Saturday, March 10, 2012

Re: Batwoman

A lot of you have heard by now that I will no longer be drawing Batwoman, starting with issue 9. 

The info was announced by DC a couple nights ago, very soon after it became final.  It's strange (though sort of cool) having you all on real-time with me here--I'm still in a little shock and my future is up in the air.  My two-year contract with DC is up at the end of this month.

(THANK YOU for all the kind words...they mean a lot to me especially because this just happened.  I am always surprised by the amount of support you give me, when you've heard bad news, or good news, or see new art.  And especially at conventions...I hate using the word "fans" but mine have always been so respectful and enthusiastic and I always come home feeling pretty great, reassured that the demand is out there by people who really get it.  Or even with art sales...other artists have horror stories but I have only ever had great interactions.  So the real-time news--despite the fact it's bad news, I am glad to have a moment where we are all at the same place, at the same time.)

I'm sure there's a lot of curiosity about what exactly happened, which is understandable.  But I can't get too far into it--in addition to trying to be a professional and not burn bridges, it's complicated enough that I find it difficult (and frustrating) to explain even to friends.

The jist of it, though, was that it was a bad situation, and kept getting worse and more intense until it became impossible.  I am a long-term project kinda girl and I was so excited about being on Batwoman...I didn't want to let go of it and fought until it was over.

It was bad enough that now I'd rather just be happy and move forward: I'm honestly very excited by the possibilities.  All this has strengthened my resolve to do my own thing again--write, draw, color, letter.  My work is, by nature, better as a full experience, and the process makes me so incredibly happy that I can't stop drawing.  Which also means more comics for you.  Anyway, not saying it's my guaranteed next step, but if there is a way for me to do that and pay the bills, I will. 

And this brings me to the most important part of this post: If this all happens for me, I'll be honest...I'll need you more than ever.  To stay up to date, to spread the word, to...you know...read my comics!  If you like what you see, share it, to comics readers and newbies alike.  And not just for me--show support for any artists or writers you love.  This industry needs a shake up and I think it's coming.  We all have a chance to shape that by caring.

I should probably mention that despite the fact Batwoman was a struggle, I am very proud of what I did on the book and put a lot of love into it.  Issue 7 comes out this Wednesday and it's even better than 6; I have Rob Hunter and Guy Major to thank for that!  Issue 8 is almost done and it's looking to be a repeat of awesomeness.  I had done part of issue 9 but they aren't going to use the pages.  It's too bad; I was particularly excited about that issue.  I'll probably post a page or two of the work once the issue comes out.

I'll also say that so far DC seems to want to make things right and find me work.  Again, it's all very complex, so all I ask is for your continued enthusiasm and I will get busy finding the right project.

Thank you, really,

Amy

32 comments:

  1. Hang in there, Amy! I have been a long time follower of your work since ending your copic art on deviant art. It's DC's loss, but I'm glad they are being supportive in finding you more work.

    Kris

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  2. I guarantee there is something far better out there for you. I love that you were paired on Batwoman but it's not the end all and be all of comics. Your work speaks for itself. You are not defined by Batwoman. Looking forward to seeing what's next because I KNOW it will be fantastic.

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  3. Glad to hear that things are looking positive for you. Perhaps you can do something for Vertigo or Image that would let you spread your wings a bit more.

    Good Luck!

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  4. I am really sorry to hear this; I loved your work on Batwoman. However, whatever comes next, I will be right there. You're an amazing artist! Best of luck.

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  5. Very sorry to hear that, if there were going to be anyone filling in for JH, it had to be you.

    Hope to see you on a new book soon.

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  6. I won't lie...I'm sad to learn of this. I was so stoked to pick up issue 6. But like Amber said, it's not the end all, be all. You will find something else and you will be supported.

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  7. First they kicked you out of that convention panel, now they kick you out of the comic... I understand taht you don't want to break brides, but for us "mere mortals" it certainly feels that DC editorial has no idea what to do with people with real talent.

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  8. I first came across your work when I discovered a random back-issue of Madame Xanadu in a bin labeled "Undervalued Classics" at Wizard World a few years back, and I've been hooked ever since.

    As a library staff member that works with comics and YA lit, I've used Xandau, Fool's Gold, and your most recent Batwoman issue as a gateway drug for people wary of comics who think it's all superheroes, and at least one of my students is now very much an Amy Reeder fan. :) So please, keep us up to date. We're all waiting to see what you do next, and can't wait.

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  9. Very sad to hear this news. As a massive admirer of your work on Madame Xanadu, I've been so excited about your coming onto Batwoman, another title I really enjoyed. Your work on the title so far has been stellar, and I mourn the fact of the brief run.

    That said, I will definitely be keeping an eye on your next steps, and wish you all the success you deserve, which is lots.

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  10. You're my favorite part of the Batwoman book, and that said you'll be my favorite part of your next project. I look forward seeing what's in your future I have no doubt it will be great.

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  11. The only reason I started buying Batwoman was because of your art. Looks like I have to drop the book. Can't wait to see your next project. I wouldn't worry too much about your contract expiring. If DC makes the mistake of letting you go, the other publishers would be crazy not to sign you over.

