“H” is for Hiatus – Hero By Night On Hold for now…
Bad New/ Good News– First the bad….. It makes me very sad and depressed to report this news, but I want to be as transparent with the fans and supporters of Hero By Night as possible here. The ongoing print series has been suspended BY ME due to financial issues at our publisher. I couldn’t keep this on my schedule, because frankly it’s gotten to the point where I need to make hard decisions to be sure my time is spent on projects that pay me on time and have some security to them. Up until this point, Platinum has been rock solid and something I could bank on contractually and I enjoyed that security. While the plan had always been to stay on schedule through Issue 7 (a Christmas issue), and the book hadn’t been officially canceled by Platinum Studios, I couldn’t in good faith keep going when behind the scenes I knew that there would be books solicited that would not be coming out on time– our issue 4 wouldn’t be coming out because Jason had to make the hard decision to stop coloring Hero By Night for the same reasons, so my book was sitting uncolored and i knew we’d be missing the print deadline dates.
Now the semi-good news— Hero By Night has been my full time job since 2006– The folks at Platinum Studios have been awesome to me and have invested a lot of their time and money into the Hero By Night Universe– it’s no secret that just about EVERY independent comic book company is losing money on their comics– and even knowing that Platinum continues to have faith in the property. I can firmly say they’re doing everything they can to rectify this situation, but it just didn’t happen in time to save the ongoing print book. And for the naysayers out there who believe Platinum is just a big corporate bad guy looking to collect and steal away Intellectual Property rights, it might shock you to know that we’re actually discussing getting the rights back to the whole thing that I sold to them— this would allow me to take HBN on my own, self publish on the web or in print among other things…. but I have no idea what I’m doing at this point, or if I’d be able to continue it on my own– At this time, I feel pretty down and defeated, but I’m sure in time I’ll be back roaring to go.
Loose Ends… This all came about pretty abruptly and killed a TON of plans I had– I was hoping for the best and that it would work itself out in the past couple weeks, but it hasn’t–
RING SALES– Anyone who bought a ring from us, those are being made directly through me and this won’t effect your orders. In fact, I should have those in hand and ready to go out in the mail to you shortly. ONce the dust settles here, this is how I’ll be doing more merchandise, and you all helped to prove that this is doable direct to the fans– THANK YOU!!!
ISSUE FOUR - sits completed in black and white, but uncolored. I may run it as is for everyone who wants to see it. It’s one of the best issues yet, and one I’m pretty proud of and features awesome new villains. If Jason and I decide to go this alone, this might be what we launch our new effort with. We’ll let you know.
A closing THANK YOU and what all this has meant to me…. Hero By Night was and is my love letter to a genre in comics that I feel has grown up too much– one that use to tell us important messages about social responsibility, morals, choices– I tried, without being preachy to instill a bit of that old school goodness in HBN as much as I could. I wasn’t sure if it would work, but YOU have proven that it does. We’ve received countless GREAT reviews, been called one of the best comic books out there, and have inspired countless other creators we hear from. It’s been an entirely humbling experience for me. I don’t want it to end, and I do have plans I’d like to put into motion, but I have to reorganize a bit here. I want to hear from YOU though… what are your thoughts? What would you like to see happen here? Can the community online support this property fully and allow us to continue it? I don’t know… I hope so. I appreciate all of the encouraging messages we receive. — I want you all to know that YOU have been the hardest part for…. ask anyone I know about this, from people inside the publisher, to friends, to my own wife… and beyond the fact that I’m losing a job here and not making money, I say…. “What will I tell the readers?” — How could I possibly break this news TO YOU. — Some people don’t really care about that. I’ve been in conversations where I’m told not to worry about it… “It’s only a handful of people in the big picture”, I’ve been told…. but to me, you’re ALL friends. You are one of the most important things in this, because beyond making this comic for myself, I make these comics FOR YOU. With YOU in mind. Not money, not based on what’s hot in Hollywood at the moment— I make them for YOU. So it’s practically killing me to write all of this and lay it all out there.
To Jason Embury– my friend, and who became pretty much a non-credited partner in this whole thing… He’s really made my work shine. When I draw comics now, I draw them with him in mind, knowing the things he can do with the images, and he knows what I’m getting at with compositions, etc. I’m sure you won’t be seeing the last of our work together. I know that for a fact because we’ve been working on OTHER things the past couple weeks that you’ll see soon.
