Leap of Faith: A Goodbye from Sina

Skybounders,

It is with far too many emotions that I announce my departure from Skybound. As some of you may be aware, I sometimes write and draw my own books.  I aim to do a lot more of that, more often.  The past two and a half years have been an amazing experience, and my choice to leave comes from the same reason I joined up with Kirkman to begin with: creativity.

Robert’s short pitch for working at Skybound entailed the following responsibilities: being his editor and tracking schedules, making sure nothing has errors, and working with new talents to publish the most unique and authentic projects in the industry.  The job certainly did deliver: I’ve now become acquainted with sincerely professional, astounding people in the industry, all of whom get paid to make excellent funny books.  This fascinating experience, however, kept reminding me how much I wanted to do what Kirkman & co were doing.

After so many months, that desire overwhelmed- so much so that without much thought for my own well-being, I told Robert that I needed to move on, and officially give creating comics a shot.  Not an easy thing to say to the guy who is essentially the industry’s most talked about personality… but his response was the following:

“I of all people can’t be mad at you for wanting to pursue your dreams.”

Here I am, about to go full-time with my art duties on a small Image title, The Li’l Depressed Boy, and building on the launch of my own graphic novel, Not My Bag (from Image too!).  None of this would have happened if I didn’t see the PHENOMENAL artwork, scripts, notes, and concepts pour in from our Skybound artists. I also don’t think I would have the bravery to make this decision if I didn’t see how you- Robert’s and Skybound’s fans- have been so warm and receptive to creator-owned visions.  You all have been truly remarkable to interact with, be it at a convention, in a letters column, and so on.

On that note, I take my leap of faith.  I have no fears that if ever there’s a time or a place to do this, it would be now, and at Image Comics- the home of Robert Kirkman, Brian K Vaughan, Todd McFarlane, Nick Spencer, Emi Lenox, Erik Larsen, and so many other visionaries.

Sean Mackiewicz- wunderkind from DC Comics, will be taking over for my duties.  He has big plans for you all.  Be excited.

More on him next week.

Best,

S