Shane Chebsey, publisher of Scratch Comics, has just launched a new web app, ComicUnity aimed squarely at developing a new online community for comic creators.
Fed up with algorithms drowning out posts discussing comics creation and news of comic projects, Shane hopes this new space offers a way to encourage comic creation, “without algorithms suppressing our posts and drowning them out with AI slop.”
An independent comic publisher since 1994, like many others Shane is frustrated that social media platforms such as Facebook appear to have forgotten their original purpose – bringing like minded people together to share their passions. Discussion and the sharing of new work among fellow creators has been subsumed by irrelevant advertising posts and a rising tide of AI slop, boosted, it seems, by algorithm bias.
In response to this, he’s developed ComicUnity, offering a membership led forum, which he plans to build on in the coming months, adding a Comic Shop Locator, and a printer database for indie publishers.
“Are You A Comics Creator?” he writes. “Me too, since 1994. It’s hard work, isn’t it. And on social media platforms now it’s become even harder for us… Algorithms suppressing our posts and drowning them out with AI slop. Every other post is an advert for something not relevant to us (or uncannily relevant if you’re phone was on when you mentioned you needed a new pair of jeans). Not to mention all the politics and negative bile.”
Shane has been a leading light in independent comics publishing in the UK since 1994. He’s also run major comic conventions, and launched his latest enterprise, Scratch Comics was in April 2022, publishing creator owned titles comics such as Claudia Christian’s Dark Legacies, Dracula, Hedrek and more.
ComicUnity, Shane hopes, will prove a comic creator-focused alternative to algorithms, adverts and AI, enabling plenty of opportunities to promote their books.
“There’s no bots throwing people off for telling a joke,” says Shane. “Just me keeping a close eye on things and making sure folks play nice.
“We’ve got a marketplace to sell your books and original art, old skool forums linked to the main feed and an events section to find out about conventions in your area.
“There are loads more great features planned, like a Comic Shop Locator, and a printer database for indie publishers.
ComicUnity is totally free to join and there’s a £1 a month (about $1.35) subscription for pro level access.
“That means we’ll never use advertising,” Shane emphasises.
“You’ll be in good company,” he says. “We already have a few industry movers and shakers lurking on the platform.”
Newly launched, Shane hopes early adopters can help him shake out any bugs, and suggest improvements “so it can really work for you as creators.”
A mobile app will be rolled out for this once there are enough members.
“It’s being built around your needs, after all.
“I hope to see you there… Have fun!”
The platform includes forum to report bugs and make suggestions so Shane’s inbox doesn’t get overloaded
Scratch Comics brings you a diverse line up of titles from some of the world’s most interesting and talented comic creators. Projects include the official sequel to Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula: The Return, the hard hitting sci fi action of Claudia Christian’s Dark Legacies, the macabre world of Hedrek, and the action-packed, all out adventure, Dinosaurs Vs Cowboys
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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