To James Patrick - another old friend I brought on board when we went “ongoing”– Like Jason, I think I’ve worked with him for so long, its just a no brainer. He knows how I think, he knows the way my characters talk– he knows my VOICE– and he makes my characters SING with awesome dialogue. All of the inner JACK dialogue that has been KILLER, comes from Mr. Patrick. — In life you find these people you know you’ll still know when you’re 80– Jim and Jason are those people to me.
To Platinum Studios — THANK YOU for the opportunities not only with HBN and other things, but for some things in the future as well. It was a hard business decision to make to turn off the spicket here, but I’m positive things will work out for the best. I’ve learned A LOT by working with all of the good people there. There are unsung heroes behind the scenes who have spent good amounts of their own time and extra effort pushing my work around (not just HBN, mind you) — Dan Forcey is their MVP in my book– I can’t even go into the multitudes of reasons why, just trust me that this is fact. This isn’t how I’d of liked to end HBN through you guys, but I’m kinda between this rock and a hard place too.
Yeah, all of this is pretty depressing for me. I’m going to do a bit of reorganization here and figure out what the game plan is overall. Basically, I guess I’ll be out looking for a job and figuring out my own finances.
60 comments60 Comments so far
I’m sorry to hear that, pal. If anybody knows what you’re going through and feeling it’s me. But, we shall prevail.
When I met you back in 2006 for the first Challenge, DJ, I had a good feeling you would be the guy to win. You were the idea with the idea, the talent, and the experience to put it all together, and you did. You took an old canvas and painted a brilliant new portrait on it, and believe you me, I think it’s one that’ll define the direction the genre will go from now on. Or at least have a hand in it.
So don’t worry, DJ. Just like Hero can’t die (or at least he can’t from what we know so far,) neither will his idea. I don’t think any of us would let you kill it off!
DJ -
Even though I knew this was coming, it’s sad to see it all laid bare and official-like. You were right from the beginning, though…people were longing to get back that fun, old-school superhero flavor.
Here’s hoping the rights are reverted and you can keep feeding the void.
b
Man, I hope everything works out for you…
I have a feeling this has just been one step towards something even bigger. Keep up the hard work and things will go your way eventually…
Hey DJ,
Man, this stinks. I’m sorry that you have to go through such a headache. Still, you made the right decision. If a publisher isn’t paying you, then there’s absolutely no reason to work for them.
I do pray that you’ll regain full ownership of HERO BY NIGHT. A HBN webcomic would be quite awesome.
Best,
Al Nickerson
Hey DJ!
So sorry to hear about all this stuff.
At this point, I’m in to support you and whatever you do. You are an awesome guy who does great work, and I know when I speak for the legion of N3rds (all 5 of them) that we’ll buy anything you put out with or without platinum.
Having just done Philadelphia and seeing the poor crowd turnout, I can only imagine the struggle on having to rely on comics as a sole income, and quite frankly, I feel for you.
So if there is anything we n3rds can do, please don’t hesistate to let us know.
oh man, to say I’m crushed is simply unfair to how you must feel to make this announcement. just last Wednesday, I was getting excited because issue #5 had just appeared as part of the newly solicited stuff on HeavyInk and I was very much looking forward to it. Man, that is very sad.
I do understand the decision though and I would like to wish you the best of luck in the future, especially with trying to get back the rights to the ownership of HERO BY NIGHT.
Take care, I’m keeping you in my thoughts in these tough times.
Steve, aka FrogMan
Sorry to hear about your problems. Perhaps we at HeavyInk can step into the gap and help get HBN back into print.
Let’s talk.
I’m just coming out (I hope) of a hard situation myself. Hang in there: difficulties are fate’s way of giving us new chances for success. El que es perico donde quiera es verde.
Good luck!
hey DJ, sorry to hear about the abrupt stop of HBN. I really hope everything works out and you do get the rights back. I hadn’t visited your personal blog for a while, so i’d just like to say that’s awesome that your working with the Flobots on some stuff. I just found out about them two weeks ago and love them.
I hope that project works out really well for you and look forward to more HBN from you in the future, as well as your other endeavors. Good Luck!!
Harley
You’re a classy guy. Well put.
