Comments on: Pow Sock! No comics for kids! http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/ The News Blog of Comics Culture Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:57:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: News and commentary about comics » Dan Buckley sounds like he’s parroting DC’s excuses http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-77144 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 20:13:51 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-77144 [...] The New York Sun has an article about NY’s ComicCon, that tells a bit about the problems comic books have sunk into, and which does tell something that’s more or less on the mark (Hat tip: The Beat blog, which also mentions the Mercury News article I looked at earlier): Video games and movies are being launched at the Con and the guests of honor include Stephen Colbert, Stephen King, and Wes Craven, but comic books are the main event, specifically superhero comics published by Marvel (weighing in with 44% of the marketplace) and DC (weighing in with 34%). How do two companies control such an enormous slice of the pie? By bumming everyone out. In recent years, Spider-Man has killed Mary Jane with his carcinogenic spidersperm. Batman has become a single parent. Captain America and Iron Man are hashing out national security issues by hitting each other in the face while rounding up unregistered superheroes and sending them to a Gitmo-style prison camp after a superpowered September 11, 2001. The once cheerful Elongated Man saw his wife raped, then burned to death. And the new Batgirl is an evil, lesbian junkie. No wonder Superman has spent the past year with his forehead buried in his hands, weeping softly. [...] […] The New York Sun has an article about NY’s ComicCon, that tells a bit about the problems comic books have sunk into, and which does tell something that’s more or less on the mark (Hat tip: The Beat blog, which also mentions the Mercury News article I looked at earlier): Video games and movies are being launched at the Con and the guests of honor include Stephen Colbert, Stephen King, and Wes Craven, but comic books are the main event, specifically superhero comics published by Marvel (weighing in with 44% of the marketplace) and DC (weighing in with 34%). How do two companies control such an enormous slice of the pie? By bumming everyone out. In recent years, Spider-Man has killed Mary Jane with his carcinogenic spidersperm. Batman has become a single parent. Captain America and Iron Man are hashing out national security issues by hitting each other in the face while rounding up unregistered superheroes and sending them to a Gitmo-style prison camp after a superpowered September 11, 2001. The once cheerful Elongated Man saw his wife raped, then burned to death. And the new Batgirl is an evil, lesbian junkie. No wonder Superman has spent the past year with his forehead buried in his hands, weeping softly. […]

]]> by: The Four Color Media Monitor http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-77069 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 18:32:32 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-77069 <strong>Dan Buckley sounds like he's parroting DC's excuse...</strong> The New York Sun has an article about NY's ComicCon, that tells a bit about the problems comic books have sunk into, and which does tell something that's more or less on the mark (Hat tip: The Beat blog, which also mentions the Mercury News article I... Dan Buckley sounds like he’s parroting DC’s excuse…

The New York Sun has an article about NY’s ComicCon, that tells a bit about the problems comic books have sunk into, and which does tell something that’s more or less on the mark (Hat tip: The Beat blog, which also mentions the Mercury News article I…

]]> by: Wraith http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-76214 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 17:49:34 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-76214 LOL Truer words have never been said Kneon. I agree with. LOL

Truer words have never been said Kneon. I agree with.

]]> by: Kneon Transitt http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-76113 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 14:28:08 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-76113 Wraith said: "One of the main reasons why Marvel and DC aim MOST of their superhero comics at older teens and adults, is because they are still trying into get rid of the stigma that “comics are for kids”." Kneon says: Now if they could only get rid of the stigma that "comics are for jaded middle-aged dorks," all would be right with the world. ;) Wraith said:
“One of the main reasons why Marvel and DC aim MOST of their superhero comics at older teens and adults, is because they are still trying into get rid of the stigma that “comics are for kids”.”

