Over the last week or two there’s a lot of chatter about the “death of comic journalism.” Many taking part are long-time vets of the industry lamenting for the way things were. Graphic Policy has been around for 17 years at this point, and while we’d be considered part of those old vets, I take a far different view. Comic journalism isn’t dead. It’s alive and well and ever evolving with new technology and demands from fans.
When we began our site, “blogging” was the main form of getting information out there with social media in its infancy and online video still finding its place. Since then, “blogging” still exists and has found competition and in some instances camaraderie with new platforms that boost reach, help build audiences, or in some cases, are whole new ways to share news. All of this is of course came after the pioneers that would release physical copies, many of whom is what I grew up reading to find the latest news. This was when the internet barely existed or was just bulletin boards you had to know the right phone number to dial in to. Those physical releases still exist too and seem to be left out of the discussion showing how odd this debate is.
First, what is “comic journalism”? In my view, it’s quite simply the coverage of comic “news.” That can be dives into the latest issues, examinations of comic history, highlighting previews, discussing themes, interviews, trends, looking at what’s to come, and so much more. There’s no one “right way” to cover and discuss comics.
Often it seems that the “comic journalism” is dead stems not from a lack of sites or coverage, but a lack of the coverage these individuals want. It comes off as another side of those who complain how there are “no good comics” anymore and just want comics done their way. It’s a longing of nostalgia. There is a greater choice in content and how to consume it than every before.
The demand for comic news has been pretty steady since 2004 according to Google Trends. The demand remains.
Below is the web search history since 2004 based on Google Trends:
Comic book (blue) – Graphic Novel (red) – Comics (yellow)Here’s those same terms as just a news search from Google. “Comics” has generally increased from 2004, though down from the highs of 2018/2019.
Comic book (blue) – Graphic Novel (red) – Comics (yellow)But, comic journalism has evolved over the years. As mentioned above, it no longer is just words on a page, but instead podcasts, videos, short form, long form and who knows what comes next. There are more ways to get the latest news, opinions, research which creates exciting new challenges.
Here’s the same terms as above but focused on YouTube searches over that same time period. Look at the steady growth for “comics” over the years.
Comic book (blue) – Graphic Novel (red) – Comics (yellow)We’re nearly 110,000 posts in our 17 years. That’s around 18 articles/posts a day since the beginning. There’s over 21 million minutes watched on YouTube. That’s over 14,600 days worth of watched video, around 40 years worth! We’ve aired over 580 episodes of Graphic Policy Radio resulting in hundreds of thousands of listens. Those Two Geeks is over 300 episodes and we recently launched a brand new podcast focused on tabletop gaming Ready Nerd, Go!. And all of this from visitors from around the world. We also have 1000s of subscribers that get our articles delivered to our inbox, something that seems to be overlooked by those who rely on incomplete measurements of “success.” I highlight this to show how we’ve evolved over the years. We’re one of the “old vets,” still around and trying to embrace what’s new and what’s next realizing you can’t stay stagnate.
That’s what comic journalism as a whole has been doing. It’s evolving to new mediums, new ways to deliver the latest news and opinions.
That’s not to say there hasn’t been struggles and everything is great. Advertising revenue is decreased to laughable levels. Sites have been gobbled up by corporations who are more focused on dollars and profitability. Sites have come and gone. Great voices have come and gone. But, that’s also life and can be found in every business in every sector.
But, the fact remains the sites are there. The voices are there. The work is being done. Here’s just a small sampling of the sites out there in no particular order:
That’s over 25 sites and podasts and if you want to get added to the list above, reach out and we’ll add to it! It’s not an endorsement of any of them, it’s to highlight they exist. The work is being done, often for little to no pay. You the readers/listeners need to decide what you do and don’t like.
So, instead of having another discussion about how comic journalism has died, or even a discussion about the failures to support it (and boy do I have a list), how about we do the following:
- Visit sites regularly. Give them views and clicks with adblocker off. Views get these sites revenue so they can pay bills, pay contributors, exist.
- Share articles and highlight what you think deserves to be highlighted. But, a “like” and a “share” isn’t enough, you need to visit the site (see #1)
- If you’re a publisher, advertise.
- If you’re a PR rep, look beyond the crappy metrics out there. Support sites you think have good audiences for what you’re promoting. Views are one thing, clicks and purchases are another.
- If you’re a creator, share stories about you. These sites are promoting what you’ve worked your ass off putting together. Help them boost promoting you!
- If you’re a fan, participate. Share articles, comment, visit sites, help foster and create a positive community and experience.
Comic journalism isn’t dead, it’s alive and well. We as a community just need to recognize that. Leave the hyperbolic negative for clickbait and celebrate and support those of us putting in the work.
Source: Graphic Policy