Hey man, this sucks. As always if theres anything we can do to help/support/advertise etc, just drop us a line – you know we’re in for anything you do. Jas
Your previous posts about not getting paid for work that you had done made me wonder what was going on and how that would affect things. Sorry to hear this–not just because the loss of a great story, either. Back during the 2006 Comic Book Challenge (and then after, when you won the challenge and HBN took off), you just seemed so HAPPY. The anger and bitterness that was so common in the Yirmumah blog posts before HBN seemed to fade and get replaced by this optimism that was fun and contagious. Don’t get me wrong–the anger and bitterness made for some entertaining reading (I still miss Yirmumah), but it just felt good to see you having such a good time. I hope things work out for the best, man.
See if you can get the IP rights back, DJ, and try submitting to Image. I believe they’d pick it up in a heartbeat.
DJ,
This is crushing! HBN was one of only two series I’ve been collecting lately (the other being Deadpool) and hanging out with you at all the conventions in 2007 was great. I REALLY hope you get HBN back and can keep it going. I don’t want to see this die.
I feel like I’ve just been told a good friend of mine has gotten cancer.
-Nick
I don’t think this was a huge surprise considering your recent posts. Nothing so obvious, but I think you were hinting at not getting paid and really, as far as we knew, HBN was the bread winner.
Man, that’s a real drag! I’m very sad to see HBN put on hold indefinitely but that’d be awesome if you could get the rights back.
And you’ve handled this in a very classy way man very honest and sincere, I commend you on it.
I subscribed to HBN after two attempts to purchase it from local comic shops. I decided then that comic shops are just like music and radio. You have to have the “in” to get the shop’s attention. I believe that the internet is the way to go. If some jerk can get a viral video with the numa numa, then a real bit of entertainment should make it. HBN is a great comic and there are many other comics out on the web with real entertainment to them. I hope that you can find a way to sell HBN on-line. I will be there with my subscription. I prefer the hardbound books, but if I can’t get that, the soft weekly/monthly is cool. I subscribed to Yirmumah for the same reason. You entertained me and for a small bit of money, I could support that entertainment. I hope all the comic artist/writers can find a job on the internet, because this old business model of shops just sucks. Pity a few more people won’t just click the tip jar or subscribe, if more people threw a few buck at the creators, it wouldn’t take much to make it worth it to them.
DJ’s out cavorting around with rockstars today but I’ll chime in some.
Yeah, it’s sad news for everyone really. real sad. However, we have been plotting and scheming here for a few weeks now, and IF DJ is able to get the rights back, which is looking like a real possibility from what I’ve heard, we ARE looking at other options. Very little of what we’ve talked about has anything at all to do with the direct market distributions system in comics. Diamond is a failure and money pit for independant publishers. A move to Image, if Image would even be interested, wouldn’t be anything worth celebrating over really. It might mean another 1500 print sales, and it MIGHT lead to growing print numbers. But I doubt it. Factoring in what Image offers, and the other costs involved with going through Image, self-publishing online and directly interacting with our online fanbase is really a much better option for HBN.
Handling things ourselves is also something that I think we BOTH want to move towards. We’ve both dealt with Diamond, with soliciting books, with printers will ALL of that jazz on the distribution side, and we’re both completely convinced that it’s a failing system that needs to be replaced.
Reorganizing is a good way to put it really. Rest assured, that when we’re chatting on the phone about all this stuff, we’re doing very little actual bullshitting. It’s virtually 100% business and 100% focused on how, what, when and where our energies can best be spent to keep things moving forward (for ourselves and for HBN) We’re planning a LOT of things, some that will hopefully surprise everyone. The originality, creativity and energy behind HBN is really what makes HBN so special. And those things have only gotten stronger with the current situation for us here. Which will only mean good things for anyone who is a fan of HBN in the end.
Nothing more than a minor hiccup. HBN’s got too much going for it to end here. Can’t wait to see what the future brings for you guys.
[...] suspends Hero By Night at Platinum Monday June 2, 2008, 12:16 pm Cartoonist DJ Coffman announced yesterday that he’s suspended Hero By Night “due to financial issues” at publisher Platinum [...]
It’ll all turn out for the best, man. I’m sure it will.
I hope this all works out for you. HBN is just too good to die.
[...] I read that DJ Coffman put Hero By Night on hiatus. I want to wish him nothing but the best of luck on [...]
Sad news – but I believe a minor obstacle. Great creator – great characters . . . the rest will be worked out.
It’s sad to see the hiatus – but I think it’ll be just that – a temporary thing.
This book was awesome! It had old school fun with new school dialogue and sensibilities. . . .and surprisingly enough, no one was really doing this winning formula.
