One part traditional editor plus one part television producer plus one part art director equals one of the most enigmatic positions in publishing. For the longest time, the role of the comic book editor has been shrouded in mystery. Who are these invisible people, guiding writers and artists who are creating twenty-two page periodicals that inspire the highest-grossing films of all time? Well, thanks to the efforts of a brave few who are working to demystify the profession, learning the secret of comic book publishing has never been easier. These five resources are among the best for learning the industry for the aspiring comic book publisher.
Filth and Grammar by Shelly Bond
Our first selection is a manual entitled Filth and Grammar: The Comic Book Editor’s (Secret) Handbook by Shelly Bond. Bond’s twenty-two year tenure at Vertigo has inspired a career aimed towards the cultivation of aspiring comic book editors. Bond worked on titles such as The Sandman, Fables, The Invisibles, and many more. Filth and Grammar is a step-by-step guide through each milestone in comic book publishing, from evaluating pitches, to roughs, pencils, inks, colored pages, and then the final product. Available now from Off Register Press.
Tom Brevoort’s Substack (Man with a Hat)
Drawing on nearly four decades of editorial experience with Marvel Comics, Tom Brevoort knows where the bodies are buried. With a wealth of knowledge at his disposal, Brevoort has started a Substack newsletter dedicated to his time in the industry, rife with interviews, reviews, and news. With articles like “Five Comics That Almost Got Me Fired,” you will get an unfiltered view of what it means to be a comic book editor for one of the biggest companies in the industry. Brevoort also has a YouTube channel and website where he posts about his career as well. Subscribe to his free newsletter.
Words for Pictures by Brian Michael Bendis
Industry juggernaut Brian Michael Bendis exploded onto the scene with Ultimate Spider-Man #1 in 2000. Known as one of the defining comic writers of a generation, Bendis turned his sights to illuminating comic book writing in Words for Pictures: The Art and Business of Writing Comics and Graphic Novels. This book is an essential resource, guiding aspiring writers by showing script examples—emphasizing things like the nuances of art direction. Many chapters focus on how to work productively with your many collaborators. Words for Pictures provides the tips and tricks learned through blood, sweat, and tears by a true industry heavyweight.
Comic Book Editors Alliance
The Comic Book Editors Alliance is a Facebook group founded in 2018 by freelance comic book editor Steve Colle. In his own words, “No other editor or creator groups . . . place such specific attention on the needs of comic book editors and comic editing as a profession of choice.” Colle has established a community dedicated to giving comic book editors a place to learn and provide resources for each other. Colle regularly posts case studies to the group to test your skills. The community is quite active with case studies and discussions, with more being posted every single day. This group has been cultivated for comic book publishers of all skill levels to come and develop their editorial techniques. You can join this group here.
Comic Con PanelsComic Cons offer a variety of panels that are open to ticket holders or are available online. These conventions are usually known to be publicity events for comic book publishing companies; however, many industry professionals use these gatherings as ways to network and talk shop. Portland’s own Rose City Comic Con has cultivated a community of creators that seek to bring more people into the fold. Comic book writer Zack Davisson (Demon Days) hosts a number of panels at RCCC that seek to connect future comic book professionals together to network and establish their own projects. Other conventions such as San Diego Comic-Con host portfolio reviews, career retrospectives, project announcements, and much more. Past panels are available at the SDCC website.
Written by Isaac Swindle.