Greetings Brethren,
I know that I've been very cryptic about my post-The Ray work and there's a reason for this.
For the last seven years I've enjoyed an exclusive arrangement with DC Entertainment, one that was mutually beneficial. I wanted to wait until I could officially make this announcement.
As of last Saturday, I am no longer exclusive to DC Entertainment/ Warner Bros.
Frankly, this has been a long time coming,While I was very happy for many years to be exclusive, There comes a time when you're ready to move on. There's no animosity, in fact just the opposite. I've never been calmer or more centered than I have since I made this decision. I was forced to turn down a lot of outside opportunities while I was exclusive because I was so busy that I couldn't take them on or contractually unable to do them.
So what does this mean?
Well, for one I already have a some comics work coming up, which will be announced soon, as well as securing other work in and out of the industry. I'm also available for work as well. I'll be taking private commissions and developing some projects and pitching some of the creator owned concepts I've been working on over the last few years.
I aslo have a plan that I'm formulating for product. I'll be revamping the website from the ground up, so stay tuned for that as well.
Does this mean I'll never work for DC Comics again, far from it. It may be sometime before you see my name on DC book however, since there have not been any conversations about future work.
This is a big deal for me. A lot of my identity for the better part of a decade was tied up into being a part of DC's internal talent pool. Hell, I started working at DC when I was a teenager. I've done more work for DC than any other publisher. However, it became clear to me that I needed to be more than that again, not just "DC Exclusive Artist Jamal Igle". I remain a DC Comics fan, I'm exceedingly proud of the work I've done. Still, I'm a different person now, and hopefully a better artist, than I was seven years ago. I will always be thankful for the trust the DCE placed in me for so long.
I'm looking forward to what's coming and the potential of what lies down the road.
I am sorry to see you go from DC, but I am glad you will get a chance to bring your talents to more comic companies out there. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jamal. As always, I'm looking forward to the work you will be doing in the future! All the best.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Congrats! Can't wait to see some of you creator owned work.
ReplyDeleteQuestion? Are you happy. You are the type of artist that will work, but what gets me is DC. You're the guy who came through deadline after deadline,a rock of dependability I think their in lies the reasoning. You came through, didn't need eyes on you,follow up on you and further notice on you. I say their loss,cause they are gonna realize there's a big gaping whole left by your absence. People don't appreciate what they have till its gone. Now for you, time to flex without restrictions,limitations. Ya got muscles I know you been burning to use,so go on Jamal, show them what you're about. Do this not out " I told them so" but out of your need to be better, for you. I'll be there for whatever you do because you are a Hell of an artist,you art touches me. So I'm there. So go Jamal,let's see what ya got,I'm ready for the ride. Go get it.
ReplyDeleteIke.... I've never been so sure about a decision like this since the day I asked my wife to marry me.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reaching out.
Hey Jamal,
ReplyDeleteNice post, thanks for sharing!
I've got a soft spot for DC (my starter drug to this hobby), so I hear you on that. But I do look forward to see you "expand your brand". I just want to thank you though for what you brought to the DCU.
Can't wait to see what kind of announcements are coming this year! Lata!
As someone who's enjoyed your art since Blackjack, I'm looking forward to what's in store!
ReplyDeleteI have been HUGE fan of your work on Firestorm and your work has only captivated me more since. My 2006 Firestorm convention sketch from you was my first and still it proudly framed on my wall. The Ray is a terrific example of how you continue to understand amazing character development in your visual storytelling. Whatever you do, count me in!
ReplyDeleteGreat work jamal, you are one of the most popular and prolific pencillers in the comic book industry.Looking forward to see your work soon. Best Wishes!!
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