Whitechapel - What do you think of Zuda Comics?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-18T21:20:50-07:00

So I did a search on here for Zuda Comics and noticed that no one had created a discussion about it, just some "vote for my webcomic" sort of things. It's not that I don't mind those, not at all, but I'm interested to see what people think about the competition in general.

How many of you guys read comics on Zuda regularly? And, for those that have submitted a comic to Zuda: what did you think of the process/results/etc.?

I haven't spent a ton of time on there but it seems like it's more of a competition for the benefit of the competitors than it is a competition for the benefit of readers, if that makes any sense.

There's one winner chosen a month, correct? Well, how many competitors are there in the average month? I'm not sure but I see new stuff every time I go to the site. So you get 8 pages to hook readers, but what happens if you hook a lot of people and get positive feedback but don't win the competition for that month?

I think that's one of the reasons I've sort of stayed away from it to a degree. I mean sure, there's crap on there and that sort of stuff won't win for the month, but what about all the webcomics I want to see more of that I can't because it doesn't win?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T05:00:50-07:00

I think its a good attempt at webcomics but I find the site itself a bit clunky. I'd actually like to see zuda try to bring in more renowned artists and writers. Many have been making webcomics but it might be good to start finding them in one place rather than scattered around.

I actually am working on my final page for my own zuda entry

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T06:36:11-07:00

As someone who has been with Zuda since almost DAY ONE, I love it. I've worked in comics for over a decade at this point behind-the-scenes and on the frontline. Zuda has easily been the best experience of my comics career. Working on HIGH MOON is creatively-liberating - Steve Ellis and I are free to create the kind of stories we want to create.

On a staff level, you have Richard Brunning and Ron Perazza, who are the SVP and VP of the line, respectively. They have cultivated a community of like-minded talented folks who are passionate about what they do. Kwanza Johnson is the editor of the line - and he has a fair even-hand when it comes to editing. He's not interested in hijacking our stories - but he is interested in honing our talent. Kwanza's able-bodied assistant, Nika, keeps everything running smooth. And, the tech guru Dave keeps all the pieces working. Every single one of them is available to answer questions via Twitter, through the message board, or via feedback@zudacomics.com.

On a professional level, I have some remarkable peers who do remarkable work - whether its Jeremy Love who does insanely beautiful work on BAYOU, Kevin Colden whose work on I RULE THE NIGHT reads like a creepy Todd Solondz movie or Dean Haspiel who creates a semi-auto-biography STREET CODE - they are ALL folks I feel comfortable around. We're a tribe a creators who support one another.

On a community level, the Zuda message board is a tremendous resource for creators to find other artists or writers to work with, learn how to improve your craft, get constructive critiques on your work, or learn how to promote your work. It's a really strong group of folks.

Now, to answer the specific questions posed in the opening post ...

How many of you guys read comics on Zuda regularly? And, for those that have submitted a comic to Zuda: what did you think of the process/results/etc.?

I read all of the ongoing serieses [seri?] - and when time permits as many of the monthly competition comics as I can.

I enjoyed the process. Just for participating in the contest, Zuda sent me a check for $500 as a one time usage fee.

I haven't spent a ton of time on there but it seems like it's more of a competition for the benefit of the competitors than it is a competition for the benefit of readers, if that makes any sense.

There is a core Zuda community and they are passionate about their tastes. They run blogs, write reviews, and are supportive of the comics they like and want to see on the site.

Some creators DO go overboard on the marketing/promoting/shillings. I've seen that work in a very positive way and I've seen that work in a very negative way. I do believe that to make it in their profession you do need to market yourself to be successful, but don't make yourself look desperate or pathetic. It's unbecoming and does a disservice to you and to the community as a whole.

There's one winner chosen a month, correct?

Typically, yes. There are a few INSTANT WINNERS every year that get to bypass the competition.

Well, how many competitors are there in the average month?

One. It starts on the first Monday of the month.

I'm not sure but I see new stuff every time I go to the site. So you get 8 pages to hook readers, but what happens if you hook a lot of people and get positive feedback but don't win the competition for that month?

You can take your comic where ever you want - ACT-I-VATE, SHADOWLINE, Amalgamated Artists, DRUNK DUCK are just several webcomics communities out there that host the strips of non-winning Zuda competitors.

I think that's one of the reasons I've sort of stayed away from it to a degree. I mean sure, there's crap on there and that sort of stuff won't win for the month, but what about all the webcomics I want to see more of that I can't because it doesn't win?

As I said, there are more than a few comics that have continued beyond Zuda - SAM & LILAH, ACTION OHIO, HANNIBAL GOES TO ROME, STARFISH, UNTRUE TALES, E - and many others!

If you have further questions about the submissions process, it's all online for you to take a look at here:
http://www.zudacomics.com/submit

I hope that helps -

- David Gallaher

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T06:40:05-07:00

If you'd like another view on Zuda, check out this link by Valerie D'Orazio:
http://occasionalsuperheroine.blogspot.com/2008/10/zudtopia.html

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T08:36:31-07:00

I don't like the reading format at Zuda myself. But that said, I like the competitive atmosphere of the website, that's the industry in itself, except I feel like it's at a micro level in comparison and my word counts more for these creators. I only read one comix on there right now, SUPERTRON, but my buddy's Zuda entry ROCKSTAR is up for vote and number one at the moment and I'm looking forward to reading some more of that.
But the thing that ruins it mostly for me is the way you have to read the comics. On my laptop they're impossible to read unless you go to full screen. The images take time to load from my connection, not to long, but the fact I have to look at this little face bubble load up is annoying to me when I can go to a regular webcomix and have it load up in seconds and barely have to even scroll down to read it. It's just inconvenient in my opinion compared to other webcomix and webcomix collection sites like Act-i-vate.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T08:42:31-07:00

Zuda's a odd one, so let me explain. A site is only as good as it's content, Zuda gets a pile of crap, sifts through a little and picks out some good nuggets and after a month long popularity contest some gold is chosen. Ignore the poll, ignore the comp. What matters is that there is some fantastic content on there. What matters is that there is a paid editorial group, that winners are paid and happy and occasionally there is a printed book.

