Hey Guys,
I know it's been a while. Sorry. I'm the kind of guy that only speaks when I have something to say.
Therefore...
As a comic fan, it's impossible not to be aware of the DC re-launch coming in Sept. But in case your rock doesn't have wi-fi... At the end of Flashpoint, the current big event running through all DC titles, every DC title will be cancelled. Then, beginning the last week of August and fully in September, DC will be releasing 52 titles, all bearing the #1 issue numbering. Including Action Comics, Detective Comics, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and more. for an entire list and the company's "line" on the matter, click here.
Well, I have a few thoughts on this.
Remember when "52" ended and we were re-introduced to the Multi-verse? It was revealed that there were 52 alternate universes, or some such crap, but we only knew what was up with 38 of them.
Also, as we all know, Detective comics is coming up on it's 900th issue in about a year. There is no way DC Comics is going to let that pass without the rightfully due hooplah. Therefore, most likely we will see a return to original numbering sometime around then.
So, what if we are given these all-new 52 titles for about a year, only to find out at the end of that year, that we've been poking in on one of the unknown alternate realities, a la pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths? How many fanboy heads would explode then?
Another thought: DC also announced their new "Day and Date" release, (don't Day and Date mean the same thing?) where both the digital and printed copies of the comics will be released on the same day. Wouldn't it be interesting if, when we return to the "real" DC universe, that they keep the "alternate" universe comics going, but only release them in digital format... no print copies? (More fanboy brains splattered on the wall) That way, if they actually do bring in new, younger readers, these customers would probably have no problem just buying the digital comics. That's what they're used to. Buying music and games through a digital medium.
One last thought (sorry for the tome): Why are digital comics so expensive? I am a graphic designer by trade and I have published my own comics. I understand printing costs. If you aren't actually printing a comic book on paper, you are saving the cost of printing (paper, ink, plates etc.) and distribution. You are literally cutting out between a third to half of your costs. How is it necessary to charge the same amount of money for an intangible copy of a comic that I will have to wrestle with the concept of holding an expensive piece of technology to read while sitting on the toilet, as opposed to a paper copy that is light and easy to hold, even upside down while lying on the couch?
Digital comics, like digital music, should cost about a dollar. 99c is plenty for a 22 page digital comic. Seriously, some websites give them away free. Maybe $1.50, $1.99 AT THE MOST. But not full price. These freakin' price increases are killing this industry. $3 & $4 is too high a price for a digital file that I am most likely going to enjoy once, maybe twice. I can buy a song that I will listen to many, many times in a number of places for only a dollar.
All this said, I didn't even address how the digital thing is going to kill the local comic shop.
That's a whole different rant.
These are my thoughts. What are yours? Email us at: ComicEx@gmail.com
And if you would like, please check out some of my work on my websites:
www.RickmanArt.com and www.RickmanGrafx.com
You'll see some of my comics at the bottom of the "Illustration" link on the second site.
Thanks for your indulgence,
-Rickman
