FC9 MAKES ITS PITCH

[MattBrady]

One of the handful of new, small publishers that has appeared in recent months, FC9 is headed by Tilman Goins, and currently has three offerings, Hell, Michigan, Genie, and a collection of Aaron Weisbrod’s Nightmare World.

But that’s just the start.

We sat down with Goins for a chat about himself, his company, and his plans for the future.

Newsarama: First off, who are you - where’d you come from and what’s your background?

Tilman Goins: My first 'professional' foray into comics has been years in the making. I've always known that if I want to sell and market something - myself, my properties, I'd need to learn as much as possible about the products that are currently out there and selling, the people who are reading them, and the industry as a whole. I used to sell tires for a living. Before selling tires, I knew two things. They are black. They are round. If I'm going to sell someone a set of tires that makes you feel safe in your car, I'd damned well better know what I'm talking about.

I spent literally years talking to every retailer I came into contact with about what their customers like. What books sell, and why? I went to conventions where I could watch and meet other comic fans. What sort of hype surrounding a book makes them want to try it? I've weighed the value of getting instant recognition with licensed properties vs. fighting for it with company owned projects. I've watched the internet news sites, and am always sure to pick up Wizard, the Comic Buyer's Guide, Comic Shop News, Previews, and everything else I can get my hands on so that I can watch new publishing companies launch, and new publishing companies fall down. I've been listening to fan and retailer concerns surrounding new companies. Watching what others do right and what they do wrong. I've watched publishers become pigeonholed into having a fan base of only a certain genre. Despite their being successful at what they produce, if they try to break out of what they've become known for, they face a much bigger hurdle than they expected. I knew right away that I'd want to avoid that by developing three completely different comics that can attract fans from all across the comic fan spectrum. We've got horror, we've got all ages, and we've got a vigilante/hero comic which are all company owned. The third, which I can't announce yet, I decided to hold back for a while. If I were to come out of the gate with any more than two titles, I strongly feel that I'd be eating into my own sales. Not only is each individual title being tested for quality, but I know that FC9 is also being tested as a company. People just aren't always willing to take big a risk with startup companies. I've got to prove myself before I can ask retailers to invest a ton of money on our products. When our books ship on time in June, and both are of a high quality, and the stories prove themselves, I can start being a little bolder with our offering.

While talking to fans and retailers, which are fairly easily accessible, it was much harder to get close to any publisher. I've contacted self published writers and artists, and did what I could to talk with publishers who had a full catalog of products to offer. I served a short stint on Devil's Due's G.I. Joe comic credited as "military consultant". A very modest role to say the least. It offered very little insight as to the entire production process. I got what knowledge I could, helped with the book where I could, continued to develop my own company, and moved on. I'm grateful for the experience it did provide, and it's an experience that as a G.I. Joe fan I'll remember fondly for the rest of my life.

So, despite having seemingly come from nowhere, I've actually been here quite awhile. Comic stores want bar codes, and they want them where they don't have to open the book, or slide the board out of the back to scan it, they've got it. Everyone wants books that ship on time, with FC9, they'll have it. Quality product with riveting story and art, FC9 delivers. You may not have heard of me before a few months ago, but I promise, I've been listening to all of you.

NRAMA: That said, what was the seed that led to you forming your own comic book company?

TG: My love for the medium, and desire to be a larger part of my all time favorite hobby.

NRAMA: Is it just you, or are we talking about a group of investors, or…what?

TG: Just me. I'd toyed with the idea of having partners a few times. I've even had some pretty good offers. Ultimately I knew that if I wanted this experience, what I don't want is someone who's going to slow down the decision making process. If successful, I can pat myself on the back and say "good job". If not, then I know exactly where to place the blame.

