I wanted to check in with my fellow comic creators because, lately, I’ve seen a lot that’s deeply concerning. Copyright disputes, convention drama, unfair pay rates, creators stealing from nonprofits, unfulfilled Kickstarters, sexual assault allegations—so many issues that cast a shadow over our industry.
It’s a chaotic time. On top of all this, there’s the uncertainty surrounding small publishers. Even though we have a deal with Diamond, we don’t know how it will ultimately play out.
I want to remind everyone: we’re all weathering this storm together. When one creator is affected, it impacts the rest of us—even if it’s not immediately obvious. The comics industry is small and deeply interconnected. A store closing in Nebraska can ripple just as much as a creator disappearing with thousands from a Kickstarter. Every hit chips away at an industry that, in some ways, has never been bigger, yet feels smaller and more fragile as things change.
I see the fear growing—Kickstarter returns shrinking, tariffs cutting into profits, and the dream of doing this full-time feeling more uncertain. The weight of it all is overwhelming, and I get why people are stressed. I also get that it’s human nature to take sides, especially when right and wrong are on the line. And when things need to be called out, I won’t hesitate to do so.
But I have to ask—can we find better ways to protect ourselves? Can we rise above the small battles to focus on the bigger fights?
Because I worry. I worry that aspiring creators who look at our community don’t see a vibrant, supportive space—but a battlefield of betrayals and grudges. And if that’s the case, what does it mean for the future of comics? How can we rise above and be the superhero we see on the page.
I just love this industry so much and my heart breaks seeing some of the chaos around and i wanted to encourage us to be better and be stronger.
So, as i started this i asked a question. Are you ok? Are we ok?? Can we be strong for each other.
Im here to talk
Travis
Last year was a health disaster for me starting in November 2023 until January this year.
My sisters house burned in the Los Angeles fires, losing virtually everything.
I have lost the desire and energy to write..Far from OK, and now my wife of 50 years is in the hospital with serious issues.. Sucks to be me..
I wasn’t doing go for a bit and I’m now back in action. Appreciate this post a ton. Things like this do make a difference. Keep up the good work!