Ilan Strasser of Fat Moose Comics and Games in Whippany, New Jersey saw the recent article on Marvel's Ultimates series (see 'Marvel Will Resolicit 'Ultimates''), and the recent article on Free Comic Book Day (see 'Free Comic Book Day Sponsors Announced') and the associated Talk Back comments ('Jay Bardyla of Happy Harbor Comics & Toys on FCBD Sponsors' and 'Gail Burt of Metropolis Comics on Free Comic Book Day'), and wants his comics on time and Free Comic Book Day in May:
As far as I'm concerned, Marvel can just place the Ultimates title in the dumpster and leave it there. Marvel now says they won't solicit the title again until they have a story arc in the can - so what? After that first 4 to 6 issue trade paperback is completed, how long will it take for Volume 2 of the book to become as pathetically sporadic as the first volume was?
Marvel and the people it pays to produce their books should not solicit any on-going title without having the first YEAR in the can. Mini-series between 4 to 8 issues should not be solicited until ALL the issues are complete and finished and ready to go to the printer. While the extended start up time may make things financially difficult in the short term, they will realize far better returns down the road when orders stay the same or even increase as customers learn that delivery promises are being consistently kept.
Of course, this is all a pipe dream. This scenario would mean risk-taking on the parts of the publishers, writers, and artists - and as we all know, the only people who take risks in the comic industry, year after year and often to their great detriment, are the retailers.
On a separate, but related note - Free Comic Book Day on July 3rd? You can bet that wasn't my vote! Having traded event consistency for a movie tie-in, a risk that will prove to be very costly in terms of both attendance and impact, the comic industry has taken another great idea and turned it into just another mess. Will I still participate? Probably - but whatever I do, it will be in a fashion that minimizes my risk and best serves my needs alone.
