Are you interested in the work of many creators who migrated to Substack during the past couple of years but felt overwhelmed by the number of emails you are getting all week? So was I! But I got you, my friend.
I'll bring you a weekly summary of everything happening on Substack so you don't miss any important announcements. I'll limit my comments to the free stuff, so I won't spoil any surprises the creators prepare for their paid subscribers.
Stay up to date with me!
IT'S CHIP ZDARSKY'S NEWSLETTER, OKAY?
Chip Zdarsky is an Award-winning writer/artist working on Batman (DC Comics), Daredevil (Marvel Comics), and Public Domain (Image Comics), among others.
This week Chip wrote an interesting piece about his favorite Image variants, following the past two weeks’ articles about Marvel variants and variants. In the latter, he explained what they are (including incentive variants), their purpose, and how they work for creators, retailers, and readers. I recommend checking this out and sending it to your friends and family who may wonder why there are thirty covers for a book if the content is the same.
Also, Batman #130, the last issue of the Failsafe arc, and Daredevil #6 are out!
ASHCAN PRESS COMICS CORPORATION
Matthew Rosenberg is a writer working on What’s the Furthest Place from Here? (Image Comics), The Joker (DC Comics), and WildC.A.T.s (DC Comics), among others.
This week Matt republished an episode of his podcast Ideas Don’t Bleed, where he and co-hosts Griffin Sheridan and Ethan S. Parker (who also work at KLC Press) talk about comics and more with a creator. The guest was Ryan Stegman, artist of the new Image series Vanish and co-writer of the Schlub. The episode was previously live-streamed, but it is now in podcast form.
JINXWORLD
Brian Michael Bendis is an Award-winning writer and co-creator of well-known Marvel Comics characters such as Miles Morales and Riri Williams (Ironheart). He is working on The Ones (Dark Horse Comics) and Phenomena (Abram Books), among others.
This week Brian taught his Master Class Live #2: How to Make Comics, exclusively for paid subscribers. It is a bi-monthly class. In addition, he sent a preview for Issue #2 of his newest series, The Ones from Dark Horse Comics, which is out now!
DARK APOCRYPHA PRESENTS
Rodney Barnes is a screenwriter, producer, and writer currently working on Killadelphia and Nita Hawes' Nightmare Blog (Image Comics) and Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Marvel Comics), among others.
This week Rodney recapped all his content in store for the end of 2022 and early 2023. I’ll list it here:
Nita Hawes’ Nightmare Blog #11 and #12
Blacula: Return of the King
Killadelphia #26 and #27
Monarch
To learn more about Blacula: Return of the King and Monarch, click on the links!
EXPLODING GIRAFFE
Brian K. Vaughan is an Award-Winning writer and co-creator of Y The Last Man (Vertigo), Saga and Paper Girls (Image Comics), and much more. He is working on Spectators on his Substack page, among others.
This week, as every Monday, Brian published new pages (pages 111 to 113) for his comic Spectators, which he describes as an "epic horror/sci-fi/romance/western/whatever story." If you want to catch up on the first 100 pages of this 300+ page graphic novel, check it out here. Remember, it is NSFW!
Also, he announced a new episode of his podcast, Mature Readers, which focuses on comic books made for adults. It will be available today for paid subscribers. His guest will be Robert Kirkman, co-creator of the Walking Dead and Invincible.
OUR BEST JACKETT
Scott Snyder is an Award-Winning writer working on Nocterra (Image Comics), Canary, Barnstormers, Dudley Datson, and the Forever Machine, and Book of Evil (Comixology Originals/Dark Horse Comics), among others.
This week Scott shared information about his Black Jackett Tier Subscription, including extra benefits and more time to interact with him and the community through classes, office hours, and dinners. I recommend checking it out because he provides an excellent opportunity to chat with a legend of the industry and a great group of comic book fans, especially if you are an aspiring creator.
Next, he answered the following question from subscribers:
“What's the best way to increase engagement on the stories I'm sharing on my social media? I’ve built a decent portfolio, but my stories are not reaching new readers.”
I recommend reading Scott's answer as he has a vast understanding of the industry and his craft, which is logical because he's been at the top of it for many years. Plus, he is a natural teacher, so he explains everything in simple terms for everyone to understand.
Yes, you guessed it, I’m a big fan of Scott.
Finally, he included details about what will happen on next week’s class, Comic Writing 102, for paid subscribers, including the topics, format, and reading material. You can check that out here.
The Empire of the Tiny Onion
James Tynion IV is an Award-Winning writer working on Something is Killing the Children and Wynd (BOOM! Studios), The Department of Truth (Image Comics), The Nice House on the Lake, and DC vs. Vampires (DC Comics), among others.
This week James released a new Tiny Update, where he talks about his latest releases and projects for the month and reflects on his career. For the last month of the year, he will travel and sign comics in Singapore. If you like his work, subscribe so you can know the writer behind the books.
That's all for this week! At least, that is all I can cover. There is much more happening that I will continue to include for the following weeks' recaps. You can check out Grant Morrison's Xanaduum, Scottie Young's Stupid Fresh Mess, Joshua Williamson's Super Scary Newsletter, Kelly Sue DeConnick’s and Matt Fraction’s Milkfed Dispatches, and Ryan Stegman's and Donny Cates' KLC Press for more content published this week!