Comicscape - December 21, 2005

By: Kurt Amacker
Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Last week, I proposed an interesting solution to the crossover and continuity issue that plagues the comic reading experience. In short, I suggested that Marvel and DC drastically reduce titles per character and any in excess of, say, two, should occur out of continuity. Then, during shared universe crossovers, the two publishers should judiciously observe the cataclysmic larger events in all of their titles. If Thanos threatens the universe, everybody in the damn universe should hear about it. After the different titles lead to the event miniseries, rather than releasing six or seven monthly issues, the publishers should just print a single mass-market trade paperback with the entire story. Then, subsequent issues of the ongoing titles would continue after the event book. A number of you wrote me with your thoughts on the subject. Hence, without further ado, I give you the mail.

Joel Handloff writes, "I definitely agree that some trimming down of multiple titles is a good idea, continuity wise. I've never been able to follow all the X-Titles, nor understand how some of these characters can be five places at once and still find time to use the bathroom."

Yeah, I try to avoid thinking about superhero bathroom habits, unless of course it's She-Hulk. Ah, yes...looks like I can't swim for 30 minutes.

"DC in its Superman titles has attempted to defuse this by bringing them all into line, but there still seems to be an awful lot of them. I like the idea of titles becoming heavily involved with the buildup, and then returning after the event (which is only a month). Hell, you could, say, put Batman on hold for the build up and start out with Batman: Infinite Crisis, to assist with new readers."

That's actually not a bad idea, either, though it might prove confusing for some. Then again, most comic fans have waded through overcomplicated continuity for years, so it might work.

"Anyhow, as a TPB junkie, this would all be good for me. The problem is, as I understand it, TPBs don't make the money that single issues do. How many times have you gone to a store and bought three or more copies of Superman/Batman: Volume 2? The workaround, I think, would be to put all titles on hold for the climax month, and release a double sized INFINITE CRISIS issue every week for a month. That gets the collectors in, gets the title over and done with, and gets us back on track for the next month."

That's not a bad idea in theory, but the publishers rely on monthly sales of individual issues, so shutting down all but that one event title for a whole month would be financially precarious for the companies. Though it would simplify the crossover mess, I just can't see that happening.

Really, though, I think that pruning the hell out of each (DC/Marvel) universe would do a great job. Down to eight, maybe 10 titles? You could have real continuity then. Crossovers, team-ups, events from one title really affecting another without editorial chaos. You could end up with characters that counted and mattered because of their appearance in numerous books but without ever having their own title (does Impulse really need his own book? Cable?)."

Some characters work best as supporting characters -- Elektra, for instance. I mean, how many different ways can she pull a hit? In the fabled 1990s, many of the excessive titles were ongoing series given to b-list characters. I seriously doubt anyone's calling for a Sleepwalker or Super Pro ongoing (if you are, don't e-mail me -- I don't care). Remember, Marvel crawled out of the ditch in the late 1990s when it focused on its classic characters and pruned its lineup substantially. Then again, over-reliance on those same characters has hindered the company lately, yet, Speedball and Darkhawk ongoings aren't the answer.

Daniel Moore writes, "First thing to tell you is that your model would work, if it was a fresh start in a company, or there was a big shakeup in the Marvel or DC houses, however, here's the reason they won't do it. If they were to cut back all they're precious titles and crossover issues, then they would ultimately lose the amount of good writing that they think they have. I mean, take X-Men for example. If they cut out all excess titles, and crossovers then they would lose at least five writers to those books, along with artists. Not to mention the fact that the idea for them was to establish more books to hook new and not so new readers back into the universe."

Yeah, good point -- I can't deny that I thought about picking up ASTONISHING X-MEN just because it was a new series.

"Also, it's a way for them to kind of keep their socially unfriendly club like fan bases from burning their sometimes belligerent and overly politicized issues in a trash can. I mean, they know that they've made a lot of continuity mistakes, and the Ultimate/ All-Star lines are a way for them to atone for bad writing, or continuity blunders too big to correct, in a way offering a complimentary desert to the fan base because they ran out of the preferred champagne. Do you get the point I'm trying to make?"