Kneon says:
Now if they could only get rid of the stigma that “comics are for jaded middle-aged dorks,” all would be right with the world. ;)

]]> by: Todd Alcott http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75747 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 01:51:24 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75747 In all the comics stores I frequent, the "kids comics" are on one shelf or spinner rack. The rest of the stores are overrun with adult titles. My son doesn't even like going to comics stores anymore because there's nothing for him there -- he'd rather get his superheroes from DVDs. In all the comics stores I frequent, the “kids comics” are on one shelf or spinner rack. The rest of the stores are overrun with adult titles. My son doesn’t even like going to comics stores anymore because there’s nothing for him there — he’d rather get his superheroes from DVDs.

]]> by: Wraith http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75733 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 01:33:29 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75733 A few quick points. 1. It's not dark,grim,and gritty stories that are attracting the existing older readers, but shock,controversy,and the old played out promise that "things will never be the same again". 2. If the creators,editors,and publishers at both Marvel and DC would actually do some research by way of reading any pre-Quesada/Jemas Code Approved Marvel superhero comics, they would know how to produce comics that are both appealing and suitable for people of ALL AGES. 3. One of the main reasons why Marvel and DC aim MOST of their superhero comics at older teens and adults, is because they are still trying into get rid of the stigma that "comics are for kids". Many of the creators and editors are embarased to be working on comics are aimed at or perceived to be aimed at kids only. These insecure egomaniacs want superhero comics (especially the ones they work on) to be accepted as legit adult fiction. They want older teen and adult non-comic book readers to accept them and their hobby/job. 4. Whenever the Big 2 say they want to bring in new readers to the industry, they are MAINLY talking about new OLDER TEEN and ADULT readers. A few quick points.

1. It’s not dark,grim,and gritty stories that are attracting the existing older readers, but shock,controversy,and the old played out promise that “things will never be the same again”.

2. If the creators,editors,and publishers at both Marvel and DC would actually do some research by way of reading any pre-Quesada/Jemas Code Approved Marvel superhero comics, they would know how to produce comics that are both appealing and suitable for people of ALL AGES.

3. One of the main reasons why Marvel and DC aim MOST of their superhero comics at older teens and adults, is because they are still trying into get rid of the stigma that “comics are for kids”. Many of the creators and editors are embarased to be working on comics are aimed at or perceived to be aimed at kids only. These insecure egomaniacs want superhero comics (especially the ones they work on) to be accepted as legit adult fiction. They want older teen and adult non-comic book readers to accept them and their hobby/job.

4. Whenever the Big 2 say they want to bring in new readers to the industry, they are MAINLY talking about new OLDER TEEN and ADULT readers.

]]> by: Christopher Moonlight http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75460 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 19:32:34 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75460 Another thing came to me after my first post. We've relegated "kids" comics to one little place in the stores. Maybe that's good from a sales point of view, but it doesn't take much to make children feel alienated. By doing this, are we telling our readers of tomorrow to go sit at the kids table? Just a little food for thought. Another thing came to me after my first post. We’ve relegated “kids” comics to one little place in the stores. Maybe that’s good from a sales point of view, but it doesn’t take much to make children feel alienated. By doing this, are we telling our readers of tomorrow to go sit at the kids table? Just a little food for thought.

]]> by: Kneon Transitt http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75327 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:24:52 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75327 "Comics aren’t dying they’re just changing" Agreed, Julian. I mean, why the distinction/divide between manga and comics anyway? They're just Japanese style comics. It would be like referring to each individual genre of western comics instead of classifying them all as comics. I mean, do we use the French word for comic books when referring to French comics? Russian? Swedish? Get the picture? Each country has its own unique style and preferences, but we don't segregate them like we do Japanese books. Why? Japanese comics have had a marked impact on recent western work, and this trend will continue, I'm sure. It's unavoidable. Then again, why *would* anyone *want* to avoid it? If it gets kids reading comics, regardless of style, that's a good thing, right? “Comics aren’t dying they’re just changing”

Agreed, Julian. I mean, why the distinction/divide between manga and comics anyway? They’re just Japanese style comics. It would be like referring to each individual genre of western comics instead of classifying them all as comics.

