Columns - Broken Frontier

Outside The Box Archive

The End of OTB

Can it be? Not a hoax, not an imaginary story! After 20 Columns OTB host and main mriter, C. Edward Sellner is signing off!

Written by C Edward Sellner on Jun 12, 2005
OTB Sells Out!

Just what exactly does it mean when a comic sells out? OTB takes a look at how the Direct Market works, and how hype turns a cute phrase into unjustified fanfare.

Written by C Edward Sellner on May 29, 2005
The True House of M

Marvel is in the midst of a new renaissance that is changing the comics industry. Sellner sits back and takes a look at some of the company's most recent milestones.

Written by C Edward Sellner on May 8, 2005
Identity Crisis - Part II

Does the number of versions of popular characters get out of hand? What?s the thinking behind them, and what do the fans think of them?

Written by C Edward Sellner on May 1, 2005
The REAL Infinite Identity Crisis!

These days, it?s getting harder and harder to point to a comic book character and even define which one is the REAL version anymore. Is that a bad thing? Maybe.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Apr 24, 2005
Convention Etiquette 101

You?re going to your favorite convention, and about to meet your favorite comic creator in all the world! What do you do? Also debuting this column: BITS.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Apr 17, 2005
The Challenge II: To the Creators!

From horror fan encounters to the woes of the industry not being taken seriously, there is a challenge to comics these days. Sometimes it?s us folk that make them.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Apr 10, 2005
The Challenge I: Making a Difference!

Can superheroes making a difference in the real world? It just so happens that very once in a while, they do. The thing is though, they need to do it more often!

Written by C Edward Sellner on Apr 3, 2005
Out of the Ashes of the Newsstand - Part V

Why aren?t comics on every newsstand? Guest columnist Will Norris takes a look at why it hasn?t worked too well and lays out a way it could work better! Part 5 of 5.

Written by Will Norris on Mar 27, 2005
Out of the Ashes of the Newsstand - Part IV: The Distributor

Why aren?t comics on every newsstand? Guest columnist Will Norris takes a look at why it hasn?t worked too well and lays out a way it could work better! Part 4 of 5.

Written by Will Norris on Mar 20, 2005
Out of the Ashes of the Newsstand - Part III: The Publisher

Why aren?t comics on every newsstand? Guest columnist Will Norris takes a look at why it hasn?t worked too well and lays out a way it could work better! Part 3 of 5.

Written by Will Norris on Mar 13, 2005
Out of the Ashes of the Newsstand - Part II: The Retailer

Why aren?t comics on every newsstand? Guest columnist Will Norris takes a look at why it hasn?t worked too well and lays out a way it could work better! Part 2 of 5.

Written by Will Norris on Mar 6, 2005
Out of the Ashes of the Newsstand - Part I: RIP

Why aren?t comics on every newsstand? Guest columnist Will Norris takes a look at why it hasn?t worked too well and lays out a way it could work better! Part 1 of 5.

Written by Will Norris on Feb 27, 2005
SWAP YA!

The perfect way to recruit readers for your favorite series in danger of cancellation or simply a good incentive to try new books? Comics swapping, of course.

Written by Brian Thomer on Feb 20, 2005
Visioneer: Adam Fortier

The ?Visioneers? of Comics! OTB takes a look at some of the folks who define the comics industry with their vision, passion and talent. First up: Adam Fortier.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Feb 13, 2005
Maryland Education Looks to Comics to Help Boost Reading

OTB exclusive! Thanks to pioneering ?Outside the Box? thinking by the Maryland State Department of Education, comics will officially help kids learn to enjoy reading

Written by C Edward Sellner on Feb 6, 2005
A New Publisher Survival Guide

At last, a handy guide for fans everywhere to use to evaluate new publishers or studios, to know whether the new kid on the block today will still be there tomorrow.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Jan 30, 2005
To Publish, or To Partner I

Someone in the OTB forum asked why one would start his own publishing company instead of partnering with a publisher already out there. Read on for a few answers.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Jan 23, 2005
Kandora Kan!

The last few months have seen a wave of new publishers debuting on the comics scene. OTB gives you the full scoop on one of these companies: Kandora Publishing.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Jan 16, 2005
On This Side of the Screen?

The latest edition to BF's column staff, Chuck fills you in on what his new weekly column will be about and exactly how much thinking outside the box he'll be doing.

Written by C Edward Sellner on Jan 9, 2005