I met DJ at a con and he’s a nice guy, clearly doing this for the love of comics.
You’ve got my support!
Here’s hoping it works out sooner rather than later and I find out what’s happening next with Saul Simian
Good luck!
[...] not an exciting sight for its readers. D.J. Coffman explained the predicament in one of his posts, not blaming Platinum Studios but instead a general lack of stable income being generated by the [...]
Hey DJ, though I am not a reg’d member of DrunkDuck, I have made HBN part of my morning coffee before work webcomic read ritual. I stumbled across HBN via a link from another DD comic. I was immediatly hooked. I read through the archives in 2 days, basically stopping long enough to sleep, eat and hug my g/f goodnite.
I hope this truly is not the end, but just a hiatus.
not goodbye, but see you later.
Gawd, this sucks. I thought it was the best comic out. Thought for sure there’d be a movie someday! I’m holding out hope that HBN will return.
I hate to say it but….Scott Kurtz told ya so.
I’ll miss HBN. I was really enjoying it. But I was in the same boat with others when you moved to Platinum. Just didn’t seem like a good idea.
I WILL buy HBN when it comes out again and continue to spread the good work you’ve done.
“I hate to say it but….Scott Kurtz told ya so.”
Told him what? Not to take a job for a couple years? To get paid well doing what he loved?
Would HBN even have gotten where it was if it wasn’t for the contest?
I’m not sure DJ regrets anything or at least the things people may think he does.
Well, I sure had a blast with the book, and we’ll see what happens.
.
I’m still in cincinnati having with the flobots- I just wanted to say thanks for the well wishes and support– I do want to make it clear now and when I get back that there’s nothing I regret here– I havent been screwed over or treated badly in anyway- this was all about my own finances – I wish I could keep doing this foe months and months but I have bills to pay– I wasn’t forced into this position- I had to do this primarily for my own sanity and for the fans who truly made hbn what it is and will be-
Hey DJ,
Sorry to hear about HBN, but looking forward to seeing what comes out of everything and what OTHER things you and Embury are cooking up.
HBN was definitely my favorite series while I was working at PS and you were a great guy to work with. Best of luck with the next steps! I hope you’re able to continue the series at a future time.
Sorry to hear about this DJ. I hope you and Platinum can work it out.
DJ,
I’m honestly sorry to hear this. I wish you luck getting it back but I’m pumped to see the stuff you have on the horizon.
All good things come to an end, but not yet. I know this hiatus is only temporary, and you’ll be back soon. Take care and come back soon!
‘Drew
Alchemist
Studio Bergstrom
[...] So, who’s been reading between the lines over at DJ Coffman’s blog? Catch where the lines pulled apart about yay-wide? It makes me very sad and depressed to report this news, but I want to be as transparent with the [...]
Hey,
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve kept up with every update of HBN and I love all of it. The story, the characters, artwork… all fantastic. Whatever happens I’ll be keeping an eye out for HBN and more of your work, however long it takes. Thanks for making this comic- and all the best with everything going on.
Sarah. (aka Rah).
Hate to hear it,pal. Glad I found out now before entering the contest. You were my only inspiration to do it. I’ll submit to Image or publish on my own now. Platinum is run by some class A dufusses! You pay your talent first! Dey be da ones bringing in da big bucks, ya know? Why do work for hire if you are not going to be paid regularly, might as well self publish and keep your rights. Best to you, pal! I’ll be waiting for your next big thing. Do it as a web comic this time, on your own or with Image or someone who is part of the 21st Century Comics Industry. Platinum’s so easy, Cavemen are running it!
Bring Back Yirmumah!
[...] you” way, anyway — a winner of a Platinum Studios to publish and represent one’s comic book has announced he will be suspending publication due to unspecified money problems with [...]
Ouch!
By-the-by, same problems were going on back in the sixties, when I was distributing “underground comix”. the creators couldn’t understand why the publisher got such a slice of the pie, the publisher often sold in good faith to shops that either wouldn’t or couldn’t pay (comic shops are not the soundest businesses in the world, often being labors of love), even distributers would collapse leaving huge holes in publishers financial statements.
And everyone thought someone else was screwing them out of what was due.
All you can due is follow the words of St. Robt. of Crumb and “keep on truckin’.”
good luck, and yeah i would like to see it even in black & white.
Good luck! I have been enjoying your comic and making an effort to go out and purchase it in a shop. I hope it all works out for the best.