Since we're talking about financing, let me say this. I pay all the creators working on company owned projects up front. This has been a big concern, and there's an unfortunate trend that has been growing recently when a smaller publisher closes shop leaving their loyal creators high and dry. I spend a lot of time on the phone with retailers and it's a concern with them. Comic fans get angry when their favorite writers and artists go away without seeing a penny for their efforts. That's just wrong, and something I'll never let happen here. If you work at an automobile manufacturing plant in Detroit, you don't wait until the car hits the dealerships to get your check! You expect it every week so you can pay your bills. I want the freelancers that I have signed on to know that they'll be getting their money and that they can depend on it being there. I've never understood how a successful company with substantial cash flow and strong following could not pay their guys, and try to stay ahead in their bills. I'm not rich, and had to make some sacrifices with promotion and ads in order to do this, but it was just the right thing to do.

NRAMA: In that vein then, what was it about comics that made you think it was worth the risk and effort? We’ve all heard the stories that comics are dying, there’s no money to be made….why didn’t you heed that advice and turn tail?

TG: When you enjoy something as much as I enjoy comics, it makes the risk involved in starting a comic book company easier to want to take. I'm a fan of the medium, and wanted to become closer to it. I could've chosen not to take the risk, but then where would I be? Risk is something that people have to weigh and make decisions on every day, and with everything there are varying levels of risk involved. If you take a drive to the corner gas station, there's risk. The risk increases if you decide to drive across country. The more risk you're willing to take on, the farther you'll go. Some people are content with a low risk life style, and that's fine for them, but I want to see where risk can take me. I want the challenge.

In regards to all the concerns that comic books are dying, and there's no money to be made, well, more than the money, I'm in it for the experience. I'm in it for the fun. I'm in it for fellow fans, and associates of mine. I'm in it for the characters I've created, and I'm certainly in it for the risk.

NRAMA: In terms of specifics, when did you start making your plans, and how long did it take to get things rolling to the point they’re at now?

TG: I started laying the foundation for what would actually become FC9 Publishing about two years ago now. Developing properties, making contacts, research, research, research. I'd already had in development a series of children's books with a good friend of mine, and now FC9 editor, Ryan Stratton. The decision to also make the jump into comics wasn't a far stretch since the medium is already such a great love of mine.

It's been about nine months since I brought in my first writer Jim (KEP!) Keplinger for Genie. I was almost immediately able to assemble my creative teams, and both Genie and HELL, Michigan have been in the works about that long.

Schedules are really important to me. We even delayed the solicitations of our debut titles by months in order to have the comics completed, and be far enough into the production of the other issues to feel comfortable with getting the solicit info out there. We're currently wrapping up production on the 4th issues, and the #1s are just coming out next month.

NRAMA: On your site, you describe FC9 as “an entertainment company specializing in comic books and various comic related properties and licenses.” What does that mean, specifically?

TG: Well, although it's a slightly different process, and we're dealing with different distributors, and we still have a few contacts to set up, we have a line of children's books in the works. We are currently trying to keep the two entities separate, but will eventually look into crossing the two over. Actually, they've been in development longer than the comics have been. Not the ideas for them, just the actual making of them. We've signed with Prime Universe for a movie production deal for HELL, Michigan. We are in talks with various toy manufacturers about Genie. FC9 is also working on expanding our publishing arm out of comics and children's books into more mainstream novels and non-fiction works.

NRAMA: Getting back to your two titles, how did you go about attracting creators? You didn’t have a rep, and no properties to speak of…what was your sales pitch, and why did you go after the creators you did?

TG: I'd like to tell you that the properties and the characters were so strong that once I presented them to the creators, they didn't want to pass on such a great concept and story. But, if that's the case, I'd have to let them tell you that. When I first started my search, I began with writers. Without a script, what would the artists draw? I could've written them myself, but I knew that as an untested writer, being published by an untested publisher, who's taking his first real foray into comics, I wouldn't get nearly as much attention. Plus, I knew that with publishing, it would take up too much of my time for me to do it all by myself. I've got tons of stories, and I want them out there.

