Alright, it’s about time I offer you a life update since the coming months are going to affect the fate of WNA comics (If you don’t have the patience for my ramblings, feel free to skip to the ‘Takeaways’ at the end). As mentioned in previous posts, WNA has seen some amazing success thanks to you dear readers who supported the Kickstarter campaign and purchased the first copies of the complete comic book ever printed in the world. I can’t express enough gratitude. The online store is up and running, the rest of the printed books will soon arrive so I can start sending them and other rewards off to backers, and I’m writing the prequel comics that you achieved through Kickstarter stretch goals… but then what?
WNA kept me inspired and grounded throughout the upheaval of my transition, and now that I’ve reached a more steady state of being, continuing this comic would not be the same process or product it has been. Which isn’t to say there won’t be more episodes of Mel and friends, but they would be different. It’s like when musicians don’t want to play their old songs because their hearts are in their new ones.
As for new creations and what’s next, I’m focusing energy on empowering others to tell their stories through art. Seeing how meaningful this comic and other artistic expressions are for exploring identity and building community, I had a Big Idea for a website that would help people do more such things. The unique model I have in mind still has a long way to go, but I wanted to get your feedback to help bring together the beta site and make sure it does things that people want. Will you offer a few of your thoughts through this short survey?
I see this next project as evolving from WNA and what making the comic taught me about self-expression and finding community. It’s where my heart is right now. Comics are awesome and I want to continue making them (I’ve already got all these ideas of Mel reacting to the wonders and quirks of Japan), but there’s other stuff going on too.
Takeaways:
1. WNA is probably going to change in coming months and I’m not sure how yet
2. New artistic enterprises are in the making (offer your thoughts here!: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RMJ6RJK)
3. Eat plenty of vegetables
Love,
Morgan
Morgan- I picked up a flyer from you at SPX. I just went through the entire archive. It is really great! Look forward to reading more and seeing where this new project of yours takes us readers.
Thank youuuuuuu! I’m glad you like the comic and are eager to see what’s to come :)
I was wondering that could happen someday… It’s common and understandable! One thing that could be cool is stop doing a storyline and do atemporal cartoon. (I hope I’m expressing myself right lol)
And poor Mel… I hope he’ll be fine about his mom and dad…
Thanks so much for understanding! I know this comic has come to mean a great deal to many people, which is why I wanted to take care in finishing up this part of the story. There is no doubt plenty more to say through this comic and there should be room for new projects to grow too. This shift is going to be all about working that out.
As much as I like Mel, Diego, Hector, Leena, Dr. Skateboard, and everyone, I don’t really care what happens because I love the comic and therefore the amazing person behind it ~ just keep producing awesomeness while staying true to yourself. Here’s to whatever comes next! <3
Lol, I love that his tag is out.