Good morning all. This is the part where I do small talk before I launch into the news but I’m not great at that so all I really have for you today is a comment on the weather. Is it hot where you are? It’s hot here. This week has been interesting but like too many of late its been marked with sadness.
As such, we begin the week with the sad news that artist John Romita Sr has passed away. Romita’s career spanned several decades although he was perhaps best known for his work on the Amazing Spider-Man.
I say this with a heavy heart, My father passed away peacefully in his sleep. He is a legend in the art world and it would be my honor to follow in his footsteps. Please keep your thoughts and condolences here out of respect for my family.
He was the greatest man I ever met. pic.twitter.com/Pe2K3ywbWX— John Romita JR (@JrRomita) June 14, 2023
Neal Kirby, the son of Jack Kirby, has released a statement regarding the recently released Stan Lee documentary via his daughter Jillian Kirby. He has thoughts, you should read them.
My father Neal Kirby (Jack Kirby’s son) has asked me to post this written statement in response to the Stan Lee documentary released yesterday on Disney+. pic.twitter.com/V4be2xyEJg
— Jillian Kirby (Granddaughter of Jack Kirby) (@Kirby4Heroes) June 17, 2023
Finally, the Cartoonists Coop have launched the 2023 comics worker survey. The survey is for US comics workers only at this time and seeks to collate information regarding job roles, pay scales, page rates, advances, and royalties. If you work in the US comics industry in any capacity I strongly encourage you to complete the survey because as we know pay secrecy only benefits our employers whereas sharing this information can provide grounds for challenging exploitative business practices and unfair wages. If you need further motivation or details of the kinds of exploitative practices I’m talking about I would suggest you check out #ComicsBrokeMe on Twitter.
Quick Hits
The animated adaptation of ND Stevenson’s web comic turned graphic novel Nimona has a trailer and will be released on Netflix on June 30th.
Black Sands Entertainment and Composition Media will be working together to produce anime that celebrates African heritage and empowers Black youth. Their first project will be an adaptation of Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms.
Glen Sargent at the The Washington Post is writing about book banning and the challenges made against Art Spielgelman’s Maus.
That’s all from me. Take it easy, friends.
