BOWLING GREEN — As someone who likes both writing and graphic design, it likely should have been a given that Bowling Green State University senior Cody Mohr would consider combining his two passions to work in the comic book industry.
But the digital arts major never considered it an option until he recently took a graphic novel course. But it was a campus visit Monday at Prout Chapel by BGSU alum and freelance comic book writer Marc Sumerak that took Mr. Mohr from a “maybe” to “probably” pursuing that career by sharing his own story about how he initially came to work for Marvel Comics.
All it took was a few tips and insights from Mr. Sumerak for Mr. Mohr to become inspired to believe he has a shot at getting into the industry.
“I thought it was interesting that he said there’s not really a lineup of a hierarchy to the comic book world — I definitely thought it would be more like you start as an intern, then editor, or stuff like that,” Mr. Mohr said. “But Mark said it’s more about getting your work out there, and so Mark’s talk really inspired me to get out there and just keep pushing.”
Mr. Sumerak, who now lives in Cleveland, visited BGSU throughout most of the day Monday as part of events hosted by school’s Department of English creative writing program that included a book-signing and private luncheon event as well as a public student question-and-answer session later that evening.
After graduating from the university in 2000, Mr. Sumerak became an editor for Marvel and has since gone on to write books, comics, and stories for video games for that franchise. He’s also written books and comics for franchises such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Back to the Future, and Ghostbusters.
It turns out his favorite character to write about is Spider-Man. His favorite Star Wars character: the red lightsaber-wielding Sith.
But most of the questions Monday didn’t delve into his works specifically. Instead, students spent most of the 40-minute session asking how they too could follow a similar path into the industry.
An internship helped but he likely wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity had he not been writing on his own time and posting his work online, he said.
His willingness to write, seek feedback, and take time to learn what goes into developing story scripts were the key ingredients to his success, Mr. Sumerak said.
But once students have their basics down, he said the path gets more blurry, as there isn’t one sure method of getting into the industry.
“I wish there was more of a clear route into writing comics full time and that I could present to you all a magic pathway to get there,” he said. “What I can say is producing quality content — whether it’s on your own or through small companies or online — and getting it out into the world will eventually get you noticed if that content is good enough.”
Jessica Zinz-Cherensnick, BGSU’s undergraduate creative writing director who organized Monday’s events, said out of all the similar events she and other faculty members typically schedule throughout the school year, Mr. Sumerak’s visit drew much more excitement and career-oriented questions than usual.
She said initially Mr. Sumerak’s visit was going to be a small affair, but early interest from students and faculty persuaded her to make it more of an all-day affair.
“We got them packed in here and this afternoon I thought we had a great crowd of students who were super engaged,” she said. “I think he really made them realize, ‘Hey, this is possible and that this is a career path — but it’s going to take work.’”
First Published March 28, 2023, 2:53 p.m.
