It’s been two years since the powers that be over at DC decided to go back to the beginning and re-launch its universe. The goal, or at least one of the goals, was to gain new fans who didn’t have to worry about where or how to start. With 52 titles that included Batman, Superman, the Justice League etc., newcomers can get a “new” issue number 1 and feel like their on an even playing field.
While I applaud DC for wanting and looking for new ways to attract new readers, I can’t help but wonder what about us loyal readers? What about those who have collected a decades worth of such titles like Action Comics or Detective Comics and were looking forward to the day they get their hands on Issue #1000? For the record, before the reboot, Detective Comics had produced 883 issues that dated back to 1937. Only 117 more to go… oh well. And do me a favor DC, don’t refer to your New 52 Detective Comics #19 as #900 as well. You can’t have it both ways.
New 52 Detective Comics #1
New 52 Action Comics #1
It’s a labor of love for die hard comic book collectors who look forward to each and every Wednesday to go to their favorite comic shop and buy their favorite books. In my opinion if DC wanted to attract new readers, I say create better stories for their characters. DC should get more involved in the cinematic universe that would help drive interest on the publication side of their business. One can’t argue that the much maligned Aquaman character for example was a beneficiary of this reboot. Same can be said for lesser known characters as well. However, one can argue that the reboot wasn’t necessary in order to make him or any other character more enjoyable to read. And you didn’t have to make Superman boring and uneventful in the same process. Readers are attracted by the art and story arcs that compliment it. I long for the days of Wolfman/Perez team and stories like “Crisis of Infinite Earths” and events of that magnitude that drew me and so many like me in at a young age.
As I said, it’s been two years. So, has it worked? Has DC taken over the comic book wars from Marvel? Short answer, no. They have though taken a bite out of it. Prior to the launch, DC had a 26% dollar market share versus 39% for Marvel. As of this past summer those numbers are now 28% for DC and 33% for Marvel.
I still have a lot of faith in the creative minds of Jim Lee, Geoff Johns and Dan DiDio. I just question whether or not they took the easy approach. This is not to say that they weren’t gambling on a reboot. Because they were. I just wish I was a fly on the wall at the executive offices over two years ago when the discussion took place.
James aka “The Dork Knight” is a blogger and writer based out of Upstate New York. For James, it all started with a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… when he dragged his mom to see The Empire Strikes Back 10 weeks in a row. He lives and breathes nerd culture. James is proof that a Star Wars fanatic can be a passionate Trekkie as well. So much so James dressed up as Captain Kirk to the premiere of Star Trek VI in 1991 and still has the uniform.
When it comes to Comic Books, Sci-Fi or Fantasy whether in print or digital, in the theatre or on my TV screen, I’m all about it and I love it. So bring your Phaser (set to stun), Lightsaber, Sonic Screwdriver, a Wand, Mjolnir or the Ring to rule them all, because this site is for the dork in all of us.