And thank fucking god there's occasionally a printed book because the act of using the Zuda website requires the patience of mother Theresa and the forgiveness of JP. The financial plan appears to be make the website a pain to use so that you buy the books. I'm sorry but zoomable full screen pages are not the way to reading. Non bookmarkable pages which I can flick to a friend are not the way to reading. You know why printed comics will never die? cause you can flick to a page, use your eyes and see what's goddam written, not wait for a load, click on a full screen and then manipulate the screen into position.

Nielsen could have a field day on Zuda's site ;)

But basic usability aside, i've heard nothing but good words from a author perspective if you're willing to put the time in. And what do you have to lose? (legal non-withstanding) the internet allows you to set up any old shit, and quite often does. So once you dust yourself off there's nothing standing in your way!

ST~

p.s: David, I hope you're getting paid well as a Zuda evangalist ;)

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T08:44:07-07:00

Mm. If I hadn't already started my comic before Zuda took off, I'd be tempted. I'm not sure what I'd do now if I had eight pages worth of art to burn on a new concept.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T08:44:14-07:00

Well, how many competitors are there in the average month?

I didn't answer this properly before. There are 10.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T08:45:51-07:00

In terms of the Zuda interface, it works beautifully for me - but if its running slow for you, here's how you fix it.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T08:54:19-07:00

David, I hope you're getting paid well as a Zuda evangalist ;)

Putting you playful snark aside for a moment.

I love working with Steve Ellis on HIGH MOON. The response and exposure has been incredible. The creative freedom has been awesome. I like working with the Zuda editorial team. I like my peers and I like the community I'm a part of.

Nobody has to pay me to say that.

If they want to pay me EXTRA that's cool.

But, really ... if I didn't like the people I worked with, I wouldn't be here.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T09:32:15-07:00

I was happy with my Zuda experience. Winning's nice because you get money. Losing's nice because you get publicity plus full freedom to use your copyright. At any rate, it's a nice way to offer fresh fish the rights comparable to what I understand Vertigo creators get. I applaud its existence, though I await an updated viewer.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T09:41:13-07:00

I'm currently in the middle of my second competition on ZUDA. Winning would be nice, but my main goal is to gain a little publicity and a bit of a following for the my comic (THE ADVENTURES OF MR. SIMIAN). I'm pretty sure I could take it to another web comic collective after this, and while I wouldn't receive an upfront page rate anywhere else, I can hopefully build on what's started at ZUDA and eventually release the comic in graphic novel form with bonus material.

No matter what you get a little pocket money from ZUDA for just getting in the competition, which doesn't hurt. I guess the fact that I'm working with a writer on my third submission for them at the moment shows that my attitude hasn't soured from my experiences with the company.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T09:59:00-07:00

Seems cool enough, might try my hand at it some day.

Hate the damn viewer though. That's what keeps me away from it.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T11:03:11-07:00

If you can get past the issues of the viewer and the clunky front page, the comics and the competition is all pretty entertaining. It's not for everyone, but I'm enjoying it - a lot. Among the also rans and wannabees are some pretty smart talents - certainly enough to keep me interested. Payment, competition, community, a sneaky look at a talent pool if nothing else, what's not to like? It gets better by input, so input! And (ahem) check out the blog!

I'm not a fan of the viewer, but that alone wouldn't keep me off the site even when I had a clunky dial-up connection - and believe me it was CLUNKY!

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T11:16:14-07:00

just a thought, have any of the zuda artists or writers gone on to work at other printed comic companies?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T11:21:26-07:00

I know Sheldon from SUPERTRON has been printed in POPGUN.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T11:35:34-07:00

I think that must have been before. I've read the zuda contract and if I remember correctly if you win they get the rights. Though your right, sheldon has gotten work since. I think he's doing coheed and cambria's new comic. Any others then?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T12:38:35-07:00

I think that must have been before. I've read the zuda contract and if I remember correctly if you win they get the rights.

Technically speaking, you keep the copyrights, Zuda takes the trademarks. The contract also has a rights reversion clause.

Have any of the zuda artists or writers gone on to work at other printed comic companies?

Well, there's Dean Haspiel who continues to work with DC Comics - and did a Marvel Comics digital project.
There's Sheldon, who was already mentioned. There's Steve Ellis, whose issue of USA COMICS was recently published by Marvel. It features the writing of John Arcudi and The Mighty Destroyer too! Steve and I also have something special that will be mentioned at San Diego. There's Daniel Serra from PRAY FOR DEATH, who recently came out with a book called ILLUSIONS. There's Ilias Kyriazis, from MELODY, who is doing the "GHOSTBUSTERS: Displaced Aggression" mini for IDW.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T15:37:43-07:00

i like zuda. bayou and high moon are good. i find it hard to keep reading, but i do with most webcomics...

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-19T22:03:35-07:00

I understood it to be they license the rights for the life of the copyright. But I'm no lawyer.

HANNIBAL and ACTION, OH got picked up as Shadowline webcomics.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T03:35:15-07:00

I understood it to be they license the rights for the life of the copyright. But I'm no lawyer.

No no no. Here's what listed in the Rights Agreement:

8. REVERSION RIGHTS. You shall have the following reversion rights which shall be in addition to those available to You under United States copyright law.

* (a) Any time after four years from the date of Zuda's initial exploitation on the Website of the last piece of Material created by You pursuant to the Services Agreement, You may request, in writing, a reversion of the Rights granted to Zuda hereunder if Zuda shall have failed to pay You or members of the Team collectively, as applicable, at least $2,000 in connection with the Material (inclusive of sums paid to You or the members of the Team, as applicable, pursuant to any Services Agreements) over the two year period immediately preceding Your request. If You are part of a Team, any request for reversion hereunder must be made in writing jointly by all members of the Team.

