This has to stop.

**hamgravy** · 03-25-2010, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by Matt Jay

I never thought about it. The artist is usually what gets me to buy something, but the writer is at least half of the package.

Just got back from the 1990s to fix your quote.

**Patch** · 03-25-2010, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by michealdark

Everyone knows that, after the collector's bubble burst in the mid-90's, it became a writer's market again. It makes sense that writers get the top billing on the titles now, since they're the ones controling the stories again rather than the artists.

That said, a well made comic is a joint effort and both creators shou;d have their names in prominence.

The market can survive a return to equal billing. I'm 100% positive of this.

**PeterSparker** · 03-25-2010, 09:03 AM

Especially considering the amazing job Lark did on that book. I loved his Batman, his Mr Freeze, but mostly all the time characters spent around desks talking, which is a crucial component of the book, was always so skillfully handled. I can't think of anyone who could've brought more to their police procedural story than Lark did.

**Ron Salas** · 03-25-2010, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Jonny Z

uh oh -

I don't care what names are on this cover, it'll still say "BOOBS" to me.

Originally Posted by Shadowline Pimp

Pipe down, Spencer Salas!

haha At least our names were the same size!

**Donal DeLay** · 03-25-2010, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Dreg

The biggest name should be the name that sells the book. Always. If Alex Ross did a book written by, say, Tom Peyer, then I would expect Alex Ross' name to be bigger. Equal billing is a good idea, but if they want one name to grab your attention, it should be the bigger name.

Which becomes egotistical bullshit. The name doesn't sell the book if someone doesn't even know the name. Each book should be designed to be approachable by anyone walking past it. No just one person's fans.

**Supajoe** · 03-25-2010, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Patch

The market can survive a return to equal billing. I'm 100% positive of this.

absolutely agreed.

**Marcdachamp** · 03-25-2010, 09:05 AM

I agree 100%. I think one of the difficulties, however, is when a trade has multiple artists.

Hey Patch, what do you think about Marvel changing the name of Cable and Deadpool in trade form? I think it's pretty smart marketing, personally.

**Patch** · 03-25-2010, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Dreg

The biggest name should be the name that sells the book. Always. If Alex Ross did a book written by, say, Tom Peyer, then I would expect Alex Ross' name to be bigger. Equal billing is a good idea, but if they want one name to grab your attention, it should be the bigger name.

Names are made. If artists don't stand up, don't insist on equal billing, the trend of unequal billing continues-- in fact, it snowballs.