Revisiting Crossgen

[kybearfuzz]

(Cross-posted to comicbookbears)

I was a big fan of Crossgen when they were around. I loved the artwork, the writing, the intertwining stories, etc. I even went as far to order some of the original artwork, buying the cover to the First #17 (left).

I admit I liked the business model of the company, having creators (both writers and artists) working together in the same office instead of states and time zones apart. When they went under, it was a shock, especially when they stopped in the middle of several critical storylines.

While I know the company filed for bankruptcy, blamed largely on the company overextending themselves and having a problematic return policy, the real story of the company's demise is difficult to piece together. I read in George Perez Storyteller that he felt it was a great experience, allowing a great deal of creative freedom.

Writer Mark Waid presented things in a more negative way, saying in this interview that Crossgen founder Mark Alessi was a "spoiled eight year old with a checkbook" and "the biggest bully" he'd ever met, essentially making the work environment a living hell. Waid states that the great work from Crossgen was created in spite of the management, not because of it.

Perhaps Perez was preserving certain bridges while Waid was enjoying burning them. I'm sure there have been whole discussion boards about the fall of Crossgen, but I'd love to hear what the group has to say about it. What were your favorite titles? Did you not care for the company? Have you read anything more about the problems they had there?

Comments

Creative War

[phenryss.livejournal.com]

I get the sense that the artists had a better time of it than the writers as a whole. Also, I think in a creative community like that, some infighting is certain to happen. Both writers and artists are known for their big egos. I also have the feeling that Alessi was dictatorial from my readings.

I liked the idea, but never got into the line as a whole.

Hugs!

Re: Creative War

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I thought it was pretty well done myself, but it did stray outside my usual line of super-hero comic books. And you're right, the putting together of large egos may indeed have caused quite a bit of friction. Alessi's own ego from what I've read sounds like a match-to-gasoline situation.

Re: Creative War

[phenryss.livejournal.com]

In the 80s and 90s there was an imprint/cooperative called Legend or Icon which had several big names involved and they did things for other companies, but the egos were so great that they imploded and all went their separate ways.

This group included John Byrne, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller and a few others. It was pretty volatile from what I have read. They are friends again, but for a while it was hostile.

So big egos can get nasty...

Hugs!