I just graduated from college in 2010 and the job market sucked. I returned home and found employment at the local Ruby Tuesday’s. Post-grad life was bleak. I remember sitting at table 206 with Brian Harris. I was pitching him the dream: we write a 60 issue masterpiece and ——
Let's stop there. Having that 60 issue masterpiece is a good sign. It means you're ambitious. It's good to have goals, but please don't go swinging for the fences on day 1. Breaking into/writing comics is a lot like playing sports. You need to learn the fundamentals first.
Rules:
#1: Start with anthologies. Build your portfolio and network. You need to build your trust with our creators.
#2: Find your comic family. Don't compare your accomplishments to theirs. It leads to a negative mindset. The key is to level up together.
#3: You probably want to write your very own Chew or Y: The Last Man. Make it your long term goal. Your short term goal needs to be build a portfolio.
#4: There is no 1 path to break into comics. Look at James Ferguson‘s path. He started with reviewing comics. Now you can find him in several anthologies and he successfully funded his first Kickstarter with Artist Dan Buksa, A Real Slobberknocker #1. What will your path be?
I was published in numerous anthologies before publishing my first full length comic. Writing 4, 6, and 8 pagers definitely helps to teach pacing and structure. As for finding a comics family? If it wasn't for the creators I've met along the way Sherlock Holmes and The Wonderland Conundrum would have never seen the light of day!