Dante Nahai/ Staff Writer
Comic book journalism is a niche commonly unheard of among journalists. While there are media outlets that talk about the latest news on comic books based on hit TV shows and movies, there is not much coverage on what happens within the comic book world.
There are many devoted websites and writers who love to talk about the latest comic book news, it just so happens that FIU professor, Will Nevin, does the same thing.
Nevin is an FIU adjunct instructor who specializes in media law. He is known for teaching media writing and lead writing.
The comic book expert has always had a passion for journalism. He shares his experience on what led him to pursue a career in the craft.
“I got into journalism in high school, I was in student government and during that meeting the STA president told me to restart the school’s newspaper,” Nevin explained. “Ever since then, I’ve been in journalism.”
Professor Nevin later went onto graduate school and maintained his connection with journalism.
Pursuing a combined Masters and PhD in journalism and communications at the University of Alabama, he worked with the university’s own student-run newspaper, “The Crimson White.”
During his time at the newspaper, he focused on cover campus and city crime news, a tough section of journalism that mainly focuses on the grim side of news coverage.
“I’ve done stories that were really hard to report, interview and write,” he said. “It’s taxing on the soul and I respect those that can do it.”
Although he has much experience in this form of journalism, he has always had an interest in entertainment, specifically when it comes to covering comic book news and editorials.
Nevin has worked for comic book centric websites like The Oregonian, and sites like ComicsXF that are tailored more for the experienced comic reader.
Even though entertainment journalism focuses on the fun and lighter side of the media, it does not mean these stories do not delve into serious topics.
“I once did an announcement piece for The Oregonian. These creators announced a new book, but it turned out that the writers plagiarized the art. I had to go back and redo that story.”
Although entertainment focuses on popular culture and mainstream news and gossip, there are stories still worth telling. Nevin found himself gravitating towards feature writing while pursuing his niche.
“The ability to tell stories is what really engaged me. There aren’t so many rules when you do feature writing. It helps me to become more creative.”
Comic book journalism includes a wide selection of topics, ranging from film and television shows and comic series from 40 years ago.
The city of Portland is known for having a big comic industry, which is home to many news outlets that cover all things comic books.
Nevin explains the popularity of comic book news in Portland.
“Portland is a big hub for comic books, publishers like Image Comics, and Dark Horse Comics are there, as well as many writers and artists.”
Although Portland is known for being a central point for many comic books creators and artists, the art form isn’t as popular around the country. Nevin explains how this can be an issue.
“I’d write about these creators that are big in the comic book industry, but outside of that readers may have no idea who those people are.”
Writing for a publication that’s aimed exclusively for comics fans is different in comparison to standard journalism, according to Nevin. With articles on comics, readers are familiar with the characters they read about.
Nevin has written for a wide range of comic book outlets. His experience consists of interviewing various creators and diving into famous comic book series’ such as Batman.
“I tend to frame my article[s] with my thoughts in an engaging and creative way.”
But what drives someone to write about comics? According to Nevin, it all stems from being a comic book fan. Most writers read a specific series and feel a connection to it, leading them to share their thoughts on it with the world.
Comic book journalism creates a space for both fans and writers to enjoy the art form. It creates a community among fans while sharing ideas on the latest releases.
Overall, comic book journalism aims to fuel the passion and love for comic books. Regardless of the reader being a novice or an expert on the media it is a form of entertainment for everyone to enjoy in their own way.
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