KMC comics

[IRON_Lad]

What about Spectrum is that done by a kid too?

 

[BRUTAL]

I was trying to help

 

[Mrh7448]

We do not "cherry pick" our reviews we take the good with the bad, and learn and move on. We are reviewed by those who are within the industry either in producing, or they have been reviewing books for over 10 yrs. We understand that what we do isn't for everybody.

What is some of you consider rhetoric is nothing more than the subliminal marketing techniques used by the major publishers. Words create a powerful image that we all pick up on. Furthermore, they constantly drill into their artist stable to draw things a certain way ( which is their right, and is why there's Image) that is permeates into a "captive audience".

I understand you don't see it that way, as far as wether we need to improve, anybody doing anything sees that. We critcize we just don't do and say it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

There's a lot of art out there that beyond comic art, all we say is that take a look without bias.

First off, my intention has not been to bash your art, or the others you work with. If it has come off like that I apologize for it.

There is a very big difference between style and quality. While I appreciate the fact you don't necessarily want to do the same as the big 4. If it was a simple matter of style I would not be saying as critical. I understand some people don't like my style, with the blocky type of work and strong blacks that I do, but I have a strong sense of composition, anatomy and overall knowledge of what can make a piece work. This has come from years of experience, drawing and constantly striving to better my work. I still read books on anatomy, perspective and anything that will help me get a better understanding of the world around me. I take life drawing courses and I work on still lifes. I use references when I need to.

Judging from the work I've seen these are the things you need to work on to build strength as an artist. You seem to be using the idea of style as a reason to defend your work and not taking into account the fact that, at the moment you are not a strong artist. This is not to say that this won't change with time.

As for your daughter I think she would benefit greatly from taking art courses. Over time again she will strengthen as an artist. But if you really want to cultivate her talent then you need to help her get the education required to do this. Just telling her how good she is going to be isn't going to help in the long run.

If you really want to get better then my suggestions are also to take some drawing courses, draw from life and to take life drawing. Use reference books if you don't already. Take some painting courses or find tutorials. I will say that at least some of the work I've seen has a decent sense of movement and motion that's a good thing.

It seems like this is a family endeavour so maybe you can take courses together make it a family affair.

Honestly, I don't even buy mainstream comics anymore. The closest I get is Hellboy and BPRD. The whole thing is boring and it's the same kind of thing over and over again. I will always look for stuff that is different and always will. Stuff done in Drawn and Quarterly or by Aporia press, work I've seen in Infinite Kung Fu and End Tales. Simon Bisley is one of my strongest influence and he by no means would fit the typical comic book style. Geoff Darrow, Alex Toth, Jack Kirby (of course) as well as fine artist like Tolouse-Lautrec, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Francis Bacon all lend a hand in influencing me. So I by no means am only comparing you to Mainstream comics like Marvel, Image or Dc. Again the question isn't so much about style but a certain quality.

I hope you have some success and keep plugging away at it. I still think that some of your stories may be better suited to finding a more professional look to them while you strive to better your art and are more capable as an artist.

 

[Aquaman]

This has to be some sorta joke. Maybe like...a hobby? Fake comic company...fake comics. Etc etc.

Either way...it needs to be stopped.

 

[blksuperman2]

I have not come to add to the bashing. I just want to come here and understand what is going on.

Is this for real? Do you actually publish these books? Who do you distribute to?

 

[kissmecomix]

To answer the questions in order, yes Spectrum is also done by a child our son Richard, and we self distribute also we have dimestoreproductions, and yes we do have subscribers. We not only just take the good reviews, we take them all into consideration and as far as reviews go you can also check out comicskins.com they have quite a few there.

We just haven't said we got comics and we're good. We took our first book, and went straight to the masses at a real comic book convention, we sold out! We baptised by fire as it were, if we didn't do good there, how can we do it anywhere else? That was 2001.

and if anyone was actually reading, every issue we do we crticize and point out the errors, and so we go back and do things better the next time. and there are tons of books distriubuted by Diamond then and now in which the art looks like "sqwiggle vision" in my eyes, but if they're there, then they saw something in it worth pushing. We don't have to wait for Diamond's blessing.

