We all know that digital distribution is shaking things up in the comics industry. It's easier for fans to get access to different types of comics they might not typically find in their local comic shops, and it's easier for creators to bring their comics to the people.
In 2007, DC Comics launched Zuda, their digital comics forum. Essentially, it's a monthly competition where ten submitted comics get 8 pages displayed on the Zuda website (www.zudacomics.com), and readers vote for their favorites. At the end of the competition, the winner is granted a contract to continue their comic as an ongoing series through Zuda.
It's a great system, giving readers some publishing power and giving up-and-coming creators a chance to get their work out there. In the short time since its launch, we've seen some wonderful work come out of Zuda, like Celadore, The Night Owls, and Gulch. And for great comics like High Moon and Bayou, Zuda has led to real life, printed collections available in bookstores everywhere.
Zuda is a step towards the future, and ten years from now, it'll be interesting to see how many big names in comics got their start in DC's web imprint. That's why we're starting a feature at Crave to take a look at some of the most promising Zuda entries, and encourage our readers to vote for their favorites. Are there any Zuda creators you want us to talk to?
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
!
The current competition ends on February 25th, so head over and get reading!
Island, Alone is currently ranked #1 in this month's competition, and for good reason. Written by Shawn Aldridge with art from Rich Fuscia, this comic - at least judging by the 8 pages we get to read - is a throwback to the old horror books of EC Comics. From the first page alone we're left with the impression that this world isn't quite our own, as our main character searches from the skies for a mysterious island from a strange zeppelin-like craft.
Obviously, monsters attack and our valiant hero is left paddling to shore all by his lonesome, as mysteries of the island begin to come forth. Hooking a reader in for the long haul with only 8 pages can be rather difficult, but Aldridge does it with ease by creating a plot that has mystery built into it automatically. Strange creatures, strange technologies and a forbidden island are all attention grabbers, so it's only human nature to want to see more.
.jpg)
Fuscia's artwork is equally gripping, reminiscent of classic newspaper strips like Prince Valiant and even the aforementioned EC Comics. For the type of story that Aldridge seems to want to tell with Island, Alone, Fuscia's work is on point.
Aldridge had previously competed in a Zuda competition some time ago with Vic Boone, which had finished in second place. The fact that Island, Alone is something completely different gives me faith in it, as clearly a loss with Boone didn't turn Aldridge off. We can only assume that with Island, Alone, he's come back stronger and ready to really "wow" readers.
If you are a fan of Silver Age horror, Tarzan, or monster movies in general, I think Island, Alone really has a lot to offer.
Remember, voting for this current competition ends on February 25th, so be sure to head over to Zuda and check out all the current competitors, register, and vote! You can read the entire 8 pages of Island, Alone here. Be sure to check out our interview with creator Shawn Aldridge.
