HAVING WAITED FOR THE TRADE: ED BRUBAKER ON SLEEPER: OUT IN THE COLD

[MattBrady]

In December, Wildstorm’s uphill battle fighter, Sleeper will get a validation of sorts when “Out in the Cold,” the series first trade comes out, collecting issues #1-#6. Critically acclaimed, yet commercially lukewarm, the collection means a lot on different levels for series co-creator and writer Ed Brubaker.

Any time a non-blockbuster monthly series such as Sleeper is collected into a trade, it sends a few messages. First and foremost, putting their money up and taking the risk of publishing a trade paperback tells the creative team, in this instance, Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips, that the publisher has confidence in the work they’ve been producing.

“The trade says that Wildstorm, meaning Scott Dunbier, Jim Lee, and John Nee, really dig this book and feel it deserves wider exposure and a more permanent format,” Brubaker said. “And it says that for the comics market in general, initial sales aren't the only barometer in deciding what should be collected into trades. Sleeper is being collected solely because Wildstorm and DC are proud of it, basically, and they want to keep it in print. How cool is that?”

If you’ve missed any of the copious coverage the series has garnered, Brubaker was happy to turn on the machine, and give the lowdown of the series one more time. “’Out in the Cold’ introduces us to Holden Carver, who is a double agent working in a secret organization of super-villains,” Brubaker explained. “Except there are very few costumes and the book is much more focused on the shadow games of espionage. It's about a guy cursed with powers he never wanted, and then forced to use them to infiltrate the evilest of evil gangs, basically. At the beginning of the story, we learn that the only person who knows he's actually a good guy undercover is in a coma, too, so he's really stuck. And throughout this volume, we get to watch him get sucked into the world he was
supposed to be sabotaging, becoming friends with his enemies, even, and we see his struggle to keep a hold on his soul, basically. Because, in the end Holden wants to survive - but at what cost?

”And to answer the standard refrain, you can understand everything you need to know about Sleeper by only reading Sleeper. You don't need a wider knowledge of other Wildstorm books, just as you don't with Planetary, which also takes place in the WSU. Most of the characters are made up whole cloth, and those that aren't, everything you ever need to know about them for Sleeper to make sense is explained when you meet them. I try very hard to make the book accessible because by design it's a fairly complex story, so you don't want readers stopping to wonder who some character is or if they need to know any more about them.”

As readers have noted, and Brubaker himself has described it, Sleeper has less in common with a typical monthly comic book, and more with say, an HBO or other episodic drama aimed at an adult audience.

“When I started work on Sleeper I was determined to create an adult comic that felt adult in the same way that The Sopranos or The Wire or The Shield feel adult,” Brubaker said. “Because they concentrate mostly on the characters, while pushing forward various plot-threads, but it's all told through the characters and how it affects them. I didn't see a lot of that in ‘super-hero’ comics, per se, and I felt like if we were going to do anything new with the genre other than just rehash it, we needed something, I don't know, different.

”I wanted each issue to be an episode, exploring a different angle or theme of the story, and to feel satisfying on its own, even though it was part of a larger whole. And I wanted each season, when viewed on their own, to have an overall character arc, even if readers didn't see what it was at first. So, for me the only examples of that kind of storytelling I could reference so people would understand that we weren't just forgetting to put in cliff-hangers or do ‘story-arcs,’ was to think of it like an HBO show. And it worked, really, because before I even pointed it out in interviews, people started comparing it to The Sopranos and The Shield, which is high praise indeed.”

But, it could be argued that the approach utilized by Brubaker comes with a built-in drawback. While genre entertainment told in the manner of The Sopranos or The Shield, where characters change and grow in response to events, is popular on a limited basis, the majority of the population isn’t buying. The most popular shows on television (arguably, the entertainment medium with the widest reach) are simple affairs – the same characters, never changing week after week, telling the same stories over and over again. Watch any episode of Law & Order, one of television’s highest-rated shows, and you’ve seen them all.