There's alot of good talent out there that you'll never see because of the system, of course at the same time a lot of folks won't take the time to look either.

We're not delusional we know we have a long way to go before we are accepted by an American market, but for those around who have supported us and took the time see what we're about it's worth it.

I feel like you're not bashing us, you are entitled to your opinions, and like the reviewers we know and we're working on it. But it'll done our way, our style, and there are certain things we like doing things, and being like everyone else.

In the end you are bashing those who like and support us, and that is who we are standing up for in the end.

 

[Darthphere]

You have a grudge with Diamond. What happened you showed them your comic and they laughed in your face?

 

[blksuperman2]

To answer the questions in order, yes Spectrum is also done by a child our son Richard, and we self distribute also we have dimestoreproductions, and yes we do have subscribers. We not only just take the good reviews, we take them all into consideration and as far as reviews go you can also check out comicskins.com they have quite a few there.

We just haven't said we got comics and we're good. We took our first book, and went straight to the masses at a real comic book convention, we sold out! We baptised by fire as it were, if we didn't do good there, how can we do it anywhere else? That was 2001.

and if anyone was actually reading, every issue we do we crticize and point out the errors, and so we go back and do things better the next time. and there are tons of books distriubuted by Diamond then and now in which the art looks like "sqwiggle vision" in my eyes, but if they're there, then they saw something in it worth pushing. We don't have to wait for Diamond's blessing.

There's alot of good talent out there that you'll never see because of the system, of course at the same time a lot of folks won't take the time to look either.

We're not delusional we know we have a long way to go before we are accepted by an American market, but for those around who have supported us and took the time see what we're about it's worth it.

I feel like you're not bashing us, you are entitled to your opinions, and like the reviewers we know and we're working on it. But it'll done our way, our style, and there are certain things we like doing things, and being like everyone else.

In the end you are bashing those who like and support us, and that is who we are standing up for in the end.

Um okay, Well good luck to you. I guess.

 

[IRON_Lad]

So let me get this straight, you actually put out comics drawn and written by kids and the try to sell them by calling them a "different style "?

 

[Elijya]

no need to be cruel, Darth

 

[Darthphere]

no need to be cruel, Darth

That was cruel? Fine.

 

[kissmecomix]

There used to be a time when comics were for children, (any fanboy worth his salt knows the story).

However due to market changes, that is no longer the story, plus I'm trying to encourage children to pursue what their talent might be despite what others may think or feel. In other words some folks like yourselves, and just because you start this way doesn't mean you'll end up on the wrong end. Plus, comics for kids by kids, not adults, who better to do something? No, special message(s). Just something for a child to read, or to help start reading.

And no I don't have a beef with Diamond,we knew going into this that we would have to do things on our own. We tried and was rejected, which came as no big surprise they said we were too rough. If we looked like everyone else then we might've been accepted who know's, but once again we've done well our own Each year we get better. Whether you on the outside see it or not. Diamond is a cartel that is generating money for those who are in the group. The recent policy changes by them virtually shuts any independent out. Which is exactly why I say the current market is a "captive audience".

We knew going into this that we wouldn't never be accepted by Diamond, they look for publishers who blend in so that the name brands will always first and foremost grabbed, regardless of who draws,colors what. I haven't seen one fan revolt over any artist of colorist at Marvel.

There is a reason why there's Image, the 'status quo' didn't suit a few people so, something new was done, in my opinion, now they are part of the 'status quo' and now everyone is into what they brought.

That's all good in fine, but the way the major publishers is not the only way, nor are they the pinnancle, all that they are right now is at the top, and what goes up, does come down.

Look, we have stated over, and over we are a work in progress. We aren't for everybody, for those who like what we do, cool. Those who don't cool, the world keeps on going, and if you like what they're doing with comics that's fine. I don't, I see a buch of uncreative people who had resort to a national tradgedy, and smut to tell a new story, and shut out their future market. but that's my opinion.

