We have reached a crucial crossroads when it comes to diversity in comics, and I fear that if things don’t change, we will lose ground. It is not enough to demand diversity in comics, we must support what’s out there now, or there won’t be more in the future. Money talks, and those that want diversity in comics must learn to use the system currently in place, while also creating a new system of sales and promotion.
To that end, here are ten lessons in Comics & Diversity, via twitter.
Comics & Diversity Lesson1: It's more effective to talk about what you like & support if with $$, than to complain about what you hate.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 2: Not pre-ordering comics from a direct market retailer is the same as NOT supporting a book. That's the system.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 3: Illegally downloading comics & talking about how great they are is not supportive. Money rules this industry.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 4: You don't have to support every title, but lack of sales is always interpreted as lack of interest in general.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 5: If diversity is somehow "ruining" your comic reading, know that LACK of diversity is ruining it for others.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 6: If you don't think representation is crucial in comics, you've never been under represented or marginalized.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 7: Creators & publisher must be held accountable. But retailers, fans, & journalists also need to be accountable.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 8: We need to support indie comics more. Buy them. Talk about them. Many are available on Comixology.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 9: That indie comic you love but never talk about? That ain't doing much for the book or the creator.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Comics & Diversity Lesson 10: The comic industry responds to how money is spent or not spent. Nothing else matters.
— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) March 13, 2017
Be sure to visit your local comic shop to pre-order David Walker and Nelson Blake’s Luke Cage #1 from Marvel Comics. In stores this May!