
From the outside it looks like a house on fire at DC! Two years ago their 'New 52' reset of the entire DCU was the toast of the comic world. Now it's looking like a runaway train without any chance of stopping.
For those who don't know me and my comic buying habits ...I'm a DC guy. I have had a vested interest in DC since 1975 and what seems to be going on over there is breaking my heart.
I have been vocal about the fact that so many of the 'New 52' books have had an identity and creator crisis on most of their line. Other than a handful of books (Batman, All Star Western, Wonder Woman to name a few) there has been lack of direction, stop / starts and a creator shuffle.
But it seems to be taking a disturbing twist and making Rob Liefeld sound like he knew what he was talking about when he left DC.
A month or so back it was announced that Gail Simone was off DC. After fan outcry via social media, she was put back on the book. It was rumored that DC instituted a policy that would penalize a creators future work if they spoke out against the company. Last week it was announced that two writers (Jim Zub and Robert Venditti) were taken off their books before they got started. Now we learn that Keith Giffen, a longtime DC creator may be leaving his current gig...only two issues in.
So what is going on?
I think a look must be made at the top; President Diane Nelson, Co Publishers Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, Chief Creative officer Geoff Johns and Editor In Chief Bob Harras. When any company falters the top needs to be examined and it appears something isn't jelling or someone(s) may be in the wrong position. All of them have a proven track record, but something isn't quite right!
Could this be the curse of the new DC logo?
If you want my opinion, I feel that when DC relaunched their books, they never had a larger plan in place. Or if they did, they veered off it when the first bumps (round of cancellations) hit. I think there may be too many people making decisions and not letting creators do what they do best and that is to create comics.
And the people in charge need to know comics. I understand economics and realize the 'images' of characters like Superman and Batman make more than the comics do, but how important will these characters be if their comic books are failing?
Please DC...fix this.... for me?