More Editorial Hinjinks at DC Comics

[JME2]

So, in the course of an afternoon, we've lost Andy Diggle on Action Comics and Joshua Fialkov on Green Lantern Corps and Red Lanterns.

What's notable is that both writers hadn't even started their runs and there was great advance publicity. Losing Diggle on Action Comics especially sucks; I was really looking forward to his take on Superman. I, Vampire has also been recommended to me and I was curious as to how Fialkov was going to write Atrocitus.

But this is only fueling the rumors that have been circulating since the New 52 began, that there's serious editorial mismanagement going on behind the scenes at DC. Between this, Gail Simone's firing, and other miscellaneous shit, I'm really getting worried at how DC's alienating and driving away experienced creators and young guns. Your total worth can't just be Geoff Johns, guys.

[Steve]

There was an article some time back that mentioned how often the powers that be are treating their writers not as unique talent but as cogs in the machine, easily replaced or shifted around as desired.

[JME2]

That does seems indicative of the current atmosphere.

It's no wonder Rucka, Waid, and so many others have jumped ship for Marvel or smaller companies or burned their bridges with DC.

[Crazedwraith]

Because Marvel never does stupid editorial things like split up marriages on whim.

[Crossroads Inc.]

There was an article some time back that mentioned how often the powers that be are treating their writers not as unique talent but as cogs in the machine, easily replaced or shifted around as desired.

Dont forget what happened to "Young Justice" recently...
One of the most popular as well as well written DC animated shows in years, and they cancel it to bring back yet another version of "Teen Titans" which looks even more idiotic then the first.

[JME2]

Because Marvel never does stupid editorial things like split up marriages on whim.

True. The thing is, it's more public and glaring when DC does it. Maybe it's just symptomatic of the Didio-era.

But the stories of constantly changing directions and whims sounds damming. This kind of editorial mismanagement has cost them Waid, Rucka, Dixon, and others in recent years.

Also, Fialkov's weighed in on why he left the GL franchise before even starting:

There were editorial decisions about the direction of the book that conflicted with the story I was hired to tell, and I felt that it was better to let DC tell their story the way they want. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’ll miss working with the entire Green Lantern team.This was not an easy decision to make emotionally or financially, but, I’m sure it was the right decision for both me, and for the Green Lantern books. The outpouring of support, your kind words and well wishes means so much to me and my family.

The rumor going around is that 'direction' amounted to DC ordering him to kill off John Stewart.

[RogueIce]

The rumor going around is that 'direction' amounted to DC ordering him to kill off John Stewart.

Why the fuck are they doing that?

Cheap shock factor that can only be achieved by killing off a major character (until they Get Better)?

Mad that he may or may not be more popular than Hal "One True Lantern" Jordan thanks to JL/JLU?

Those are the only two reasons I can imagine.

[Vendetta]

You're not a real superhero until you've died and come back at least once.


Anyway, DC have never not been all about servicing their trademarks above all things with absolutely no regard for artistic quality. If you cared about the stories comic writers really wanted to tell you'd be buying creator owned titles that aren't franchise servicing.

Marvel are the same, of course, they just show it differently. In the '90s it was All Wolverine All The Time, and now it's Everyone Is Avengers, because that's what's popular in the media they're actually making money from.

[JME2]

The rumor going around is that 'direction' amounted to DC ordering him to kill off John Stewart.

Why the fuck are they doing that?

Cheap shock factor that can only be achieved by killing off a major character (until they Get Better)?

Mad that he may or may not be more popular than Hal "One True Lantern" Jordan thanks to JL/JLU?

Those are the only two reasons I can imagine.

The rumors have been confirmed.

What worries me is that Fialkov's departure from the book is likely not going to change the editorial edict -- unless this kicks up enough of a shitstorm to reverse it (ala Gail Simone's termination, then rehiring).

And if this how DC editorial wants to run the post-Johns Green Lantern franchise, then I am further justified in ending my collected purchases once "Wrath of the First Lantern" finishes.

[Batman]

I suppose shooting the management of DC and handing the entire thing over to Team Timm is not an option.
And people wonder why I'm staying in the drawer.

[JME2]

Rumors are now circulating that DC's nixed the plot in response to the shitstorm this has generated.

The whole incident has also got prominent African American comics artist Jamal Igle pissed.

[Gandalf]

How are social media jobs in SF proof of anything?

[JME2]

Heh, my bad.

Here's the correct link.

[JME2]

And now, the whole 'John Stewart Must Die" debacle has gotten bad enough that even Phil LaMarr, who voiced John for the DCAAU, has weighed in.

[JME2]

DC talent/editorial are responding now. Love this quote GL/GLC writer Robert Venditti:

Van and I have never even contemplated killing John Stewart.

That's a bullshit answer because you didn't. But you don't say anything about DC editorial.

[Batman]

Staying in the drawer for the time being.

[mercury01]

Marvel are the same, of course, they just show it differently. In the '90s it was All Wolverine All The Time, and now it's Everyone Is Avengers, because that's what's popular in the media they're actually making money from.

Marvel managed to take Age of Ultron, a series that should have been about Hank Pym struggling against his greatest creation, and turned it into All Wolverine All The Time.

The only difference is that he's an Avenger now.