SKTCHD BOOK 2021
We're back! I'm David Harper, and the third print annual of SKTCHD, my subscription comic book site, and Off Panel, my weekly comics interview podcast, is here. This year's mix is particularly glorious, with a tremendous intro from one of the industry's biggest writers, a special one of a kind edition of my Ten Things column, and five articles from the site covering the mix of features and interviews I run (with each including the footnotes!). This year's edition includes:
- An introduction by writer James Tynion IV (The Nice House on the Lake, Something is Killing the Children, Tiny Onion's assorted works)
- Solve Everything: The oral history of 2015's Marvel event, Secret Wars, with insight from the original creative and editorial team, as well as others - with an additional beat worked in that was cut for length in the original.
- A Fireside Chat with Frank Quitely: For the only time in print, my interview with legendary artist Frank Quitely about his career and craft will appear in full here.
- The Illusion of Change: The comic industry is changing. But will those involved let it? This longform explores where comics are today, and how its future will be dictated by the decisions made in the present.
- To Bova, With Love: An ode to The Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's true mom, the anthropomorphic cow woman Bova, and how the character represents everything that makes Marvel special to me.
- The Real Story Behind Comic Publisher Names: Ever wonder how comic publishers got their names? I sure did. This feature explores the story behind each, with insight from people at varying top houses.
- Ten Things You Might Not Know About This Book's Author, David Harper: Instead of a typical About the Author section, this year's edition shares ten things you might not know about me, the person who made the book, as a tribute to the site's weekly new column.
The book is 122 pages long, A5 sized, printed on 100 lb satin paper with a 130 lb matte laminated cover, perfect bound, and comes with original art from artist Tadd Galusha, whose work introduces each section.
Bonus: each order will get a mix of assorted fun goodies, including Off Panel stickers, Marvel Universe and Jim Lee X-Men trading cards, buttons from this one time I fake ran for senate, and whatever else makes the mix, as supplies last. It'll be fun.
One important note is shipping will not take place until after orders close. I'll be accepting orders until Monday, April 18th at 5 pm Alaska time. With the supply chain being insane, I'm only getting the books made once all orders are in, at which point I will ship them out. I can now offer both flat rate and media mail as options for U.S. customers, and I've found a way to reduce costs a bit International. They're still higher than I would prefer, but orders outside of the U.S. will be mailed the most inexpensive way possible in an effort to keep costs down. Unfortunately, shipping from Alaska is not cheap!
Here's a projected timeline for the book:
- April 17: Orders close
- April 18: Book production begins at Mixam
- April 25: Books arrive in Alaska, at which point I will begin bundling and shipping
- April 30: Books arrive for U.S. orders (this is probably later than they actually will arrive)
Due to shipping insanity, it's tough to project when International orders will arrive. But they will!
If you have any questions, email me at [email protected] and I'll do my best to sort it out with you. Otherwise, happy ordering!