that dude from the coke commercial, 2Fast2Furious, and that poster on your girlfriend's wall is looking to have the highest presales in comicbook history! yeah, Tyrese Gibson is apparently the only person who knows how to promote a comic! when i found out he was doing his own comic, i started following him on Twitter, and i can tell you for sure, i have never seen anyone work harder to promote a comic before!
besides the fact that he is actually PROUD to have a comic in the works, Reesey also has recorded a song for free download titled Mayhem, Take Me Away, secured a relationship with the largest comicshop in the Los Angeles to serve as the home base of his comics operation, and created a website dedicated to putting the word out and empowering fans to street team for the book, and shamelessly plugs the book while promoting the new Transformers movie. most people who make comics don't even tell their co-workers, but Tyrese is doing it GODZILLA big, and he's getting results.
Gibson's book Mayhem! (you gotta include the exclamation point) is the Gem of the Month in the Image Comics section of Previews (the catalog shops use to order comics). his bottomless enthusiasm is evident and effective... "In the COMIC book world" the singer says "getting GEM OF THE MONTH is like getting Album of the MONTH! Very BIG DEAL!" and the enthusiasm is spreading. while he's doing interviews in other countries, people are already asking about Mayhem! before he can bring it up. his stated goal is to break the preorder record, and if his attitude is any indicator, he's gonna do it! many celebrities have made a foray into the medium, but Tyrese is writing the book on how to launch a comic. if others follow his lead, making comics (and reading them) could take a step towards being something that isn't considered uncommon, for fans only. and as a lifelong fan, i'm here to tell you, that's exactly what the medium needs!holla!
-samax
ghettoManga.com
comics.hipHop.news.art.culture
44 comments:
Showin some MAJOR LOVE!!!!! MAYEM BABY!!!!!!!!! We gon make HISTORY MANG!!!!!! ;-)
i willmake sure i get one of these books looks cool and funny and hip
Thanks for putting Tyrese's MAYHEM! on your site. You are right, he's working hard, and this is so much more than buzz. This is how comics need to be brought out. For the people by the people! Props for keeping it real.
I'm soooo EXCITED I CAN HARDLY SPELL....MAyHEM!!!!!!!!!! Hope everyone cops a copy....I got 15 on the way already!!!!!! GETYOURS!!!!!!
The question is: WHY CAN'T EVERY MAN WORK AS HARD AS TYRESE???????????? That's what I'm wondering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wonder if when he goes to sleep.....his brain goes to "sleep mode" like airplane mode....he's never NOT WORKIN!!!!!! That's why he's gon make HISTORY
Love the work Tyrese Keep it up !!
i agree with you guys. i've never seen a comic promoted on this level. i started watching him on Twitter, and the techniques that he's using will change the game if others like him start using them.
i actually think Mayhem! #1 will be the highest selling book of the summer.
Tyrese is at it again
I cant wait til this comic book comes out
This is gonna be the first comic book I ever bought. I cant wait
I just bought 10 issues....Cant wait to read it
I can't believe it took someone who is not a comic book industry professional to actually think out of the box when it comes to promoting a title. The old ways of building the buzz is out-dated. Time to bring in new readers through media. Congrats to Team Mayhem!
Ok, first excuse my hate.
It's very refreshing to hear his honesty in admitting he recently got into comics through a Comic-Con appearance promoting a movie, not to mention his business partner who happens to be a fan of the medium. I'll give him that.
But as far as new techniques for promoting a comic book, I really just don't see it. The extra advantage of having a valuable name in the music industry and film industry can only help him get the word out. Not to mention he's about to appear in over 3,000 silver screens across the country in a major blockbuster film. That's automatic marketing and promotions.
Twitter is a good look for him, because he won't sound like a celebrity who just decides to say good morning or pass off famous quotes. I'll give him that and his passion. I just read a interview with him on Comic Shop News and he sounds like he's doing everything the right way* as opposed to Method Man who gave off the vibe that he was a bit too busy to really focus on his comic project.
Either way, I'll check out the comic . . . I'm just hoping that it is not an entry-point to secure a future film deal.
Is Tyrese writing the book or just putting it out through his production company?
You know Kevin Grevioux has been getting down for years but unfortunately he's not considered a B-list actor. And no one knows his name but they probably seen him in a film at some point . . . he did his thing in Rise of the Lycans.
------
*Oh yeah note, Chuck D. has been passionately marketing and promoting his comic book projects for a long minute. He was blogging about it well before the term "blog" was coined.
i know all about Chuck's books (i blogged about two different ones recently). but there is a huge gap between somebody making a comic long after the height of their popularity and someone doing it while also promoting a movie that will likely be one of the year's top grossers. a person who has hundreds of thousands of people hanging on his every word, every day.
also, Tyrese's enthusiasm is worth noting. in all likelihood, he will have one of the highest-selling books of the summer.
whether he is doing it to get a movie deal is irrelevant to me. half the people making comics are trying to get movies made of them, but they are not famous. i don't see any difference at all.
