Nine Panel Grid - Issue #01 [BETA 2]
A Comics & Culture Newsletter
Panel 1: Previews Pullbox: a game-changer?
Diamond Comic Distributors is going to make it easier to pre-order comics online with a new service to be called "Preview Pullbox". In the past, comics creators have had to go through elaborate efforts to encourage pre-orders. This service could revolutionize ordering for readers, creators, and retailers.
Panel 2: Give this guy an Emmy
The Emmys need to create a category for show-stealers in two-minute bit performances. In season 3 of "Love" on Netflix, Gerry Bednob steals episode 7 with his portrayal of a father annoyed with the cost of his son's wedding.
Panel 3: Writers looking for artists
Oftentimes, finding a comic artist is tougher than Wolverine's adamantium claws. Right now Nate Cosby of BOOM! Studios is hiring and many artists replying to his post look extremely talented.
Panel 4: Deniz Camp's "story engine"
This tip from Deniz Camp, the writer of Maxwell's Demons from Vault Comics, has made me think a lot about how to architect a comic series:
There is a fine but definitive distinction between building a story and building a story engine. One is designed to end. The other is design to beg more stories.
— Deniz Camp ECCC (@MDesaad) November 23, 2017
Panel 5: Vince Gilligan's "Moment of showmanship"
My friend, writer Rick Quinn (@richquizzle ) told me this writing tip once: in each comic, try to have at least one moment of showmanship. He heard it from Vince Gilligan somewhere. This tip stays with me and it's one I try to follow whenever possible.
Panel 6: Ready Player One booms at SXSW
As the premiere of Ready Player One played at the SXSW film fest in Austin, I was amused and jealous as I saw the news pass my social media feed - the film was not only a hit with the crowd, it basically shut down the Paramount theater for a moment as its sound system was pushed beyond its limits.
Panel 7: Ghost City Comics 5x5 Fest
The Ghost City Comics competition just finished another contest - 5 days, 5 pages. They've compiled an anthology which can be downloaded at https://www.ghostcitycomics.com/
Panel 8: Orson Welles' "Other Side of the Wind" - amazing screening
One of Orson Welles' long-lost films has been unfinished for decades, but it is finally near completion and premiering in 2018. An impressive collection of filmmakers were treated to a sneak screening - check out this story about the lucky audience, including Rian Johnson and Quentin Tarantino.
Panel 9: Impressive cosplay
This is some incredible cosplay craft on display.