Furthermore, those who are above them with their prescripted ruts, and fear of trying something new, or changing up something, NO ONE WANTS TO BE THE FIRST TO FALL OR STUMBLE. IF that's what's selling fine, who am I to argue with the majority, but no one's forcing anyone to buy a book theirs or ours. We are giving folks a choice no more, no less there are a lot of indy publishers out there, and we may not be the best, but aren't the worst either.

We have shown our work to peers, and asked if we should continue, and if they see something to tell us to continue then who's to say any different? We know what we have to do to be better.

In all do respect, the American market is not the world market, the American market is not the only market. The main reason why things here aren't introduced into mainstream, if someone doesn't see the opportunity to make money, then things don't get done. Who knows what great breakthroughs are lying around

 

[doommachine]

Ok, first of all, everything you say is so utterly ridiculous that it's not even really worth it, but just to point out a few things.

1. You keep mentioning this "comicskins.com" for people to look at your good reviews, which in case nobody else looked, isn't even a real website. It's just a generic 'filler' website with a search engine and there are thousands that are just like it.

2. You go on and on about the comic book industry which you very obviously know absolutely nothing about. It's pretty apparent that you simply have some kind of inherent distrust and hatred for the "man" and are convinced that everything is some kind of conspiracy against you that you're "fighting against".

"they said we were too rough"

This has nothing to do with your "style" at all. The reason they said this is because the comic book readers of today have come to expect increasingly higher levels of art and draftsmanship in their comics, and don't (usually) tollerate anything less than perfection. Don't try and hide behind "they don't like our style". There are as many different styles as there are artists. What they don't like is mediocre work, which is what you have.

"I haven't seen one fan revolt over any artist of colorist at Marvel."

You obviously haven't met any fans whatsoever. Seriously. None. Everyone I have ever met can list off just as many names of artists they don't like in the industry as they do like, sometimes more. I for one can not stand Steve Dillon's work on Wolverine: Origins and let's not even get started on Rob Liefeld. If you want to get into your vendetta against computer colors, I could point you to just about any comic in the early to mid 90s and tell you how much the colors suck. Oversaturated and no sense of light, shadow, or mood. The computer is a tool, just like anything else and in the hands of the right person (Dave Stewart, Richard Isanove, and Clayton Crain come to mind) can produce fantastic artwork.

"There is a reason why there's Image, the 'status quo' didn't suit a few people so, something new was done,"

Image was started because a few guys wanted to write and draw their creator-owned characters, it had nothing to do with not liking the 'status quo'. And in fact they drew almost identical to each other because it sold them lots of comics. Find yourself a copy of the VHS Comic Book Greats with Stan Lee, Rob Liefeld and Todd Mcfarlane and you'll see exactly what I mean. In fact, they are pretty much the epitomy of what you claim to be opposed to.

"Furthermore, those who are above them with their prescripted ruts, and fear of trying something new, or changing up something"

You're joking right? The current staff of editors at the "Big Evil Publishing Companies" have been trying more and different things than ever before. They're doing pretty much the direct polar opposite of what you said, including publishing children's comics.


There's a lot more that I could say, but I'm tired of your one-track mind. You claim to think for yourself but you just spew out the same old garbage that was fed to you by whatever 'non-conformisty' people you hang around with. I'm not saying stop making your comics, just stop trying to get people to take you seriously and especially stop taking yourself so seriously.

Oh and one more thing...

"there are a lot of indy publishers out there, and we may not be the best, but aren't the worst either."

Yeah, I think you probably are. I don't know it for a fact and I'd be glad to be proven wrong, but yeah you probably are.

 

[IRON_Lad]

thank you

 

[doommachine]

No prob. I was just sick of him.


Correction:

I did some additional research, and it seems comicskins.com was a website but recently (some time between may and now) went down. If a copy exists of the alleged reviews (perhaps KMC was smart enough to save one), I'd love to see them.

 

[EvilVillain]

Ok, first of all, everything you say is so utterly ridiculous that it's not even really worth it, but just to point out a few things.

1. You keep mentioning this "comicskins.com" for people to look at your good reviews, which in case nobody else looked, isn't even a real website. It's just a generic 'filler' website with a search engine and there are thousands that are just like it.

