Mayhem Image from Comic #1 with my caption
I still had doubts about the actual content that he was promoting, because I’m a cynical bitch after twenty years in comics
The above is a quote from from a Brian Hibbs article where he discusses a Neil Gaiman signing. As well as Tyrese Gibson’s “Mayhem” comic book, and twitter postings.
And I took the quote from the article above because he said the words himself. I find him to be a cynical bitch about comic books.
He starts off by basically reading into Tyrese Gibson’s mind and assumes him comic book is like the usual celebrity comic book and will have no lasting value. And that Tyrese has no long term commitment to the comic book.
He calls the art, just from preview samples a mediocre book. And that it looks like a 1990′s typical Image superhero book.
Hibbs then assumes he won’t sell any copies, so he ordered only three. He also posted on Tyrese Gibson’s twitter posts.
And one day before the Neil Gaiman signing he gets a phone call from Tyrese Gibson, who learned about him from his twitter posts. With Tyrese even offering to help his store sell issues.
Later on Hibbs complains because he is basically setting up his Neil Gaiman event, now he has to deal with Tyrese Gibson’s Mayhem fans because they are calling and want to buy the issue.
Basically Hibbs starts by complaining that Mayhem won’t sell and then when he gets fans who want the book, he is annoyed they are bothering him because he has to coordinate the Neil Gaiman event. Tyrese can help, but it has to be according to Hibbs schedule.
Hibbs sure comes off as I mentioned, and quoted from him above as that of a cynical bitch.
And I must admit and give respect to Tyrese Gibson who called him, and made twitter posts that got fans to call Hibbs store.
A celebrity making a comic book is one thing, but to promote the book to the point of looking up someone’s phone number and actually calling a retailer to discuss the comic book and whatever problems he is having. I think that is pretty much unheard of! Tyrese went above and beyond there, and is showing real passion for the comic book field and his comic book. It’s great to have a celebrity making a comic book he really cares about.
Despite his celebrity status, Tyrese is still down-to-earth and not ego tripping, like most who get celebrity status. Good going Tyrese!