Buddy Scalera is a comic book writer and self-publisher.
He is best know for his co-writing work on Deadpool and his solo story in Weapon X. He has contributed to X-Men Millennial Visions, X-Men Unlimited and other comics. He co-wrote and self-published Necrotic: Dead Flesh on a Living Body. He also recently published a multimedia CD-Rom titled Visual Reference for Comic Artists. Currently Buddy has a two-issue arc of Agent X in stores.
Scalera worked at Wizard Online for many years as the original Online Editor.
I don`t know much about playing guitar, but if I met Eric Clapton, I wouldn`t show him the three chords I learned in high school. I`d hope that he`d show me how he plays guitar, and try to learn from that. Makes sense, right?
So, why doesn`t it make sense to so many comic fans? Allow me to elucidate. (<- great word innit?)
[IMG2R]A few years ago, I had the chance to sit behind the Event Comics table while super-creators Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Quesada did portfolio reviews. If I kept my mouth shut, I could hand P&Q drinks while they did critiques. By being quiet, they forgot I was there.
And to the fans on the portfolio review line, I was just another pretty face.
The dynamic duo (aka "Quesadiotti") offered their knowledge generously. They shared their experiences as professionals and as creators. (Not always the same thing, gang.)
And the fans ignored it.
Okay, they didn`t exactly ignore it, but... Here`s the weird thing. Many fans, myself included, have an irrational urge to get to know the creators who they admire. They travel immense distances to get an autograph, attend a panel or get a portfolio reviewed. This incredible devotion is what makes the comic business unique and exciting.
But there`s a time and place for everything.
Follow me here. Pencilers trying to get to the "next level", inkers trying to get their brush stroke right, and everyone trying to break in... all of these up-and-coming talents are getting five minutes of personal attention from guys who have MADE it. And they`re not listening.
This may not have been an actual conversation, but this is more or less how it would happen:
ASPIRING SUPER STAR (ASS): This is my portfolio. Nobody will hire me. What should I do?
[IMG3R]QUESADIOTTI: This is solid stuff. Work on the anatomy of this arm because...
ASS: Oh, well, I drew that really fast. And, I kind of had the pen in my ass because I was trying out a new technique. I`m usually much better than that. And I`m thinking of taking classes at the Q-Bert School. Although my mom`s not sure if she can pay for it since she got addicted to Vicaden. Um...
QUESADIOTTI: Okay. Ah, your page flow is good. Next, try a dynamic pose because...
ASS: Um, well, I drew that page, like, five minutes ago. While I was on this line and, uh... that next page sucks. I just hate to draw backgrounds, people and animals. Do you think I could draw a monthly X-book? I have a pinup in here somewhere. I`d MUCH rather break in drawing the covers to the Uncanny X-Men. I met the editor today on line in the bathroom, and he said...
QUESADIOTTI: Keep working, you may have a shot next year.
ASS: Next YEAR?
QUESADIOTTI: Anatomy. Next?
The Aspiring Super Star walks off to meet his girlfriend, who has been waiting patiently for over two hours and desperately needs cootie spray.
ASS GIRL: What did he say?
ASS: He didn`t really say much. But he said that I need some work on anatomy, but he thinks next year I`ll be drawing the X-Men.
Okay, in twenty words or less, what`s wrong with this picture? The colorectal answer is that ASS didn`t listen!
Could ASS be the next rising star? Yeah, maybe. But he may miss an important point by not paying attention to the people who are already stars.
It`s like if I met Eric Clapton at a small party at one of my many homes in Malibu. And there`s a guitar sitting in the corner.
Should I (a) show Eric how I play "Smoke on the Water" or (b) hand Eric the guitar and pay attention?
Clearly the answer is (c) work on my anatomy.
The amount of time that I can spend with Eric Clapton is ridiculously small compared to the time that I will spend telling my friends about the time that I taught Eric Clapton how to play guitar. The same goes for meeting comic book pros.
If you happen to have the patience to stand on line for three hours for Quesadiotti or any other pro, then have the same self-control and shut the hell up.
Let THEM talk. They don`t need YOUR advice. You need THEIR advice. And CAPITALIZE a LOT.
And for god`s sake, take the pen out of your ass and stop playing "Smoke on the Water".
NOTES:
Okay, a lot of you are wondering... wasn`t the column named "Behind The Curtain" last week? Yeah, it was.
But I was at Nelson DeCastro`s birthday party the other night and Heidi MacDonald of DC Comics busted my chops about the name. And she gave me an even better one, which is "Hey, Buddy!" So, I`m changing it. Deal with it.
The other name that I almost chose was "Tastes Like Chicken". So, there.
Myself, Darick Robertson, Jim Calafiore, Glenn Herdling, & Chris Eliopoulos - all creators that have worked on Deadpool in 2000 - will be appearing at Steve`s Comic Relief, 12 Heritage Square, Delran, New Jersey on March 3. For more details call Steve Gursky (856) 461-1770.
Buddy Scalera is the current co-writer of Marvel Comics` Deadpool series. He`s also the former online editor for Wizard. And he`s cute as a button.
