2024 Creator Survey: Industry Trends, Concerns, and Previews

The comics industry is constantly evolving, and the annual Creator Survey provides insights into the trends, challenges, and hopes for the future. In the fourth and final part of the survey, creators shared their thoughts on the industry’s direction.

Van Jensen, a writer, revealed his upcoming projects, including a TV series based on his novel “GODFALL” and a Godzilla book with IDW. He highlighted the struggles of traditional publishers and the need for experimentation with formats in the industry.

Tea Fougner, Editorial Director at King Features, expressed excitement about working on Flash Gordon books and emphasized the importance of labor organizing for comics professionals.

Jerry Craft, an author and illustrator, teased a new graphic novel series and called for more recognition of graphic novels as real books in the education system.

Retailer Rick Lowell discussed declining periodical sales and the impact of ongoing corporate mergers on the industry.

Publisher Tom Akel reflected on the death of comiXology and predicted interesting developments at DC Comics in 2024. He advocated for more transparency in contract terms for creators.

Jimmy Aquino, a podcast producer, highlighted the fight against AI as a significant story for 2024 and called for creators to be paid more.

Journalist Rob Salkowitz discussed the impact of superhero fatigue on the graphic novel market and called for more transparency in the distribution model.

Publisher Terry Nantier shared details of upcoming graphic novel projects and emphasized the need for a wider range of themes and categories in graphic novels.

Nat Gertler, another publisher, discussed the targeting of graphic novels by anti-library forces and predicted mergers among mid-tier publishers in 2024.

Cartoonist Danielle Corsetto shared her upcoming projects and hopes for new talent to gain a following online.

Barbra Dillon, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Fanbase Press, discussed the impact of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes on the entertainment industry and predicted changes in original IP options due to studio cutbacks.

Marketer Jazzlyn Stone announced her role with a production house and called for more investment in new talent in the industry.

The anonymous agent raised questions about the future of comics-based blockbuster movies and the need for greater direct marketing to consumers by publishers.

Librarian Katharine Kan highlighted the challenges of book bans affecting graphic novels and called for greater recognition of trade publishers in the industry.

Dean Haspiel, a cartoonist, shared his plans for crowdfunded projects and discussed the importance of retailers in the comics industry.

Overall, the creators and industry professionals shared a mix of concerns, hopes, and predictions for the future of the comics industry in 2024. From the impact of technology to the need for more diverse content and better pay for creators, the industry continues to navigate through changes and challenges.