Michael Davis: The Dream Killer 3 – Know The Game!
Please read the first two installments in the series if you have not done so.
From Dream Killer 2:
Full discloser: For two decades I was not welcome at DC.
“What did you do?” I’ve gotten that question countless times. “What did they do?” Not as many have asked, but more than a few. What’s the difference between those who ask the first question as opposed to the second?
And why and how despite being blackballed by one of the big two was I able to not only survive in the industry but thrive?
What did I do? I refused to accept unjust treatment and called attention to it often. That was my right.
What did they do? They got fed up with dealing with me. That was their right.
I haven’t any idea rather or not I’m welcome at DC Comics these days. The perception is there is a feud between Milestone and me. DC is in a deal with Milestone, so that may mean I’m not a desirable. There isn’t a feud; there is an incident.
Milestone made what no one is disputing a real dick move. Not telling me they were moving ahead with plans without me was as fucked up as can be. Now add they were supposed to be “friends.”
That is as horrible a thing. An absolutely disgusting thing.
Well, to me it is.
Except for a few brave souls, there has been not a peep of anyone giving a fuck.
That’s OK. Pity isn’t my thing. My thing is to do what’s right. I’m doing that by not creating a front page Black vs. Black lawsuit and not detailing events that go back 20 years.
Milestone is the single most important event in the history of black comics. For over two decades I’ve led a campaign to keep Milestone relevant and make sure the phenomenal history of Milestone is correct and accurate. More people are aware Milestone is not owned by DC Comics and was Denys Cowan’s idea because of me.
I’ve devoted more to that effort than the three partners combined. My struggles to create opportunities for people of color in comics also dwarfs their collective work in that area. The talent program they now tout as their own was created by me, as was the universe for their most successful character Static Shock.
All of the above is easy to verify.
All that said, Milestone, the idea is more important to African Americans kids at large than anything I’ve done. A chance for black kids to see themselves represented fairly in the media is much more significant than Michael Davis.
Character counts in this world. Some think my character is lacking because I use words like fuck, shit and nigger in my written narrative. Many believe that somehow dilutes my good character. I think those individuals should get a clue.
Here’s a hard truth about this industry. People talk the talk, but few walk the walk. When it’s time for my annual San Diego Comic-Con party, everybody’s my buddy. When there was a rumor that Milestone stole its business plan a great many of my buddies were quick to co-sign that bullshit.
When my heart lay in a broken heap two years ago over the Milestone slight, there were those who said it was my behavior that caused Milestone to do me like they did.
Really? That’s the same behavior every single partner at Milestone as well as countless others benefitted from over many years.
I write and say what I think. When I think I’ve been used like someone’s bitch, I say so. I also say something when others are prescribed the same medicine.
Milestone’s treatment of me is relevant to the black comic book industry. How we treat each other is essential to future generations When black people are good to each other which is the vast majority of the time rarely does it make the news when those uncustomary moments are demonstrated black kids see integrity and leadership when bad it’s the lead story on Fox News.
Why use my account of the Milestone story when it’s so negative?
A few reasons. As said earlier it is only negative to me but used as the example why relationships are important it’s a grand one, and in the big picture, it’s positive.
I still support those books and the company. Regardless of what they did, I’m going to do the right thing.
That brings me back to DC Comics.
Dwayne McDuffie died in 2011. I was invited to I write a piece for the Static Shock tribute issue. My last published work in a DC comic was over twenty years ago. My exile ended officially two years before in 2009 when Diane Nelson took over as president. I’d met Diane ten years before that at Warner Bros and liked her immediately and vice versa. She assured me I was welcome back at DC and I have had a meeting there since.
That’s all cool on the surface but so is thin ice. Once you fall through, it’s colder than most can stand.
Let’s recap. I have an excellent relationship with the most influential person at DC Comics. Still, I don’t know my status. That’s because of Milestone. Why? DC has a relationship with Milestone in the bullshit world of Hollywood once you reach the boss and recount your tale of wrongful woe all is right in the world.
Why don’t I just call Diane and use her to pave the way for any project I may want to do at DC?
Respect.
- Respect for Dan Didio and Jim Lee, comics are their lane and going to Diane is as disrespectful as I could be.
- Respect for Diane Nelson. Sidestepping Dan and Jim is calling them incompetent which they are far from being. Also doing so calls into question her judgment which I’d never do.
- Respect for myself. I couldn’t sit in a room with Jim and Dan without addressing the Milestone elephant. Why resign them or me to that drama? If I weren’t already suffering from depression, that would do the trick.
That, boys and girl, is called knowing the game. Those who don’t shouldn’t play. So despite being blackballed by one of the big two how was I able to thrive?
Alternative means of finding distribution, budget and happiness.
The vast majority of top tier creators in the industry use one option.
There are numerous more, and I’ll touch on those next time. As well I will break down what option was preferred and why for the project I’m using for this series.
I’ve been in the game for a long time. What I use as examples are not intended as a ‘how to’ to get into the comics biz. If so the series would be named ‘how to ruin your career.’
The underlying point is to look at the big picture when entering this field. I believe with every fiber of my being one should always look to do the right thing. Comics are a very very small industry and to have a real shot, it’s counterproductive working on how well you write or draw without working on your relationships skills.
Put another way, when people tell who they are and what they are about, trust but verify.
If I had but one word to describe you and the way that you commit the details of your ordeal to paper, it would be noble.
Robin Williams once said, in regards to the colorful language in his riffs, “I use these words in sentences”. I’ve noticed more and more other sites using the same words.
If people can’t handle the words, maybe they should develop a time machine and transport themselves back to 1640. “…the times they are a changin’…”
Mr. Davis: Have you considered a person or persons, who is/are on friendly terms to Milestone and/or DC, to discreetly inquire or get added information regarding the cold shoulder you’re getting from the two companies?
At the time I write this, I haven’t read all of the articles you’ve written on this subject. If you’ve already tried this, then I apologize.
The worst kind of division by once friends can be caused by a perceived slight.
Duane,
NEVER any need to apologize when offering help. That’s how I feel anyway. Funny, you wrote ” I’ve noticed more and more other sites using the same words” just the other day I was sent an instant message saying the same.
Consider the source is all I can say. I write that way because I write who I am. If the day comes when I find myself looking for words to appease someone, then that’s the day I stop writing.
You can tell when people just prop shi…stuff down on paper for no reason than to be ‘shocking’ or ‘out there.’
Regarding Milestone-I try not to think about just how- let’s see what’s the word I need–darn! Yep darn should work quite well! I try not to think about just how darn bad those guys treated me. Although a good point, the problem with your ‘slight’ thought is when I feel a chill in the air from anyone I ask if somehow I’ve offended them. Even if I don’t agree, I apologize.
Those guys know that. Besides years of emails texts and discussions with Milestone (and others) asking; “Where’s the:
a. Deal
b. Plan
c. Contract
d.Universe
e. ETC, ETC
f. Shado, Shado
Followed by just as many emails texts and discussions with Milestone (and others) asking; “Is there a problem with:
a. Me
b. Myself
c. Michael Davis
d. Master Of The Universe
e. Man with my face
f. Main creator of Static
Claiming a slight now loses any and all substance when a simple ‘yes’ said years ago would have lessened my pain and strengthened their justification for such a disgusting act.
That’s okay-I’m going to heaven. God don’t like ugly…or Donald Trump.