Summary
It’s a rare feat for a once-canceled, creator-owned comic likeThe Boysto become a global pop culture phenomenon. Fittingly, according to the series' authorGarth Ennis, his journey from authoring a small-press,subversive anti-hero story, to being the man behind one of the most popular superhero franchises was a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Ennis joined fellow comic creatorMark Millar on his podcast,Millar Time,in advance of the highly anticipatedfourth season ofThe Boys. Having known each other for decades, Millar and Ennis' conversation slipped into a quick rhythm, and covered a variety of topics – including Ennis' account of the hardship of his early career.
For any aspiring writer, it will be encouraging to hear thatthe creator behind one of the largest franchises in the world right now struggled early on, as all great artists do.
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Garth Ennis' Account Of His Formative Years As A Writer Is Encouraging For All Early-Career Artists
The Boys' Creator On His Initial Ups-And-Downs
Although his writing may not have been great, Ennis noted that it was, “different enough to what was around that at least it got [him] noticed.”
During their conversation, Millar and Ennis touched on theirearly experiences as British writersbreaking into the mainstream American comic book industry, working for DC. The two agreed that, for a precious few years, the British influence on mainstream American comics was real and spectacular. Millar then shared how he developed an admiration and respect for Ennis' work, particularlyciting Ennis' growth as a writerevident in his seriesTrue Faith, which stood out to Millar as a significant improvement from his earlier work.
Millar’s comment gave Ennis the perfect occasion to discuss his creative development andhow – when he was just getting started – he didn’t feel he was writing anything of consequence, impact, or merit. Ennis admitted:
I don’t think I wrote anything good for about two, three years after I started … I felt I was bumbling through.
Although his writing may not have been great, Ennis noted that it was, “different enough to what was around that at least it got [him] noticed.” Ennis’ response, while a polite rejoinder to Millar’s compliment, also includes a number of practical points other young writers and artists breaking into the comic book business should take to heart.
True Artistic Greatness Develops In Those Who Keep Showing Up And Putting In The Work
Growth, Especially For Writers Takes Time
As Ennis’ example suggests, rather than obsess over one’s lack of success, young authors and artists still must nevertheless continue to consistently produce work – even if it’s average at best.
In other words, no author or artist at the beginning of their career has yet to achieve their best form;it will take time before an author or artist finds what Ennis describes as “the person they are meant to be.”Moreover, it is common for an author or artist in their early stages of development to experience failure, and endure subpar performance. It is a normal step in the development process and not an experience one needs to remain disheartened or upset about.
As Ennis’ example suggests, rather than obsess over one’s lack of success, young authors and artists still must nevertheless continue to consistently produce work – even if it’s average at best. This is, as Ennis mentions, because the content is the only way to get noticed – and getting noticed is key to getting choice opportunities, which in turn launches careers. Like any creative endeavor, authoring a successful comic book takes much longer than expected. ForGarth Ennis, it took years of writing mediocre stories before he was finally able to write a masterpiece likeThe Boys.
Source:Millar Time
The Boys
The Boys is a gritty and subversive take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of vigilantes who confront powerful superheroes abusing their abilities, exploring themes of corruption and moral ambiguity in a world where heroes are not always what they seem.