Not to be a dick, but I really don't.

"Besides, a lot of the problem with book continuity is the fact that these wonderful writers/artists *Sarcasm warning (Excluding Joss Whedon and Alex Ross)* are too freaking busy trying to do other things that they can hold Marvel/DC by the gonads on creative propositions. As far as them keeping the time proper like with Batman for example, well they can't do that because since the late 70's they have been completely out of touch with the intelligent readers, so they can sell to all new groups, and yes I hate to admit it but the semi-cult like fan clubs keep the industry alive, so that's why they bend to them. Thanks for the editorial, it was a good one."

Dude, you lost me. Guys, take a deep breath and read your e-mail before you hit the send button. Ask yourself if it will make sense to someone else. Thanks for writing, anyway, and thanks for the kind words."

Daniel Cutler writes, "I do like your idea about a single trade containing the entire event, even though it would never work. Story wise, it would probably be the best thing, everyone is on the same page (so to speak) at the same time, except for those who have delays. The only problem is, I don't think that any publisher would pass up a regular cover, a variant cover, a reprint/variant cover, then the people that go the extra step and spend about 15-20 bucks on the trade, even though they have all the single issues. Talking in the most broad of economic aspects, I think the only way we could get them to adopt your idea would be to start following it. Stop buying all the single issues and just start buying trades."

Stop buying the single issues? I promise I won't tell Robert Kirkman where you live when he shows up here with a shotgun looking for you. Seriously, though, single issues fuel the industry and there would be no trades without the prior sales to warrant them. Publishers release trades based on the demand for the single issues. While I certainly want more original graphic novels from both Marvel and DC, the industry won't switch to trades because of some kind of boycott.

RWeiner5 writes, "thank you for a well thought out essay about the crossover problem. I agree with you all the way. I too like crossovers. I remember when the DEATH OF SUPERMAN and THE INFINITY GAUNTLET stories came out. I would buy each issue with anticipation WHICH I REALLY HATED. I think even back in the dark ages I would rather have had a trade. I got out of reading comics for THAT very reason. It is just not worth the time for me to wait to read a story. I like having the trades in ONE or several volumes. For example I liked how Marvel did their AVENGERS: DISSASSEMBLED series by having separate trades based on the character (Thor/Iron Man/FF/Avengers). I won't read HOUSE OF M until I can read all the trades. I have NO interest in trying to collect all these comics individually. Another one was KNIGHTFALL. God, was that a mess until the three-volume trades came out. Some fans love buying the individual issues, which is great. I don't and I never will unless I can get in a trade. I hated having to wait for the next issue of infinity gauntlet but since the trade came out I've read it like four times in the last five years."

I can't help but wonder who in the f--k thought it was a good idea to spread a story across multiple series with the first part in one title, the second in another, and so on. It just seems so counterintuitive. I've worked in public relations before. The idea is to strive for accessibility so that people aren't scared away from your product. If I was a new reader and I grabbed an issue of BATMAN during WAR GAMES, I'd probably have walked out of the comic shop and never returned. Seriously -- crossing over INFINITE CRISIS into an issue of ACTION COMICS is one thing, but spreading a story in installments across multiple titles is easily the stupidest practice in the industry.

"I too agree that a trade collecting everything is the answer but I know the companies won't go for it. As always thanks for your enlightened views."

I'm glad someone recognizes my unparalleled brilliance. That's it for this week, kids. Happy non-denominational, non-specific winter holiday season!

DARK HORSE

Chicken Little Eggstra Fun Figures Gacha PI
Al: Gacha! Fun! Kill!

Conan #23 (MR) $2.99

Emily The Strange #2 $7.95
Al: If this isn't a biocomic about Emily Dickinson, I don't know what is.

Goon #15 $2.99

Hellsing Impure Souls Anime Manga TP $14.95
Al: The fact that "Hellsing" appears to be an attempt at a pun has always bothered me.

