So initially I had mentioned a couple of topics I wanted to write about on the subject of underground comics. One that I think about often is how to make the best of your comic convention as a guy or gal who produces underground comics. I have been watching and attending and have learnt a thing or two about this, thus helping to improve the overall image of Vicious Ambitious Comics.

As I said before in previous entries, distribution is the biggest thing that sets us apart from anything else that isn't underground comics. As we don't have the use of Diamond Distribution (mainly because our print runs are so limited) we depend on other resources of getting our comics out there such as charitable comic vendors and charitable book stores. Another and probably the most beneficial method of getting our stories out there is the comic convention. This is because you get to speak directly to potential customers and get the luxury of convincing them that your stuff deserves their dollar.

And if you don't think that your stuff deserves their dollar, what the hell are you doing this for then? I think this is what you have to ask yourself. I have been criticized in the past for being too forward to potential customers (much like a used car salesman). This isn't because I want their dollar at all costs, but rather I think my stuff is good and I think they deserve to read it. I am confident that they will enjoy my book (which if you didn't know is the autobiographical Mercy Seat). But how would they know that they will enjoy my comic unless I tell them? They have never heard of me before and they have likely never heard of my comic. You have to tell them your comic is good.

In order for you to let them know that your comic is good is to first be willing to engage them. A common facet of the comic convention is the artists alley. This is most often where you will find yourself as a producer of underground comics whether you pay for the table or it is given to you by a charitable sponsor (Such as Happy Harbor in Edmonton). This artists alley becomes a sea of faceless creators all looking down at their sketchbooks (Producing comics is a pretty socially alienating activity, so when it comes time to speak to others these folks simply react how they are most comfortable). Being that this is going on, you have the opportunity to make yourself known. Talk to the passer by's.

You see, most people haven't heard of you and your comic. Your art looks good, but that alone is not always going to sell your book. Spawn has great art, but...well...So you have to first sell yourself. This is probably true with most sales, but it is incredibly integral to your success at a con. Look like you are having fun, get some music going and shake your money maker (My brother in arms Vince K. Smith has a particularly inviting money maker). At our table we usually have music going and usually at least two of us are dancing at any one time.

This idea of making yourself stick out is easy. Our most successful con was the Calgary Comic and Toy Expo where we decided that for every tenth copy of the new books we debuted we sold, we would spin a wheel with our faces on it. The first face would pie the second face, and we made the announcement loud as we all cried out on the convention floor "WHEEL OF PIE". We drew tons of people to our booth who wanted to know what was going on and wanted to buy our book. The mess was minimal and it was tons of fun to make, especially when you get to pie the guy who doesn't make the deadlines. We try to do things like this at conventions to stick out from that sea of faceless artists and to sell ourselves.

Another idea for you; produce a short film about your comic production and make it funny. Let people get to know you and they may try your stuff out if they find you a likable enough person.

Do these things sell books? Well, I can say that we were surprised when we compared our numbers for the same con two years in a row. At the second con we sold more than triple what we sold the previous year.

Do we make money? Well, if you haven't been producing underground comics then I will let you in on a little secret; this is an expensive little hobby. But I don't think that matters. People who you have never met get to know you and read your stuff. That is true personal currency.

Other stuff

Okay, I have been having some issues with the pitch doctor, but I promise I will have something substantial for you to peruse in the near future. I will work on my pitch "Mapping the Human" here real quick. The best way for me to describe this is to say it is a cool drug world/science fiction kind of thing. Kind of like Strange Days, only sleazier.

And I want to put a call out again for stuff to review. I have only gotten one volunteer so far and if I don't get anything from Z2H members I will have to resort to reviewing local stuff from my area. PM me for contact info if you have a mini or a standard size for me to review.