Reformed self-publisher here.
I used to self-publish back in the early 90s, but have been looking for opportunities to get some writing gigs here and there. Had a few chances, but nothing wound up coming out of them (four books I wrote all got cancelled before my story came out. I was beginning to feel like Jonah there for a bit.)
I used my first novel paycheck to publish a one-shot comic that I took to SDCC and Dragon-Con. I've gotten some good, useful feedback on them, but the odd part is, I've got a chance to pitch for a fantasy novel based on my comic. Keeping the fingers crossed there.
I write novels to make money, so I can do comics and lose money.