Printing my Own Comic, should I do it?

[Artistsean]

I have written and drawn my own comic, 28 pages.
Its and set for print, but Kinkos is expensive.
I had planned to print 13 comics and hand them out to comic companies at the Comic Con, New England Comics/Slave Labor Graphics/Red 5/ and so on.
Is that a good idea?
Should I hand them out to the companies? The goal is to get a paying job as a penciller with one of them, and not necessarily to get this particular comic published by them (although I wouldn't turn that down either).
I thought I had read that the artist of Atomic Robo had done the same thing.
But the artist of Atomic Robo, Scott Wegener, told me that what he did was have a digital copy, and had his art online. He said that printing comics would be too expensive and a waste.
So what do you guys think I should do?
Should I print 13 comics, and pass them out to 13 different companies? Hoping to get a job at one of them, while also posting some art online?
Should I only print one copy to show companies and have my art online and hand out something like a digital copy or a card or something?
What should I do to get a Pencilling job?

 

[Syncos]

Personally, I'd get them printed. Making sure that the info you need is in the book (IE a web address and your name and stuff) so that it works as a leave behind and a self promotional material. Kinkos isn't too bad. When I had comics printed for a class last year it was like a buck or two for each. of course, this was in canada, and a year ago. so who knows.

Still. Couldn't hurt.

 

[Mrh7448]

First off I wouldn't print through Kinko's. Look for a different printer. Maybe try indy planet. It's a print on demand and compared to other printers it is less expensive. Plus people can order directly through them.

If you are going to conventions, definitely worth having some to give out. The problem with handing them to companies is the big ones won't take them. Marvel, DC won't look at your own work you have to go through different channels. Other companies you need to look at their submission guidelines. Marvel and DC probably won't even look at it unless it's one of their own characters, since they could have something already in the works like it. At least that's how they used to work.

Going online and having it available through INdyplanet isn't a bad idea.

Do a little research and figure out what will work best for you.

If it's something you want to do I say go for it.

 

[The Question]

Do it. I would also advise mailing something to Dark Horse and Image. They have very specific application process you'd have to follow to the letter, but it couldn't hurt to test the waters with them as well.

 

[Obi-Ron]

Do it! And talk about it in the Self Publishing thread!

There are lots of small conventions/art shows where you could sell an indie comic, and even if you don't care for tabling I would wager an editor would be more likely to remember you if you had an actual hard-copy book to give him.

I notice you mention New England Comics, are you from the Boston area?