I wanted to surround myself with people who would both serve the stories well, but also who had some connections within the comic biz. Jim (KEP!) Keplinger was the first one signed up. I'd put out a call for solicitations from writers, and KEP!'s sample scripts stood out from the rest. When I found out that he was also a professional magician, it was like fate. Genie was/is the book for him. Eliseu (ZEU) Gouveia is a tremendous artist, as well as a great storyteller. It's been commented to me many times by many other professionals that his layouts are the best they've seen. KEP! and ZEU play off each other so nicely. Kevin's colors really accentuate the story and help the characters just leap off the page. Ray's one of the best letterers in the craft. His balloon choices, and letter placement just really help contribute to the overall style and feel of the book.

Now that I had one team secured, it was important for me to try and bring in someone with a built in following for our second book. Enter Dan Jolley. It's really a blessing to be able to work with him on HELL, Michigan. I approached him via E-mail, and he was very quick to respond saying that he wanted to hear more about the project. It was a matter of days before he was signed on. When I asked Clint Hilinski, he said he'd love to do the project as another opportunity to work with Dan. Andrew Dalhouse, our colorist, said that I could count him in since he loves working with Clint. It probably took about two weeks to secure everyone who would become one of the strongest teams in comics.

NRAMA: What surprised you most about getting things rolling in the comic biz?

TG: I've had many surprises along the way. HELL, Michigan and Genie are both being greeted with open arms. The announcement of the Nightmare World TPB, and the amount of buzz surrounding it is great. The amount of excitement surrounding HELL, Michigan in the local area up there alone is more than I could've imagined. I've done newspaper and radio interviews all around Michigan, and it seems the whole place is swarming with excitement over this new comic book. If it brings new people into the comic stores in the area, great! Genie is placed right here in Morristown, TN. My local shop has people coming in that would otherwise never have stopped in a comic store. Orders for Genie in East Tennessee alone are worth this whole venture.

I guess what surprised me most, however, would have to be the response that HELL, Michigan is receiving from Hollywood. I announced HELL, Michigan a bit early to time it with Dan Jolley's leaving Firestorm and Bloodhound, and before I even had much to offer in the way of previews, I started receiving E-mails through my website. I talked to something like six different movie producers, and a major movie studio within the first month. I ultimately signed an agreement with the fine folks at Prime Universe because Adrian Askerieh showed the most enthusiasm for the project. They know the comic biz, they have the contacts, and they know what makes a movie great.

NRAMA: Niceties covered, what was the biggest hurdle that you weren’t expecting that…putting it indelicately…smacked you in the ass?

TG: Self-promotion. Although you may not be able to tell by this interview, I've always shied away from talking about myself. I'm the type of person who would rather have someone else recognize my accomplishments than me have to tell them. It's kind of like a journalist nominating themselves for a Pulitzer. So, as humble as I am, I find myself always having to talk up my company, and how great it is, without any evidence on the stands yet. If I want to sell those first issues, I've got to do it though. I've got to go out there and say "This is the best comic you'll ever read!" If I just wait to let the first issues speak for themselves, I've already missed the boat. In early interviews, and press releases, I more tried to focus on the writing and art, because I could talk about someone else. I would call and talk to retailers, trying to convince them that they don't want to miss these books, and help them define which of there customers the titles are best suited for, and I found myself avoiding anything positive to say about me or FC9. I've since brought in someone to help with the PR, and I'm getting much better at self-promotion, it's just a little slow coming. My own humility is definitely the thing that I see has "smacked my ass".

NRAMA: Back to the business side again, did you encounter any trouble attracting Diamond’s notice, and getting picked up in Previews?

