章 102: Ceremonies.
Joe Kubert stood up as the curtains in the hall were drawn to shield the room from the glaring sunlight pouring in through the windows. The hall lights, along with a large lamp, illuminated the space. A woman in a red dress, possibly hired by the main organizers of the small event, adjusted the microphone on the small podium.
-We warmly welcome all the participants to the bi-annual gathering. This meeting has been taking place since 1949, aimed at socializing the creations of the finest local artists. Let's begin with the agenda: 1. Awards ceremony: I will establish the comic awards venue, 2. Official remarks by Joe Kubert, 3. Special meal, 4. Closing announcements, 5. Words from the creators, - the young woman in the red dress announced.
She stood behind a small podium and reached into a small wooden box with cuttings from a newspaper on one side. She rummaged her hands and produced a folded slip of paper, which she placed on the podium. She then bent down again and retrieved another little basket, and although it was hard to discern the basket, she pulled out a piece of yellow paper.
-The first award of the evening goes to the new character created for an existing series: Gambit, by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee. They've won a collaboration with the New York City kindergarten, and the winner will have to dress up as Batman, - the presenter announced.
Laughter erupted throughout the room. Even Jim Lee was seen hugging a colleague nearby, a sense of pride that struck Billy as unusual due to the nature of the award.
Jim Lee and Chris Claremont ascended the stage and collected a metal plaque with the signatures of the official creators of the grand comic gathering, of which now only five of the original eight were still alive.
-It's a pleasure to receive the award for Best Character. I can't help but remember that this award has been somewhat challenging to win. The Oscars know nothing of difficulty. I hope to secure another one soon, - Chris Claremont said, his robust figure and lively gestures igniting the audience. His speech was different and informal.
-My colleague is right. I hope the spotlight continues to shine on us as there are still many awards to be won. Chris, let's create another great series for the upcoming season, - Jim Lee said, laughing heartily, a sentiment that was echoed by the joy of the audience.
-We are, thanks to all of you for nominating us, - said Chris Claremont.
They both stepped down from the stage, radiating happiness.
-Individual Awards. What do they mean by that awards room? - Billy wondered.
-The awards are nominations based on each person's favorite comic articles in the room. The winner is the one with the most votes. If someone gets more than fifteen votes, they receive an award instead of an activity. So, Jim Lee won narrowly. Unfortunately, we didn't know you were coming until a month ago, and the voting is only done with the present forum members, which now includes you. I'm sorry, - Steve Gerber explained on the side.
-It seems like a very significant award, - Billy remarked.
-It is, for those who understand its significance. Having an award and winning it is an honor. Winning five awards allows you to inscribe your name on the plaque and be remembered as one of the great creators. Not only will you have the respect of the entire audience present, but it's also recognition. But only those who win by more than ten votes receive the award. So far, only three have achieved that, - Steve Gerber replied.
-Why did they start doing it? Is it because it's so challenging to win a perfect score? - Billy inquired.
-It's tough to win because you can only vote five times in five categories, and you can't repeat a person in your vote, - Steve Gerber explained.
-As for your first question, I'm not entirely sure, but it's a way to make connections. Everyone comes here, does business, and discusses industry grievances. Despite appearances, we're a guild with many disadvantages, sitting below the entire industry. Only 5% of all writers manage to survive. Nothing stays hidden here. We shed light on discontent with organizations or support each other, - Steve Gerber added.
-I see, - Billy nodded.
The next award winners were Neil Gaiman, for his comic "Sandman," which won for original work. People say it's magnificent for its unique way of shedding light on a god-like character, and what's impressive about Neil Gaiman is his pure storytelling style. His messy hair and impact, along with co-creator Sam Kieth and a few other special illustrators.
The next award went to a Marvel series, "The Infinity Gauntlet," by Jim Starlin and George Perez, which had been widely discussed in the past year. Its special aspect is space opera, though it didn't quite reach the 10-vote mark. Jim Starlin is a co-creator of characters like Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Nebula, and Shang-Chi.