Rosario Dawson did the same thing (a book called Occult Crimes Taskforce) which i blogged about, and which was pretty cool. but i doubt that it sold much.
one of the things that anyone who makes comics wants is the growth of the market. ideally, expanding to cover a much larger percentage of the overall population (people like Tyrese's fans, who are not reading comics right now), like it does in some other countries (most notably Japan).
people in the industry are always trying to explain why that isn't possible. but i think it is, and when someone comes along who behaves as if they think it is possible to actually SELL comics, i like it, no matter who they are, or why they are doing it.
Rob Liefeld is STILL one of the most famous comics creators (to non-fans) out there, even though the consensus among fans is that he sucks. do you know why?
because he was in a Levi's commercial, directed by spike lee.
lesson: marketing works.
that's my WHOLE point.
free downloads. partnerships. leveraging relationships and media attention. street teaming. these tactics sell products everyday that cost more than a comic.
Tyrese is doing it bigger and better than anybody i've ever seen. period.
is the book gonna be good? i don't know. we'll see. but as a person who makes comics, i am excited to see someone who thinks selling comics to the general public (not just the aging, shrinking fan market) is possible, and who is planning to sell BIG.
Tyrese, is the ultimate man. hard work and dedication, and God's grace has opened such wonderful doors for him! I've been following him on Twitter, I can't get enough. He makes his fans extremely happy, hope his passion continues throughout his career. love love love love love YOU Tyrese Gibson!
twitter- aggielois
Much success 2 u in MAYHEM!!!!can't wait 4 my copy....TYRESE is da boooommmbbb!!!(explosive)
I remember the first time I saw Tyrese´s video on MTV Brazil in 1999... I said: WOW! Beautiful voice, wonderful body... But Tyrese is more than this! Found him on Twitter gave me the opportunity to meet a wonderful MAN! His words inspire me everyday ... All that he does is amazing, because he is a good person!
Can´t wait for MAYHEM!
Fernanda - São Paulo - BRAZIL
Vee-
i didn't realize Kevin Grevioux was an actor. i knew he wrote comics (New Warriors and Zombies of Mass Destructions are the ones i know, but his name comes up a lot). i really do need to check him out!
Samax your assessment is dead on. Tyrese could have just put his name on it and let his team handle the marketing and promotion of the project.
I heard about it through twitter. I thought it was going to be the same ole same. A entertainer leading his name to a project, with no real passion of going beyond that. I planned to pick a copy up, for the technical value if nothing else. Because, I like to keep my 3D modeling chops up and it was a new character to play with. But seriously, I thought it would be one and done.
From a conversation I had with one of the partners. He has been hands on from day one in every aspect of the project. From creation, development, and marketing. This is all while still continuing to work on his music and acting career. He made time for the project. As a team member, the best motivation is having a genuinely enthusiastic team leader, and I could hear that in Percy's voice. Everyone on your team will give 1000 percent, towards it's success.
I've been following the project through the build up and had a opportunity to talk with people working on it. I'm more intrigued by the character, and looking forward to the continuous development of the comic.
Because, Mayhem sounds like a character many of us can actually relate to. As we look out into our own communities, Mayhem may be someone we wish we were, or had around. Someone who will put the fear of GOD into those that have ravished our communities, for their own selfish gain and level the playing field.
I am a artist, and I am most moved and inspired by passion. Not just what I'm passionate about. But,when I see someone who is genuinely passionate about what they are involved in. I don't think I would have been as interested in the character Mayhem or the future development of the comic, had the creator not shown a genuine interest in going beyond just attaching his name.
This man has been on his grind, promoting this comic, EVERYDAY for a couple months now. This is a promotional campaign, I can believe in. Best wishes
Anywhoo... You keep up your good work, too
SmoovArt-
i couldn't have said it any better!
Samax, yeah you pretty much shut down my little rant. Yeah, I definitely applaud his passion. Tyrese is very aware of naysayers and skeptical folks like myself. He stated that he's committed to this project 200%.
Kevin Grevioux, yeah the cat is definitely slept on. I'm just really surprised that he doesn't get a lot of voice-over work because he has a crazy-deep voice.
Didn't hear about Mayhem till today, but I might have to see if my local comic shop in Australia can order it for me :D
MAYHEM is the first comic i will OWN I PRE BOUGHT MINE AND I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL IT COMES...TYRESE CAN DO IT ALL SING,ACT,MODEL,MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER,NOW A COMIC BOOK..WAITING FOR HIS COLOGNE..
