Meaning: The quote "I make a lot more off the trades and Image than Marvel" by Robert Kirkman, a well-known comic book writer, sheds light on the economics of the comic book industry and the different revenue streams available to creators. In this statement, Kirkman highlights the financial benefits he receives from his work being collected in trade paperbacks and published through Image Comics compared to his work with Marvel Comics.

Robert Kirkman is best known for creating "The Walking Dead" comic series, which has achieved immense success and was adapted into a highly popular television series. His experience in the industry provides valuable insight into the financial dynamics of comic book publishing and the varying revenue streams available to creators.

Kirkman's reference to "trades" likely pertains to trade paperbacks, which are collections of individual comic book issues bound together in book form. These trade paperbacks often include multiple issues or story arcs, providing readers with a convenient way to consume a complete storyline in a single volume. Unlike individual issue sales, trade paperbacks offer creators the opportunity to earn royalties from the compilation of their work, which can result in more substantial income compared to the original single issues.

Furthermore, Kirkman's mention of Image Comics in contrast to Marvel Comics underscores the significance of the publisher in determining creators' earnings. Image Comics is renowned for its creator-friendly business model, which grants creators significant control over their intellectual properties and a larger share of the profits. In contrast, Marvel Comics operates under a more traditional work-for-hire structure, where creators are typically compensated through flat fees and royalties that may not match the potential earnings from creator-owned properties.

The statement reflects the growing trend among comic book creators to pursue creator-owned projects and seek publishing opportunities with companies that offer greater financial incentives. By aligning himself with Image Comics and prioritizing the collection of his work into trade paperbacks, Kirkman strategically maximizes his revenue potential and asserts greater control over his creative output.

In addition to the financial implications, Kirkman's statement also underscores the shifting power dynamics within the comic book industry. Creators, empowered by platforms like Image Comics and the growing demand for trade paperbacks, are increasingly able to negotiate more favorable terms and assert greater control over their intellectual properties.

In conclusion, Robert Kirkman's quote encapsulates the complexities of revenue generation in the comic book industry and the evolving landscape that empowers creators to pursue more lucrative opportunities. By emphasizing the financial benefits derived from trade paperbacks and his association with Image Comics, Kirkman provides valuable insights into the economic considerations that shape the decisions of comic book creators. This quote serves as a testament to the changing dynamics of creator ownership and revenue generation within the comic book industry.