Interview part 6: Jamming with Ray

In Miguel Guerra’s final interview with Ray, they cut loose and talk about exploitation in the comics industry. Highlights include…

• Using ethnic groups as marketing gimmicks
• The history of slavery and exploitation in general
• Exploitation within the comics industry
• Taking the work of artists and writers and not paying them properly (or not at all).

•• Correction Miguel said James Punch, it should’ve been John Punch.

Catching up with old friends

I fist spoke to Ray Felix about his legal battles with Marvel and DC back in 2013. Ray’s self published book, A World Without Superheroes, was challenged by both Marvel and DC over his use of “superhero” in the title. The Big Two claim they own “superhero” in any context (damn!). Our interview was so popular, many news sites and blogs, like The Guardian and the New York Daily News wrote articles about it. To read the full interview, click here.

I decided to follow up with Ray of Bronx Heroes Publishing, and see how he’s doing. Let’s just say, he’s been busy! I divided our compelling conversation into a series of interviews, where we discuss:

• How to survive as an independent comic creator
• Protecting your intellectual property against corporate lawyers
• The hidden world of ghost writers, artists and finishers. Who creates your favorite comics?