All of the agreements can be found online here and here, respectively.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T03:37:33-07:00

Also, for those who talking about Zuda load times, this is how fast it takes to load on my HP Pavilion ze2000, which I bought over three years ago.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T03:46:30-07:00

I don't read follow Zuda Comics on a regular basis, and there is some very good material published through them. But I have to agree with gzapata — the site and 'Zuda Viewer' UI is a bit clunky.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T07:19:52-07:00

being busy for the next few hours, I will come back to Zuda comics when I have some reading time available. Hence posting in this thread: So i may find it again later.

Cheers,
Phill

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T07:37:03-07:00

I'm in the camp of hating the Zuda viewer. Not because it's slow but because it doesn't service the comics themselves or the readers very well. I much prefer my webcomics in the Comicpress format like Transmission X uses. Or Act-i-vate's similar format. You shouldn't have to zoom in on part of a page, it should already be at a readable size to begin with. And you should be able to bookmark and share middle pages.

That said, there is definitely good content to be found on there. HIgh Moon being one of them. I was also pleasantly surprised to find Paul Maybury's excellent Adventures of Maxy J Millionaire on there. That one is also on Act-i-vate. Are there any other comics that crossover on both Zuda and Act-i-vate like that?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T08:07:48-07:00

You shouldn't have to zoom in on part of a page, it should already be at a readable size to begin with. And you should be able to bookmark and share middle pages.

There IS a full screen mode, that really enhances the detail of the comics. You don't need to zoom in to read several of the comics - THE NIGHT OWLS is a great example of being able to read the comic directly in the Zuda reader - without any adjustment. There are several others.

That said, there is definitely good content to be found on there. High Moon being one of them.

Thank you.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find Paul Maybury's excellent Adventures of Maxy J Millionaire on there. That one is also on Act-i-vate. Are there any other comics that crossover on both Zuda and Act-i-vate like that?

Sam & Lilah

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T11:43:07-07:00

As a creator, I don't know if I'll ever give Zuda a shot. Here's my reasoning:

1. I'd rather have to deal with getting approval on a project from a couple of editors whose tastes I can research, than have to win over a whole bunch of people just to get to do my work in the first place.

2. If a proposed project doesn't work in one venue, I want to be able to take it somewhere else. The design of the Zuda pages limits my options for that.

3. My friends who've done Zuda have sunk huge amounts of time into promoting their submissions during the month of the competition. If I'm going to spend that kind of time doing promotions, I want it to be for a project that's actually getting released, rather than one that may or may not make the cut. (I'm not afraid of doing my own promotions; I just want to be efficient in the use of my time. Likewise, in point #1 from above, I know I'll have to win over the reader public at some point in any project that gets picked up, but I'd rather do it in a space that isn't eight Zuda screens.)

4. If I'm doing a project where someone else is buying the trademark rights off me, they either need to be paying me quite a bit of money, or it needs to be a project that I don't really care that much about.

So it basically comes down to me not being enthusiastic about the competition element of it, the page dimensions, and the rights split. Plus, like so many people, I find the viewer really clunky and I don't like the experience of browsing the site. (It also doesn't work with the way I read webcomics, which is to stick them in my RSS feed and read each new page in-line amongst my other syndicated articles. That's turned out to be the only way I can get myself to follow webcomics.)

(All of this is not to say I'll *never* do a Zuda pitch — if some artist I quite like came to me and was like, "I really want to pitch Zuda!" then I'd do it, and I'd genuinely try to win. But it's not something I imagine I'm going to be targeting on my own.)

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T12:31:35-07:00

i tried it out when it first came out, eh. the viewer annoyed me as well, and i dont care enough about reading comics on my computer to ever try it again. the ones that i have seen art from (BAYOU, SUPERTRON) are really gorgeous, but i like them in print x1000%.

shocking, i know

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T12:35:15-07:00

I'd rather have to deal with getting approval on a project from a couple of editors whose tastes I can research, than have to win over a whole bunch of people just to get to do my work in the first place.

That's certainly your prerogative. I've sen folks to that with varying degrees of success.

If a proposed project doesn't work in one venue, I want to be able to take it somewhere else. The design of the Zuda pages limits my options for that.

It's not like it's a bizarre format. I have a SHERLOCK HOLMES collection that fits that ratio. And MOUSE GUARD isn't THAT far off either.

My friends who've done Zuda have sunk huge amounts of time into promoting their submissions during the month of the competition.

It does take a chunk of time, certainly. I won't argue with that. But as a creator, marketing your product is part of your job anyway. But, let's not forget that several quality comics don't have to compete at all - they automatically win. BAYOU, NIGHT OWLS, I RULE THE NIGHT, STREET CODE, BOTTLE OF AWESOME, etc ... so if your strip is drop-dead amazing, you cna bypass the whole competition.

If I'm doing a project where someone else is buying the trademark rights off me, they either need to be paying me quite a bit of money, or it needs to be a project that I don't really care that much about.

Certainly some people feel that way ... and Zuda's not for everyone. But, as Diamond tightens their hold and continues their attrition by numbers, I've started to get more and more e-mails in my inbox from established creators interested in the possibility of Zuda (and webcomics over all).

Certainly there are things I'd love Zuda to develop - an iphone app, for one - but for an imprint that's been around for less than two years, I think they are doing a pretty bang up job.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T13:09:42-07:00

OK, so I'm really surprised by how many people are saying the viewer is clunky. I have cable internet through Comcast, a fairly common thing nowadays, and a mid-grade laptop. For me, it takes 3 seconds or less for the pages to load while in full screen. Additionally, the full screen mode is GORGEOUS and all you have to do is click on the left and right sides of the page to move between pages.

So, for all the people saying it's clunky, you might want to check out that link DavidGallaher posted and see if that fixes it. Or maybe you're using a lower speed DSL connection and that's what the problem is. I dunno.

When I started this thread I wasn't asking if I could get rich off Zuda, nor was I asking if I could receive mainstream success from it. I wanted to know if the Zuda employees were good people, which apparently they are, and I wanted to know if it's a worthwhile venture for people getting started in the comic industry, which apparently it is.