The same rule tends to apply in comics as well. Month in, month out, the top sellers are the same characters doing roughly, the same things they’ve been doing for decades. While that may be part of the problem Sleeper has had in finding an audience, Brubaker points to a more comics-centric issue as well – after all, Sleeper is recommended as one of the best comics to give to someone who doesn’t normally read comics. Well, giving is well and good, but underneath that lies the root of the problem – people not into comics have to be given comics because in large part, they can’t find them on their own.

”I really think the problems this book has faced are almost solely defined by the limited nature of the direct sales market, and these problems aren't unique to Sleeper,” Brubaker said. “The comics industry is in a certain amount of denial about how badly the direct market is broken, I think. We're really hitting a distribution wall, and part of that is because there's only one distributor and not enough outlets to sell the product in. That's why every publisher is excited about the bookstore market, because they need more than 3000 stores to sell comics in. What we have now in comics is a life-support system that prevents both the publishers and retailers from growth on any significant level.



”This is the only publishing industry that puts all the burden on the little guy, the retailers. As much as I wish they would give my books more of a chance, the simple fact is that most comic stores have budgets, and with the amount of comics that come out every month they can't always give shelf-space or take chances on things that aren't X-Men or Batman. So, you end up with a lot of stores becoming a subscription service. And let's face it; if a book isn't on the shelf when a customer is looking for it, no amount of buzz is going to make a difference.”

Another part of Sleeper’s uphill road is due, Brubaker feels, to some of the blush coming off the Wildstorm rose in the eyes of readers and retailers. “If a book coming out of Vertigo had the kind of buzz that Sleeper does, it would probably be doing a lot better, because retailers seem more willing to try Vertigo stuff since Y and Fables turned out to sell for them. So it can get frustrating, because really, this is the first time I've ever had fanatical fans for a book, and the first time I've ever done a book that not only do other pros and more highbrow critics rave about it, but a mainstream comics mag like Wizard can't say enough good things about it, too. In the past year Sleeper has been written up in Wizard like six or seven times. So, in the face of that kind of exposure and acclaim, to not have more support from the retail end of things can get you down at times. Especially when I get a bunch of emails every month from fans telling me they can't find the book.

”But of course, I also know of plenty of stores that sell very healthy numbers on the book, too. Isotope, in San Francisco tells me they sell upwards of a hundred copies every issue, and I've heard from others that sell more Sleeper than they do JLA. So, there're both sides of the coin, there, on the retail end. Most of the stores that do well with the book, though, are stores that were pushing it from the start, and who stock it for their shelves. They have it waiting when one of the new converts comes in asking about it because some guy online wouldn't shut up about Sleeper.

”I want to make it clear that I'm not ragging on the retail community here. I think this market is set-up in a way that makes the job of being a full-service store nearly impossible. These guys have to put their money up-front every week for their product, and I don't blame them for being cautious. I read the Previews catalog every month, I feel their pain. But all that said, I really do hope that this lovely trade paperback convinces a whole helluva lot more of them to start stocking the book a bit deeper, or even to check it out themselves and see what all the buzz is about.”

And Brubaker is convinced that the trade will pull in a broader audience for the series, given the format inherent to the collected edition, that is, a larger chunk of the story. “I think ultimately, the series will work better when you've got the whole story for each season in front of you, but I worked really hard to make sure each issue was its own story, too, so I think it'll probably work well both ways,” Brubaker said. “I was remembering how satisfying each issue of Watchmen felt, even though the final collection of them made so much more satisfying reading. So, that's what I was aiming for.”

Once hooked by the trade, the plan is to keep readers coming back for the monthly, thanks to timing of the next volume. “The second Sleeper volume is scheduled to come out the same month that Season Two begins,” Brubaker explained. “So anyone wanting to give the monthly a try when that hits will be able to get everything that came before in the trades at the same time. This is also to help retailers sell Season Two, because anyone interested in the book will be able to get the entire backstory in one fell swoop, and anyone who buys these trades is going to come back looking for the single issues for Season Two afterwards, especially with the twist we pull at the end of issue #12.”

Wrapping it up, Brubaker put on his missionary hat for a quick thumbnail guide to just who, outside of comics readers, would most likely find Sleeper appealing. Funny thing is, it’s probably a larger audience than all of the current comic book readers today.

