Michael Tierney of The Comic Book Store in Little Rock, Arkansas saw the comment from Buddy Saunders (see 'Buddy Saunders of Lone Star on Comics Content') on Steve Bennett's column on comics content (see 'Confessions of a Comic Book Guy -- Giving People what They Don't Want'), and added his agreement:

Personally, I think the biggest problem with today's comics is a lack of diversity.  There's too much imitation going on, and that's the core of all the grim and gritty comics.  When Miller and Moore brought ultra-violence into super-hero comics back in the 80s, it was a revolutionary thing. And it's been endlessly imitated ever since.

I don't think anyone is saying 'stop making this product.'  But there is definitely a need for a return to diversified product.  Like Buddy Saunders commented, comic heroes used to smile.  What's wrong with also making comics that are fun again?

Make more comics with interesting stories, instead of relying on shock and violence.  Make more stories that are fun to read.  There are so many other avenues of storytelling that are largely being ignored, because shock and violence is simply the easiest thing to do.

Enough with all the imitation of what's been done before.

As long as the industry primarily targets the small niche market of adult males, we will continue to be a small industry.  While we shouldn't give up that established audience, growth will have to come from the creation of other product that appeals to other demographics.

If you don't print it, they can't buy it.

Do something different. Like: Why doesn't someone from the Big Two try to recruit Bill Watterson into doing a Calvin & Hobbes comic.