- The low-level award for Jim Starlin and George Perez is seven points, so... -- the presenter said, taking out a strongly painted blue box. She rustled the slips of paper and pulled out a light blue one. - - The winner of the first blue award at this gathering is one of the early draft copies of Spider-Man #50," she announced.
-Wow. That's simply amazing, - Billy heard Raimon say.
-Your friend knows his comics. That draft, for collectors, is pure gold. Due to the acclaim of that issue, it's one of the best-sellers and a favorite among many fans, collectors, and even people not involved in the industry know it's a great script, - Steve Gerber explained.
The next awards were called one after the other, and the award ceremony ended with the victory for Best Editing, awarded to "The Infinity Gauntlet," accompanied by a polite round of applause. This is why it's very challenging for people to win an award - the same comic can't be rated twice by the same person.
-Thank you all for your participation in the awards. Without further ado, we will now move on to the next guest, Mr. Joe Kubert, and his honorary speech, - the presenter announced.
Joe Kubert, with his dignified demeanor, made his way to the center of the room. He's known as "The Professor" and is one of the comic industry's key figures due to his dedication and diverse body of work. He's a recipient of the Alley Award, the National Cartoonists Society Award, the Eisner Award, and the Harvey Award.
-It's a pleasure to see all of you gathering at another bi-annual meeting. As many of you know, when we started this conference, we simply aimed to come together as friends and share the beauty of this industry that has enchanted us for so long. My early years taught me to be grateful for what I have. The stories we create are something that has defined us from our youth, childhood, or adulthood. All the work we've done has changed the lives of countless people, and our drawings continue to amaze audiences of all ages,- Joe Kubert addressed the audience.
>>>I was born in the southeast of Poland, and I never thought the world would change the way it has. It surprises me how what was once considered impossible is now becoming part of our daily lives. When I was eleven years old, I got my first paid job as a comic book artist. Five dollars per page in 1938 was a lot of money. This animated world not only put bread on my family's table at an early age but also opened doors to a life of possibilities that I could only fully understand much later. By the age of thirteen, I was officially working as an employee, and that set the course for my life from the beginning. -
>>>I always tell my students that the best way to understand an industry is by being passionate about it. It's that passion that leads to success, and that passion can be fueled by necessity, love, effort, study, and for me, the pure obsession of people. I can call everyone in this room obsessive, and all that's left is for you to enjoy the meal. We've chosen a gourmet variety that you'll love. Stan Lee couldn't resist asking Jack Kirby to choose the menu this year. Thanks to everyone, - Joe Kubert said.
Stepping down from the podium, the presenter brought in several white carts covered with white tablecloths. The meal was selected by one person in charge of the entire menu, and each menu included five chosen dishes. They served the appetizer, which consisted of minced meat with a sauce – trays filled with pieces of grilled meat with both sweet and spicy sauces.
-Try the spicy sauce, kid. If it's too much, you can use the sweet sauce. Jack often prepares this dish, and it's a real treat, - Stan Lee advised.
Raimon nodded and poured the spicy sauce over his meat. To his surprise, he made a gesture of appreciation. Stan Lee was right; the combination of each sauce was delightful and delicious, a perfect blend. The drinks were cherry juice, wine, and water, with no in-between options.
The second dish in the grand meal was roast beef with potato wedges, which was incredibly delicious for Billy. The following dishes were optional, and each person decided whether they wanted to try them. There was a serving of special Polish soup called zurek, white bread soaked in olive oil with a bit of sliced minced meat, and surprisingly, slices of pizza from their favorite local pizzeria, which had been a staple for cartoonists for years.
-Try the pizza; it's a bond we have for those of us who lack culinary skills and spend a lot of time in the office working. It's delicious, - Steve Gerber encouraged.
-I don't think I can eat anything, - Billy said, feeling full.
-Next time you come to New York, give me a call, and I'll take you to enjoy that delicious pizza myself, - Steve Gerber offered.