Kong 8th Wonder World Movie Adaptation #1 (of 3) $3.99
Al: Anyone else still wondering why King Kong only scored $50 mil on its opening weekend? It's Peter Jackson! And a giant gorilla! What do you need, lesbian pirate ninjas?
Kurt: I think Kong cavorting with lesbian pirate ninjas would make for an instant classic.

Kotobukiya Anakin Skywalker #2 Vinyl Model Kit $99.99
Kurt: I don't know, and I don't want to know.

Reiko The Zombie Shop Vol 1 TP $12.95

Rocky And Bullwinkle Ornament Set $19.99

Sin City Tin Sign Black Death Icelandic Schnapps $14.99
Al: Wait, is this Marv-branded booze? If I drink it, does a hooker die?
Kurt: No, if you drink it, a Catholic schoolgirl dies.

Sin City Tin Sign Cerveza Chango $14.99

Star Wars Empire #38 $2.99

Star Wars Republic #80 $2.99

Star Wars X-Wing Rogue Leader #3 (of 3) $2.99

DC COMICS

Adventures Of Superman #647 $2.50

Batgirl #71 $2.50

Batman Gotham Knights #72 $2.50

Batman Journey Into Knight #5 (of 12) $2.50

Birds Of Prey #89 $2.50
Al: As long as it's been since I've been doing this weekly comic rundown, I've never mentioned this: "Birds of Prey" is kind of a sexist name.
Kurt: ...the hell?

Crisis On Multiple Earths The Team Ups Vol 1 TP $14.99
Al: And I should also say: if there are multiple Earths, screw the other ones. I know for a fact that I'm getting laid on this one.
Kurt: Giggidy-giggidy-giggidy!

Flash #229 $2.50

Green Lantern #6 $2.99

Green Lantern Corps Recharge #3 (of 6) $2.99

Hellblazer #215 (MR) $2.75

Infinite Crisis #3 (of 7) $3.99
Kurt: The big question here: Power Girl's jugs -- will she finally show them?

JSA Classified #6 $2.50

Justice #3 (of 12) $3.50
Al: Just to piss off all two of our conservative readers: The miniseries covering the hearings about why the hell George Bush is tapping my phone.
Kurt: I can name some reasons why he'd tap your phone, but you're paid up for this month, so I'll stay quiet.

Light Brigade TP (MR) $19.99

Lucifer #69 (MR) $2.75
Al: Just to rub salt in it: Karl Rove's story continues.
Kurt: Yeah, that's what I said about you when Predator 2 came out.

Mad Classics #3 $4.99
Al: And just to make it a trilogy: "The noose is tightening!" What, me worry?
Kurt: Al, has the Secret Service come by your place recently? If they have, uh, it wasn't me.

Mad Magazine #461 $3.99

Manhunter #17 $2.50

Moon Child Vol 1 TP $9.99
Kurt: Moonchild! Lower me down, lower me down! Moonchiiiild! Lower me down! Down! Down! Down!.

Plastic Man Vol 2 Rubber Bandits TP $14.99

Powerpuff Girls #69 $2.25

Robin #145 $2.50

Robotech Prelude To The Shadow Chronicles #4 (of 5) $3.50

Seven Soldiers Bulleteer #2 (of 4) $2.99
Al: All anyone can talk about with this series is boobs. No one's even mentioned the awesome fact that, back in the day, you could add "-eer" to friggin anything and make a hero out of it.
Kurt: Like, the Boobeteer?

Superman Batman Deluxe Bookends $295.00
Kurt: Who buys stuff like this?

Swamp Thing Spontaneous Generation TP (MR) $19.99

Testament #1 (MR) $2.99

Tom Strong Book Four TP $17.99

Top 10 Beyond The Farthest Precinct #5 (of 5) $2.99

Wraithborn #4 (of 6) $2.99

IMAGE

Blood River GN $7.99
Al: Because Image thought the well wasn't dry on menstruation metaphors. I'm sorry, the blood well.
Kurt: Look, just because none of your girlfriends...aw, f--k it, I'm not going to say that. I'd never hear the end.

