On why Night Zero updates three pages a week, why we publish a book for sale AND go online for free, and how you can get involved
Night Zero continues its online run this week, covering some more of the exposition and backstory that Alexander wrote about. As the comic has begun to permeate the vastness of the internet, a few common questions come around that I’ll address here, for those interested in the why of what we’re doing.
Why only three pages a week? It’s too slow!
When you compare it to a normal webcomic, which tells a complete story and/or joke every update, Night Zero seems a sluggish giant that crawls along. When you consider the amount of time and energy, from how many people, it takes to create a single page of Night Zero– three pages a week is an impressive release rate.
The original plan for releasing the comic online was to upload the completed issues as they were available, but such updates would be so infrequent and erratic that nobody would be able to keep up. By updating thrice weekly, and keeping the archive up, visitors have the option of seeing new content on a regular schedule, but also have the option of waiting until each episode is complete.
I hear there’s a book coming out. Why sell a comic that you’re putting online for free?
Three reasons: value, quality, and support.
Value, because the published book contains more that just the online comic. Volume One, due out near the end of the year, will contain the complete first issue of the photographic novel (before the online run is finished), the pilot episode, notes from the production crew, behind the scenes photos, short stories, and more. These extra materials will not be published online, and will only be available in the volume’s limited release.
Quality, because computers are an assorted and inconsistent bunch. The design team of Night Zero uses high-grade LCD monitors with hardware-based color correction to ensure accurate hues and levels, but virtually every computer in the world will display the photographs differently. One viewer’s blues are another’s browns, some will see it too dark and others too flat. But even the balanced photos on our calibrated monitors don’t compare to the vibrance and clarity of the printed page, so Night Zero is being made available in print to offer our fans the chance to see the graphic novel how it was meant to be seen.
And finally, support. The Night Zero website is run entirely without ads or sponsorship, and the online photographic novel is published for free, no strings attached. If you like what we do and want to see the production continue, purchasing Volume One will support our efforts and go directly to creating more great stories.
I like Night Zero, and want to be involved. What can I do?
If you’re a writer, send us some story ideas! We’ll work with you to publish short fiction in our volumes, or produce comics based off your story.
If you’re an actor, model, or improvisor, send us a headshot and resume and we’ll add you to our talent file for upcoming opportunities.
If you’re a graphic designer, comic artist, or illustrator, send us some samples from your portfolio, and we’ll contact you to help with layout, storyboarding, or rendering.
You can contact us with our handy online form at http://www.nightzero.com/contact.php.