I mean, do we use the French word for comic books when referring to French comics? Russian? Swedish? Get the picture? Each country has its own unique style and preferences, but we don’t segregate them like we do Japanese books.

Why?

Japanese comics have had a marked impact on recent western work, and this trend will continue, I’m sure. It’s unavoidable. Then again, why *would* anyone *want* to avoid it? If it gets kids reading comics, regardless of style, that’s a good thing, right?

]]> by: Julian Baughman http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75239 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:55:16 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75239 I for one will be putting copies of comics in my kids hands. But, if they want to read manga, why stop them. I mean I'm not into it, but I don't think my Dad was into Spawn back when I was a kid, but he bought the book for me anyway. Comics aren't dying they're just changing I for one will be putting copies of comics in my kids hands. But, if they want to read manga, why stop them. I mean I’m not into it, but I don’t think my Dad was into Spawn back when I was a kid, but he bought the book for me anyway.

Comics aren’t dying they’re just changing

]]> by: Christopher Moonlight http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75161 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:57:45 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75161 It seems that every time an effort is made to bring in new readers (kids or otherwise) there is a very outspoken minority that works overtime to smash it down. Take the blacklisting of Chuck Austen for example. People went so far to make threats on his life, and why? Not because he was a bad writer, but because he injected new and fresh ideas, to stale characters, giving them personalities that young people could relate to. The problem was, it didn't fit in with what the "old school" fan boys found excitable. Cross that with the big two's inability to go out and find new readers, and what do you have? Do some research on the fall of Rome, and if your smart, you'll be able to draw the parallels. It seems that every time an effort is made to bring in new readers (kids or otherwise) there is a very outspoken minority that works overtime to smash it down. Take the blacklisting of Chuck Austen for example. People went so far to make threats on his life, and why? Not because he was a bad writer, but because he injected new and fresh ideas, to stale characters, giving them personalities that young people could relate to. The problem was, it didn’t fit in with what the “old school” fan boys found excitable. Cross that with the big two’s inability to go out and find new readers, and what do you have? Do some research on the fall of Rome, and if your smart, you’ll be able to draw the parallels.

]]> by: Tom S. http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75113 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:11:31 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75113 I think today's young fans read Manga over comics. I mean teenagers over kids. We are in an era where Manga is going to have a huge affect on mainstream comics in the next decade. I think the new generation of comic artists will do manga style comics, which may mean the eventual death of a superhero comics to most fans. I think today’s young fans read Manga over comics. I mean teenagers over kids. We are in an era where Manga is going to have a huge affect on mainstream comics in the next decade. I think the new generation of comic artists will do manga style comics, which may mean the eventual death of a superhero comics to most fans.

]]> by: Kneon Transitt http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75063 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 13:16:15 +0000 http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/2007/03/02/pow-sock-no-comics-for-kids/#comment-75063 Very sad. Today's adults only read comics because they fell in love with them as kids. I don't even take my son to comic shops or cons, because I have no idea what to expect. Sure, there are all-ages books out there... but many are indy and harder to come by than, say, X-Men. And like I said, how many parents are going to take their kids to the comic shop? Augie DeBlieck said something similar a week or so back... that mainstream publishers need to put the fun back into the superhero books. http://kneontransitt.blogspot.com/2007/02/augie-deblieck-should-run-marvel.html Very sad. Today’s adults only read comics because they fell in love with them as kids. I don’t even take my son to comic shops or cons, because I have no idea what to expect.

Sure, there are all-ages books out there… but many are indy and harder to come by than, say, X-Men. And like I said, how many parents are going to take their kids to the comic shop?

Augie DeBlieck said something similar a week or so back… that mainstream publishers need to put the fun back into the superhero books.

http://kneontransitt.blogspot.com/2007/02/augie-deblieck-should-run-marvel.html

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