Mentors
The Importance of Mentors in Your Comics Writing Odyssey
Dear gentle reader,
Interesting thing someone asked me this week. So, do you have a mentor? Sure, I do. Let’s be honest—diving into comics isn’t always smooth sailing. There are plenty of hurdles, and that’s where having a mentor can be a game-changer. They lend their wisdom, share tales of their own struggles, and offer support that fuels not just your career but your very soul—a treasure far greater than mere success.
The world of comics can be vast and bewildering, especially to the newcomer, as it was and still is for me. Yet, a mentor, seasoned by time, offers more than guidance; they reveal the hidden truths of the trade. They teach you the dance of publishers, the rhythm of trends, and how to catch the eye of those who matter. Their counsel may be the spark that sets your stories alight. Where I come from, we have a saying, “the devil knows more from being old, than from being the devil.”
I don’t expect your mentor to be Gandalf, but they are out there if you look hard enough.
At the heart of every comic lies a story. Finding your voice is paramount, and here a mentor's insight is gold. They critique your scripts, sharpen your narrative, and breathe life into your characters. Through their victories and blunders, you gain the knowledge to elevate your craft. Simple as that.
Allow me a personal tale of a mentor I call "Sir!" Yes, with an exclamation mark at the end—a master of the narrative arts. His identity remains cloaked, but his teachings are my compass. Sir!, Mr. GOAT, or The Man who lives in the future, as I fondly dub him, has been my lodestar, indirectly urging me to refine my craft with wisdom that transcends time. He probably rolls his eyes whenever he gets an email from me, but I’m certain I’ve made him laugh at least once or twice.
I recall presenting him my work, eager and naive. "You can't toss in everything and the kitchen sink," he admonished. Writers, especially the green, often overindulge, unaware of the road signs that guide the journey. There are invisible laws in storytelling, and the path is long and perilous. "Let the story breathe.” He’s told me a million times. “Take all that shit out and get to the point.” He didn’t actually say it like that, but he meant, SIMPLIFY. Which he then told me so, yes, all in caps in another email. And I’m grateful, because he was totally right.
His guidance has taught me the power of restraint, a lesson not just for writing but for all my endeavors. In our discussions, even the subtleties of covers and color palettes took on new significance. Just the other day, he corrected me and taught me the true meaning behind referring to a Widescreen type of story.
Mentors push you to explore beyond your comfort zone, to experiment with structure, theme, and style. In comics, where word and image dance, their encouragement sparks innovation and discovery, revealing new storytelling vistas.
As I write this, I don’t think I’ve ever asked Mr GOAT who his mentor was. In truth, I’m afraid to ask because I sometimes believe the man came out of the womb gifted. Yeah, some people are just THAT good. Like Gandalf.
Finding a mentor is as personal as your creative journey. Seek those whose work you admire and whose vision aligns with yours—those who see the world like you do, and it’s okay if they don’t. Engage with the comics community, both in person and online. When reaching out, let sincerity guide you. Express your admiration and your eagerness to learn, but always be polite and respectful of their time.
Whether at the start or deep into your journey, remember—you are not alone. A mentor is a beacon, guiding you through the industry's mazes, honing your skills, and expanding your creative horizons. Their lessons shape the tales you tell and the storyteller you become.
In the end, the bond between mentor and mentee is mutual, built on respect and a shared love for the craft. So, embrace this odyssey, seek those who inspire, and let their wisdom illuminate your path.
“As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand”—Hemingway.
Be well, I’ll see you next week.
ML
Upcoming:
Mad Cave’s first-ever crossover, Endless Night. Available 6/04/2024
Here’s all you need to know:
(W) Mark London (A) Thomas Derenick
(C) Juancho Velez (L) Simon Bowland
(Cover A) Chris Weston (Cover B) Declan Shalvey
(Editor) Mike Marts
To celebrate, I will be hosting a signing event at Golden Apple Comics on Saturday, June 7th, from 2 to 5 p.m.
GOLDEN APPLE LOCATION
Comic of the week:
I love to see something come out of left field and be nominated for a Will Eisner Award in the “Best New Series” category. Vote for them if you can. I already did.
Other useful links:
Cheers,
ML
I am so grateful for the mentors in my life, an essential piece to any hero's journey!
Great topic, Mark! I’d like to add how important it is to alse BE a mentor for someone else. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the same capacity as your mentor. But the gift of sharing knowledge that was so freely given to you is a priceless one. We find out a lot about ourselves when we mentor. It’s like the old saying, “see one, do one, teach one.”
Looking forward to your next post!