To be honest, I heard about Zuda around the time it first premiered and I didn't know what to make of it. The biggest thing I wondered was whether or not anyone would get involved in it and whether any quality material would come out of it. Looks like those things have happened.

Also, everyone knows the print industry is dying, right? I think comics are being affected the least because of the dedicated/hardcore following, but nonetheless everything is shifting to the online realm. Deciding not to enter a webcomics competition because there's only a small chance it'll see print is kind of like wanting to use your computer to send telegrams to people. It just seems kind of backwards to me, and I think this is going to become more and more apparent as the print industry continues to die.

Irregular formats don't bother me with comics because, hell, half the comics I own are some unusual shape or size.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T17:14:36-07:00

"That's certainly your prerogative. I've sen folks to that with varying degrees of success."

I have also had varying degrees of success with it... seeing how my comic Witch Doctor has gotten a lot of attention from several different publishers, without actually having anyone pick it up yet. :-) Still, we set out to make a book in the vein of HELLBOY and THE GOON. And guess who immediately liked it, and let us know, and plugged us on CBR? Scott Allie, who edits the two books that inspired it.

"It's not like it's a bizarre format. I have a SHERLOCK HOLMES collection that fits that ratio. And MOUSE GUARD isn't THAT far off either."

Like I said — it *limits* one's options, it doesn't destroy them. MOUSE GUARD is the only published comic I was personally able to think of that is in a similar format. It's not a completely strange, out-there format — but it's by no means common.

"It does take a chunk of time, certainly. I won't argue with that. But as a creator, marketing your product is part of your job anyway."

Exactly. But as I said — I'm fine with marketing my product, once I actually have a product I know is going to be released. I'd rather not have to market a product that may or may not actually get released. It's wasted effort if I don't win (and if it doesn't help land the project somewhere else, like Shadowline's webcomics initiative), and if I *do* win, I just have to turn around and market the comic again.

"But, as Diamond tightens their hold and continues their attrition by numbers, I've started to get more and more e-mails in my inbox from established creators interested in the possibility of Zuda (and webcomics over all)."

In coming years, I may well be one of those creators. :-) But at the moment, the downsides of Zuda seem to outweigh the upsides, at least from the angle I'm seeing it from.

Hmm... Here's an idea I haven't seen yet.

Would it be against the Zuda rules if someone who was in the competition were to make more screens of the comic and release them for free on a different website during the competition? Say, a second eight page story, or a continuation of the first eight-page story? Would they get disqualified, or would that be considered a legitimate way of promoting one's entry on Zuda?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T17:16:20-07:00

@tcatsninfan — The problem for me isn't that the browser takes too long to load (though now that you mention it, it does) — it's that the browser strikes me as inelegant and trying to navigate using it takes away from the experience of viewing the comic using it. It's an interface issue rather than a loading issue.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T17:55:14-07:00

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T18:46:39-07:00

Brandon Cyphered? Flank from the NW boards? The 'Cyphered' part of your screen-name through me.

Like I said — it *limits* one's options, it doesn't destroy them. MOUSE GUARD is the only published comic I was personally able to think of that is in a similar format. It's not a completely strange, out-there format — but it's by no means common.

Actually, its incredibly common -- in bookstores! FOXTROT, PEANUTS, GARFIELD, GIRLS WITH SLINGHSHOTS, SHERLOCK HOLMES, CALVIN AND HOBBES. It depends on the market you are aiming for. I think to say its an uncommon format is a misnomer, at best.

But at the moment, the downsides of Zuda seem to outweigh the upsides, at least from the angle I'm seeing it from.

I think I've made a pretty strong case for Zuda here. But, certainly you don't have to take my word for it. There are dozens of creators who love the experience. The editors are extra-ordinarily accessible, the creators are around to answer questions, and the community is fantastic. From where I've seeing it, the downsides are few.

Would it be against the Zuda rules if someone who was in the competition were to make more screens of the comic and release them for free on a different website during the competition? Say, a second eight page story, or a continuation of the first eight-page story? Would they get disqualified, or would that be considered a legitimate way of promoting one's entry on Zuda?

That's actually discussed in the contract, which you can read online :-)

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T18:53:58-07:00

I guess as a creator of the writer species, I have some issues in terms of copyright. If one of my ideas does get accepted and goes through a nice run and hell, if something happens to it afterwards, I'd like to be able to own the characters and the series. Knowing that I wouldn't have that kind of ownership (correct me if I'm wrong though) doesn't really make me want to take part.

You keep your copyrights. The way BKV owns Y:THE LAST MAN or Ennis owns PREACHER. As I've said before, the contracts are online for you to read yourself - it include media rights, merchandising rights, royalties, and rights reversions.

There seems to be a lost of silly misinformation about what Zuda is and what it does - it's not like we're from the Church of Scientology - everything is online. The community is open and honest. The management is transparent. If you have questions, there are plenty of people who are really eager and ready to help.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T19:25:31-07:00

I have marketed my print book, my online comics, and my Zuda entry. The last was by far the easiest and most successful of the three. By passing through the halls of DC editorial, it confers some kind of....fark, what would you call it? Legitimacy? Authenticity? on the piece. People were far, far more willing to give Hannibal a shot than other pieces I've done that I think were far less problematic than those first eight b&w Hannibal screens.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T19:27:50-07:00

Some really nice strips on Zuda, let down by it's interface which I personally find very annoying.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T19:45:22-07:00

This is going to sound weird but, what kind of marketing are you guys referring to when it comes to Zuda? Off the top of my head I think of social networking sites, your own website/blog (if applicable), and doing interviews/whatever with comic news and reviews sites. Does that pretty well cover it or is there more to it than that?

Also, for those that have been in a Zuda competition before: have you gone so far as to put flyers up in local comic shops? If so, would you consider it a failure or success? I suppose a lot of it depends on how many people live in your area...