2. You go on and on about the comic book industry which you very obviously know absolutely nothing about. It's pretty apparent that you simply have some kind of inherent distrust and hatred for the "man" and are convinced that everything is some kind of conspiracy against you that you're "fighting against".

"they said we were too rough"

This has nothing to do with your "style" at all. The reason they said this is because the comic book readers of today have come to expect increasingly higher levels of art and draftsmanship in their comics, and don't (usually) tollerate anything less than perfection. Don't try and hide behind "they don't like our style". There are as many different styles as there are artists. What they don't like is mediocre work, which is what you have.

"I haven't seen one fan revolt over any artist of colorist at Marvel."

You obviously haven't met any fans whatsoever. Seriously. None. Everyone I have ever met can list off just as many names of artists they don't like in the industry as they do like, sometimes more. I for one can not stand Steve Dillon's work on Wolverine: Origins and let's not even get started on Rob Liefeld. If you want to get into your vendetta against computer colors, I could point you to just about any comic in the early to mid 90s and tell you how much the colors suck. Oversaturated and no sense of light, shadow, or mood. The computer is a tool, just like anything else and in the hands of the right person (Dave Stewart, Richard Isanove, and Clayton Crain come to mind) can produce fantastic artwork.

"There is a reason why there's Image, the 'status quo' didn't suit a few people so, something new was done,"

Image was started because a few guys wanted to write and draw their creator-owned characters, it had nothing to do with not liking the 'status quo'. And in fact they drew almost identical to each other because it sold them lots of comics. Find yourself a copy of the VHS Comic Book Greats with Stan Lee, Rob Liefeld and Todd Mcfarlane and you'll see exactly what I mean. In fact, they are pretty much the epitomy of what you claim to be opposed to.

"Furthermore, those who are above them with their prescripted ruts, and fear of trying something new, or changing up something"

You're joking right? The current staff of editors at the "Big Evil Publishing Companies" have been trying more and different things than ever before. They're doing pretty much the direct polar opposite of what you said, including publishing children's comics.


There's a lot more that I could say, but I'm tired of your one-track mind. You claim to think for yourself but you just spew out the same old garbage that was fed to you by whatever 'non-conformisty' people you hang around with. I'm not saying stop making your comics, just stop trying to get people to take you seriously and especially stop taking yourself so seriously.

Oh and one more thing...

"there are a lot of indy publishers out there, and we may not be the best, but aren't the worst either."

Yeah, I think you probably are. I don't know it for a fact and I'd be glad to be proven wrong, but yeah you probably are.

I would have to agree. its very simple. Marvel & DC pay artists ranging from $200 per page to upwards of $1200 per page. Readers pay on average $3.00 per book. The average Marvel and Dc title sells between 50K-100K copies per month (minimum). The avrage book is 22 pages + cover. That equates to $4600-$27600 for the penciler alone for 1 book and sales of $150,000.00-$300,000.00 in sales per book per month.

Why this diatribe? Because these companies will not spend nor risk losing that kind of money for something below par. as an artist, I can say it is a very difficult industry to break into and an editor, at worst, will only accept damn good art.

So, you need to ask yourself. Would you be willing to pay at least $4600 for your penciler you have now (expect the colors and inks to double that) for that comic you publish? Do you think you can get the returns of a minimum of $150K? If not, then you should reevaluate what you are putting out and gain a more critical eye for yourself. People are not rich. The average kid spends less than $20.00 per month on comic books. That is about 6 books per month. Why would they by subpar work for their money when they can get extraordinairy books?

 

[Kool-Aid]

What is some of you consider rhetoric is nothing more than the subliminal marketing techniques used by the major publishers.

lol

 

[kissmecomix]

okay,
since most of think I'm ranting, here are the links:
http://p083.ezboard.com/fskindexfrm73.showMessage?topicID=10.topic
http://p083.ezboard.com/fskindexfrm55.showMessage?topicID=259.topic
http://p083.ezboard.com/fskindexfrm55.showMessage?topicID=251.topic
http://p083.ezboard.com/fskindexfrm55.showMessage?topicID=188.topic
http://p083.ezboard.com/fskindexfrm55.showMessage?topicID=342.topic


You have your opinions, and have mine. Like oil and water they don't mix, and there are those who take the time to see a different point of view. I'm not against computer coloring, it has its place. but it will never replace the human hand. You don't know our backgrounds, all you go by is what you like, what the market dictates you see.