Coyote Vol 2 TP $12.99

Girls #8 (MR) $2.99

Image First TP (MR) $6.99
Al: First issues of Walking Dead (best comic currently being published), Girls (weird but awesome), Sea of Red (see Blood River) and Strange Girl (not all that great).

Intimidators #1 $3.50

Night Club #2 (of 4) (RES) $2.99

PVP #21 $2.99

Shadowhawk #8 $3.50

Spawn Collection Vol 1 TP $19.95

Spawn Manga Vol 1 TP $9.99

Vice #3 $2.99
Al: What's the third deadly sin again? Lust? I learned everything I know about the Bible from watching Se7en.

Walking Dead Omnibus Vol 1 HC Sgn (MR) $150.00
Al: First of all, I have never had any idea why a big book should be called an omnibus. Omnibus sounds like one of those double-decker buses from England except half as tall, and in my world that's still just called a bus. Second of all, are you someone's mom? Are you looking for Christmas presents for your son? Are you rich? Sorry about the menstruation joke. Buy this.

MARVEL

Book Of Lost Souls #3 $2.99

Captain America #13 $2.99

Daughters Of The Dragon Deadly Hands $3.99
Al: Reprints. Pleh.

Fantastic Four #533 $2.99

Fantastic Four By J. Michael Straczynski Vol 1 Premiere HC $19.99

Generation M #2 (of 5) $2.99
Al: I wasn't planning to say anything useful at all this week, but holy crap: the first issue of this series was awesome. Seriously, I really loved it.

Incredible Hulk #90 $2.99

Iron Man The Inevitable #1 (of 6) $2.99
Finally, the fight we all knew had to happen: Tony Stark v. Ozzie Osbourne. This fight's gonna be more one-sided than Wesley Willis v. Batman.

Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four Vol 1 Family Heroes Digest $6.99

Marvel Adventures Flip Magazine #7 $3.99

Marvel Heroes Flip Magazine #7 $3.99

Marvel Knights Spider-Man Second Ptg Variant #20 $2.99

Marvel Masterworks Avengers Vol 5 HC Var ED $54.99

Marvel Masterworks Avengers Vol 5 New ED HC $49.99

Marvel Spotlight John Cassaday Sean McKeever $2.99

New X-Men Academy X Vol 3 X-Posed TP $14.99
Al: Not porn! Don't be fooled!
Kurt: Al was. I've never seen grown man cry like that.

Punisher Vs Bullseye #2 (of 5) $2.99

Runaways #11 $2.99

Spider-Woman Origin #1 (of 5) $2.99
Al: Oh snap, this is the Luna Brothers breakout. If you're not familiar with the Luna Brothers from their eerily chick-friendly (but awesome) Luna or their incredibly creepy (but awesome) Girls, here's your chance to watch some good art happen.

Spider-woman Origin Coipel Variant #1 (of 6) (PP #694) $2.99

Supreme Power Hyperion #3 (of 5) (MR) $2.99

Ultimate Galactus Book 2 Secret TP $12.99
Al: See, if we call him Gah-Lak-Tus, that'll be all modern and stuff.

Ultimate Wolverine Vs Hulk #1 (of 6) $2.99
Al: Wolverine! Ripped! In half! I wish I wasn't enough of a fanboy to think this sounded awesome.

Ultimate X-Men Fantastic Four Special $2.99
Al: Hey, remember when dudes could do a crossover without having a special about it? That was nice.

What If Fantastic Four $2.99

What If Submariner $2.99
Al: Wait, who's buying these? Why do they keep coming out? Someone must be buying them. Dear Someone: please stop.
Kurt: Yeah, Someone keeps taking my socks, too. Asshole.

X-Men Deadly Genesis #2 (of 6) $3.50

X-Men Deadly Genesis 2nd Ptg Var #1 (of 6) $3.99

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