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T19:56:04-07:00

Also, for those that have been in a Zuda competition before: have you gone so far as to put flyers up in local comic shops? If so, would you consider it a failure or success? I suppose a lot of it depends on how many people live in your area...

You hit the nail on the head, a lot of it depends on how many people live in your area...

This is going to sound weird but, what kind of marketing are you guys referring to when it comes to Zuda?

Social networking is an element. But, others have had crazy road trips to SXSW or have gotten on TV to talk about their series.

There are a series of posts HERE that detail ways to promote and market your comic when its on Zuda. It's not all just Twitter and Facebook.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T20:14:23-07:00

"Brandon Cyphered? Flank from the NW boards? The 'Cyphered' part of your screen-name through me."

Yep, that's me. :-)

"Actually, its incredibly common -- in bookstores! FOXTROT, PEANUTS, GARFIELD, GIRLS WITH SLINGHSHOTS, SHERLOCK HOLMES, CALVIN AND HOBBES. It depends on the market you are aiming for. I think to say its an uncommon format is a misnomer, at best. "

True — but if we're talking 22-page single issue comics, MOUSE GUARD is the only one I'm aware of in a similar format. So if you’re retooling a Zuda pitch to turn into a mini or ongoing series, it’s not at all a common format.

"I think I've made a pretty strong case for Zuda here. But, certainly you don't have to take my word for it. There are dozens of creators who love the experience. The editors are extra-ordinarily accessible, the creators are around to answer questions, and the community is fantastic. From where I've seeing it, the downsides are few. "

See, that's stuff that comes into play once you've won the contest. And the contest is the thing I have the most trouble with — too me, it's a whole lot of work for a ship that may or may not come in. In addition, so much of who wins in a given month is a crap shoot — and this is something I've heard Zuda competitors talk about, too. Not every month has as many strong entries as another, so one month you might be up against some rather weak entries, while in another month there could be four or five really strong ones. And you only get one chance — unless you get selected for something like the rematch they did last year. Whereas if I pitch something to an editor, and the editor doesn't like it, I can go retool it and come back with a better version.

I also think the way Zuda is designed rewards some kinds of projects at the expense of others. I think HIGH MOON was sort of the killer app of Zuda projects — it’s an idea you can hold in your hand, with solid art in a bright, attractive style and solid writing. Whereas if someone is working on a more niche-y sort of project, something Top Shelf or Adhouse might publish, those projects don’t seem to do as well as, say, a rockstar who’s also a superhero. But if a publisher gave that niche-y project a chance, it could well thrive in its niche. Would BLANKETS have gotten published by Zuda if Craig Thompson had tried publishing the first eight pages of it there? (This isn’t to say that Zuda’s bad for that reason — just that, like any comics publisher, it’s better suited to some projects over others. And any project I have that might do well at Zuda, I feel I could probably get picked up somewhere else, somewhere that won't be buying my trademarks from me.)

You’re certainly raising some good points, but they aren’t really addressing the basic problems I have with the whole thing, which come down to the limitations of the format and the eccentricities of the contest-based nature of the platform.

"That's actually discussed in the contract, which you can read online :-)"

Fair enough.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T20:38:34-07:00

See, that's stuff that comes into play once you've won the contest.

Not quite. As Brendan McGinley mentioned earlier, he didn't win the contest, but still won in the end. And now, HANNIBAL GOES TO ROME continues on at Shadowline. The editors, readers, community - it's all there for everyone - regardless of whether of not you've won.

Whereas if I pitch something to an editor, and the editor doesn't like it, I can go retool it and come back with a better version.

Pitching for print comics to Marvel or DC is seldom that easy. Also, the wait is a lot longer. Zuda has 90 days to turn around your submission. That's much better than you'll find just about anywhere.

Would BLANKETS have gotten published by Zuda if Craig Thompson had tried publishing the first eight pages of it there?

Well, more than likely --- yes. It goes back to that whole INSTANT WINNER part of the contract I mentioned before. The Zuda example would be the award-winning BAYOU - another Dean Haspiel's STREET CODE or the haunting, but beautiful IMAGINARY BOYS - or I RULE THE NIGHT. These are comics that immediately bypass the contest, get a contract - and go!
They *all* started with just 8 pages.

Do yourself a favor - read those Zuda strips I mentioned and get back to me.

If you still have doubts and will be at SDCC, come find me, I'll introduce you around.

[I'm leaving for SDCC in about 5 hours ... so I'm going to have to bow out. But, if any of you will be at SDCC and still have questions about Zuda, I'll be happen to answer them at the show.]

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T20:56:39-07:00

Hi, folks!

I'm new here, and it was Brandon's comment that made me sign up and chime in. The comment about posting extra pages. Which I did when I participated in May '08. Toward the end of that month my schedule cleared up, I had slipped back into second, and I had about 10 days to try and win. So, each day, I got up really early, went to my local coffee shop and didn't come home until I had drawn 2 new pages of backstory for my entry. I ended up with 11 extra pages that I posted on my blog.

The contract clearly states that your 8 pages and any continuation of the story cannot be up anywhere else for the duration of the competition, and it says nothing about background material. So, I took to the pages.

My reasoning was that if people hadn't gotten my story in 8 pages, then each extra 2 I posted might sway some. And also, even though I was doing random backstories of characters, some of it was vaguely hinting at what was to come. (sneaky).

Zuda have never said anything about it to me. They didn't at the time, and haven't since.

Apart from my extra pages, the only other marketing I did was on my native Aussie message boards, a few facebook messages, and project wonderful ads, which were the most effective use of my time. I made the ads, I posted them, I went about my day. Easy.

The thing is, marketing your comic for Zuda whether you win or not, is not a waste of time. If you don't win, continue elsewhere, and you'll still have a lot of people follow you. Heck, if you're one week in, and look like you have no hope, start planning your own website and ride the zeitgeist as soon as it's over. "Hey, gang, while you wait for the winner to start in two months, follow my comic every day til then! Link..."