TG: Well, as I talked about earlier, I spent a lot of time studying the industry before actually getting into it. What kind of scholar would I be if I didn't also make contact with the largest comic book distributor? Even before I had creative teams or scripts for HELL, Michigan or Genie, I spent a lot of time talking with Diamond about what they expect to see in a new vendor packet, and what type of product they prefer to carry. Throughout the entire creation process, I kept contact with them as we developed the comics that they now distribute. When putting together the submission packet for them, I talked with their reps to make sure that everything was in order, so that I could present a professional submission that they'd have a hard time saying no to. Having great product helped, too.
So, I guess I can't answer whether or not it was easier or harder than I'd expected, because I sort of knew what to expect all along.

NRAMA: Your debut books – did you come up with them, or were they developed by the creators?
Both Genie and HELL, Michigan were created by me. I wanted to lead off with company owned projects for a number of reasons. Let's say "Tilman Goins comic fan" decided he wanted to be a publisher. I put out a call that I'm accepting submissions for a new comic publishing company that is owned by "Tilman Goins comic fan". What kind of comic properties would I attract? Having no true background in comics to speak of, would Dan Jolley take a risk with one of his own creations in letting me publish it? To be given a chance as a publisher in the comics community, I've got to ensure that only top-notch product is hitting the shelves from FC9. With Genie and HELL, Michigan, we've got that. I've also got to prove myself not only to retailers and comic buyers, but I've got to prove myself to potential talent to ensure that they trust me with their product.

I've received tons of submissions over the last year or so. Many of them very good. Some of them are on the back burner to come out in the future through us, but most of them are properties that I know have been passed over by everyone else in the industry. I don't fault the creator who's shopping them around, but I'm not in a position to accept new comics that have been making their rounds from one publisher to the next.

Let me give you folks a hint. I can't speak for any other publisher, but if I get a submission packet that is dated 1998, I'm not going to give it as fair a shot because I know you've been sending it around for seven years and no one would bite. I'm not saying that I'll form my opinion on if something's good or not based on how many times it's been passed by others, but it immediately biases me toward the property.

NRAMA: That really happened?

TG: Yes, this really happened.

I understand that the majority of what I'm seeing has already been passed over a number of times. With some, I don't understand how anyone wouldn't want to carry the books. Now, if I would've sent out a call for books before becoming a recognized publisher and someone sends me a comic to publish without having submitted to the big boys first, then it makes me feel that they don't feel strongly enough about their own book that they'd get accepted where the potential to sell more copies would be there.

The larger, more recognizable companies are naturally going to attract the most submissions. I need to get FC9 to a level where people want their books to carry our logo. If not for our size, then our prestige. I don't need folks who'll settle for whoever will print them. As FC9 becomes known for top quality product, and I've proven that we only publish the best, it'll make it easier to attract the best creators, with the best properties.

Having published my own creations first, I'm now in a position where I do have people coming to me first! FC9's first books don't hit the shelves until June, but there seems to be an attraction there already. I've got actual creators with a history in comics approaching me! It's an honor when you have higher profile comic pro approaching you with their properties. That they would trust me with their creations when I don't yet have a sales record to speak of. It really makes it difficult for me to turn these projects down, or put them on hold, because I'm trying to avoid the whole "too big too fast" scenario that we've all seen played out time and time again. It also makes me feel good about the steps I'm taking, before our June release. Maybe I really am doing something right...

NRAMA: That base covered, quick Hollywood pitch time – tell us quickly about Hell and Genie. What makes them different than anything else out there?

TG: Genie is truly unlike any other book currently on the market. For the most part, today's comic books are geared toward a different crowd than they were 20 years ago. Part of the reason is because of the age groups that comics are easily accessible to. Some companies have lines that they gear specifically toward children, but I feel that some of these have been significantly 'dumbed down' for the younger target audience. The way I see it, children are much smarter today than people of my generation. I was reading comics that didn't need to be 'dumbed down'. The top selling animated movies today from Pixar or Dreamworks are written for the enjoyment of the entire family. The children get some of the jokes, and the parents respond to a completely different set of jokes. They don't need to change dialogue to use simpler words, or take some things out for fear that children just won't get it. There seems to be a void in comics that are geared toward every age group. Sure, some of them are clean, and can be read by anybody, but they're still being targeted towards a specific dynamic.

