Ilan Strasser of Fat Moose Comics and Games in Whippany, New Jersey saw our article on the Big Two comic publishers' exclusive wars (see 'Marvel Announces 'Exclusives''), and would prefer another approach to growth:

 

I only had to read the first two sentences to get mad this time--it didn't even take the entire article.  Marvel one-upped DC by announcing a new wave of exclusive creator signings!  Oh, boy!!  Be still my beating heart!!  You know what would be really great instead?  How about a news release saying that Marvel one-upped DC (or vice-versa) by winning 10 Eisner awards?  How about one or the other one-upping the competition by showing increased profits without the benefit of constantly increasing cover prices?  How about DC or Marvel showing they're 'better' by being honest to the fans and retailers?

 

What do these exclusive signings mean?  For starters, how long will Jeph Loeb's run on Supergirl last now??  How long will it take Michael Turner to let someone else take over his Marvel creations?  How many more variants will Marvel put out now?  Will DC follow suit?  I know businesses exist to make money, but jeeze, can't Marvel and DC learn to make money strictly by focusing their priorities on their actual business paradigm--publishers of visual and written entertainment product?

 

I am currently $5,200 below last year's revenues.  In spite of the fact that the $2.25 comic is almost extinct and the average new comic from DC and Marvel sells for $2.75 or so, I am behind last year's new comic revenues.  In spite of four consecutive and mostly very successful FCBD events, I am behind last year's new comic revenues.  That is terribly, terribly wrong.  I'm just wondering if the eventual implosion that is coming will be because of the fans' growing distaste for too much repetitive product, or if it will be because of the fans' disgust at paying more and more to buy new books.

 

The three most important things the Big Two must do to prevent the collapse of the market is (a) figure out how to manage talent to provide long-term quality offerings to its customers; (b) decide to bite the bullet and lower cover prices to reasonable levels--the comic buying public won't be willing to keep paying more and more forever; and (c) revamp their lines in a way that promotes diversity of the highest order--that means no more than one title for any character.

 

I know I complain a lot.  But this isn't just complaining--I'm working, along with the other quality retailers around the world, to make this industry stronger and something to be proud of.  Why won't the Big Two publishers join us in this endeavor?
 
The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.