The reason Zuda worked for me is because I'm not a great networker. I tried the folio review processes at San Diego, and couldn't even get my name on a sheet, let alone any face time. You getta get up and in line very damn early to sign up for those folio reviews! Yikes. Had I only known... And man! Some of those folios kicked mine out of the park! My strength is my writing, not my art. I felt completely overwhelmed and out of my depth.

Time went by though, and I watched Zuda eagerly from day one, and once I had a product that I completely believed in, Zuda was the easiest way to get it out there. There's no connections, no shmoozing, no unrequited emails. It's out there, and it can go to DC, or you can go it alone, but if it's good, it will go. And it will gain momentum. You're actually doing it, instead of still sitting on it, chewing nails, pulling hair, etc.

If the rights issues are a problem for you, don't give them your best idea. Give them something great, of course, but save that coveted unique idea if you must and use it after you get a name for yourself on Zuda, and have new contacts, and news on you. This didn't work for me, however. What started as a funny little story about a 10 year old ghost of a girl wanting her body back from the monster hunter who wakes up in it, turned into an entire world of ideas, and I find myself really loving what I'm doing, and a great big tree of ideas. But this doesn't worry me, because I could still be in obscure-land, instead of being paid to tell my very own stories! (Exciting!) ... I don't even have a side job any more. Zuda is my job. And that is so much better than soulless advertising storyboards that gave me a nervous breakdown.

(Oh, and I wish they would give readers the option of flash or plain jpg. I love the zuda reader myself, but I do see the value in not alienating over half your potential audience.)

Sorry that was so long. Phew.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-20T23:33:46-07:00

Okay.

I've changed my mind. Zuda, I take back all the nasty things I said about you.

At David's behest, I went back and reacquainted myself with the Zuda contract. Specifically, the amount of money they pay you if you win the contest.

So, never mind. There's a difference between "giving up rights" and "someone buying the rights," and as far as I'm concerned, $13,000 for 52 screens, plus royalties on print editions, merch and translated editions... that's "someone buying the rights." So, forget I said anything. I vastly misremembered the amount of money they pay if you win.

Zuda is clearly not a good option for *every* comics project. But, having looked at the contract again, I could definitely see myself doing something for it.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-22T17:58:34-07:00

Just out of curiosity, how many comics from Zuda have made it into print? I know they reserve the right to print the work, but is this something that happens every couple of months or something they've only done a couple of times? I'd be interested to see some of these in printed form.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-22T22:27:06-07:00

My piddly two cents...

While I don't know much about the vast myriad of titles Zuda puts out, it's very nice to see the Timony brothers (of Night Owls) find a place where they can shine. I don't remember anything in that vein since... Stanley and His Monster? I can't imagine that most mainstream comic publishers that would find a place for that sort of humor and delivery, in this age of indie-auto-bio versus superhero-with-movie-tie-in.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T04:48:16-07:00

I really like the idea of Zuda, but...

The interface frustrates me. It's not that it's slow (It's not)...it's just..uh ...clunky? I think zooming in / back out really ruins the webcomics experience (at least for me).I mean, I've dug a couple Zuda comics, but it seemed like a laboring process for me to read them.

I will say this though, compared to the Marvel comic viewer thing, Zuda eats it alive.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T05:57:22-07:00

@tcatsninfan- I think the first ones just got to print. High Moon and some other one I beleive

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T08:29:05-07:00

Bayou also made it to the print stage, and its very nice looking.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T11:07:35-07:00

Great discussion going on here. I'm both a current and former Zuda contestant and recently wrote a full piece over at Comic Related on my trials and tribs with submitting to Zuda. Lessons learned, tips and suggestions, etc. You can read it here

I think readers who are so put off by things like the viewer are doing themselves a disservice by missing out on some very cool comics. And while yes, the flash player can be clunky, is there really a better comic viewing experience than full-screen Zuda pages? No annoying banner ads, no scrolling, just pure comic goodness. Seriously, pop up the Zuda comic Azure, put it on full-screen, and tell me you aren't scared sh*tless when that shark shows up. (Maybe that's just me. Deathly afraid of sharks.)

I think Zuda is a win win for everybody. For fans, each month it's like being a studio exec reviewing 10 pilots and having your input on which one gets greenlit.

For creators, it's a chance to get a heavy dose of exposure and get a sense of what it's really like to have the limelight shine on your work. You can only get so far with comics with a readership of your friends and family. Taking your stuff to the next level means putting it out there and dealing with both praise and criticism (which will come) and really seeing just how marketable your property is. Regardless of what happens, I know my story Interrogation Control Element will be a better tale thanks to going through the Zuda crucible.

Oh, and that check from DC Comics...pretty nice, too.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T11:36:48-07:00

@tyler_james @DavidGallaher @AnyoneInTheKnow

How does Zuda classify "mature" material? They mention in their FAQ that they'll accept mature content but they don't properly define it. Is their definition of mature based on the nonsensible MPAA definition of mature? For example, you can say "fuck" in a movie one time and still get a PG-13 rating, but if you say it twice you automatically get an R regardless of the context or what the rest of the movie deals with. Additionally, you can only show a certain number of thrusts (I think it's 8) to even keep an R rating.

The comic I'm working on now mentions the word "ass" once and also the phrase "doing it in the pooper". I'd like to keep that stuff in there, because contextually I think it works really well, but I might reconsider if Zuda tells me that they would give it a mature rating if I left it in. I'd love to keep it in, but the truth is that I know some people won't read it if they have to bother with logging in first. Some people don't log in a lot of the time when they're browsing sites. So, yeah, it sucks but I wouldn't want someone to pass over my comic just because it has the word "ass" in it or something.

For what it's worth, I used the contact form on the Zuda site to ask them this very question about a week ago and never got a response. Go figure. I suppose I should contact Perazza and co. on Twitter or something, but I thought I'd post it here first while I was thinking about it.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T12:05:34-07:00

Additionally, you can only show a certain number of thrusts (I think it's 8) to even keep an R rating.

i have never heard this, and find it totally hilariously great.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T12:30:15-07:00

Alright, I'm sold. I posted on the forums saying that I'm looking for an artist. Hopefully something comes of it.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T12:32:35-07:00

i have never heard this, and find it totally hilariously great.

