Ten years ago this month (on July 10th, 2005, to be specific), I posted two shitty looking comics to a corner of the Stripped Books website. At that point, I had no idea what I was in for: it was a gag strip that would quickly transform into a character-based comedy where people talk about movies — not just superficially about specific movies, but about how people watch and talk about movies of all kinds. The art got a little better, too.
The Multiplex characters took on a life of their own and ultimately turned this comic into an eleven- or twelve-year “epic” about the movie theater industry in one of the most interesting periods in its hundred-year history (and also this one jerk who kinda sorta becomes a slightly better person maybe if you squint your eyes and cock your head to the side a little).
Multiplex’s readership grew quickly in those first few years, thanks in very large part to a pair of guest strips on PvP and some well-placed Project Wonderful ad campaigns (thanks, Something Positive and Shortpacked!), and in the years since it has since retained a small but passionate readership that has supported me time and time again: the Patreon project of course, as well as two successful Kickstarter projects to fund two books I’m very proud of.*
Thank you for allowing me to tell this story.
Thank you for reading.
— Gordon
* Speaking of Kickstarter projects, there will be an announcement about Multiplex: Book Three… very soon.
Happy birthday! I wish I was following sooner than 2012, but thanks to the Shortpacked crossover, you’ve made a fan for life.
Looking forward to Book Three!
I can’t remember when I joined, but I’ve been a regular reader for a number of years. I think around the time of Superman Returns, but probably earlier. Anyway, very glad that you’re still around and here’s to another ten years of success – even if it’s not Multiplex (should you decide to move onto something else).
Happy birthday, Multiplex! :D