With the covers, I wanted to use a different artist for each one. Showcasing different styles, and bringing in some of my favorite artists. David Michael Beck is one of the best cover artists working today and with the Genie #1 cover, he's really outdone himself. Juan Ferreyra's beautiful cover on #2 lends itself well to the overall look and feel of the book. Tim Seeley's been garnering quite a following during his run as the G.I. Joe artist, and I just had to bring him in for a cover. He so skillfully captured the attitudes of the characters. I'm not quite ready to talk about the #4 cover right now - because I'm still in shock, but I'll say this... You're not going to be able to guess who did it!

I wanted a comic that can find a fan base amongst readers of any age, and Genie will surely find it. Jim Keplinger is a master storyteller, and isn't afraid to use words that just might help expand a younger reader's vocabulary. It's a tale of genies that spans space and time. Genie takes us to exotic locations (even Morristown, TN), and periods of time with settings that really spark the imagination. ZEU puts a tremendous amount of research in everything he draws, and I know it must be hard on him sometimes when he has to switch his mindset to draw scenes that take place in a different setting than the last. He handles it well. Along with the time period changes, requires a specific mood shift. One way to shift moods is with color. Kevin Volo is a real pro, and colors each scene with a different specific pallet to help fit that mood. Within the first few issues, we see a battle in the ancient lands of Arabia, we meet Jeffrey Allen in 2005 Morristown, TN, travel to the high desert in Nevada,1885 Baghdad, 2002 India, Ancient Atlantis, and all over in-between, and back and forth. Of course, it's all wonderfully woven together into a seamless story with a great flow of continuity. You'll love it!

KEP!'s personal magic experience lends itself well to the story telling. I can't give anything away, but if you want to learn where magic comes from, then read Genie.

NRAMA: And Hell?

TG: HELL, Michigan is a quaint little town. Normal citizens living everyday lives in a "small hamlet with a notorious name". Most people view the name of the town as a joke, or make fun of the name and how it could've stuck, but there's more to the name than most realize. HELL, Michigan is a comic which explores true evil in this world. A horror/suspense/thriller that takes people up one twisting road, and down the next. Full of surprises, intrigue, and suspense, Dan Jolley really takes us on a ride with this one. As the scripts came in, I was amazed at what he was able to do with this property. It turned out 10 times better than what I'd expected, honestly. The first issue is great, and when you've finished reading it, you will have come to know the town, the characters, the enemy, and the source of all the mischief. You'll quickly want to read issue #2 to see what's about to happen, but by the end, you will have discovered that it's NOT what you expected at all! The opening scene in #3 is chilling. I wish I could provide a preview of that right now, but we'll all have to wait. By the time you've wrapped up and put down the first arc, you kind of say, "whoa, how did all that happen?" Then, you can go back and read it again and realize that Dan's been dropping clues all along. Really freaky how he writes. Luke Ellison's covers are just awesome! They really help set up the overall feel for the book, and truly capture what's going on inside.

The premise of the story is a little complex. The town is trying to rid itself of 'good' so it can be as evil as possible. So, the smaller the population becomes (because all people have at least some good in their souls), the more powerful the town becomes. We've even added a population sign on the inside front cover so you can pick up any issue and see where the population level is. Of course the strange deaths don't go unnoticed. There are a handful of people who continually escape death and the temptations that Hell offers, but they become the main target in the first story arc.

The main character in HELL, Michigan is the town itself. Supporting characters include Dixon and Diana Cole, who own a husband and wife real-estate agency in town; Karel Jerabek, an eccentric Czech immigrant who doesn't like to let on that he's got more going on upstairs than you might realize; Father Javier McCutcheon, the town's priest; and Mill and Louise English, the town's Mayor and his wife. This group is joined in the first issue by newcomer Regina Lockridge, psychic who is able to open a few clues as to the goings on.