“Sleeper could really appeal to a wide variety of people. It's got elements of spy stories, elements of super-hero comics, some Mafia style stuff, and a serious amount of character examination. I think it actually has a fair amount of mainstream appeal, too, because I've spoken to two big name producers who've been interested in optioning it for TV and film.

”I'd say it would appeal to fans of Scorcese, Leonard, Sopranos fans, as well as fans of John LeCarre or Ian Rankin or film noir. I mean, it's the story of one guy stuck somewhere really bad, trying to save himself, even though the entire world is stacked against him. And since Sean and I created him, there's no guarantee he's going to get out alive in the end. If that's not compelling drama, I don't know what is.

”And one last note on the subject of activism: The fans of Sleeper have been relentless in pushing this book all over the internet, and I'm grateful for that, but it needs to continue and even get more intense. I need the fans of this book to preach to the unconverted, too, to their retailers and to fans who haven't checked it out yet. Sean and I kill ourselves to make this book the best thing we can do every month, it's some of the best artwork he's ever done, and it's been just about the most satisfying experience I've ever had as a writer, so we really need to convince more readers and retailers to give the book a shot.

”And please check out the trade this December. It's a handsome package that no one would be ashamed to be seen walking down the street with, I swear.”

[shakey]

Can't say it enough, SLEEPER is the one book I look forward to every month.You have to sit down and read the first 3 at least to get into the books ryhthym, but then every mini arc is no more than 2 issues.

Brubaker's writing is at its best, and Sean Phillips moody, but clean art is perfect.

If you liked the TV show WISEGUY, or DONNIE BRASCO, this is for you. An excellent blend of crime and espionage.

[hellboy666]

Alright, I'm going to finally break down and buy this TPB when it comes out. I've heard tons of good things about this book, but for various reasons have been hesitant to really check it out. The trade sounds really interesting though. Count me in!

[IanZL]

He forgot to say comicbook fans.

SLEEPER is just such an insanely good comicbook. Subject matter and stories aside (which are brilliant) this is just a very, very good example of what can be done in a comic book. The flow and placement of the panels, the dlaouge and characters, the sense of motion conveyed through the art; SLEEPER is an example of how to do a really good comicbook. I encourage everyone who hasn't already to give it a shot. I think it will be worth your time.

[shakey]

I'm also suprprised that ED didn't mention the trade comming out in November. POINT BLANK is the set up story for SLEEPER, not at all necessary to get into the SLEEPER story, but a fine mini series in itself, and well worth reading.

[gOgIver]

So, you end up with a lot of stores becoming a subscription service. And let's face it; if a book isn't on the shelf when a customer is looking for it, no amount of buzz is going to make a difference.

Amen Brutha.

[Patrick_Wedge]

Whole hearted agreement here. Sleeper is yet another great book coming out of Wildstorm that isn't getting the good reviews and sales it deserves (insert 21 Down here as well). I am glad that Wildstorm is collecting both books in trade format and hopefully will spur some interest in the regular monthly title!

Patrick

[pmpknface]

I said I'd be gettin' the tpb of this, so now it's time to put my $$$ where my mouth is.

And I'm lookin' forward to it!

[Michael K. Willis]

I do hope that the collected edition brings in a fair number of the "wait for the trade" folks because this is, as others have said, is a very cool series that is more than deserving of a wider audience.

Michael

[ComicBook Conventions.com]

Jump on this one, folks. It's a great read...think 100 Bullets with super-powers.

Brian
Comic Book Conventions.com

[COREMARK]

Sleeper is one of the best comics on the rack today, please buy the trade. Not only is Holden a great character, but there are is a great supporting cast as well. Characters like Genocide, Tao, and Miss Misery are quickly becoming favorites of mine.

[Steve J.]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Any time a non-blockbuster monthly series such as Sleeper is collected into a trade, it sends a few messages. First and foremost, putting their money up and taking the risk of publishing a trade paperback tells the creative team, in this instance, Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips, that the publisher has confidence in the work they’ve been producing.

“The trade says that Wildstorm, meaning Scott Dunbier, Jim Lee, and John Nee, really dig this book and feel it deserves wider exposure and a more permanent format,” Brubaker said.

Are Dunbier, Lee and Nee sending the same message to the creators of the underwhelming Stormwatch Team Achilles?

