Mike Wellman, co-owner of The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach, Calif., is also concerned that this new marketing of the DC Universe is limited to the vision of only a few people in control.
“The biggest thing that concerns me is that there seems to be only two visions involved — Geoff Johns and Jim Lee,” Wellman said. “I think they’re both fantastic creators, don’t get me wrong. But I’m worried that the DCU is going to come off a bit monochromatic. Both of these guys have a style — very apparent in the image released so far. However, if you think about it, all of these characters were created by very different individuals with very diverse dynamics, style and background. Bob Kane is unmistakeably different than Siegel and Shuster. The influences were different and the characters had very different identities, origins and execution-not just upon their creation but throughout their history as DC icons.
“I’m concerned that this change is not organic at all, but more like a company policy,” Wellman added. “I’m concerned that this change is not organic at all, but more like a company policy,” Wellman added. “Gone is the potential for great stories like Dark Knight Returns or Superman: Red Son. This all seems like it’s more about branding than anything else and that’s a little sad because ‘branding’ and ‘creativity’ don’t necessarily mix.”
He lost me at praising “Dark Knight Returns” and the alternate-universe “Superman: Red Son”, but the point about DC’s creators historically having their own strong visions is compelling. At the same time, some creators’ unique “vision” should not be indulged… *cough Alan Moore*.
Source: Newsarama: Comics Retailers Have Questions about DC’s New Plans