There's a documentary--I think only available through Netflix--called This Film Is Not Yet Rated that mentions all these different rules the MPAA has for its ratings. A truly awesome documentary. The most fucked up part of the whole situation isn't the rules themselves, it's the huge grey area where they don't have rules set up and everything is so subjective.

In recent years there's been a bigger and bigger push to give movies an R rating if there's any smoking involved. I'd say this is fucked up but it's just the pendulum swinging back in the other direction...decades ago, tobacco companies paid actors thousands upon thousands of dollars to smoke in movies. We're talking $10,000 for a movie that was made back in the 1950's.

What really irks me about American cinema is that violence is so acceptable whereas any sexual stuff is considered taboo. It's more natural to have sex than it is to stuff a grenade down someone's pants and show the gore on film. Goddamn bloodthirsty puritans.

I apologize for hijacking the thread, we can continue talking about Zuda of course :)

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-23T12:33:07-07:00

Good luck Robin!

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-25T22:52:51-07:00

OK, so I've been looking for an artist for my Zuda submission on various forums (Zuda, Digital Webbing, Shadowline Comics), and I've noticed a trend. This is a generalization and is certainly not true in every case, but more often than not it seems like writers don't expect to get paid whereas artists do. Does this sound accurate to anyone else?

I assumed that I'd be able to find an artist, someone who would work for free for the submission (which is what I'm doing) in exchange for adding work to their portfolio and the distinct possibility of gaining exposure. Assuming we got one of the ten spots for a month we'd split the money 50/50, and if we actually won we would split that money too.

As it is, though, I haven't gotten any emails or replies to my forum postings--I assume because I'm not offering money, just the chance of money--and the artists I've contacted have wanted money up front to work on the submission. To make matters worse, the amount of money they want is more than the $500 you get for getting in the top ten for the month, so not only would I not get any money off the deal, I would actually go in the hole, whereas the artist would walk away with hundreds of dollars.

So, is this true more often than not or am I imagining it?

Note: I don't have an issue with not getting paid; I'd gladly work for free in exchange for some exposure. My issue is that I'd have to go in debt on a collaborative assignment where the other party gets paid.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-26T07:41:28-07:00

I think for an artist to work on something for free, they have to really love your concept, script, etc. but it's probably the better way to go, waiting to find someone like that.

I'd say it's better to hold out for a partner in crime, rather than an untested, contracted hitman that may or may not have the steely resolve to deliver when it counts.

It is strange that writing and drawing are so stilted like that, because without the writing, comics is just pictures. As someone who handles both sides of the equation, putting aside research hours, and the gestation period of my ideas, when it comes to sitting down and writing my full 60 page Zuda script, it takes two weeks. A lot of other writers could probably do it in one, I'm sure. Then to draw it, takes three months. It's not hard to see the crazy time imbalance going on there, and why an artist might expect money for their longer engagement.

I'm not saying writing is easier, or less important, just looking at the numbers. To put it this way, a writer might send out a new 8 page script for a Zuda idea every day of the week, but an artist can only draw one script, or half a one in that same week, and that's at the sacrifice of a whole week of other, paying work, so they've got to be way more careful about their time management.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-26T09:18:18-07:00

@Tcatsninfan - It's a lot of time to spend on something as an artist without a guarantee of getting anything from it. Right now, I can only do 3 pages a week myself, so to do a Zuda entry would take me 3 weeks, and that's if the writer likes everything I've done. I've found Zuda to intimidating to try myself, heh.

That being said, I might be interested in trying it out with you tcats.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-26T11:14:00-07:00

@Ferburton

Email me at tcatsninfan@gmail.com with links to your work and we can go from there. Thanks!

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-28T07:15:41-07:00

How does Zuda classify "mature" material? They mention in their FAQ that they'll accept mature content but they don't properly define it. Is their definition of mature based on the nonsensible MPAA definition of mature? For example, you can say "fuck" in a movie one time and still get a PG-13 rating.

That's more of a question for Zuda editorial.

For what it's worth, I used the contact form on the Zuda site to ask them this very question about a week ago and never got a response.

The week before and after ComicCon keeps the Zuda-torial staff occupied. Twitter, of course, also works.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-07-28T07:17:08-07:00

While I don't know much about the vast myriad of titles Zuda puts out, it's very nice to see the Timony brothers (of Night Owls) find a place where they can shine. I don't remember anything in that vein since... Stanley and His Monster? I can't imagine that most mainstream comic publishers that would find a place for that sort of humor and delivery, in this age of indie-auto-bio versus superhero-with-movie-tie-in.

I absolutely agree 1000%!

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-08-02T14:34:39-07:00

Do they accept submissions from outside the US? I noticed that you had to submit a IRS form in order to get paid

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-08-02T19:32:30-07:00

They certainly do, Richard! I'm in Canada, and there's others scattered around Europe, Australia, etc. If you're outside the States, they just skip that bit, and any tax taken is between you and your government. I recommend a Swiss bank account. ;)

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-08-04T12:29:59-07:00

Thanks for all the useful info. I'll definitely think more seriously about getting a Zuda pitch together.

Also, if it weren't for this thread, I wouldn't have checked out Bayou. Devastatingly beautiful.

