Jim Lee’s commission prices have drawn controversy online. Raina Telgemeier And Scott McCloud are teaming up on a new graphic novel. Declan Shalvey is writing and drawing Mystique for Marvel. All on Comic Book Club News for July 1, 2024.
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Episode Transcript:
Jim Lee commission prices draw controversy.
Raina Telgemeier And Scott McCloud team up.
Declan Shalvey announces Mystique book.
This is Comic Book Club News for July 1, 2024.
Jim Lee Commission Prices Draw Controversy Online:
Here’s the latest tempest in a teapot to hit the comic book internet: Jim Lee’s commission prices. The comic book legend reportedly does a limited number of convention commissions per year, with prices starting at $1,000 for a simple headshot, ranging all the way up to $35,000 for multiple characters on a background that are not based on Lee’s original art.
While the commission rates were posted in April by his agent, they just went viral over the weekend when fans — and I use that term loosely — railed against his charges, calling it “beyond insulting” and “ridiculous” among other, less repeatable comments.
Meanwhile, most comic book creators came to Jim Lee’s defense. Kevin Maguire noted that if he charged less, someone would sell it for more later, so “at least the artist is getting the money.” Jimmy Palmiotti added, “Jim Lee can charge anything he likes for a commission, just like you don’t have to get one if you don’t want to. Really that simple.”
For my money – and believe me, I do not have the money to spend on an original Jim Lee commission – this sentiment of disgust from “fans” is the same devaluing of original art that has fueled non-stop theft leading to the rise of AI. Users don’t think it’s a big deal to steal an actual artist’s work, because they don’t understand the literal artistry that goes into it. They don’t appreciate the time, or the care, or the artists themselves. And while Lee’s prices are exorbitantly high, they’re set at that level because he’s an industry legend creating art on commission for people who can afford to buy that art, in extremely limited quantities.
Or like Palmiotti said, you don’t have to get one. Just value artists for what they’re worth.
Raina Telgemeier And Scott McCloud Team Up On New Graphic Novel:
Talk about a power duo. Smile creator Raina Telgemeier and Understanding Comics creator Scott McCloud are teaming up on a new graphic novel. Titled The Cartoonists Club, the new book is already looking to be the biggest hits of 2025, with an initial printing of 750,000 copies.
The news was revealed by your number one source for all things comic books, People, via SKTCHD. Per the title, the book is about a group of four kids who all want to make comics, despite adult disapproval. The book will blend “narrative, how-to advice and ‘comics magic’ to showcase the power of storytelling and ‘inspire a new generation of cartoonists.'”
On BlueSky, McCloud added that, “Raina and I collaborated closely on the layouts and script. Raina then drew the real-life scenes and I got to draw all the kids’ artwork, plus some fun extras.”
The Cartoonists Club hits stores on April 1, 2025.
Declan Shalvey Writing And Drawing Mystique For Marvel:
And wrapping up here with a follow-up on one of last week’s stories: Declan Shalvey is indeed writing and drawing a five-issue Mystique miniseries for Marvel.
Said Shalvey via press release provided to Comic Book Club: “Mystique is hands down one of the most compelling characters to come from the Marvel Universe. To have an opportunity to put my own stamp on such an iconic character and showcase her in a series of her own is a unique privilege.”
In the book, Mystique seems to be back to her regular villainy and espionage, with Nick Fury trying to track her down. She’ll also get a new costume, and the release promises it’ll harken back to her classic spy adventures from the 2000s. The first issue will hit stores on October 16.
For Comic Book Club News, I’m Alex Zalben. And I also charge $20,000 for commissions. No takers yet, but fingers crossed!
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