After many years under the wing of Keenspot, six of Spot’s finest have decided to leave and go independent. The news came as a shock earlier this month and Spacers were left to wonder what was going on with only “business reasons” left by the artists as their motive. Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long for an explanation.

The answer came just recently. Kristofer Straub’s Checkerboard Nightmare, Brad J. Guigar’s Greystone Inn, David Willis’ It’s Walky!, Steve Troop’s Melonpool, Paul Taylor’s Waspi Square and Paul Southworth of Krazy Larry have all banded together to form Blank Label Comics (www.blanklabelcomics.com). The new company is unlike Keenspot and other similar companies such as ModernTales and Drunk Duck. Instead of forming a syndicate that actively recruits many new members they formed a small, exclusive, cooperative group of independents that hope to generate decent revenue through cross promotion and advertising. It seems that the small group format will suit them better than a large one as large groups run into problems with communication. In fact, in the companies FAQ they have stated that while their business modes would allow for possible additions of comics in the future, their goal is to keep things as small as possible. The writers stated no quarrel with Keenspace but felt that this was a better business arrangement as they now have their own copyrights plus they can now draw on each other’s abilities to help themselves succeed.

At this point their possibilities for success are unclear but it is an exciting move. Already a few of the artists have made some BL exclusive comic series and their front page often has random tidbits like news blurbs and sketches. David Willis even offered up an It’s Walky 24 hour comic the other day. And so we at the Keenspace Newsletter wish those at BLC good luck and will continue to post any major news of them that comes our way. Whatever happens, it will be interesting.

Comment on this article in our forum