Great set-up— wonderfully written— but really just Part 1. Now I want to hear what you think once you actually READ those comics. (And, as I see you already acknowledge in other replies, the problem with these FLASH books isn't just the art. And I say that knowing full well no one sets out to make a bad comic at Marvel or DC. But when you have to put something new out there every four weeks…)
One of the things I've struggled with as I grow older is the need to RE-INVENT myself. Mostly I feel I'm scrambling to keep up. Only once— when I decided I wanted to write instead of only ink— only then was I ahead of the curve. That was a moment when I was re-inventing myself BEFORE people had made up their minds who I was and what I could do. But for most of my career I have found a place I like and stayed there. Until it became a rut. And then became hard to get out of.
As I get older and clearly see I have fewer days ahead of me than I have behind me, there's a deep and growing need to step away from working with others and produce some work on my own that IS my own. And thank God for crowdfunding, or I'd never be able to consider that as a remote possibility. Infantino certainly didn't have that option at my age (currently 66[!!])…
I feel you about reinventing yourself. Most of my ideas are iterations or updates of previous ideas. We tend to revisit what itches at our heads and tickles our hearts.
Ultimately we're talking about time. How much time does it take to make a comic book versus how much time you WANT TO SPEND making it. As stated, I was never a monthly comic book artist and I probably never could have been. Now? Never. But YOU walked that walk, Karl, and I've always been super impressed by your writing and drawing (inking/etc.) and admire your ability to perform professionally. But, like you advise, it takes its toll. And good comic books take time.
You probably know already, but didn't mention, but one reason why Infantino was doing the Flash at that late date was because he was the guy who, with John Broome & Gardner Fox, did the Silver Age revival of the Flash comic. I'm sure someone thought it would be of interest to have him back on the book, reliving past glories... but as with so many artists (I'd add Heck, Aparo, the Buscemas, and Ditko to those you mention) they lose a certain facility as they age, at least as I perceive it.
Yeah -- I figured Infantino's hey day run on The Flash was part of the reasoning behind his return.
I'm currently penciling a panel that is taking me three times as long to draw and not nearly as good as when I could just crank it out like I would years ago. At least, that's how it feels. Which is a major reason I wrote this piece about creators twilight art. I think I'm in my own senior transition.
I am a couple of years younger than you Dean and I recognize that the monthly grind on a book can be tough, but I don’t think anyone could convince me to like that era of Flash stories by Carmine. Curious to hear about what you learn.
Haha. I'm trying to get through The Flash #334 and it's a drag. I can't wholly blame the art but there are some pacing issues. It's boring. And, worse, I don't care about the characters. Again, not trying to slag the work. Maybe it's just not my thing. I appreciate anyone, any team who can put together a comic book in a short amount of time. And this team enjoyed a healthy tenure. But I've started to wonder why serialized comic books need to come out every month. Why so fast? I'm sure seasoned publishers and retailers (and voracious readers) know why. It's most likely a business concern; financing/optics/etc. When I was a kid I wanted new issues of my favorite comic books to come out every day. Nowadays, not so much. I'm willing to wait for a story arc. But I do love picking up a random comic book in the middle of a story. A good one sparks the imagination.
Great set-up— wonderfully written— but really just Part 1. Now I want to hear what you think once you actually READ those comics. (And, as I see you already acknowledge in other replies, the problem with these FLASH books isn't just the art. And I say that knowing full well no one sets out to make a bad comic at Marvel or DC. But when you have to put something new out there every four weeks…)
One of the things I've struggled with as I grow older is the need to RE-INVENT myself. Mostly I feel I'm scrambling to keep up. Only once— when I decided I wanted to write instead of only ink— only then was I ahead of the curve. That was a moment when I was re-inventing myself BEFORE people had made up their minds who I was and what I could do. But for most of my career I have found a place I like and stayed there. Until it became a rut. And then became hard to get out of.
As I get older and clearly see I have fewer days ahead of me than I have behind me, there's a deep and growing need to step away from working with others and produce some work on my own that IS my own. And thank God for crowdfunding, or I'd never be able to consider that as a remote possibility. Infantino certainly didn't have that option at my age (currently 66[!!])…
You make 66 look good, Karl!
I feel you about reinventing yourself. Most of my ideas are iterations or updates of previous ideas. We tend to revisit what itches at our heads and tickles our hearts.
Ultimately we're talking about time. How much time does it take to make a comic book versus how much time you WANT TO SPEND making it. As stated, I was never a monthly comic book artist and I probably never could have been. Now? Never. But YOU walked that walk, Karl, and I've always been super impressed by your writing and drawing (inking/etc.) and admire your ability to perform professionally. But, like you advise, it takes its toll. And good comic books take time.
We'll talk.
Please.
If it’s not fun don’t do it is a good sentiment, along with reminding ourselves we GET to do this - how lucky are we?! ❤️
You probably know already, but didn't mention, but one reason why Infantino was doing the Flash at that late date was because he was the guy who, with John Broome & Gardner Fox, did the Silver Age revival of the Flash comic. I'm sure someone thought it would be of interest to have him back on the book, reliving past glories... but as with so many artists (I'd add Heck, Aparo, the Buscemas, and Ditko to those you mention) they lose a certain facility as they age, at least as I perceive it.
Yeah -- I figured Infantino's hey day run on The Flash was part of the reasoning behind his return.
I'm currently penciling a panel that is taking me three times as long to draw and not nearly as good as when I could just crank it out like I would years ago. At least, that's how it feels. Which is a major reason I wrote this piece about creators twilight art. I think I'm in my own senior transition.
Well, here's hoping you have many more to go in that transition!
I am a couple of years younger than you Dean and I recognize that the monthly grind on a book can be tough, but I don’t think anyone could convince me to like that era of Flash stories by Carmine. Curious to hear about what you learn.
Haha. I'm trying to get through The Flash #334 and it's a drag. I can't wholly blame the art but there are some pacing issues. It's boring. And, worse, I don't care about the characters. Again, not trying to slag the work. Maybe it's just not my thing. I appreciate anyone, any team who can put together a comic book in a short amount of time. And this team enjoyed a healthy tenure. But I've started to wonder why serialized comic books need to come out every month. Why so fast? I'm sure seasoned publishers and retailers (and voracious readers) know why. It's most likely a business concern; financing/optics/etc. When I was a kid I wanted new issues of my favorite comic books to come out every day. Nowadays, not so much. I'm willing to wait for a story arc. But I do love picking up a random comic book in the middle of a story. A good one sparks the imagination.