BUT I'M VENUS REPPIN COLUMBUS OHIO 614 BABY..I HAVE NEVER BEEN A COMIC BOOK READER BUT I'M SOOOO EXCITED ABOUT MAYHEM!!!!!!!!!
VENUS
@JusVenus on twitter
Tyrese has been workin really hard on this comic book, and i cant wait to get my hands on it. Im usually not even a fan of comic books, but when someone puts soo much hardwork into something and into promoting it it make me think that this is a good project and maybe i should look into it as well....im gettin my copy!! GET YOURS!!
CHECK OUT: dayinthelife-vick.blogspot.com and let me kno wat u think..im startin my own movement..
Vickie from Boston
I've watched you from the AAAALLLLWWAAYYSS Coca Cola commercials. You are so determined and such a hard worker...I know MAYHEM will be another HUGE success for you. Thank you for your work Ethic. Keep pushing babe and please continue to smile. You have an amazing smile.
LOL!
i didn't mean to shut you down, Vee! i appreciate your input, but i did want to touch on how what Tyrese is doing can benefit the whole game. fans, and especially creative people, definitely win if there are just more people buying comics.
Fans get mad when celebs try to benefit from being in the comics game, but i wish more would do it. it'll help our profile in the mass culture. and Tyrese seems like a fan-friendly celebrity.
as for Kevin, he should come here. Funimation Studios (that does vo work for lots of Anime imports) is in the DFW area. i applaud any black writers who can hold a spot at the big publishers... it doesn't seem like a barrel of laughs.
I really admire the effort to get the word out. I do not read comics, but I must say I get interested in this one. If I would come across a copy, I would definitely read it.
YO TYRESE FYE!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION I AM ONLY 19 AND I ATTEND FAMU in FLORIDA...I wish you could come down here man to my college and inspire some of these young black men Im a writer and singer and author but to see this work is like amazing..you ARE truly talented...if you get this...lol let me know fam
-Antonio
Miami,FL
TWITTER.COM/BLACJACK4U
Richmond, California is standing up and is in da Buildin'!! Da Bay for those who don't know!! Cuzzin'!! Imma have to just cop a Mayhem T-shirt next week cuz I can't wait til Aug. 5th to promote da Homie!! And U betta come out here to Berkeley and S.F to promote this s#*t right here!! U know da BAY gotcha Back Boi!!! I'aint gone lie..I need mine autographed so I can put it up in da archives unopened, then da other one, me and my son will read!! (He just turned 8, May 25th)
As a female I have never been into comics but this is just so appealing to me. I am definitely going to be a Mayhem fanatic ..I'm excited for your continued success cause this WILL br a success. speak it and it shall be..Much Love to you Tyrese.........Nassau, Bahamas
I purchased my copies - this is history! I am excited because Tyrese's promotion has been from the heart! I may just get a Mayhem tattoo! The art is crazy ~ I can't wait ~
Hey Tyrese.. You Are Definitely One Of The Fewer Celebs Who Has Both Acting Skills & Intelligence To Ace In A Business Like This One!! And I Am Definitely A Hungry Fan In Your Huge Fan Base!! Wishing You Good Luck On Your Future Projects!!
-Romil
India
NOW COMMENTING ON THIS I HAVE TO START BY SAYING THE NUMBER ONE REASON I SUPPORTED THIS IS BC THE BIG HOMIE CREDIBILITY 4 ONE I'M APART OF HIS FAM OF THE LOVE CIRCLE WITH HIS SAY NOW FROM THE BEGININING HE'S VERY REAL AND TAKES TIME TO TALK ABOUT REAL THINGS AND HIS PHILOSOPHY ABOUT LIFE IS THE SAME AS MINES I AM TRULY OPTIMISTIC AND I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT I CAN DO ANYTHING AND HAVE ALL OF THE GREAT THINGS I WANT OUT OF LIFE AND IT STARTS WITH A SIMPLE THING CALLED YOUR MIND WITH TYRESE CREATING COMICS WHICH ALREADY IS IN PRE ORDER SUCESS SHOWS THE RESULTS OF WHAT HE'S DONE HE HAS A GREAT PASSION AND OR LIKING AND TAPED INTO THAT MARKET WHICH IS EXTREMELY RARE FOR SOMEONE TO MAKE A COMIC SEE THERE ARE MANY WAYS AND MARKETS THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN TAPED IN AS WELL AS IDEAS THERE ARE SO SIMPLE PERIOD AND AS LONG AS YOUR HAPPY EVERYTHING WILL FOLLOW UNDERSTAND THAT SIMPLICITY IS KEY MIND OVER MATTER ON ANYTHING YOU CAN DO ANYTHING REACH 4 THE SKY AS U CAN SEE TYRESE IS SUCESSFUL YET HE GRINDS LIKE AIN'T GOT NOTHING LIFE IS LIKE BURIED TREASURE THERE ARE MANY FINDINGS OUT THERE IN HIGH VALUE MENTALLY EMOTIONALLY SPIRITUALLY FINANCIALLY I KNO TYRESE WILL READ THIS REMEBER THIS IS THE LOVE CIRCLE HIS SUCESS IS OUR SUCCESS AND DRIVE 4 MORE AS WELL AS VICE VERSA GOD BLESS THIS 1 4 THE LOVE CIRCLE LOVE CIRCLE WE ARE DOING IT REAL B I G IN THIS 2000 AND GRIND GOOD BLESS MAYHEM WE GOT OUR WHY DON'T YOU??? GO COP IT
houseonahill-
i'm glad you're fired up... but don't get a Mayhem Tattoo.