If you like to sit on the edge of your seat while reading comics, if you like a good mystery, if you love suspense, and shockers, pick up HELL, Michigan!

NRAMA: To these two titles, you’ve added Nightmare World by Aaron Weisbrod, a comic which was only published online. Why? What was it about that material that made you want to include it?

TG: Nightmare World is a group of stories that just begs to be collected so they can be held in your hand, and enjoyed over and over again. Aaron is a tremendous writer, and is highly dedicated to what he's doing. Dedication and a willingness to see things through is a tough enough virtue to come by. Aaron's been updating his site every Thursday without fail for over two years now plugging away at new scripts, making sure that every month his fans have a new eight page tale to read. Doing it the whole time without dollar signs in his eyes, and with only the hopes the fans get the same enjoyment out of reading them as he gets from writing them. The fun he has expressing himself through his stories really comes out when you read them. Sometimes serious, sometimes witty, sometimes down right scary, if you start reading any of these little self-contained stories, you're hooked. I was.

I was contacted by Aaron some months ago. He told me about his site, and that he'd like to talk about seeing some of his favorite stories in print. Of course, my initial thought - just like most people's - was why would someone want to buy a book that they can read for free on the Internet? As soon as I started reading through them, I quickly saw why. I became addicted, and actually read every story that was currently up there before the end of that next weekend. Aaron and I began discussing different publishing options that next week. One of the first things on the table was that we also wanted original stories in the trade. We both wanted a bunch of cool extras for those who are already loyal fans, we wanted a low price point to make it affordable for almost anybody, and we wanted a selection of stories that will be enjoyed by all who pick it up and read them. Trust me folks, there's enough packed into this TPB that when you put it down, you'll know you got your money's worth. We wanted no space gone to waste. The back cover is just as beautiful as the front. Kristen Perry is an awesome painter and bringing her in really helped dress up this book. If anything else, it's sure to look great on your shelf at home. We ended up with 13 Nightmare World stories including some that have never been seen, all the extras, almost a hundred pages, and could put in on shelves for under 10 bucks. Now, that's a bargain!

NRAMA: What kind of expansion plans are you looking at? Despite what you said, starting with two titles is pretty bold, but where will things go from here?

TG: I guess the word "bold" is in the eye of the beholder. I think two titles is fairly modest, but enough to get a little attention for the company. Like I stated earlier, to start with any more, and I'd be eating into my own sales. Allowing two very strong debut books to get out there on the market, and find a loyal fan base, will enable me to expand in the future, and people will know that they can expect quality books, timely shipping schedules, and hours of enjoyment reading the products that we offer. Makes it much easier for us to grow our catalogue and have the trust of the reader and the retailer.

Comics wise... June sees the Debut of HELL, Michigan and Genie with the #1 issues. July will have #2 of both titles, as well as our first creator owned project, the Nightmare World TPB from Aaron. In August, we'll see HELL, Michigan and Genie #3. September will have the #4 titles. In October, while Genie and HELL, Michigan take a one month scheduled break so the creators get a bit of a vacation this summer, you'll see the first major expansion of our offering. In addition to a new creator owned book - can't say too much yet, we'll be offering Nightmare World TPB Vol. 2. Initial reaction over the first Nightmare World trade has been so strong, that Aaron and I decided to get a second volume out to customers in time for Halloween. How sweet is that!?

We've also got another special project lined up, but my lips are sealed for the time being…

NRAMA: By the end of the year, where do you hope FC9 will be?

TG: Production wise, at the end of year one, things are looking to be right on track with our business plan. I've said from the beginning that we'd have no more than five ongoing titles by the end of year one, and I'm sticking with it. Although I've shuffled titles around a bit, and decided to delay the launch of that 3rd company owned project I talked about earlier so that it's not solicited until after the first couple issues of Genie and HELL, Michigan are out, we are on track to do what we've set out to do.

