Usually this idea is commonly seen in American comics. For example a long running comic has a team that works on it. Usually it consists of a writer, an editor, a pencilist (or the main artist), an inker, a colorist and for traditional comics a letterist (that's the guy who does the wording of the comic by HAND. No computers). I know that I definitely cannot write words in a comic for SHIT. @__@ That's what a letterist is for because that is an art form. Plus my brother taught me that a letterist also does the placement of word bubbles in a way that doesn't contradict the artwork. As for colors I'm going to need to up my game for that. I remember when my best friend Hannah and I did comics together, I would do the pencils and she would do the inking and coloring, she still is to this day WAY better than me at coloring.
This idea can also apply to manga. Usually when I read manga where the story and art is done by one person I read about the editor, the art assistant, and the toning artist (the one who applies the grey effects). I tend to think of the art group CLAMP (they did Tsubasa, xxxHolic, Chobits, Cardcaptor Sakura...) when I think of a manga team, and I won't lie, it's probably the best thing that they team up for their manga. Their manga has a good story and good art because it has multiple people working on it who work together and help each other out. That's why I think I need the help of my big brother (who's a great writer) for my comics. He always helps me shape out ideas and he can tell me which parts are confusing or need to be cut out. With his help I know I can create a great comic.
Here is an example of a long running successful comic that follows this idea. And for once, it's not manga. O__O
Manga--er, COMIC review: Sonic the hedgehog (Archie comics)
Story by: Currently, Ian Flynn
Art by: Currently, Steven Butler and Tracy Yardley!
DON'T FRONT just because it's a comic about Sonic. It's actually really good once you think about it. Basically the story is about Sonic the hedgehog along with his help of the freedom fighters, led by Sally Acorn and how they fight to save their world Mobius for the evil Dr. Eggman (or Robotnik) along with other villains. You would think the story is too straight forward but it actually spans out as a rich environment for many stories. The characters have major psychological development unlike the characters in the Sega games and the readers are able to relate to them. There is comedy along with drama and action that makes this comic not just for kids but for all age groups. But what really makes this comic special is it's team behind it. Throughout the comics there have been multiple members working on it. Each story arc has a different writer, editor, artist, inker, colorist and letterist. I find that the variety of artist help introduce different art styles to the mix and impresses the reader at the same time. Sometimes the artist gets better and improves his/her art overtime. Each writer introduces new characters and new environments. I can easily say that it's because of a good team behind the comics that it has lasted for many years and it's still going! As the story progresses, when new sonic games come out they find a way to incorporate it into the comic without ruining the current story. Sometimes the new games help introduce new characters and new story ideas to the comic, so it advertises the game and comic at the same time. It's a lot of work when you think about it. And that's why when I read Sonic comics I see it as an example of a successful, long running comic. I read it now not only for the story and art, but to also study how the comic develops in modern time. It inspires me also to make sure that my comic has a rich environment that can develop into multiple stories that entices the reader. So I salute you Sonic the hedgehog comic.