simplicityiskey-
you just need to calm down in general.
thanks for the comments everybody!
LEAVING ANOTHER COMMENT.
So, I've been keeping up with this probably just as much as Mr. Gibson. All night! He's already landed in Austria but what happened with the support for the signing in London?! People we have to make it happen!! I've had 4 people call, show your support for our man and make the call! This is sooooo big! Make the call please!
+44 20 7420 3666
+44 20 8688 7190
I'll keep following Tyrese on Twitter and show support any which way. LET US KNOW WHEN YOU ARE GONNA HIT PUERTO RICO!! YOUR BIGGEST FANS ARE HERE, TYRESE!! Love you sooooo much!
Lois Veguilla
twitter- aggielois
Aibonito, Puerto Rico
TYRESE,aka the MultiTaskeR,I been with you since day one man, since 1998 when you dropped the album, 'Tyrese'. You have come so far since then, You broke out dawg. I have seen and I own all your movies. NOW you droppin' a comic. Yet, you still remain humble and a man of the ppl. Keep doing you man, God has Blessed you and you deserve it. Be safe over there, One Time!
Lets be honest, if there were anyone to break into another industry from theirs.. it's this man.
The guys done music, movies, and now comics? What's his next step? I'm pretty intrigued by this comic, it looks interesting and the fact that Kirkman gives it his stamp? Well that's just something else entirely.
Tyrese is the man, and if you had done all he had.. i doubt most would be half as humble. Tyrese.. be one of MY five people. lol
PROUD OF YOU TYRESE! iSUPPORT MAYH3M. 100% OF TH3 WAY! L3T'S MAK3 HiSTORY.
WOW!!!! u really workin this ting lol
i have to admit u've got me....u've definately turned me, comics have NEVER been my thing but i sooooo want it. I dunno how to go abput pre-ordering it but if i cant, i'ma jump on it straight as it hits the UK. I GOT U ON THIS BOI!!! much luv XXXX
Damn Ty you doin ur thang, I'm a huge fan of yours...I follow you on twitter, I'm @Deedee2484 and I'm definitely picking up a copy of mayhem. I wish you well in the comic book industry and hope god let you continue your success because I love your music and movies. So keep letting us know in twitteville what's going on with you
This is an awesome article! Tyrese really has shown his determination to make MAYHEM successful!! Can't wait for August!
Tyrese if you read this comment. My brother is an artist and has won contests for designing his own charactors. If you add more artists to your team. You can reach me twitter.com/jadamour. I can give you his details.
I love you! You have inspired me unlike any other!! =) Wishing you only the BEST w/ ALL of ur endeavors!
PS~~just wanted to add my brother Michael has a degree in Animation/Graphic Design. He won his first contest, 'design ur own super hero' when he was about 10. All in all I think it would be a great match in this area of creativity! He loves it!! I have added my FB link for easier messages.
I love being on this promo tour w/ you! It makes smile in every way...from 1st thing in the morning till the last thing @ night. The pics have been wonderful. Thank you! muah muah muah..
Always Love & Support,
Michelle
Scottsdale, Arizona
I have to say the industry needs to take notice of this.
Tyrese took it there and made established publications look STUPID! An actor/singer had to come and shake up things. I take my hat off to you Mayhem, and cannot wait for this and future editions to come out.
A positive role model to kids, and we have a Black superhero now too.
Much love and all the best with this! Gonna be subscribing to this when u sort out UK distribution.
AngeliciousDee xXx
i wouldn't say he made anyone look STUPID, Angelicious... but i WOULD say he brings a fresh perspective on the marketing side that lots of people could benefit from.
Tyrese's tactics are not flawless, but they are to be commended for taking the best advantage of new technology.
also, there are tons of black superheroes. if you're curious, just check out my boy Wallrus' blog http://blacksuperheroes.blogspot.com/
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