Is anyone interested in the graphic novel form?

[Mark Ellis]

Since the graphic novel is the hot new medium in publishing for all categories, I was just wondering if anybody was interested in breaking into it with their own thrillers or mysteries.

[Dawn M. Kravagna]

Thanks for sharing, Mark. I've been told several times to do a graphic novel as my artwork appeals to kids, but finding the time when working fulltime is really tough. I'll have to check your book out. But it'd be foolish to ignore what publishers are eager to obtain. There is also a great need for talented Manga artists. The good ones are really busy--so I've heard from a book company looking for new talent.

Some graphic novelists/cartoonists are pushing the title, "drawn book," but I don't have a problem with graphic novel, myself.

[Craig McDonald]

I recently finished adapting my own crime novel, Head Games, for a graphic novel to be published by First Second (the artist search is now on). Reducing the novel to script form for a picture-driven format was...interesting. The story beats are all there, but it's the novel from a different set of camera angles, so to speak.

(By the way, Mark, I loved Millennium's treatment of Doc Savage. Yours, and the B/W Marvel series, are the only truly great presentations that character has gotten in comics format.)

[Mark Ellis]

Thanks, Craig--I appreciate the kind words.

Head Games sounds exactly like the kind of book I would love. I'll pick it up ASAP, I won't wait for the graphic novel. What is First Second?

I think our "heads" are in the same place, to some extent. Look at this page from an upcoming graphic novel of mine entitled Lakota...check out the dialogue in the second panel...the art is by Jim Mooney, BTW.

[Craig McDonald]

God, I love that, Mark...and yes, definitely on the same wave-length.

FIrst Second is an Eisner Award-winning imprint of Roaring Book Press which in turn is under another company that owns several other major publishing houses. They've done some great and some very interesting stuff including some books written and illustrated by Eddie Campbell. Their website is here:

http://www.firstsecondbooks.typepad.com/mainblog/

[Nick Lawless]

My brother and I have actually started self-publishing our first graphic novel. We're learning as we go, but overall it's been a pretty rewarding experience. The graphic novel industry really turns out some great stuff, as good as/better than many novels.

[Mark Ellis]

Cool cover, Nick!

Looks like an interesting book...it seems to have a [i]Deadwood[/i] vibe. What's it about?

I see on your profile you prefer stuff with guns in 'em...I have to admit most of my work is sloppin' over with guns, too. Here's a page from the Death Hawk Graphic novel which illustrates that, in more ways than one.

[ed goldberg]

Yeah, I have a vampire hard-boiled story I thought about for a graphic novel, but I can't seem to get my head around the rather stringent form. I can't reduce the action to panels, although the dialog might be easier.
I guess I'll just have to market it as a short story.

[Mark Ellis]

Hi, Ed

Yeah, there's no denying the "graphic narrative" is a different discipline than prose or even screen/teleplay. It can be tough but I always enjoy working with artitsts...good ones, that is. I've mostly been fortunate.

[Rich "Cody" Conaway]

I do enjoy the graphic novel, although I admit to not reading very many. In particular I liked, loved, adored "Maus," because of it's obvious retelling of the holocaust, which I sometimes have the opportunity to teach. The last graphic novel I read was actually this past month, Ian Philip's, "The Rapture for Big Sinners: 66 + 6 Things to Do Before and Afteer the Righteous Lift Off."

[Angela Zeman]

Wow, this is a fabulous thread, with all those art panels. I LOVE graphic novels!!! I read every single one I can find, just in case I might like it--and I like many of them. Sorry I have nothing to add here, just had to hand out some admiration.

[Mark Ellis]

Cruise this site:

www.comicspace.com

I think you might find some pro artists willing to work on a 50/50 split basis...you could sweeten the pitch by asking one of those agents who liked your screenplay if they would rep it once the graphic novel was completed. That might get an artist's enthusiasm pumped up.

[Mark Ellis]

I assumed that it would be understood that you were looking for options...that's why you posted in this thread.

It would be up to you to bring the validity to "an agent said" in your pitch, inasmuch as you brought it up.

Obviously, if the agent and/or editor doesn't give you a commitment, then you wouldn't mention it to a potential collaborator.