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Hero Business: One of “Five Fabulous Webcomics You Shouldn’t Miss”
by Hero Business C.E.O. on November 5th, 2010Posted In: Water Cooler Discussion
Hey, the “History of Things To Come” blog has cited “The Hero Business as one of the “Five Fabulous Webcomics you Shouldn’t Miss.” Here’s what they say:
“Bill Walko’s new Web Comic The Hero Business is an incredibly funny and scathing look at the cynical world of superheroic comicdom now. [...] This strip is sort of like WKRP in Cincinnati meets the Modern Age of comic books, with the revolving door of death a sharp little sub-theme alongside a celebutante hero wannabe, who oozes millennial entitlement in the first issue. There are also some cool plot twists in among the jokes.
But what really sets this strip apart? It’s an original mix of three things: Postmodern office satire with a Fourth Wall comics Bullpen parody set inside a superheroic narrative. – Ever wondered what would happen if all those editors and creators that comics fans love to complain about suddenly lived in a superheroic universe, possibly had superpowers themselves, and were subjected to the mad turns of their own decision-making? Find out in The Hero Business.”
Aww, thanks guys. I should be posting some shiny new Hero Business in December, so stay tuned!
You can check out the other four right here.
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So I’ve been refining the strip a bit, giving it a slicker look. Also, my art style has evolved since I started episode 1. With episode 2, the characters are getting a slight upgrade (sort of like the difference between season 1 of the Simpsons… and season 2).
Anyways, thought I’d share! This is page 3 of the new storyline! Stay tuned for more.
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Hero Business on CBR’s Robot 6
by Hero Business C.E.O. on August 25th, 2010Posted In: Blog, Water Cooler Discussion
Yesterday, I had a favorable write-up in Comic Book Resources’ “Robot 6″ blog from Brigid Alverson:
Start reading now: The Hero Business
The Hero Business, by Bill Walko, is a fun take on the superheroes-as-business genre. The Hero Business is a full-service agency providing advising, costume design, and other services to superheroes, told from the point of view of Parker Jameson, the new receptionist. The comic mixes up familiar characters and some fresh jokes, and the clean, easy to follow art style makes it work nicely as a gag strip as well as a continuing story. The first story arc has just wrapped up, so it’s a good time to jump in and start reading.
You can check out the post here!
Thanks, Brigid! Glad you’re enjoying it!
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Welcome To The Watercooler
by Hero Business C.E.O. on August 25th, 2010Posted In: Blog, Water Cooler Discussion
Hey guys, thanks for checking out the Hero Business. The first storyline has just been completed, and I think I finally figured out the nuances of ComicPress (more or less).
I’ve gotten some good, positive feedback so far – and some helpful tips as well. All your feedback is appreciated so please feel free to post at the Watercooler (that’s here!) to continue the dialogue.
OK, back to the drawing board for the second storyline…. lots of meta-textual comic-booky goodness!
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Secret Origin of The Hero Business
by Hero Business C.E.O. on March 12th, 2010Posted In: Blog, Water Cooler Discussion
So how did this “Hero Business” thing come about?
Well, I’ve been drawing since I was like 5 years old. Mostly super-heroes. In high school, I created my own comics and characters. In college, I ran my own comic strip for 3 years. Post-college, I took some comic art classes at School of Visual Arts in New York. I created my own comic creation called “Stiletto,” which was a Simpsons-like super-hero parody.
Then the graphic design industry claimed me. Since then, I’ve worked at various agencies in the Connecticut and New York metropolitan area. It’s been great. The past few years, I’ve been freelancing. In my spare time, I’ve developed some of my own ideas and pitches for comics and animation.
So…. what does all this have to do with “The Hero Business”?
It hit me one day: Why not blend my two worlds together? The wheels began to turn…. A workplace comedy series based at an agency… for super-heroes.
The comedy could work on multiple levels. You’ve got the super-hero parody stuff. You’ve got a scathing look at our overly-marketed world. You’ve got a cast of characters that include super-heroes, villains and regular folk. That sounds kinda like an ad agency by itself! And then the name hit me: The Hero Business (I can never resist a good double entendre. I grew up watching Three’s Company!).
There are influences, but maybe not what you would think. I guess the easy “sell” for this would be “The Office” set in a super-hero universe, but I’m not sure if that quite encapsulates the tone. See, I’m a big fan of “workplace sitcoms” in general. There’s something about the idea of a forced family that appeals to me. Cubemates are not associating with each other by choice. They are forced to deal with each other. So, you have a logical reason to have people clashing on a daily basis. Maybe that’s why I love shows like Newsradio, Scrubs, 30 Rock, Mary Tyler Moore, Cheers, and the like.
So I had the premise. I just neeeded to develop the cast…. who would work at The Hero Business?
That’s a story for another post….
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