| Growler's
State Of The Superhero Comic Book Publishing Industry |
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INDEX
<Beginnings...|Enter
the New Challenger!...>
This
is where I let loose my views on the current direction of the business
of superhero fiction found in comic books and graphic novels.
Taking
you behind the scenes of this exciting industry!
Rawle
Austin presents...
The
Irresistible Rise of Trade Paperbacks and Other Stories.
The
comics industry is in a healthier state at the moment than it has
been for years.
Discuss.
Ok.
Speaking as a long time reader, nothing more nothing less, from
Streatham, London, England, UK.
There’s
no doubt of the impact of Joe Quesada being appointed Editor in
Chief of Marvel Comics in 2000 and an overall increase in the quality
of comics from that publisher in general.
Thankfully,
the days of writing posts being filled incestuously by friends of
friends, spouting off mediocre drivel wrapped in a shiny package
are a distant memory. Thank
goodness.
Click
here to check out the Amazing Spider-Man By J. Michael Straczynski
Ultimate Collection Book 1 TPB (Marvel Comics) 
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Good
times are being had by all.
This
increase in quality stories applies to most companies in the industry
at the moment and bodes well for the consumer (sorry to use the business
word for reader but that’s what we are in reality).
This
sea change means that badly produced, poorly researched comic books are
slowly becoming extinct, Darwin style (Charles Darwin was the scientist
who invented the concept of "survival of the fittest").
The
bigger companies are now hiring quality writers from every popular
medium (movies, TV and books) and introducing exclusive contracts
to keep the top creators on their books.
Marvel
Comics hiring of innovative editors and the establishment of a ratings
system were desperately needed to revive the fortunes of the once
industry leader.
When
the fruits of this labour became apparent, DC Comics followed suit.
Forging
exclusive contracts with big name creators and setting them loose
on their flagship characters.
These
two publishers are known as the big two within the industry.
Having
now bounced out of bankruptcy the sky is the limit for Marvel Comics.
Click
here to check out The Seven Soldiers of Victory: Volume 1 TPB (DC
Comics) by Grant Morrison
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With
the success of their characters on the silver screen things have never
looked better.
Some
long time fans feel alienated but even they have to realize the terminal
slump the industry was in and only radical change could stop that.
Evolve
or die is the popular saying. Marvel Comics have a vast character base,
but characters should only be brought back if done well, meaning good
writing and artwork.
This
applies to limited series and these should only lead into new ongoing
titles by popular demand.
Witness
the rise of Crossgen Comics in 2000, their slow but sure approach
reaped dividends as more and more people were turned on to their
diverse product.
[Please note this article was written before the demise of Crossgen,
details to follow in later articles].
They
deliberately avoided using traditional superheroes in their comic
books instead concentrating on traditional fantasy and science fiction
action adventure. This
is a breath of fresh air and I predict in the long term that they
will regularly challenge Image Comics for third place of overall
market share.
Click
here to check out The Definitive Silver Surfer (Marvel Platinum)
(Marvel Comics) by Stan Lee, John Buscema and Jack Kirby
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Superhero
stories have a monopoly on the comic book market at the moment.
This
will slowly change when long time readers realize that good stories aren’t
restricted to just that genre.
The
content of comic books is good enough to plug at all available outlets,
supermarkets, book stores, cinemas, libraries and convenience stores.
Trade
paperbacks would probably be better suited for new readers because
you have a complete story with no frustration of waiting for late
issues.
Quality
product would be easier to market and positive word of mouth would
help to drive the sales.
Finding
ways to make comic books greater value for money would always help
as well.
No
stone should be left unturned to make comic books more accessible
and no convention should be kept sacred.
Comic
books are good again.
The
boom and bust of the early to mid nineties (you'll learn about this
later) is now the cautionary tale to all in the field and long termism
is back.
Click
here to check out Marvel Platinum: The Definitive Incredible Hulk
TPB (Marvel Comics) by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
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One
thing I hate the most are creators not completing projects before starting
new ones.
This
leaves a sour taste in the mouth, so publishers listen up, don’t
promise what you can’t deliver!
This
will drive more people away.
Thankfully,
this issue is slowly being rectified as publishers are waiting till all
issues of limited series are completely ‘in the can’ (finished)
before advertising them.
In
my view the general current direction of the comic book industry is good.
Time
will tell if the lessons of the past are truly learned.
See
you next time, for more comic book analysis with Growler!
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