A lot has been written about DC Comics’ lack of focus in the last few months, often due to their cancellation of titles or changes of creative teams on their books. While a lot of internet-based comic fans have used this to participate in a lot of name-calling and rumor mongering, the Cedar Rapids Comic Book Examiner thinks it is far more useful to send an open letter to DC about fixing the problem.
Here are three ways DC can improve their output and public relations.
- Be upfront about why changes are being made: One of DC’s biggest PR nightmares of late has been talent announcements that disappear almost as soon as the change has been made. With their new B & B column, DC can directly address issues like creators leaving, changes of direction and poor sales. Comic fans are not stupid, most understand at least some of the reasons these things happen.
- Focus on what works: DC has two brands that work and work well, “Batman” and “Justice League”, and a third with a major movie on the way, “Superman”. When books are cancelled (especially the seven titles that have received the axe recently, the highest number from DC in some time), DC needs to think about those lines. “Red Robin”, “Cyborg” and the long-rumored “Man of Steel” by Scott Snyder and Jim Lee would all make great new titles to help expand the DC line.
- Keep trying for something different: A lot has been made about the cancellations of shorter run titles like “Team 7” and “Sword of Sorcery starring Amethyst.” While their loss should be saddening to the comic world, titles like “Sword of Sorcery”, “OMAC” and “I, Vampire” are all great, unlikely comics that entertained for as long as they were on the market. While many folks want to yell about those titles having no chance, many fans just love to see favorite characters and great new ideas like these. And this Examiner is already excited about the announced “Green Team” and “The Movement” titles coming in the next wave. The majority of new titles should be focused on bigger name properties, but never let that derail DC from trying something new and different. No one knows when another “Animal Man” could appear.
In the end, comic book fans will probably continue to complain no matter what path DC takes in the future and titles will still meet their end in the future. Sadly, that is the nature of modern Big Two comics and DC certainly knows this. Still this Examiner and thousands of other comic fans out there just want some great comics. Let’s see DC Comics keep making them.
Subscribe to the Cedar Rapids Comic Book Examiner to get updates as new articles are posted.
Comments