Otherwise, by years end, I'm looking to have a strong following for FC9's titles, because I know they are very innovative and fresh ideas. We hope to have gained the trust of the comic book community. Trust is to be earned, and we are working to achieve a track record that can be admired and respected, and gaining the trust of our fans that they'll have the next great issue of whatever their favorite FC9 comic books are, when they are promised to them. Trust from retailers that we'll do everything within our power to get new comic buyers into their stores, and keep their current customers buying our books from them.

NRAMA: And by the end of 2006?

TG: We intend to continue with our 'slow growth'. Fighting for a loyal readership and fan base. If 2005, goes as planned, and our goals of becoming a staple in the industry are achieved, I have a few surprises in store for 2006.

NRAMA: Finally - the name – why FC9?

TG: Because it's easier to say than "Fraufenheimer Cluckenspeil XIV"

Seriously, Funnel Cloud 9, Inc. came about as a combination of "Funnel Cloud" and "Cloud 9". Something that has the potential to become very destructive, and a state of happiness. I happened on the name by chance, but loved the double meaning signifying the struggles I have gone through to create this company, and the feelings I have as I achieve the goals I've set out for FC9 Publishing.

[Jake Estrada]

ran FC9. He seems to be a pretty intelligent guy. I wish him the best of luck.

[Cmdr_Y]

Originally posted by Jake Estrada
ran FC9. He seems to be a pretty intelligent guy. I wish him the best of luck.

I know Tilman and he IS intelligent. He's also one Hell of a guy.

I'm very excited about these books and this company. I recommend that everyone pick up the first issues -- I think that you'll enjoy them quite a bit and come back for more.

[Aaron Weisbrod]

Heh.

Tilman says all of those nice things about me and NIGHTMARE WORLD, but I suspect the real reason he picked us up is because he was hoping I would let him start reading the new NIGHTMARE WORLD stories in advance!!!

Which I won't.

Oh well... he's stuck with me now!!!

Ribbing aside, GREAT interview!!! FC9 is a publisher to watch and support, people...

Locked and loaded,
Aaron Weisbrod

[Bakema NL]

I put Genie on my list after a little posting around with Jim Keplinger somewhere here on newsarama, he sounded like a great guy. And from the looks of it I will not be disappointed, I'm looking forward to this book, next week (or this one) it will be out.

[doom]

my only problem is that going around and asking people what they liked is how the world received "new coke." and although "new coke" is still everywhere outside the usa, it was a miserable failure here.

that's the danger of going out and asking people what they want...people don't really know what they want. we are all lemmings.

[SyntxErrror]

New publisher and they already got Dan Jolley onboard? Impressive!

The books look very cool and are possible buying material, but... what about the price? I hope it's below 3$...

[PhilKost]

Originally posted by SyntxErrror
The books look very cool and are possible buying material, but... what about the price? I hope it's below 3$...

The cover prices will be $2.95 on Genie and HELL.

[AdamYoung]

[quote]Originally posted by MattBrady
What books sell, and why?

This statement can be the kiss of death. I wish you luck though and think you're off to a good start.

[SyntxErrror]

Originally posted by PhilKost
The cover prices will be $2.95 on Genie and HELL.

Wow! Talk about a fast answer!
Thanx for the info dude!

[New Alfonso]

Originally posted by MattBrady

NRAMA: Finally - the name – why FC9?

TG: Because it's easier to say than "Fraufenheimer Cluckenspeil XIV"

Seriously, Funnel Cloud 9, Inc. came about as a combination of "Funnel Cloud" and "Cloud 9". Something that has the potential to become very destructive, and a state of happiness. I happened on the name by chance, but loved the double meaning signifying the struggles I have gone through to create this company, and the feelings I have as I achieve the goals I've set out for FC9 Publishing.

Gah, this should've been the first question! Seriously, the more I read the interview, the more I got distracted wondering just what the company name meant.