-That would be amazing, and I'll also take you to try some of the city's favorite dishes when you visit San Jose, - Billy replied.
-Well, it's a pleasure. I'll visit your comic shop when I'm in the area, - Steve Gerber said.
A satisfying meal for a gathering of art enthusiasts.
...
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rollo1019to Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
章 103: End of the meeting
Billy saw Raimon ordering some pizzas and knew it was the perfect moment to convey all the information to his father. The room still had some people chatting quietly. Billy went to the food table in the center of the room. Raimon was humming to himself as he served small portions here and there, carefully deciding which dishes to choose.
-Raimon, how's everything going? Did you get what you were looking for? - Billy asked.
-You startled me, -- Raimon said, nearly spilling his food on the floor. - - Yeah, everything went well, -- he replied with a suspicious look. -- They might ask me to do more work. -
-I'm glad to have brought you along, -- Billy said. -- You've indirectly helped me. -
Raimon blushed and felt touched inside. What more could he ask for?
-Yeah, thanks for inviting me. I know you could have brought Anne or Lucas, but you chose me. I'll never forget this. We're blood brothers, - Raimon said, clasping his hands in a strange Star Trek-style salute. His round cheeks formed an unusual smile, one only seen by Raimon's close friends when they played Dungeons and Dragons in the garage.
-Well, everything went better than expected. I managed to find a company that could distribute us, and I even got an offer to buy a distribution company on the market for 1.8 million dollars. Do you think it's possible to buy it? - Billy asked.
-Of course. Last month, the financial returns from the stocks came in, and we received a decent sum, $1,277,933 after taxes. With the growing sales, we can buy it tomorrow if you want. Although Anne earmarked that money to pay off the refinanced loans, periodic investments, and the debts on the land you bought, - Raimon explained.
-Do you think it's possible to buy it in June? - Billy inquired.
-Yes, it's possible, but it's unpredictable. The company has a lot of expenses that arise from the projects you're starting. I recently spoke with Jim Waitt and the Sentai Ranger license was negotiated for $230,000 for the use of derivative work for 45 years and 3% of total profits. He wants you to audition! If we combine the advertising expenses that have already been settled and Disney's promised investment in August, we could stretch a bit in the summer. With good sales, we could buy it or claim royalties from Warner. We might be able to purchase the distributor and invest in Pixar, and perhaps some stocks, - Raimon explained.
-Could you call my father and tell him about the distributor? He wasn't aware of Jim Waitt and the auditions, along with the Sentai Rangers license, - Billy asked.
-Oh, sure. After the party, I'll fill you in on everything. I can only say that Saban Haim is a business genius. Jim Waitt's price was around $800,000, but Saban Haim charmed Toei Company Ltd. I can't imagine what he did, but he managed to negotiate a favorable price. He even asked Jim for permission to negotiate on your behalf, implying that he wants to have a good relationship with you and discuss the benefits you're offering, - Raimon explained.
-Thanks, - Billy said, curious about this ticking time bomb that Raimon had just handed him.
-Do you want some pizza? It's delicious, - Raimon said, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled over Billy.
-No, I'm not hungry, - Billy replied, his mind filled with thoughts of the possible changes the future would bring – buying a distributor, potentially creating Power Rangers, and building relationships with key figures in the Marvel and DC worlds, which would be beneficial for future character acquisitions, series development, or event participation. - Do you think you could tell my father later about the distributor? -
-Well, you should eat something. Jack Kirby isn't just good with comics; he has the best taste in food in the world. And yes, I'll talk to your father, no problem. I'll request the analysis department to thoroughly investigate the purchase, - Raimon said, on his third slice of pizza for the day.
-Thanks, Raimon, but I'm satisfied with all the food I have, - Billy said, sighing slightly. He walked back to the table with Raimon, who cheerfully greeted Steve Gerber, who was eating alongside him.
-You're missing out! - Raimon exclaimed.
At the table, he saw Stan Lee sitting alone and decided to greet this enigmatic figure.
