I think people sometimes forget that there's a world of printed comic books that exists outside the Direct Market. They come from advertising agencies, video game companies, and even the government. They're out there - and they need people to make them happen. Maybe someone like you.

If the phrase "Army Graphic Novels" sounds inviting, you've come to the right place. I doubt you'll be working on a new Sgt. Rock or Sgt. Fury knock-off, but still…a job like this would make you a government contractor. And that's gotta look good on the ol' resume.

SAIC is "a Fortune 500 scientific, engineering and technology applications company" that contracts with the U.S. Army, and lots of other clients it seems, to "solve problems." You can find out a lot more at the SAIC site.

One of the problems they appear to solve is the creation of a graphic novel – they need an artist to work on one for Uncle Sam.

The America’s Army team (the guys who make the official U.S. Army game) is "seeking a talented Artist to support the development of Army based graphic novels."

They want you to produce work of "very high quality" and have "demonstrable experience" in the field. But it's no "Army of One" here. You'll also be expected to work closely with the writer, colorist and letterer on the project.

The unnamed graphic novel is expected to be "distributed both in on-line format as well as hard copy print format."

No hints at all about the subject matter, payment, royalties or whether you'll have to join up, but that'll no doubt be revealed in good time to the right candidate.

SAIC was advertising for an editor about a year ago and you had to move to Huntsville, AL and have a specific security clearance. That doesn't appear to be an issue here. Here's a peek at one of their recent graphic novels by M. Zachary Sherman, Michael Penick and J. Brown.

Here's the kicker: "A Bachelor of Arts in Illustration or Animation is required plus two years of experience."

That only proves that someone doesn't really know how to find an artist. Samples, experience and professionalism are all that matters. The classic sheepskin is irrelevant. I'm sure the corporate environment has demanded this, but a high school dropout with the talent and experience is on the same ground in the industry as the kid with the PhD in Art.

It's about what's on the page, sir, yes, sir.

[Artwork: Sgt. Rock by Joe Kubert, from the website Star-Studded War Comics, © DC Comics]