COMICS PORTAL: Bring On Berger Books!

One of the big news stories this past week had to do with Karen Berger getting a new imprint called Berger Books as part of Dark Horse Comics!

She’s been such an important developer of talent in the industry that it’s good to see her returning to the industry in a function she does so well.

I have to say, though, with the advent of her imprint and many other new companies coming alive to make new comics, someone someplace has to be making money!

FIRST, MORE ABOUT BERGER BOOKS

Over the years, Vertigo, which Karen founded and led for over two decades, has been one of the biggest resources when it comes to groundbreaking, mature comics.

She’s helped bring to life comics including Sandman, V for Vendetta, Preacher, Swamp Thing, Fables, Hellblazer, Y: The Last Man, and 100 Bullets. Among the talent she’s brought to the forefront has been one of my all-time favorite comics writers, Scott Snyder!

Honestly, I could go on and on about her influence in the industry, but the fact that she’s going to be back at the helm of an imprint that will likely continue her ability to send shockwaves through the industry is very encouraging.

I felt truly sad when she parted ways with DC. I won’t begin to say I know all of what happened then, but I always think that the best talent, and that includes editors and leaders, will somehow find a way to rise to the top and continue to make a difference. I mean, I’ve been enjoying the Surgeon X comic coming out from Image that she’s involved with!

I’m happy to say that I’m truly looking forward to Berger Books. I can’t wait to see what she’ll help bring to the local shops!

IS SOMEONE ACTUALLY MAKING MONEY?

I did have to say that, when I read the aforementioned announcement, I was reminded of how so many people keep saying that you “can’t make money working in comics.”

Then I remember all the various companies that have come into being over the last several decades. Image was probably the biggest launch I remember, but in the last year or two, I’ve seen AfterShock Comics begin, and they make excellent product, as well as others who continue to entertain and engross me.

Granted, we all hope people get into creating comics for the altruistic purpose of telling great stories. But in order to do that, you have to get your bills paid, at the very least.

I’m reminded of a friend who told me that fans should just pay money to creators so they could use that to make their comics, TV shows or movies. He was specifically thinking about Joss Whedon, who he wanted to bring Firefly back to the small screen.

I don’t know if he realized he was predicting the debut of crowdfunding or not. Kickstarter and all those other great fundraising websites have helped stories us get to read stories we might never have encountered, and I’m grateful for that.

In centuries gone by, musicians and storytellers of all kinds depended on kings and other layers of royalty to fund their efforts. Does that mean that those of us who have made Kickstarter such an important part of comics are actually royals, at least as far as these creators are concerned?

Still, I have to think that someone is making money in the industry. It may not be a LOT, but it must be enough to encourage others to jump in the deep end of the pool.

SOME PEOPLE JUST HAVE THAT KNACK

It just seems that some leaders have that ability to pick out the most talented among us and bring them to our attention.

I’ve read about several music producers who, just by listening to a song, KNOW that it’s going to be a hit with the public. One such person told Judy Collins to release “Send in the Clowns” after he heard it. A lot of us are really glad he did!

Karen also seems to be able to tell who’s going to make good things happen – new and creative stories we’re going to be desperate to read.

I’m the kind of person who can wish for the best for both sides of the coin, so I’m also happy that DC continues to thrive and grow even though I was very uncertain about their future when DCYou hit the stands. Yikes! Hopefully, they’ll learn from whatever happened with Karen and not let this kind of thing happen again. At least, I certainly hope so!

I’m also a big believer in the expression that “the rising tide lifts all boats.” I bet some of the creators Karen discovers in the next few years will keep the industry expanding and appealing to more and more not only fans, but the potential fans so badly needed.

So I say, bring on Berger Books! I don’t think we have nearly enough new talent and storytelling in the comics industry! Seeing her back at the helm of a comics imprint makes me very happy!

What do you think? What do you expect to come from Berger Books? Please be sure to share your opinions in the space below!

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