-Mr. Stan Lee, a pleasure, - Billy said.
-Oh, young man, - Stan Lee replied.
The awkward silence lingered.
-Do you have something to tell me, Billy? - Stan Lee asked. Normally, it's the kids who never stop talking when they're around him. He looked curious, still not wearing his iconic black sunglasses but sporting large-framed glasses instead.
-Nothing, I just wanted to greet you. Although I'm curious why you never created a company separate from Marvel, - Billy said.
-Ahhhhh, I don't even know myself. We just do what we must, and that's how everything happens with time. Creating stories was thrilling, but it still is. I'm so pleased to see my stories come to life in the eyes of kids. At the time, the pay was good, and the money was enough for me. Among the characters, which one is your favorite? - Stan Lee asked.
-I have a soft spot for anti-heroes. I like the Punisher, - Billy replied.
-Don't let Joe hear that; he'll get all puffed up about what he's worth, - Stan Lee joked, with a playful 'bah' at the end.
-I like most of your works, Mr. Stan Lee, but I also really like the Punisher. They're exciting, - Billy said. - I came up with an idea. Would you like to be my writer for my next project? I'll draw, you do the writing, and we split the profits from the book, - Billy proposed.
-Are you trying to recruit me for your comic company? - Stan Lee asked, playfully.
-Not at all. I just want a mutual collaboration, to create something interesting together. A hero created from scratch, for both of us. I can publish it under Marvel or Lux Comics, depending on your preference, - Billy explained.
-You've piqued my interest, young man. Let's make a deal. I'll write a script for you, and you draw a script for me. Isn't that fair? - Stan Lee suggested, raising his hands in a gesture of agreement.
-I couldn't agree more, - Billy said, shaking his hand firmly.
-It's going to be an interesting project. When I have a script ready, I'll send it to you. Don't expect it too soon, but it might not take too long, - Stan Lee said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
-You're very proactive, son, - Joe Kubert chimed in, having overheard the conversation along with a few others at the table.
-Oh, Joe, let me tell you, he is. You're curious to see him work too, - Stan Lee remarked.
-I am, in a way, I'm also curious to work with Billy, - Joe Kubert said, adjusting his posture to a more relaxed one, leaning back with a drink in his hand.
-Let's collaborate on a project together, - Billy suggested.
-Oh, not content with the old raggedy one, you also want to work with me. You're a very ambitious young man, - Joe Kubert said.
-He's ambitious, and lacks a bit of tact, but being so young, we'll let it slide, right, old grump? - Stan Lee teased Joe Kubert with a mischievous grin.
"Not at all, Mr. Kubert, Mr. Lee, these aren't business matters. It's a pleasure that comes from the heart. Working with you is something I always considered a bit distant, and now I have the opportunity to do it. It's just a whim of a child," Billy explained, smiling toward Joe Kubert.
-A rather peculiar child, - Jack Kirby chimed in, having also observed the situation at the table.
-You heard him, Jack. So, Punisher, huh? - Joe Kubert said.
-Just one story among many, - Stan Lee replied.
-Well, you're the editor of Punisher. Without Joe and me, that story wouldn't exist, - Jack Kirby said, now reveling in seeing Joe's work. He had been somewhat sidelined from the comic world since the late '80s and missed his drawings.
-Don't you want to collaborate with me, kid? - Joe Kubert asked, speaking more loudly than usual.
-Of course! Same principle. Or do you want both of us to create a comic together? - Billy suggested.
-I wouldn't mind borrowing some of your drawing skills. How about during the summer vacation? I have to teach classes, and my schedule is quite busy. The only responsible thing I've been doing lately is taking care of my students, - Joe Kubert explained.
-Well, I have some plans for the summer, but we can work out the time. New York is just a stone's throw away, and I'd love to visit you, - Billy said.
-You can stay at my house, - Joe Kubert offered, secretly planning his final story – one he had been contemplating for a while. He was sure it would be amazing. - Not too far from reality, the story I wanted to tell recounted his youth, suitable for a fantasy world. -
-That would be amazing, sir. I'll come. The best comic we can create together, - Billy said.
