Fallout from raised minimum orders at Diamond Comic Distributors
The two definite cancellations — by the publisher or creator, not imposed by Diamond — that I’ve seen as a result of the new, higher Diamond minimums required by the distributor are both things that I was personally looking forward to reading.
Kevin Huizenga, whose “Or Else” was on my list of “best comics of 2008″ has announced he’s ending the one-person anthology series. He told the Comics Reporter: “Obviously the Diamond thing plays into it, but it wasn’t central… yet it kind of is. We could probably meet the minimum if we tried? But Love and Rockets becoming a book felt like, this is it, if there ever was any doubt. The comic book is a weird holdover, like a coelacanth. I guess if I do this right now I can always feel like it was my decision.”
Meanwhile, AdHouse Books is pulling the plug on Superior Showcase #4. From the AdHouse blog:
“The first casualty that I claim is SUPERIOR SHOWCASE #4. I was working on bringing a new issue out this summer that would have been filled with new talents that I’ve met over the last year. People whose voice may or may not have been heard before. But, I’m going to kill that issue now. Why? Well, at $2.95 there’s no way I’d get orders to put it anywhere near the new threshold. Numbers for #3 were not that great, and I can’t imagine #4 would improve.”
My conversations with other retailers indicate nobody thinks the raised minimums will be a huge financial hit to any particular store. But these examples seem to at least indicate there’s some interesting work we’ll no longer see in comic-book format. Most of it will no doubt migrate to graphic novels. But as a long time fan of the stapled, periodical comic book, I hope we aren’t losing something important in the process.
I do want to say that I don’t blame Diamond in the situation: Certainly in tough economic times, saying you can no longer do something that’s basically unprofitable makes a lot of sense.
– Matt Price
No Fantastic Four 3, says Evans
In an interview with JoBlo.com promoting his new movie “Push,” former Human Torch Chris Evans throws cold water on hopes for a third “Fantastic Four” film.
“I think they’re done,” Evans said. “They’ve closed the book on that franchise. I think if there was talk I think that I would’ve heard about it by now.”
– Matt Price
Too cold…
I have some things I want to share with my much-appreciated Nerdage readers, but the ice storm has put a damper on several possible posts that I’ve been working on. I’ll still try to come up with some interesting things to share tomorrow, as I’m sure lots of folks will be stuck in their houses then.
Be safe everybody!
– Matt Price
Comics Q&A: Who is Deadpool?
See the first “Comics Q&A” at NewsOK.com by clicking here. Kyle Roberts and Matt Price answer your questions about comic books, comic strips, comic-based movies and more. This week, we answer the question, “Who is Deadpool?” as the “Merc With a Mouth,” as played by Ryan Reynolds, is slated to have a large role in the new “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” film. Got a question you’d like to see answered? Post it in the comments here, or e-mail Matt at mprice@opubco.com.
Monday movie quote challenge #16
“Tentacles. N-T. Big difference.”
Identify who said this quote in what film in the comments!
“Back Issue” 32 delves into tech
“Back Issue” from Two Morrows is one of my favorite magazines. It typically delves into the comics of the 1970s and 1980s, which is the stuff I grew up with. I wasn’t sure the “tech, data and hardware” issue would be my cup of tea, but as I dug into the magazine, it’s got quite a bit of great stuff.
A “Green Lantern” interview with Joe Staton and Ethan Van Sciver covers essentially my two favorite eras of “Green Lantern” — the “Corps” era with Steve Englehart as a writer, and the modern Geoff Johns run.
Then, there’s a rundown of the “ROM” series, which I’ve only read parts of. From the article, it seems like it’s one of the high points of the career of writer Bill Mantlo, so at some point, I’d like to check it out. Rights issues may preclude a reprint, so the best way to read “ROM” continues to be haunting the back issue bins. There’s also an article about the career of Mantlo, and about the 1992 hit-and-run accident that left him in a coma for over a year. When Mantlo awoke, he had massive brain damage, and still requires around-the-clock care. Those who liked his work, and would like to send notes or donations, can send them to his brother, Michael Mantlo, 425 Riverside Dr., Apt 12-E, New York, NY 10025.
Floating World Comics in Oregon held a benefit auction for Mantlo, with art based on ROM. “Back Issue” #32 reprints several of these pieces.
The creators behind DC’s “Who’s Who” recap the genesis and execution of that project.
Prior to this issue, I had no idea that I wanted to read a 23-page interview with former Tom DeFalco assistant and technical illustrator Eliot R. Brown, but as I got into it, I found an engrossing portrait of Marvel in the early 1980s. I was also interested in the material about Mark Gruenwald, one of my all-time favorite creators, who had been a driving force behind the “Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe” series.
The magazine also shares a flashback to “Dial H for Hero” and an article about “Richie Rich’s Inventions,” both of which were informative. I have less interest in the ongoing fantasy comics history “Secret History of All-American Comics, Inc.,” though I appreciate the inventiveness. I only skimmed the report on fashion and superheroes from the show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; I’m afraid my interest in superheroes doesn’t trump my lack of interest in fashion.
All-in-all, I find “Back Issue” to be well-worth the $6.95 on a bimonthly basis. It’s well-designed and edited, with lots of great art, in addition to the well-written articles. If you’re interested in the comics of the 1970s and 1980s, this is the place to look.
– Matt Price
Comics vodcast: Supergirl 37, Dark Avengers 1, Wolverine: Origins 32
In this week’s comics vodcast at NewsOK, Kyle Roberts and Matt Price discuss the kickoff of “Who Is Superwoman?” in “Supergirl” #37 and the selection of Norman Osborn’s “Dark Avengers” in “Dark Avengers” #1. Also, the continuing saga of Wolverine and his son Daken in “Wolverine: Origins” #32 is covered.
The Oklahoman’s entertainment staff previews the Oscars
The Oklahoman’s Gene Triplett, George Lang, Brandy McDonnell and Matthew Price preview the Oscars.
Report: Layoffs at DC Comics, Diamond
The Beat reports on layoffs at DC Comics and Diamond Comics, apparently due to the continuing economic crisis. The most high-profile among them is Bob Schreck, who co-founded Oni Press, edited “Sin City” at Dark Horse, and edited “The Dark Knight Strikes Again” and “All-Star Batman and Robin” for DC. DC is part of Time Warner, which recently announced cuts across all departments. Mad Magazine, also under the Time Warner umbrella, announced it was going to quarterly publication, according to Blog @ Newsarama. It’s also ceasing publication of Mad Kids and Mad Classics.
Diamond Comics is the largest comic-book distributor in the United States, and is in the process of moving its main shipping hub. The Beat reported 13 layoffs.
– Matt Price
“Watchmen” viral video
This viral video promoting “Watchmen” is a newscast taking place on March 11, 1970, the 10th anniversary of Dr. Manhattan’s “birth.”
