That's why I was planning to self publish, or bankroll the publishing. I don't want some shithead suit trying to strongarm me.

Have a plan for your self publishing. I know quite a few guys who self-published to retain the rights but nobody is seeing their stuff. They have so much invested that they aren't moving on to new things. Sunk Cost Fallacy...it's lethal for us comic guys.

Yes! Go for it! I've been on both sides of the aisle. I'm just trying to give you perspective from each side.