I just read a post by Steve over at KFR concerning the cancellation of Blue Beetle at the same time that the character is being heavily used over at Cartoon Network to promote the new Batman animated series, The Brave & the Bold. His post brought back some of the bile that I've been holding on to for about a year or so. Below is my way to detox my system of this mess:
DC (and Marvel, to a lesser extent) has lost its way as far as delivering compelling, character-driven books that are independent of the latest crossover du jour. It appears that both companies have been seduced by the retail successes of Identity Crisis and Civil War, respectively and are now basing their entire business model on this mode of creating these all-inclusive and ever-encompassing mega series that intertwines the majority of their individual titles under its publishing umbrella. Poor selling books (such as Blue Beetle and Manhunter) who are not vital cogs in this machine are left to fend for themselves and sit back to wait for their appointment on the chopping block. If things stay the same, the comic book industry will be back to the early 90s when multiple variant gimmick covers, millions of #1 issues (with zero possibility of a continuing series in their futures) and readership leaving in droves were the norm.
It's truly sad when you read stuff like Steve's or DJ Coffman stating that people who love comic books need to take back the industry due to the dumbing down of comics based on what creators think that they can sell to Hollywood. Personally, I can see why they're throwing their figurative hands in the air. I know that I have ceased buying new comics as I've become disenfranchised with how the business side of comics is driving what content is being created and how it is delivered to the readers. I definitely won't return unless it's for the purposes of buying collected editions of older comic books. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that I am not the only one.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
What's Wrong With Comics - An Opinion
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Hulk versus Wolverine trailer and Marvel Direct-To-DVD Announcement
Marvel is trying their best to keep the good vibe momentum from Iron Man (and to a lesser degree the new Hulk movie) by knocking out Direct-to-DVD animation movies like there is no tomorrow. And according to its released timetable (posted here), here is the latest info on the Hulk Vs. DVD.
Marvel.com has leaked out that Hulk Vs. DVD actually contains two movies - the undercard of Hulk versus Thor and the Main Event (and the one that will turn comic geeks to a puddle of mush) Hulk versus Wolverine. Also, Marvel.com has a quick trailer for the Banner versus Logan match.
The way I see it, this news is a strange mixture of odd pairings and possible pitfalls if done wrong. I'm not quite the comics historian but I don't really remember the Hulk versus Thor fight. I'm not saying that it won't be a good tale but the movie itself is going to greatly overshadowed by the comic anticipation that is Hulk vs. Wolvie.
As for the done wrong part, here's where I might be in the minority. I like my superheroes relatively proportionate. but if you look at the screencap above, it is simply not the case. Hulk has a huge body but has a head that resembles the head-shunked one from Beetlejuice. And what happened to Wolverine's nose? It's about the size of a fingernail. Maybe I am nitpicking but I'm not ready to get in line to buy this one like I am for the new Batman: Gotham Knight 2-disc'r.
Speaking of the trailer, here it is embedded below. give it a once over and let me know if I'm way off base with this one.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Marvel's Super Hero Squad rights snagged by THQ
Here's a case where I missed the news on this latest license acquisition by THQ due to the fact that I was actually playing with the source materials - with my son and daughter obviously (not that there is anything wrong with adults playing with them by themselves). My son is real excited for the new series and subsequent video game (Wii will be a must for this demo) but how do you explain to a five year old why it won't be until the fall of 09 before he get to see it?
Check the PR here at Variety and a more robust one here at the THQ corporate website.
Posts
