The Door’s Wide Open

Spread the love

I was on stage at the Reubens a couple hours ago with Lalo giving a talk about “edgy” minority cartoonists. It really drove home the need for such a panel when I looked out at the audience (of about 100) and noticed they were ALL white. But the thing is, I know syndicate execs and sales people, and I know a few editors — and they’re just as eager as I am to see more minorities on the comics pages. So if you’re a woman or a member of any minority, now’s your chance. The door is wide open for you. The climate is nothing at all like it was when I was trying to break in 6 years ago…



Discussion (7)¬

  1. Anonymous says:

    Excellent, love it! » » »

  2. Anonymous says:

    Wonderful and informative web site. I used information from that site its great. » »

  3. Anonymous says:

    CO does not want Candorville because they know its done by a black man, period. I like Candorville and B’docks alot. I just think the comics pages are
    “what they are”. If you want to do cool stuff and reach the people these days you have to go the motion graphics (Flash, digital video, DVD) route. You can be in the papers and give them the watered down stuff. You can then do the stuff you raelly want to do via motion graphics. Kinda like the way people in comedy do club standup so they can tell the “dirty jokes/offbeat humor” while saving the “tame” stuff for TV.

  4. Darrin Bell says:

    Thanks, Commish! Never take “no” for an answer with newspapers. If you keep bugging them to add the strips you want, odds are they eventually will (even if they tell you “no” at first). Thanks for trying, and for reading Candorville!
    -DB

  5. The Commish says:

    Well, when the Charlotte Observer reviewed its comics offerings this spring, I know a lot of us voted for Candorville and Boondocks to be added. I got a note back from the features editor that said your strip was “too edgy.” Sadly, some things never change, like those stodgy features editors who prefer Rex Morgan to good cartooning. We’ll keep trying.

  6. Darrin Bell says:

    Damn, I was being sarcastic. I guess it didn’t come across. Sometimes I play it too straight. The climate is exactly like it was years ago.

    There are a few more women and minorities in the business these days, but the door isn’t wide open yet. We’re still crawling in through the doggie door. It’s not because women and minorities aren’t trying, it’s because they’re not getting chosen in large enough numbers to notice.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Don’t beleive it man. That room was all white for a reason.

    As long as you have the next boondocks or angry comic you’ve got a shot.