Thanks, folks.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-08-04T16:43:44-07:00

Update:

Been reading more Zuda. The comicviewer feels less "clunky" now. Maybe it's repeated use?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-08-05T13:40:54-07:00

I kind of wish they had some superstars on it too. Like a seperate zuda for guys like tommy lee edwards or something to post their own work. Cris Sanders already has a comic that seems to fit the zuda format

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-08-05T14:10:55-07:00

To me, Pete Timony will always be a superstar..... ha ha haaaaaah.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-17T15:45:46-07:00

i like my competetions without superstars. the fish could never compete, given the popularity contest it is.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-18T08:26:59-07:00

I don't mean they should compete in the contest but there are a lot of artists out there who do their own side comics and it'd be good to try to bring some in to one place. Superstars was probably a bad word to use heh

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-19T04:12:42-07:00

I'm in Zuda right now with my sci-fi entry GOLDILOCK. It's one of the most demanding things i've ever been through! Marketing this thing is killing me

If you want to stand a chance you have to do a lot of work to get the word out. It's insane
-adam

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-19T12:28:29-07:00

true I also wouldn't mind zuda itself marketing a bit more. Not specific comics but the brand as a whole

@aglucas- good stuff I think it was chamba who did a journal entry about you on Da a week or so ago

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-20T09:14:36-07:00

I'd have to say Zuda's a good thing. The opportunity for increased exposure if you make it to the competition stage is a positive, especially for new or unknown creators. I understand that if you don't win you get to keep the rights to your work. All you'd have to do is take your work to another site and let your audience know where they can find you. And if you win the financial incentive to continue your work is good.

Sounds like a win win to me.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-22T02:35:16-07:00

Well, I think Zuda is a great way to get exposure, with the possibility of getting your story out there, and there's money involved which is a big plus. I mean, it can only encourage people to do better work, and once you get that cheque, I'm sure that can only make it all worthwhile.

I guess I'd better get my marketing started now... just got the script after handing over an over-elaborate rough outline to the writer, Dan Hill (fellow FutureQuaker). The title (for now) is Chiselton. I can't say too much right now, but it's a Steampunk/ Alternate Earth setting, involving Nzambis, Zardoz-era Sean Connery and a cast of hundreds... hundreds of terrified, pale, sweaty, white tasty spam-people trapped in the ultimate cabin. And only Chiselton can save 'em... Chiselton and his army of... well, you'll have to vote me for TEH WINS to find out.

Whodafug is Dan Hill? From his MySpace page: "I currently have a short webcomic on the website Agitainment Comics, entitled 'Iron Harvest', a collaboration with artist Rick Ross (Image's 'Urban Monsters'.) I also occasionally write comic reviews for the Comics Bulletin."

In fact, combined with that, my entry for 50 Girls 50, an OGN - Lucky Town, with Anthony Venutolo and a yet to be disclosed comics-related project with San Francisco musical genius Mark Growden that I'm doing in trade for singing workshops (possibly more, very exciting and non-comics related news on that in the future...), plus possibly another OGN that is so hush hush I can't even name the writer or publisher, I'm a busy bunny... oh yeah... plus possiblymaybe Eric Palicki's Neverland with another publisher (fingers crossed)...

Follow my ~~exploits~~ ~~road to nervous breakdown~~ adventures over at Panel & Pixel. I think I qualify for nurses and whisky, right? Okay, then just nurses.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-23T18:28:13-07:00

couple of quick questions;

1.) anyone have the measurement handy for how you'd crop down an 11x17 page for this?

2.) if you win you update a page a week for a year, or 8 pages a month for a year?

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-23T20:20:47-07:00

Slice it in half.

They work out the schedule with you.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-09-23T21:33:38-07:00

Hey peoples....right now I'm in 1st place with my sci-fi comic Goldilock.

Barely in 1st place and I need all the help I can get. I'd love for the whitechapel heads to come by and say whats up and help out with a Vote. Fighting the fight of my life here...

Gotta say this is insanely stressful...The competition has already accused me of cheating and have written some pretty harsh stuff about me....i need help!

thanks everyone
adam

Here's Daniel Haze from Goldilock....boy genius...great man...RIP

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-10-07T11:57:41-07:00

Here's a look at Zuda from a newbie...my comic (Doc Monster) has been competing for about 3 days now!)

So far, I've been amazed at how people will rally when you put out the call that you're in a huge competition like this. I've had supportive emails, votes, fan art, and people just popping up out of nowhere to say great things....and some bad...about the comic.

As mentioned in the above post, there were lots of nasty accusations being thrown around last month, and though this month's competition has just started, I'm grateful that the feeling has been completely different. Writer Tony Lee set the stage with an email on the Zuda forums about his intent to run a positive contest...even pledging to vote for a competitor's comic....and there's just been lots of very enthusiastic cross-posting between competitors.

Yes, the marketing is stressful, but it's been fantastic so far. I think you just have to let go of the results, do what you can, and hope you've made a comic people will enjoy.

I hope that helps paint an accurate picture for people hoping to join the competition!

I'm Dave Flora, and my comic is DOC MONSTER

Dave Flora

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-10-07T13:17:45-07:00

All I know is, ABSOLUTE MAGNITUDE is awesome and going to be even awesomer when it's finished; I'm so glad they won in August. Did you know their letterer is quadriplegic? I know, right? They're just TOO amazing.

Anyway, there are quite a few good series on there. I'll recommend The Bayou and The Hammer, which are up in full at this point. A lot of schlock on there, but if you go through them, there really is something for everyone. ABSOLUTE MAGNITUDE though. Seriously. If you like Warren's sci-fi type stuff, this is a similar story, while the plot ups and downs are more like Brian K Vaughn, and the dialogue is... phantasmagorical.

The publishers are pretty good to the creators, too. I take pride in supporting them. I mean... it's not Avatar Press, but they do alright.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-10-07T14:04:42-07:00

I never really like the winning ones and am sad that ones I find really great crash and burn so terribly in the voting standings... Also, there are usually a lot of really terribly funny spelling and grammar mistakes in a lot of the strips (this month, Santa Claus was described as wearing a "red suite"...). Besides the large amount of unbearable comics, I do like only having to read 8 pages of something, like a sampler...)

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-11-08T16:39:45-08:00

I much preferred reading Bayou as a physical object. When it comes to webcomic communities based on a single server I think Act-I-Vate is doing the best job.

What do you think of Zuda Comics?

2009-11-08T20:24:24-08:00

I'll second that.