The DC Comics jobs are lining up like planes over La Guardia now.

Up at the Time Warner career page is a post noting that DC is looking for a staff Letterer for their Lettering Department.

Lettering is one of those great unsung jobs in comics - most people don’t notice it unless it’s terrible or weird. But those that do notice good lettering have their favorite letterers and can tell who's who by their unique styles. Comic book creators have been known to request specific letterers for certain projects, and who can blame them? You'd do it too.

Some years ago my boss was against repackaging some early work from a property that we’d acquired at Malibu Comics. Something about it was “off” he said, but couldn’t put his finger on it. We thought the art was great but we just wanted it relettered.

When the boss saw the finished pages, he now thought it was wonderful - did we magically have it redrawn somehow? Nope. Just relettered. It made that much of a difference.

So I have nothing but respect for the folks that do it, whether it’s the old-fashioned way or - the way it is now for the most part - on computers. And if DC wants you, get over there. A staff lettering gig is hard to come by.

As the new letterer you'll be doing “in-house computer lettering and SFX for comic books and special projects,” and you’ll be reporting to the VP-Lettering Supervisor and Editorial with each assignment.

Wait? What? There’s a VP of Lettering at DC? Who knew?

You’ll need a high school diploma or its equivalent to apply and either “a degree in related field” or equivalent work experience. Past experience in lettering is a plus, and experience with the computer is even better.

Now crank up the alphabet and start working on your balloon placement.

And Mark Evanier, who knows a thing or three about lettering, offers this tip.

Good luck, job seekers!

[Artwork: Speedball Lettering Tips, snagged from the Drawn blog]