“’Out in the Cold’ introduces us to Holden Carver"

Brubaker: if you're reading, I've been wondering... is this character named after Holden Caufield and Raymond Carver?

[choisez]

"I am SO tired of hearing him whine about that fucking comic strip." - Genocide

That line should be enough to get anyone interested in this book.

Btw, I really like how Phillips uses the white border throughout the whole book. It kinda plays to the layers of the character.

And when a super-hero comes to save the day in the last issue, you WANT to root for the bad guys. How cool is that?

Oh, and Brubaker, Rucka & Lark's "Gotham Central" trade is coming out soon too.

-Eddy

[Kid A]

Originally posted by Steve J.
Are Dunbier, Lee and Nee sending the same message to the creators of the underwhelming Stormwatch Team Achilles?

The last 6 issues or so of Stormwatch have been really cool. The new artist is good, too. It changed directions from when it originally started.

[MMJ]

Sleeper is without question the most under-rated book on the market today. Forget Runaways. Forget Sentinel. Both of those books sell twice as much if not more than Sleeper does. So, all of you not reading this title on a monthly basis already ... do yourselves a massive favour and pick up the trade. You will not regret it.

[Markisan]

Sleeper is my favorite comic book. If you buy this trade you will be hooked. In fact you'll probably kick yourself for not getting into the book sooner.

Ed's other titles - Catwoman and Gotham Central - are top notch too. Give them a look.

Markisan

[DocBrass]

I'd be interested in getting this. I got issue #1 and was completely lost. I didn't like the set-up of being in the Wildstorm Universe. I don't read any other books and didn't know who was who, where, what, etc...

I enjoy Gotham Central and other issues that Brubaker writes. Hey Ed, are you still buying #1s?

[SalCipriano]

i wanna pick this up. i like both of the creators, but didn't have the chance to pick up the series monthly when it started.

[Bobby Drake]

Sleeper does indeed rock quite a bit. And yeah, the prequel series Point Blank is very nicely written as well. The Wildstorm universe is definately not getting the proper promotion it deserves, because Sleeper and Wildcats Version 3.0 are both steamin' hot!

I already collect the single issues, but I just may look into getting the trades too.

- Maarten.

[Hunter]

I'm there.

Mike

[majorjoe23]

I read the first issue of Sleeper and couldn't really get into it. All the buzz, plus the fact that Discount Comic Book Service is offering the trade at 55% off have convinced me to give it another try.

[Aaron Weisbrod]

I think I'm going to have to take the pluge with this first SLEEPER TPB as well. I also hear nothing but good things about this series, and the sample art posted above looks AMAZING.

As odd as this may sound, when I hear about these "critical praise/commercial lukewarm" books, I oftentimes wait to see if the publisher will produce a TPB. This shows *me*, as a consumer, that the company has enough faith in the series and/or the creators that they are willing to "go the extra mile" to see to it that people get a second chance to explore the book...

And that oftentimes makes ALL the difference.

Giving conversion a shot,
Aaron Weisbrod

[Ed Brubaker]

Holden Caulfield and Raymond Carver... Would I ever admit that if it were true?

Glad to see such a positive response from so many here, really, now spread that love all over, please. Try to get those who aren't reading this article to come check it out.

[Dave Accampo]

Originally posted by Steve J.
Brubaker: if you're reading, I've been wondering... is this character named after Holden Caufield and Raymond Carver?

Man, I can't believe there's someone else out there who even wondered about this! It caught my attention from the get-go. Not that there's really a clear connection: first name of a Salinger character, last name of an author (one of my favorites) unrelated to Salinger...and yet, those are the two names that popped into my head as well.

BTW, fantastic series -- it deserves all the praise it gets. I hope it gets the sales, too. I own all the issues, and I'm still half-tempted to buy the TPB just cuz it looks like such a nice package. I'd proudly display that on my bookshelf.

[Robot H Brian]

Originally posted by Ed Brubaker
Holden Caulfield and Raymond Carver... Would I ever admit that if it were true?

Ed, what I've been wondering is, are you named after the Matt LeBlanc monkey baseball movie and the Robert Redford prison movie?