pleasure to tell you #8 is most definitely all done, as is the TPB, just a question of when it'll come out now. I know W is working on #9 too.

I love doing Fell and try to jump on it soon as I have some script. Only way it'll stop is if Warren wants it to. I'm on until it kills me. ( and there have been times..heh )

So...nothing to really do with the thread about Desperado and all, ( hey, you gotta do what you gotta do ) but just wanted to declare my love for working on an Image book. They've been understanding and done a bang up job so far as I'm concerned. Though understand my circumstances are probably not everyone else's. I can only speak for myself. :)

[Rorshoq]

The reason that companies leave Image, is that Image charges a flat fee for each book. As of about a year ago, companies such as Desperado pay Image somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,500 to $5,000 per book, per issue to be printed under the Image imprint. This does not include printing costs. Also, I believe (though I may be wrong), that companies must use Image's printers to print their books. The fees Image charges are regardless of print run: So that if you sell 3,000 books or 300,000, you still have to pay Image their fees.

This is a lot of money for small publishers to dole out, so they figure that they can make more money, even by losing some readers.

It is possible that Image has changed their policies in the last year or so.