The new guidelines are quite lengthy, requiring potential
comic professionals to fill out and have notarized an Idea
Agreement Form, which according to Quesada, protects both
Marvel and potential creators looking for work. But just as
importantly as protecting creators and Marvel, the form and
process proves to Marvel that potential freelancers are serious
about getting a start in comics.
“This is a reality check,”
says Quesada. “Going through the process of filling
out this form, putting together a proposal or a portfolio
and then having a form notarized shows us that you just don’t
want a job in comics but you’re prepared to put a lot
of work toward accomplishing that goal.”
But filling out forms is just the beginning according to
Quesada—after that, you’ll have to get through
Pond Scum.
No, that’s not a rough-n-tough reality
TV-style boot camp for new writers and pencilers, but it is
the nickname of Submissions Director Scott
Elmer, affectionately known to the Marvel
Bullpen as Pond Scum.
“When there’s something really
good, something that catches Scummy’s eye, that’s
when he brings it to me,” admits Quesada, who doesn’t
review unsolicited submissions himself because of a full day
of running Marvel Knights and the rest of Marvel’s Universe.
“That’s when I get involved. We try to get
back to everyone with some kind of response, whether it be
through mail or e-mail, but every once in a while there’s
someone that we want to talk to in person.”
But to get an in-person interview with the main man or even
a phone call takes some work. Quesada isn’t the kind
of guy who leaves up-and-comers to their own devices, though;
he’s got some tips for future comic book professionals.
“No one’s ever gotten their
first gig at Marvel by pitching a revamp of the Silver Surfer—we
don’t need a bold, new vision of Power Pack,”
chuckles Quesada behind his desk in his corner office at Marvel’s
10th floor midtown Manhattan offices. “We’re
looking for good storytelling from new writers. I want to
see a good story, well told that doesn’t depend on 40
years of continuity. I don’t need to know Peter Parker’s
entire life story to appreciate a good Spider-Man story.”
According to Quesada, Marvel doesn’t want ideas for
new characters or series either.
“Worry about pitching concepts when you get hired
and you have a few stories under your belt,” says
Quesada. “I can’t think of a single instance
when a major company purchased an unsolicited concept from
a newcomer. What we’re looking for at Marvel are writers
with the ability to tell a story—don’t try to
reinvent the wheel your first time out.”
For artists, Quesada gives similar advice.
And as one of the top artists in comics today, the former
Daredevil
and Sword of Azrael penciler says artists need to prove they
can tell a story that can be followed even without words.
“Again, don’t try to reinvent
the wheel,” says the artist-turned-EIC. “I
don’t need to see a new style or funky new ways to lay
out a page. I want clean, concise storytelling. You have to
master the craft before you begin to abstract it. And we don’t
need pin-ups; we want to see you tell a story. Let us know
you have the ability to get across what’s going on in
a story.”
Also, Quesada says artists should make sure to send work
featuring Marvel characters, because the House of Ideas wants
to see the way you interpret its characters and make sure
you have a grasp of how those characters move and act in the
Marvel Universe.
Finally, Quesada says one of your best resources for breaking
into comics may be a place you go every Wednesday—your
local comic book shop.
“Visit a comic shop, and do your
homework,” says Quesada. “See what’s
on the shelves. Take a look at the wide variety of books and
publishers, and determine who’s printing material in
the same vein as yours. See what other artists and writers
are doing that you do, pick up their secrets and tricks. Try
to learn as much as you can about the art of creating a comic
book. It can only help. And more than that, don’t give
up. You probably won’t get a job your first time out,
but if you’re dedicated and serious about the work,
you’ve got a much better chance.”
Next Week: Mark
Millar explains how the Ultimate War will
change The Ultimates, the Ultimate X-Men and the entire Ultimate
Universe forever.
