Is Comics International dead?

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Lew Stringer
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Re: Is Comics International dead?

Post by Lew Stringer »

chrissmillie wrote:Yeah, fine of course.

I've actually got a couple of professionals willing to help but, as I did it so soon, I didn't have time to really get them involved - and no involvement at the design stage. It's a trial issue, so I just want to see really, is a CI-style publication still viable? pdf or print? If not, what would make it so, if anything?

Thanks Lew.
I'd prefer a print version myself, just because it's more comfortable to read than using a desktop/laptop/iPod. No doubt younger readers will prefer pdf, but in a year or two's time when the world discovers that excessive reading online causes eye damage we might see a return to preference for print media. Just my guess of course. Not that I'm from the future or anything.
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Digifiend
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Re: Is Comics International dead?

Post by Digifiend »

Of course, you can always print out a PDF anyway, just like any other document. :)

Lew Stringer
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Re: Is Comics International dead?

Post by Lew Stringer »

Digifiend wrote:Of course, you can always print out a PDF anyway, just like any other document. :)
And all 50 pages would probably use up the ink cartridges. Good as it is I'm not paying £40 for a copy. :lol:
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STARBOY
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Re: Is Comics International dead?

Post by STARBOY »

A really wonderful piece of work Chris, well done. I loved it, it's exactly the sort of thing I personaly am looking for . I really liked the "This day in Comics" feature an excellent idea and a def hook to buy future issues for readers, especially for old comic fans like me. I liked the listing idea, it may be obvious to some but it's essential stuff (maybe break it up a bit in your newstand issue to read better and show some covers etc ie titles in bold maybe the company logos where applicable which I know you probably would do). The news articles were really nice and snappy and for a mock up were full of great news and information items (a sad one about a favourite of mine, Gene Colan though). I would agree with Lew over a stronger logo (even though it looked good) and possibly dare I say a more "comic" related fanzine type title (althugh I know this title fits in with your family of mags etc). Other items for possible consideratipn are a comics for sale page (obviously you will have to get readers first & this could also generate advertisng etc) similarly a comics related events page and maybe links / articles on comic related sites? Overall I think your work and design on this is really amazing and £2 for 40 plus pages seem very good value to me (although I would prefer A4 or US comic size but I think A5 size is probably the best way to start out) ........oh I'd prefer a print version to buy from the shops (simpy 'cause Im an old git and thats what I like to do lol ) but would print it off the PC if need be.

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starscape
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Re: Is Comics International dead?

Post by starscape »

Just thought I'd share this tip if you're missing a comic news mag (although personally I get them via Thunderbird). Simply go to tabbloid.com (run by Hewlett Packard) and sign up your favourite feeds. You'll then get an email every day of a pdf with all the latest news. Here's a sample from the 11th of July 2011 http://www.tabbloid.com/share/67540/f7f ... 215adc4096.

Some feeds are listed on the Starscape website (under Webscape) but usually you can look for an RSS sign like this Image if you find a page you like

I've tried listing the feeds here but the forum cuts the http's in two with dots. Anyway, the Starscape website has feeds for British comic news and reminiscences, as well as the US stuff.
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Shaqui
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Re: Is Comics International dead?

Post by Shaqui »

I don't know what sales of Comics International were like prior to its demise as I was only involved afterwards as a freelance but I don't think it was doing badly until publishers changed. Were the features that disliked? If so, was there any feedback to indicate this from readers?

Mike gave me a tight schedule of deadlines & intended publication dates, which I stuck to as best (the first was delivered in about two weeks) until it was obvious the last couple I was assigned were never going to see print. I know he was ill for a period but with Barry Renshaw overseeing the actual production I don't think this was the major issue as Barry was on the ball as well, as far as I was aware. I think both Mike & Barry were let down by the fact they would prepare an issue then for whatever reason it was unable to go to print, which wasn't either of their faults. This happened a few times to the point where CI was coming out only twice a year, and the news side undoubtedly suffered, as did advertising. I know as editor, Mike got a lot of flak which I don't think was duly deserved - he was simply the main and visible name at the top of the credits.

That's my tuppenny's worth...

:oops:

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