Despite the popularity of film franchises like X-Men, Iron Man, and Christopher Nolan's Batman series, the average American does not read comic books. (I was going to say that the average adult American does not read comic books, but the truth is that comic book readership isn't that popular among younger readers these days, either.)
Now, when I say "comic books," I'm talking primarily about superhero comic books -- the capes-and-tights-wearing characters who fight crime on the streets of their various fictional (or fictionalized) cities with their respective superpowers or high-tech gadgets. Comic books starring superheroes have been around in the mainstream of pop culture since the appearance of Superman in 1938, although their popularity over the years has ebbed and flowed with the changing cultural zeitgeist. Their focal audience has shifted as well; while children were generally the main target audience of superhero comics in the beginning, the last few decades have seen publishers concentrate more on appealing to adults.
Nowadays the monthly comic book is suffering from dwindling sales and is struggling to find new readers. And in the hopes of reviving a stagnating industry, publishing company DC Comics (home of such characters as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman) is trying something completely different.
This Wednesday, DC Comics launched the New 52: fifty-two comic books all starting at Issue #1. All of their previous on-going titles have been cancelled, which is somewhat remarkable when you consider that the company has been publishing comics for more than 75 years and that some of their titles have run pretty consistently since their first appearances (their "Action Comics" series had just recently crossed the #900 issue mark).
While many of the characters in the new #1 monthly lines are familiar -- Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are all returning in new series -- their stories are being started afresh. It's a chance to move forward from a clean slate, for the writers and artists behind the books as well as for readers themselves.
While not all of the characters are starting back at the beginning (there's not another lengthy story showing how Bruce Wayne became Batman, for instance), their backstories have been streamlined and simplified. And the stories that will be told from here on out are being told from the beginning, allowing first-time readers the chance to pick up an issue and be able to follow a story that's not weighted down with decades' worth of backstory.
This undeniably bold move on the part of DC Comics -- in conjuncture with their new same-day digital download policy (new issues will now be available to buy virtually on the same day as their physical-copy release) -- is an attempt by DC to bolster enthusiasm and readership in a industry plagued by declining readership. And while it's a move that has definitely paid off in the short-term -- in pre-orders alone, seven of the #1 issues have already become best-sellers -- only time will tell if the gamble continues to make a difference. Will DC succeed in attracting new readers, or will the massive changes fail to appeal to newcomers and alienate the core fanbase already in place?
As a DC fan myself, I'm apprehensive about some of the changes ahead (the writing out of Lois Lane and Clark Kent's marriage) and excited for others (the return of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl). But overall, I applaud DC for taking such a big risk, because taking chances and pushing the boundaries of storytelling is the only way to keep the storytelling fresh. It was time for a change, and a change this massive makes it a fascinating time to be a comic book fan.
Whether you're a lifelong comic book reader, a relapsed fan, or someone who's never picked up a comic book before, now's a great time to give the medium a chance. Take some time this month to swing by our local comic book shop, Phantom of the Attic, and check out some of the #1 issues (Wednesdays are Release Day for new arrivals).
And, if you'd like to check out some of DC's rich character history, try some of these graphic novels from your Library! While some graphic novels are nearly incomprehensible without a healthy helping of backstory (note to newcomers: stay away from any DC title with the word "Crisis" in the title), these stand-alone titles should make great reads for first-timers as well as loyal fans:
Please note that many of these titles are intended for older audiences.
Batman: The Killing Joke. Writer, Alan Moore; Artist, Brian Bolland.
The Joker decides to prove to Batman that we're all "just one bad day away" from becoming as crazy as the Joker is. A modern classic.
Lex Luthor: Man of Steel. Writer, Brian Azzarello; Artist, Lee Bermejo.
A story in which we found out that Lex Luthor views himself as the real hero out to save humanity.
Green Lantern: No Fear. Writer, Geoff Johns; Artist, Darwyn Cook.
Pilot Hal Jordan returns to his role as the Green Lantern -- and a fighter pilot -- in this reboot.
Birds of Prey: The Battle Within. Writer, Gail Simone; Artist, Joe Bennett.
When it's the superheroes themselves who need saving, they call in The Birds of Prey.
Kingdom Come. Writers, Alex Ross and Mark Waid; Artist, Alex Ross.
A "what-if" story about Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and heroes of the future.
-- Post by Ms. B
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