When I was looking at the comic book sales for February of this year I thought they told a very interesting story. A few years back I made a big effort to only buy the comics that I was enjoying and not out of brand loyalty. Despite the Teen Titans being my favorite group I hated the NEW 52 and after a few issues... I dropped it. Most of you know Captain America is my favorite hero and I love Falcon, but the SAM WILSON CAPTAIN AMERICA did nothing for me except make me with I spent four bucks elsewhere. Like the TEEN TITANS… Falcon America was gone, too.
I think comic readers and fans are starting to let their satisfaction dictate their spending. In the Top Ten for February we have seven DC books, one Image (THE WALKING DEAD) and two Marvel; both STAR WARS. What this shows me is that people are buying good comics and ones that they enjoy. DC had to change everything up a year ago to stay relevant and exciting. In Marvels case I have always felt they just assumed readers would buy their books regardless of art, how many and whatever event was being pushed. This was certainly the case with SECRET WARS II.
More looking has DC dominating the charts with Marvel’s first non STAR WARS titles in the Top 20 not showing up until AMAZING SPIDER-MAN at #13 and the much anticipated INHUMANS VERSUS X-MEN being outsold and out-positioned by THE FLASH.
I think what DC seems to be doing now is letting their creators tell good, solid stories that don’t rely on gimmicks and flash, just look at the amazing BATMAN/FLASH crossover we just had.
But sadly it seems that when Marvel tries to do something with substance and real creativity… it seems that the fans freak out. What I’m trying to say is Captain America is NOT a Nazi or a Hydra agent or a puppy squishing baddie… just let Nick Spencer tell his story!