DJ,
I just got wind of this today – very sorry to hear. But I know that you and Jason will figure out a way to right the ship and get HBN out again. You are two of the smartest, most creative and diligent guys I met during my time at PS.
Good luck with the Flobots project – can’t wait to see it…
Best,
HKB
Whats up DJ!!
I was just logging in this website to see your latest story, and I’m stunned to see the news. I met you at the first Comic Con I ever went to in Chicago last year. I have to say it was very inspiring to actually get to talk to someone who made it in this business. So do what you must to get back on track, because comics need feel good stories like yours.
Are the rings still being sold. I would love to get one.
*Stunned*
‘nholdenuk’ was right when he said on the HBN site that HBN is the one of the best Superhero comics available. I fully believe that this has the making of an ongoing comic. If only I was a studio, and not a programmer. ^^
Keep positive. Keep the passion. Keep the Hero.
HBN Crew,
I’m sorry to read this news. Knowing your drive DJ, things will work out somehow.
Dang DJ, just when I was hoping to get Saul Simian stuffed plushies for the kids! Best of luck, you’re one of the best. Just ask yourself, what would Jack Kirby do?
Damn DJ, I was enjoying the stuff.
I wish I’d been wrong at the start. If you get back to self publishing like you did with Yirmumah feel free to let me do the work on the European end of your domination. All I’ll need is money for stamps and envelopes.
And maybe a signed copy of your work. It’ll probably be worth shedloads in the long run.
Bengals are in the playoffs this year.
DJ,
I’m so sad to hear the news. I’ve been following the exploits of Hero By Night since the Journal days and it will be sad not to have new HBN every week. But I know there’s potential for this book to be a real success given the right kind of distribution. I have faith, and I look forward to the further adventures of Hero By Night.
Sean
Hero By Night has become my favorite webcomic over the past few months, and is an amazing effort. DJ, you and your team have put out quality work, that honestly, never seemed to disappoint.
It’s my fervent hope that things sort out, so that you can continue doing the work that you obviously love and that we, your fans, have likewise come to love.
Thanks, and Good Luck!
It constantly amazes me the quality and integrity of people who love what they do and do it with a passion. You are a shining example of this, man. I won’t bother with expressing hopes of what will or may be as I know your zeal and drive will see you beyond this to better vistas. Cheers from someone who hopes to share the same qualities with another creator and friend.
[...] according to his blog, he is taking a break from producing the comic with Platinum due to non-payment issues. He wants to [...]
[...] ha notificato sul proprio blog la necessità di interrompere la lavorazione del fumetto per problemi finanziari non meglio [...]
Not sure what happened to my original post. I hope you can get your property back DJ. HBN is very marketable and has a great future. You’ve created a whole new hero universe and Hollywood is in it’s future.
Scott says Owned but I hope you get ownership back.
Really enjoyed HBN (and yirmumah before that) and hope to see it back in some shape way form sometime soon. Good Luck, man!
[...] It’s hardcover, with GREAT colors and is very high quality. I am quite saddened by his latest blog post though! His stuff is awesome, and I do hope he gets the chance to continue making [...]
DJ,
That’s a bummer man. This is one of the best fictions on the net. HBN will always rock ! What options for film can you get for this product ? That’s where sadly the money is compared to comics. Somehow it could be turned into an animated kids show like TMNT without the compriomise to style and tone. Expand from there maybe. Who knows…All I know is I’m still a fan
Video game options?… perhaps…
Gavin. SURREAL ART = http://www.whitehawkstudios.com
Hey DJ,
I’m sorry to hear that the delay at Platinum (they’ve promised us it’s just a delay!) means you’re leaving, at least for now. I really hope Hero continues in some capacity–and I’d love for you to keep in touch with the C&AII team, as we all admire the work you guys have been doing.
-Alana (C&AII writer)
I only just discovered this comic. I loved every page. I am a huge fan of print comics and I found you comic refreshing in (as you accurately put it) a genre that has grown up to much. I really do hope that there is some way to keep it going in one way or another. Thanks for the great read, and restoring my faith in good old fashioned four color superhero comics. If there is anyway to still purchase the print copies I would love to own them.
Thanks again for the stellar story and the new and refreshing look at one of my favorite genres. I look forward to reading the rest of the story when the time comes. Thanks again.
I’m so sorry! You’re an inspiration for a lot of us I think so I know this isn’t the end only a chance to regroup and we’ll be looking for HBN in the future. Take care! =)