Can I review your comics?

[BlueWorldComics]

First, I want to acknowledge my inspiration for this topic: https://forums.tapas.io/t/lazy-girl-up-to-review-novels-comics/34443.
Please check out her thread and show her some love.

So, basically I just want to know what the general consensus is on reviewing different webcomics on a different platform. For example, if I made a YouTube account with the purpose of reviewing webcomics, would anyone mind?

I know legally speaking it would be under Fair Use, but I'm mostly concerned with what people think of having their stuff put on blast like that (keep in mind, I personally don't have much of a social media presence so it wouldn't be THAT much of a blast).

From one end, a lot of artists SEEK criticism and ask to be reviewed so that they can assess their work. On the other hand, some artists are introverted and don't want their work to be put under a microscope in that way. And then, of course, there are the people that simply can't take criticism and even the slightest sign of disapproval makes them feel attacked. Also, a review is promotion, good or bad (obviously a bad review can negatively affect growth).

Lemme know what you guys think.

• Review Freely
• Ask First
• Avoid the Headache

Show results

[KoreanTacos]

I could care less if someone wants to review either of my works. Nothing made in a public eye should ever be barred from constructive criticism.

[skicoak]

From one end, a lot of artists SEEK criticism and ask to be reviewed so that they can assess their work.

Reviews, by their very nature, occupy a different place from a critique. There can be bleed over between the two discourses but I think if you, as a reviewer, are focusing on the reading experience... you're not encroaching into the artistic process that some people get rather personal about.

[apricotjamart]

I don't think you have to ask to review, but I think its kind to ask, especially with amateur creators or people producing their work non commercially. Not everyone creates works with the goal of self improvement in mind, for some its venting or personal enjoyment, in which case a surprise review might feel a little intrusive.

Obviously this doesn't apply as strongly to professional work, such as published webcomics and those done by full time, established creators. But even then, if you think the person can be reached/would actually have time to answer it doesn't hurt to check.

[IndigoShirtProd]

I wouldn't mind if you wanted to review my comic, though I would like you to wait until I'm done redrawing my first chapter. It's fine to not ask (at least in my opinion) as long as your reviewing without a vendetta in mind and you link to the creator's social media and all platforms where they post their comic. Though you'll find more often than not that a creator would want you to ask permission first, just as a head's up.
As @skicoak said, review and critique are inherently different. Reviews come with the idea of recommendation to possible readers while critiques are really for the creator themselves.
If you do review/critique without permission, just be cordial when you do it

[punkarsenic]

For example, if I made a YouTube account with the purpose of reviewing webcomics, would anyone mind?

i think this would be really cool! are there any youtube reviewers whose styles you might emulate?

there absolutely needs to be more critics in webcomics for the medium to grow and stay healthy - but think about what your goals are with your reviews, and give yourself some designing principals.

for example, they could be:

• highlight the good and remain uplifting (a la cinemawins or movieswithmikey)
• be analytical and find the unique take (a la jacksaint or bigjoel)
• deconstruct the unique techniques in the comic (a la strip panel naked)

if you focus on making sure your reviews are constructive and informative for an audience, then creators shouldnt get upset. if they do, theyre prolly being unfair.

bc webcomics is a largely amateur medium though, with a lot of young people, id also give yourself a set of conduct rules - ie 'always give a heads up' (not necessarily asking, but makes it less of a surprise and means that if they REALLY DONT WANT IT they have a window to implore you not to haha) or 'never review a comic by someone under 18' (not bc of legal reasons, but jus bc theyre likely a lot more sensitive than an adult).

id be really excited to see you do this, and id defo put my hat in the ring!!!

[Rodimus13]

I think it could be good but maybe at least take the time to let them know you reviewed them.

[ezzy]

I'd love to see more webcomic reviews and critiques alike. I think it's necessary for the medium to grow in a healthy manner. Solid reviews are a good way to get people to read new webcomics they might not have otherwise. Even if the review isn't entirely positive.

I believe it would be better to ask first, for a few reasons.

1) Webcomic work is largely amateur and thus, the people doing the webcomic might only be interested in doing it for fun. Bad reviews for an amateur author are just a stressful element that might lead them to want to stop drawing.

2) Webcomic authors are more visible than traditional media creators. We're the ones who read the reviews and comments directly, there's no buffer between us and the audience. Most media productions have at least a small team where you can distribute the blame to. Webcomic authors are (usually) writer, author, publicist, community manager, editor and etc in one.

3) Because of the above, if you do review a comic and the author is pissed off at you, you're gonna have to deal with that, either by taking down the review, or leaving it up even against the author's protests. And I'd generally avoid pissing off people in my community.The author might be upset, readers might be upset, and it's generally not a good look.

