When considering more popular comics such as, The Oatmeal, Hyperbole and a Half, and xkcd, one can notice that all three are quite different. The Oatmeal has a variety of themes and lengths of comics that could appeal to more types of people. Hyperbole and a Half is more nontraditional in the way the comics are written. Almost feeling more like a blog than a comic. Whereas xkcd has much shorter comics with a more hand written feel. Obviously all three of these comics are vastly different, so why are they all successful?
Spreadable Media discusses independent media in chapter 6. "Many commercial media producers will hold onto the old-school business models as long as they can, attempting to ease the transition to a new state of affairs, but grassroots circulation may be the only way forward for many independent artists lacking mainstream distribution" (Jenkins et al, Ch. 6). The reason they have reached a successful status is due to the amount of circulation and popularity they have. All independent comics start at the same level. Most starting with a simple imgur site or blog and promoting it best they can, in hopes of moving past amateur comics. The above mentioned comics have obviously taken themselves above amateur status. However, there a lot of less successful comics that have not.
When on reddit, one can find an enormous amount of comics that have not become successful. Again, all categories. Some funny, some inappropriate, some simple, and some sad. There is a comic for everyone, especially online. Spreadable Media states, "Today, webcomics thrive across many different communities, and people create comics material for very different reasons" (Jenkins et al, Ch. 6). Invisible Bread by Justin Boyd was found on reddit after seeing one his comics posted. While he has all types of comics, I believe this one can most easily represent how many college students feel on a daily basis!
An important key to remember with all online media, is the way people can relate to it. If there a dozen webcomics that are all hard to interpret or read, chances are they are going to be unsuccessful. The online arena gives comic creators the ability to reach all the different communities.
Another example of a less known webcomic is Rabbitual Offender, who openly admits that the site is about, "A comic about rabbits and dick jokes" (http://rabbitualoffender.tumblr.com/). It takes a special kind of person to want to read about those topics. While it does allow the creator to reach the niche' market, it does not allow for much outreach to other people. By being so specific, it limits the audience to people wanting rabbits and dick jokes.
Another webcomic is Blue Dinosaur Media, which is simply a comic that has to do with all things related to the blue dinosaur. Again, this comic experiences a pretty slim audience, but it is pretty cute!
As stated earlier, all three of the comics are extremely diverse, yet none of them have much recognition. "Spreadability does not offer a panacea for independent media makers, however." continues the author, "Distribution by a major studio still matters for many independently produced films, for instance, and only a small number are picked each year beyond the film festival circuit" (Jenkins et al, Ch. 6). Even though we are not dealing with films, any type of media can be analyzed through this same type of lens. Many people create webcomics but only a few will actually become successful. Most of the people I know that create comics don't do it for the recognition, they strictly enjoy creating them and sharing with who is willing to read. So while becoming successful is usually important, I'm not sure it truly matters with regards to webcomics. Additionally, many comic creators do not make them to make a profit. If any profit is made, it is made through an online store or merchandise. The author states, "George Rohac Jr. surveyed more than 500 webcomics producers and found that almost all of them now give their comics away for free, while seeking revenue through other means." Most creators also allow fans to share the works freely as long as attribution is given. (Jenkins et al, Ch. 6)
In short, I do not think there is a method as to why some webcomics become successful and some do not. Just like music, film, or any other sort of media, it is dependent on what the audience is wanting at that particular time. Who knows, Invisible Bread could be famous tomorrow! "And, as alternative comics creators work together to provide mutual support, they often shatter the rigid genre classifications that have long constrained commercial publishing" (Jenkins et al, Ch. 6). Webcomics are unpredictable and can change with different audiences, thus breaking any standard protocol to becoming famous. With so many outlets and resources in social media, webcomics are a great example of an ever-changing audience and how independent creators can become successful due to uncommon means.
Works Cited:
Jenkins, Henry, Sam Ford, and Joshua Green. Spreadable Media: Creating Value and Meaning in a Networked Culture. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
bluedinosaur.net
http://rabbitualoffender.tumblr.com/)
invisiblebread.com
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