The webcomics blog about webcomics

Off Hiatus


I can’t think of too many webcomics that could disappear for six-plus years and pick up right where they left off, but then again I can’t think of too many webcomics as influential and well-loved within the circle of webcomics creators as A Lesson Is Learned But The Damage Is Irreversible. And hell if that isn’t exactly what Dale Beran and David Hellman did yesterday: ALILBTDII #42 has all the surrealistic grandeur that endeared it to its audience before going on hiatus in May of Aught-Six; if not the most widely-read webcomic that ever existed, it was surely near the top of the personal enjoyment list of people that make their living doing webcomics.

It’s as exciting to see Hellman and Beran reunite as it was to contemplate their return when it was teased half a year ago. At that time, Beran and Hellman described the return of ALILBTDII as a “one-off”, but we can dream, can’t we? The only return from the great hereafter that would make me happier would be Return To Sender, and I ain’t holding my breath on that one; like an actor who died too soon, these comics never had a chance to decline and will always look young and beautiful to us.


In other news, the Kickstarters continue to filter into creative fields, with varying results; the claim that you need 800 supporters to succeed on Kickstarter made here is surely skewed by the relative costs of filmmaking vs comic printing, and the lesser chance of indy filmmakers to have regular, excited audience members, given that you can’t crank out a film three days a week and have as regular contact with your supporters.

It’ll be interesting to see how Kickstarter eventually produces differing received wisdom for different creative communities, with (say) theatrical endeavours eventually settling near a requirement for x number of supporters, and fashion projects requiring y number. Something tells me that comics is on the lower end of the “entry and success” costs spectrum, and may find KS to be a more reliable tool in the business plan toolbox than (say) food or dance.

[…] forgotten, and its return in 2012 was positively met with much joy among webcomic fans. Over at Fleen, Gary Tyrrell wrote: “If not the most widely-read webcomic that ever existed, it was surely […]

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