[New Alfonso]

Originally posted by doom
my only problem is that going around and asking people what they liked is how the world received "new coke." and although "new coke" is still everywhere outside the usa, it was a miserable failure here.

Surely slapping the word "New" on things can't be all bad. It did wonders for my diabetes!

[MichaelC]

Glad to see more and more upstarts. Here's hoping for your success in the future. God knows we need more of ya.

[Strike]

I'm definitely onboard for Hell, Michigan. Concept sounds cool, and I like Jolly's writing.

I'll probably check out Genie, too.

[Cray_ws]

Originally posted by MichaelC
Glad to see more and more upstarts. Here's hoping for your success in the future. God knows we need more of ya.

I agree with you, more the merrier. I also agree with Alfonso about the question of the company name, definitely should've been the first question asked. I love the double meaning behind FC9.

[Rawle Austin]

Wishing Goins and the whole FC9 crew best of luck with this venture.

I admired the research and attention to detail put into the business prior to launch. This will pay dividends in the future.

Great stuff!

Growler

[Kep]

Thanks for your support folks! We're very proud of what we've put together and I think you're going to dig it too!

And while I LOVED that NEW COKE reference, I'm confident Tilman has not made the same mistake. He's really thought all this through splendidly.

Of course, I do drink a lot of Diet Coke... hmmmm....

[Mike S Miller]

I wish these guys the best of luck, and with KEP! and Dan on board, I know they'll have some fanstastic material to work with!

[bcwflash]

I'm getting both Hell and Genie. i have always been a fan magic stories and Hell is one of the best ideas i've heard in quite sometime. How do you fight a town which is pure evil? If your good you won't just run away and let everyone else be damed,bt if you stay everyday is a death sentece or a day to be tempted to evil yourself,It just screams to be made into a television series.

[mrfstr]

Til really is one of the most awesome guys out there... and I wish him the best of luck.


Luke Ellison also... not only does BEAUTIFUL covers on HELL, Michigan, but is a great guy too...

[ninjai]

Another publisher hits the industry. Great stuff, we need more publishers with this level of integrity to really start nipping on the heels of the bigger guys. Healthy competition is good for everyone. Glad to see KEP doing stuff on the level of his artwork.

[Tilman]

Thank you everbody for your support!


We are all really excited about our debut titles hitting the shelves soon. I stand by both of them, and I know they'll be well received.




There's some exciting news coming out about FC9 and those loyal fans who are members of our message boards are often privy to the information first.

FC9 WEBSITE

[350z]

I always look forward to new publishing ventures. I find an excitement around the titles that aren't matched for many of the "old standards." I always give new publishers a chance (if the projects are at a professional level of competence). My only worry for these projects (Genie in particular) is that I hope there will be enough issues available. If it is one thing that I hate, then it is when I go looking for issues when those issues are not available (sold out--shipped somewhere else--etc).

I wish them luck, and I look forward to the titles.

[idkidd]

I always look forward to new publishing ventures. I find an excitement around the titles that aren't matched for many of the "old standards." I always give new publishers a chance (if the projects are at a professional level of competence). My only worry for these projects (Genie in particular) is that I hope there will be enough issues available. If it is one thing that I hate, then it is when I go looking for issues when those issues are not available (sold out--shipped somewhere else--etc).

The sad truth of the current market is that if you are interested in giving new books from untested companies a try, it is imperative that you preorder from your local comic shop. While certainly not ideal, it is vital that fans open to new publishers and concepts take a stand to assure they get to give a quality book a try and (maybe even more important) communicate to their retailer that there is an interest in non DC/MarvelImage material.

In my opinion, the covers of Genie #1 and 2 are just simply as good as it gets. Looking forward to issue #1 very much.

[PhilKost]

Here is a link with a look at the inside of Genie #1.

Genie #1

Also a look at Hell #1.

HELL Michigan #1


Phil