Image Comics creator Otis Frampton, who both writes and draws the Image Comics series [easyazon_link identifier=”1632152266″ locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Oddly Normal[/easyazon_link], set a prime example for how comic book creators can and should interact with their fans and consumers.
After Image Comics’creator John Layman’s disgusting actions were made public, one fan declared they would never buy from Image ever again despite the comic book publisher being 60% of their pull list.
@ImageComics
In regards to your disgusting toxic PROS tweeting out repulsive abuse.
Layman claimed ALL #Comicsgate were sad incels, white males or sock puppets who dont buy Image Comics anyway. 60% of my pull list is Image. But I see what you’ll endorse now. pic.twitter.com/8U1iDiKVHR— your_belief_vs_everything (@AndreaCheeseca1) September 22, 2018
Frampton would respond in an extremely professional manner by offering free copies of his [easyazon_link identifier=”1632154846″ locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Oddly Normal[/easyazon_link] series to ensure the customer that “not all Image creators treat their customers (or potential customers) with disrespect.”
I’m sorry that Image has lost you as a customer. Since I’ve lost you as a potential customer, I’d like to send you free copies of my series ODDLY NORMAL as a way of letting you know that not all Image creators treat their customers (or potential customers) with disrespect.
— Otis Frampton (@otisframpton) September 22, 2018
Frampton would continue to show his class with an interaction with another potential customer.
Thank you!
— Otis Frampton (@otisframpton) September 23, 2018
Well, I guess I’ve ultimately failed to reach you, then. If you’re not willing to buy my creator-owned book because it has the Image “i” on it, then there’s no amount of professionalism that will move you. Thanks for the kind words, though. ?
— Otis Frampton (@otisframpton) September 23, 2018
So do what you have to do to show your dissatisfaction with a creator. But just know that by boycotting all Image creators you’re unfairly punishing many others for something that has nothing to do with them. Be well! ??
— Otis Frampton (@otisframpton) September 23, 2018
I never said you were calling for a boycott. I was (and always have been in our discussion here) referring to your actions alone. Just as I’m asking you to not punish me for the actions or words of others. ?
— Otis Frampton (@otisframpton) September 23, 2018
While Otis Frampton set a fantastic example, Marvel Comics and Image Comics creator Jim Zub had excellent advice for his fellow professionals.
“How do you get so much work done?”
Step 1: Don’t spend 4+ hours a day arguing with people online.
Step 2: Use that time to do work and other things that bring you joy instead.
Step 3: That’s it.
— Jim Zub (@JimZub) September 19, 2018
It’s great advice. As they saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.”
What do you make Otis Frampton’s interactions with fans? Do you think more comic book creators should follow his example? What about Jim Zub’s advice? Should they follow his advice?