[SleepingPoppy]

Out if curiosity, how do you plan on choosing what to review? That in and of itself seems like a monumental task. Like you want to be fair, but you also want the reviews to be entertaining probably...

Main thing I'd be wary of is just to be careful you don't end up making fun of inexperienced creators. Try to measure your responses based on creator and creation to some degree.

[elyss]

You're well within your legal right to do so. Like any reviewer though, you should be prepared for potential backlash from readers and creators alike.

[BlueWorldComics]

You know, when I thought of this topic, this was more of a hypothetical. I did have plans to do this at some point, but considering some of the feedback, I should probably get started on it sooner rather than later.

[BlueWorldComics]

Out if curiosity, how do you plan on choosing what to review? That in and of itself seems like a monumental task. Like you want to be fair, but you also want the reviews to be entertaining probably...

Main thing I'd be wary of is just to be careful you don't end up making fun of inexperienced creators. Try to measure your responses based on creator and creation to some degree.

I hadn't really thought about it, but since you asked.

Well, I read comics pretty much everyday. This will simply force me (in a good way) to read more webcomics. I have my personal tastes (Superheroes/Action/Adventure), so I'll probably favor those. I'll definitely take recommendations and requests.

And as far as "levels" are concerned, I mention on my profile that I'm more of a story guy, so I'll likely look past the art most of the time, so amateur artists are definitely safe. I guess I'll just focus on what is the story you are trying to tell and how well you're telling it.

[Chopythes]

I've had plenty of people reviewing my works and... I read somewhere that reviews aren't for the authors to read, it's for the readers or new readers.

Well, what I wish to say is that I think it's absolutely fine for me if you review people's work.
One thing I've noticed quite a lot is that people rarely review the ART, but more how they choose to tell the story and how.

For youtube I'd say: Ask first, just to be considerate. Some people won't mind it, but new artists (as well as oldies) might not want to be found on a site as Youtube (which... kinda is famous for people being mean towards artists in general).

As for blogs (which are lesser found on the internet) I'd say go for it! Don't bother asking, as long as you don't earn money on the content.
Show small snippets from the comic if you'd like, just to showcase what you think is the best appeal from the comic.

If you want to review, and wish to make the artist/author read it, be sure to give constructive criticism (what didn't work and how it could be changed for the better).
Sure, some people might not at all like what you're writing, but... It's just different opinions, and we all have those ;D

In this case I'd say that a review is a promotion whether or not it has a good or bad review.
Either could make the reader feel like: Oh man, this sounds really awesome/terrible, I must find out if this is true and... The author gets a new reader.
(I've been like that with movies, you know... The Room? Birdemic? Those movies are extremely terrible and so good at the same time but they were promoted as really bad budget movies and they ended up being really popular for a time!)

[beta1042]

I wouldn't ask for professionals, but you may want to ask if the comic is from new/amateur creators who are just doing this as a hobby, especially if it's negative. Legally you don't have to, but if you consider some creators are young and maybe don't have thick skin yet, I imagine it could be really discouraging to discover a negative review for something you were just creating for fun. Or perhaps consider the skill level when doing the review.

[Freemints30]

I believe it would be perfectly alright to review what ever web comic out there as long as you remember not to outright insult the creator. However you should apply a couple of stipulations for what you review. for example.
- refrain from reviewing comics that have few updates currently( since web comics are medium of constant improvement a few updates will not be enough to determine the full quality)
- If the creator if clearly under age (Ie they have stated this) its not a good idea to go after their comic
The Webcomic relief is also a good web comic reviewer on you tube I recommend you check him out(thou he doesn't upload that frequently) .

[BlueWorldComics]

I wouldn't ask for professionals, but you may want to ask if the comic is from new/amateur creators who are just doing this as a hobby, especially if it's negative.

How do you know when someone is or isn't a pro? And for a medium like this, what qualifies you as a pro?

I was definitely considering separating pros and amateurs. Like for amateurs, if the art is great, I will say so. But if the art isn't so great, I won't mention it. But for a pro, the art will matter universally for the most part (although someone at my level is easily impressed).

[beta1042]

pros would be the comics that are featured/premium on the host sites.

[BlueWorldComics]

pros would be the comics that are featured/premium on the host sites.

Makes sense, lol. I never really paid much attention to the features on these sites. If you have to pay for them, I probably won't do many (until I start making money from this lol).

[rmdooley]

If it's published to the public forum, it is up for review

That being said, the extra courtesy of reaching out to the creator about reviewing the comic could go a very long ways

[BobbyjoeX]

i'm good on it, could be helpful in both improvement and free publicity

i think the reason im ok with it is cause my comic may not be the best but i dont think current reviewers would really bother with it