If you saw our creator's portfolio you might have a different view, but then again, I doubt it, because if some of you say Alex Ross is a terrible artist, then anything along those lines you don't like as well.

I grow weary of this, I agree to disagree with you, and for the most part those of you who have been civil, I accept your criticism and once again we are working on it. You won't see the progress just by a casual glance. However, that is how most people judge things, and other people, that is human nature.

So if or when you decide to really and seriously look at what we are about then email us, I have no problem sending a copy to anyone who is genuinely interested. I see the majority of you do not keep an open mind. I also see that none of didn't visit the art gallery, nor didn't even ask about other pieces.

You have made your minds up that we are bad. You are entitled to think what you wish to think as do I. You are not the entire world wide market, there are those who like what we do, and we will find them one person at a time.
With that being said I resign from this debate, and continue to enjoy reading comics.

 

[ComicChick]

judge things, and other people, that is human nature.

So if or when you decide to really and seriously look at what we are about then email us, I have no problem sending a copy to anyone who is genuinely interested. I see the majority of you do not keep an open mind. I also see that none of didn't visit the art gallery, nor didn't even ask about other pieces.

i visited the art gallery. some were decent, some were not. I also checked out other pages on your site.

And while everyone else is focusing on the art, I'll leave that alone, because I don't have anything to add to that.

However, I would suggest working on the words. I've seen a lot of punctuation errors, and some sentence fragments. It would improve your comics by working on these things as well.

good luck to you.

 

[ComicChick]

while i am a HUGE appreciator of art, if i have to choose over good art or good storytelling, I'll pick storytelling probably 9 times out of 10.

Sentence fragments and punctuation errors detract from the story. This may not be true for everyone, but I notice them. By working to prevent them, you show the readers that you care about them, and are working on making the book great.

Printing a lot of errors makes it appear as sloppy, or rushed, or as if the publisher's didn't care to check for them. While none of these are probably the case, it's something you want to try and prevent in any form of literary work.

 

[kissmecomix]

while i am a HUGE appreciator of art, if i have to choose over good art or good storytelling, I'll pick storytelling probably 9 times out of 10.

Sentence fragments and punctuation errors detract from the story. This may not be true for everyone, but I notice them. By working to prevent them, you show the readers that you care about them, and are working on making the book great.

Printing a lot of errors makes it appear as sloppy, or rushed, or as if the publisher's didn't care to check for them. While none of these are probably the case, it's something you want to try and prevent in any form of literary work.

Will do comicchick, the errors have been the constant thorn in our side, and the site is due up for a tweaking anyhow. I'll put it through a grammar check up. I also noticed that your avatar is of the old stars, Barbara (creator of Serenade) has a drawing of Joan Crawford in pencil that you might like.

 

[ComicChick]

Will do comicchick, the errors have been the constant thorn in our side, and the site is due up for a tweaking anyhow. I'll put it through a grammar check up. I also noticed that your avatar is of the old stars, Barbara (creator of Serenade) has a drawing of Joan Crawford in pencil that you might like.

ill have to check the crawford pic out. my personal art project for 2007 is of Silver Screen Starlets. It coincides with my resolution to learn to use a tablet and how to vector.

When you do your site re-vamp, have you considered spicing up your summaries? While some sound ok, maybe some new details, or rewording would make them sound more interesting.

I noticed the majority of your summaries began with the character's names or physical description of the characters, and while there's nothing wrong with that, on your summaries page, it seems rather boring cuz they are all so similar. Why don't you try rewording or rearranging some of them?

i prefer to be positive, so I'm trying to offer suggestions to help you improve rather than dissuade you. i'm all for people trying to pursue their dreams, so good luck in the future.

 

[kissmecomix]

Thanks for that,
this is the kind of stuff that as the site designer, i need to hear , (THAT'S ONE OF TH' REASONS WHY I PUT A GUESTBOOK) so I can keep the site fresh and interesting.