The Finder series is about a post-apocalyptic world in which individual clans (much like mega-corporations) strive for power. Check out an this interview to get a better idea of her world. Her work has been quoted as “aborginal science fiction”, meaning that rather than focus on the science or fantasy of her world, McNeil writes about social issues. Her characters are framed within social issues such as social conformity, gender roles, power, and social mobility.
McNeil’s characters are identifiable people, with strengths and failings trying to survive in an environment of social Darwinism. Her artwork is clean and her writing is excellent and straightforward. I definately suggest Voice, especially if you want more than superheroes and women in tightly-clad bodysuits. McNeil has taken science-fiction and grounded it in the human condition.
Artist/creator, Carla Speed McNeil demonstrates how graphic novels are legitimate pieces of literature. For many people, however, graphic novels are nothing more than comic books. Yet, there are graphic novels that transcend the medium. For example, Frank Miller’s, The Watchmen, is considered to be in the top 100 novels of the modern century.
Carla Speed McNeil had been producing web comics for over 10 years. In the early 2000s, she started producing her work for the web. Recently, Dark Horse Comics has compiled her series into the first of a 4 book omnibus that is on sale now. In March, Ms. McNeil released her most recent work entitled Voice. Voice follows one of three daughters, Rachel Grosvenor, who is trying to fit into an image-obsessed clan so that she can make a better life her and her sisters.
If you have never tried a graphic novel, McNeil’s Voice may be a good start. If you think graphic novels are just for kids–time to grow up.
In an article by a self-proclaimed geek and lifelong comic collector, the author talks about how with digital distribution (iPads, smartphones, PCs and Kindle type readers) the comic industry and collectors are facing some difficult challenges. This is especially so with the advent of the iPad, and companies like Comixology that offer digital versions of comics, sometimes cheaper than if you were to buy the paper comic. I say sometimes cheaper because Comixology, in cooperation with big comic publishers like Marvel and DC Comics, are keeping the digital comics pretty much on par with the paper comics price wise so as to not run the direct-market (aka Comic Book Stores) out of business.
Some of the issues that comic publishers are facing:
- The latest generation (under 25 years old) are not familiar with comics as a mainstream media, as opposed to previous generations where you started reading comics as kids.
- The direct-market stores are pretty rare. According to Diamond Distributors, the only distributor of comics to retailers, there are only about 2,000 stores across the country. So if you are living in a rural area yo may never have ever had access to comics.
- The latest generation is more comfortable reading using computers and iPad like devices so there is no loyalty to the printed medium.
- Recent comics are more expensive making casual purchases or the collection of a series more difficult mainly due to them being printed on high quality papers and using modern inking methods. The flip side is that modern comics are works of art in and of themselves.
- Technology and distribution channels are moving faster than the industry in general. The ability, let alone the availability of digital readers like the Kindle is not that old, and it seems every year the technology gets better, easier to use and cheaper. This makes it difficult for companies to keep up, let alone to predict effective marketing strategies.
It will be interesting to see how the comic industry will adjust to the digital age. In the last year, companies have been working with retailers to provide affiliate programs and incentives to carry digital rights to comics in their stores so customers can come in and choose to buy a digital version, a printed version or both. At Comic Con 2010, in San Diego, several meetings were held between retailers and DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and other companies to figure out how comics will be folded into the digital age.
However, the one thing that will not change, and that is the comic industry still has loyal fans who don’t just want to order digital comics. They want to go to the store and talk with others who share the same passions. Collecting is ritualistic, and there is something unique about handling the physical comic book that I don’t think will go away.
