Comic books and Covid-19

Covid took cons away. Covid took motivation and hurled it off a cliff. Covid stole years. Covid lost us money.

BUT—-

Covid never could take away our love of comics and the community. We simply needed to find away to retreat, gather our forces, and look to the horizon for a better path.

So—-

We at Wayward Raven took flight to the mystical land. The land called Poughkeepsie. Where roads run long and the hills run wide. We retreated to the this realm of stone, malls of the strip, and where Red Robins fly next to Olive Gardens to taunt Five Guys about their peanuts and fries.

Retreat to survey the scene.

We reached our retreat in record time and stood confused for a moment as we felt like we missing something. Conventions. Usually when we all get on the road it is a hurried and frantic trip to get to the convention center in time to set up. When we roosted, the plan was set.

We discussed many things from our strengths to weaknesses. We designed a new business process to hopefully develop our cooperative abilities and listen to each other. Meetings during the week on Zoom like platforms doesn’t always get the job done when we all juggle so much. Listening and having time to be calm helps with setting goals instead of trying to solve problems all at once. Even airing grievances when done in person, in a calm, and quiet setting can be most productive when all are allowed to speak.

Issues we covered were our anthology, a new secret project from a new writer/illustrator/animator, conventions, our project pipeline, and best practices to keep the business alive. Maybe even new tactics thrive.

Won’t bore you with the minutes of the meetings (it was two days) but I will say we were reminded that each of us has unique talents.

And—-

That after a decade, we have new tools and experiences to utilize and proffer to the world.

CIA — not the intelligence agency.

We had fun too. Something we haven’t done in a long time together.

We went to the CIA: Culinary Institute of America. It was a pleasing adventure.

Mark had been there and was correct with his opinion. The student staff was skilled and on point. Fast service delivered with delectable dishes. There was a prix-fixe menu of under $50 a person for an elegant dining experience. And if a student waiter didn’t know something, they had an instructor to move them the right way. Not like they needed it.

The wine was most fine. The deserts were done with care. The building the restaurant was located was a marvel of architecture and decoration. In a word, go if you can. The sylvan campus is a beauty behold and comes alive with light at night.

Getting away has allowed us to go forward. To renew passion. To invigorate goals.

We have been licking our wounds because of Covid, but now it is time to fully heal and bring new projects to the world.

We thank you all for the support over the years and promise to bring back that Wayward spirit. We retreated.

BUT—-

Now we fly on to the horizon.

Cheers to you!!!

From the Wayward raven Crew

PS: if you are part of a indy comic book company, studio, or such, try to get away with your fellows. It can revitalize and clear up any misconceptions from isolation.