-Ahhh, young man, comics are muses of art, little glimpses of our lives captured on blank canvases. We'll create something we love so much that others will love it too. I'll do the rough sketches, you and I, - Joe Kubert said.
-Wow, I think I still have a lot to learn for such a profound vision. I hope we create a work that touches people's hearts, - Billy replied.
-BAHAjajajjjaa. You're a surprising young man. I heard you have circulation issues. Jack Kirby has a close relationship with Golden Apple Comics, a newly established company for comic exhibitions. You can get into the distribution game. These people are going big in the distribution business, so it's good to make a deal. If you can, extend a contract for seven years, - Joe Kubert suggested.
Jack Kirby nodded. -I can help you with that tomorrow, young man, - he said. Jack was also a fan of Billy and knew how challenging it was to create a comic company. He tried to assist younger individuals with enough energy to start a company.
-That would be a great help, - Billy said. - Erik Larssen mentioned buying Sunrise Distribution and helping me manage it on the condition that I give preference to the company they want to create. However I don't have much insight into which companies could showcase my books if I want to publish them. -
Joe Kubert listened patiently. -It's simple. Some stores even want to get to know you. My advice is not to rush it. You'll gradually establish your position. Usually, the directors of these stores are fans, or their employees are, so it's easy for them to accept you. -
-I'll talk to Golden Apple; they'll be happy to have you. They're a new store and need a broad market. Although you may not know it, they already distribute your comics under the Dark Horse Comics label by Mike Richardson. They can also help you with Mile High Comics, a comic company in Colorado. We're good friends, and they'd do a favor for this old man, - Stan Lee added.
-That would be amazing. It would greatly help with the company's growth, - Billy said.
-Of course, son. How many copies of comics do you sell in a month? - Jack Kirby asked.
-I'm not sure, sir, -- Billy replied, making a face. -- Raimon, do you know? - he asked Raimon.
-Well, counting the distribution price and the seller's share, plus the prints we produce daily, weekly, and monthly, I'd say we sell around 500,000 to 600,000 copies a month, - Raimon answered.
-You see, son, you sell enough even if Dark Horse Comics' distribution line isn't as strong as Marvel's. You make enough money for everyone. Being blocked is a blessing for you. If you can expand your sales numbers in the United States to a million copies or more per month, you're very close, - Jack Kirby explained, giving Billy the confidence he needed. The silent approval of his growth was confirmed by everyone's belief that the boy's drawings would gradually increase. With a new game in the race, the TV series launching in October, and the periodic sale of comics, Lux Comics can only increase its sales.
-Do any of you know how much Marvel Comics sells? - Billy asked.
-Well, kid, we sell millions of copies. The biannual statistics exceed ten million copies sold, which is to be expected, given the large population of the United States. There's room for a lot of sales. Some fans buy 20 to 50 comics a month, - Stan Lee explained.
-Plus, your stories are ongoing, with 66 linear publications. That's something we only work on for a maximum of 10 issues, - Jack Kirby added.
The mentoring of these three industry veterans, who promised to help this young future, is rooted in the reflection they saw on the boy's face. Joe Kubert himself, at the age of eleven, was looking for work on the lonely streets. How could they not help him? He had his chance and succeeded, and now he had to pass the torch to younger generations. These people helping Billy were also helping Erik Larsson, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino.
Mike Richardson, who was sitting at a table with Frank Miller and Mike Mignola, was the only one paying attention to Billy's conversations. He had a smile on his face, like a puppeteer behind the scenes, watching with satisfaction as things developed. If Billy succeeds, could he come later to help him?
After the negotiations, the party continued with jazz and rock music, celebrating the successful discussions.
...
hello, this is the next chapter, these chapters are a little longer than promised, I keep writing every day, this story and my other stories. I have several ideas, but little time.
クリエイターの想い
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rollo1019to
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
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