Johnny Zito — writer / artist / futurist

Zuda.com, DC’s new web comic imprint, opened it’s doors on the 30th.

The announcement for the launch came just a week before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m pleased to say that it doesn’t appear to be a rush job and that all of the graphics and functionality are there. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for all of the web comics that premiered with the launch.

My understanding is that DC invited submissions from these initial 10 creators to help start things off with a bang. Instant Winner; Bayou is gorgeous and intriguing. High Moon, the werewolf/western mash-up deserves every vote it gets. And - well - that’s about it.

The rest of the submissions are lacking in some way. I won’t reach into specific criticisms of every strip, each will succeed or fail by it’s own merit. However, I’m really underwhelmed by all the ways that the creators didn’t take advantage of their new medium. For the most part every strip was just an 8 page story. Only This American Strife treats each screen as it’s own story and not always successfully.

Interestingly enough even the comment sections to these strips are devoid of any really harsh criticism. Thousands appear to be participating, tons of favorites are piling up but the votes don’t seem to be cast yet. My assumption is that most readers don’t care who wins or loses - everyone’s just happy to get some free comics.

-Johnny Zito