This week ended on a bad note for fans of Chelsea Cains writing.
I was offered the gig in July of 2016, Cain says.
They were allowing us to finish out the arc.
Credit: Bryan Aulick; Marvel
I pitched the idea of my husband co-writing it with me.
Marc is a writer, and we once co-wrote an illustrated book calledDoes This Cape Make Me Look Fat?
Pop Psychology for Superheroes.
Marvel
Also, we have a teenage daughter.
So Marc brings a unique authority to the subject matter.
We spent months outlining and negotiating contracts and researching.
We submitted an outline for the whole first arc.
By September of 2017 one year ago we submitted the script for #1.
Weve been working solidly for the last six months.
The first three issues are inked.
The first issue is colored.
They all have amazing cover art.
The series was announced in July.
And officially solicited about a month ago.
They put it in Previews.
Why go through all of that, just to pull the plug?
Marvel had no official comment when contacted by EW.
If that isnt a metaphor for the comic book business, she says, I dont know what is.
I am loud, for all of them.
Talking to EW, Cain clarifies what she meant by that.
The comic book industry is made up of freelancers.
I think a lot of readers dont understand the extent of that reality, Cain says.
Theeditorswork for the company.
But these freelancers are still expected to behave like employees.
This left Cain with few institutional protections when she was targeted by the anti-Mockingbirdharassment campaign.
She says, Marvel put me through a lot withMockingbird.
I faced that with zero institutional protections.
Hold tight, they kept saying.
It breaks my heart.
Because I think it sends a terrible message.
And I love this brand.
And I love these guys.
And I love comics.
Cain is complimentary toward the people she worked with.
Going even further, Cain says, Ive literally never had a negative interaction with anyone at Marvel.
They have given me nothing but positive feedback.
They love comics, Cain says.
Theyre held hostage by the work.
When Marvel asks you to let something go, to toe the line, the implication is clear.
DC and Marvel dominate this industry.
Freelancers dont want to make enemies of institutions, because freelancers depend on the next job that comes along.
The limitations of freelance labor arent the only obstacle for a comic likeThe Vision.
It doesnt belong to me.
It happens again and again and again.
Im just one of the few people crazy enough to say it out loud, Cain says now.
I have a 13-year-old daughter who loves comics.
I used to be a 13-year-old girl who loved comics.
I see my daughter.
I see her experience.
I see you.Wesee you.