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  12. I feel stunned and angry to hear that. I waited 6 months to see your work on the Batwoman and now they literally kicked you out? I mean WTH? I feel like dropping the series entirely. I mean what's the point of reading it when you are not even looking forward to seeing it. I mean I met you last month when you were at Midtown for signing of Batwoman 6 and you sounded so excited and were looking forward to drawing the series and now I just don't have that interest anymore.

    But best of wishes to you and anything you start working on next Miss Amy. Heck you can have my short stories to work on..lol..I hope to see you drawing again on either Batwoman or any other title...best of wishes.

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  13. I would love to see you work independently. You should consider making a Kickstarter or something for a personal project. You have a backer right here for sure and I bet it would do very well. I have loved your work since 'Fools Gold', and as a fellow female in comics, your work and struggles have truly inspired me, but I feel like more and more female comic artist are going the independent route these days. Your fans are here for you!

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  14. Wow! That's so surprising and disappointing to hear as I really think you drew an amazing Batwoman- your skill is out of sight as far as I'm concerned- but I have faith your next project will be amazing too! Whether it's something else for DC or your own thing (which would be pretty dang exciting as I loved Fool's Gold once upon a time too!), I'd be really excited to see it. Someone else said it, but if you ever Kickstarter yourself a personal project, you got a backer here too!

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  15. My wife and I started reading comics seriously for the first time with the New 52, and Batwoman was a standout from the get go, almost entirely for your art. We were unfamiliar with the character and unsure how it was necessary to have Batwoman and Batgirl, let alone released in the same weeks, but after the first two issues we were hooked. The splash pages and open form really made the story come alive, and put Batwoman on our radar in a way that only Animal Man and Swamp Thing had otherwise done. We love your style and will happily follow you to whatever you get to work with next- hope you keep breathing life into characters wherever you go!

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  16. Best of luck to you, Amy. I look forward to seeing your work in Batwoman #s 7 and 8.

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  17. Good luck with future projects. I was disappointed to read the news about Batwoman last night because your work is awesome, but some things are not meant to be. So, I am eagerly awaiting word of your next project(s) so I can buy them and pass on the good word. :)

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  18. I hope that your next project is more enjoyable.

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  19. Have new art to sell. Best way I know to support you.

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  20. Also so bummed you are off Batwoman, but thier lose is another project's gain.

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  21. Best wishes for continued and increasing success and personal, creative satisfaction in whatever projects you take on!

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  22. Looking forward to your next project, whatever it may be.

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  23. I have to echo the 'hang in there'! Batwoman 6 was my first exposure to your work, and it was really wonderful and impressive. I'm sorry to hear about the differences, etc, but I really hope you get another top-notch book to work on next! There was something so awesome about the way you drew the shape of Batwoman; I don't really know how to describe it, but it was really great- the page where she gets shot at in #6 was where I stopped and looked back at the credits and said to myself that yours was a name to remember. Thanks for all your hard work!

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  24. Sorry to hear that :( Love your Batwoman work. I promise I will buy whatever you work on next, and I think you have a lot of fans who feel the same way. Good luck with the future, can't wait to hear about your next project.

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  25. I was really bummed to hear about this =( I loved your contributions to Issue 0, I eagerly awaited the start of your run, and loved Issue 6 and all the covers/variants you put out in the meantime. I'll miss you terribly on Batwoman, but whatever's next for you, you can count me in!

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  26. Im really upset about this. I hope DC would be able to get you a new gig soon.

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  27. Too bad, I was really excited about your work on Batwoman. Hope you get a new project soon.

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  28. My wife and I discovered your spectacularly fluid imagery back in Madame Xanadu #1 and are always eager when your name is attached to a new project. Your work on Batwoman was as strong as it has ever been, and we can't wait to see where you go from here. Please, keep us abreast of any new projects here, and we'll be happy to spread the word among friends and strangers alike. You are an amazing talent, and we'll be happy to follow your work wherever it ends up!

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  29. You are the best Amy! I admire you so much you have no idea! I'm sad to see you off Batwoman (my favorite comic so far) I hope you get an amazing new job! Best wishes! x

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  30. Hey there, Amy! I am really sorry to hear this. I have lost touch with the art community for a while but seeing what you did from "Fool's Gold" to "Madam Xanadu" and "Batwoman" is very impressive. You are one of those rare artists who keep improving constantly and it is an amazing thing to witness. Do not let things get to you too much - with the quality of your work and the joy that the process seems to bring you, there is bound to be great openings for you out there. I send you all my support.

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  31. I'm still sussing out Batwoman, but I will say this: You've done my single favorite panel of art not just in that series, but of all three New 52 books I've been reading. The art in question is in issue #6, the last panel on page 15. The look of pure vulnerability on Kate Kane's face after having just kissed Maggie Sawyer is absolutely perfect. You nailed, in one image, an entire theme of the character.

    I've noted in my blog reviews of the series how...inconsistent...it has been since the first issue and it doesn't take a lot of guessing to surmise there's a lot of behind-the-scenes turmoil there. It's a shame that the book has lost your talents. I'll be honest: I've been away from comics for about a decade. The New 52 did what it was meant to do, by bringing me back. I'll certainly be keeping an eye on your work.

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  32. I'm sad that I'm only going to see three issues of Batwoman with your art in them. Best of luck on your next projects. Looking forward to them!

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