It is all ridiculous. They used to ask for feedback and hire separate companies to perform research in what people want. And now that all this is free and available everywhere, they just ignore it and say "Your feedback is what is wrong, not our perfect unsellable products!". It is like the entire industry only hired mentally unstable children, for every single position. Childish CEO, childish bosses, childish editors, childish writers. I guess inkers, letterers etc could be grown adults, considering they do their job and don't make much noise. But they are probably also just AI these days.
It's obvious. It's not about MONEY, it's about sending a message. These are activists not artists. They WILL drive these companies and the entire artform into their graves LONG before even CONSIDERING changing course. They will always serve ideology before customers. Always. Literally, the only option is to fire every single staff member currently in both the big 2 for good. Bring in actual fans and artists.
@@cloverfan98 Exactly - it's about appeasing huge hedge fund investors like Blackrock and Vanguard who are buying influential interests in companies around the world and pushing this shit. The reason they do it is completely satanic, evil, and weird, and too tough for most people to swallow.
Because they still make a shitload of money and aren't overly concerned with how they're doing it. It is unfortunate but true of every company approaching their scale
Your right, i honestly have seen less and less outrage and anger at comics and more apathy. The comic book industry has been slowing dying and fading away for years now, your more likely to find someone interested in a random manga than a Batman or avengers comics
I’ve stopped being angry and am more apathetic. That doesn’t mean I get a pang of anger when I hear what they are doing to poor Peter but my Spiderman ended after the early 2000’s.
Oh... But didn't you know, Wes? We are supposed to not ask questions, just consume the product and get excited for the next one. Otherwise, we are just bigots. 🤐🤦
Im not a mindless consumer if they don't have quality than im not going to support or consumer their products, I used to be a loyal fan of comics until they started to start seeing everyone as mindless consumers
It really boils down to bad editors hiring bad writers. Writers who should not be in comics at all include Sina Grace, Nicole Maines, Tom King, Si Spurrier, Stephanie Williams, Tini Howard, Leah Williams, Mark Russell, among others. These are DC writers I actively avoid.
@art2005pmr Mr. Miracle had quality writing. However, it was a story King wanted to tell about PTSD and not a good Mr. Miracle story. The story did a great job using metaphors. But, the characterizations were way off.
You have taken every word out of my mouth. Sometimes it feels like I am yelling at the sky. It's so nice to frequent a channel such as yours and know I am not alone.
I think editorial is the root of the problem. 1. Can you imagine if they took their current approach decades ago? If editorial told Frank Miller, “here’s the story I want you to tell on Daredevil.” Or the same with Alan Moore on Swamp Thing. How many current writers actually get to tell the stories they want to tell? Even those that have a little leeway get interrupted by constant events. 2. The old pathways to working at the big two are blocked. A writer used to prove themselves making independent comics, then get hired by Marvel or DC, make a name there, then go back to the indies with an increased readership, where they can own and profit off their own work. Has anyone of proven quality made the jump from the indies to the big two in recent years? Editors should be scouting for new talent based on ability, not identity. I wouldn’t be surprised if the current editors barely even read their own comics, let alone indie titles. And their editorial interference should be limited to ensuring that the writers aren’t breaking the characters. No more characters with a 30-50 year history of heterosexuality suddenly turning gay. No more heroes becoming psychopaths and treating that as a good thing because they’re killing the ‘right’ kind of people. We need writers who like and respect these characters, and have stories to tell. They need the freedom to tell those stories. It seems like upper management doesn’t have their hands on the wheel, and the editors are getting away with whatever stupid shit they think up. Replacing incompetent editors would be a huge step in the right direction.
I understand you completely, Wes. You and I are a month apart in age. When we were teens even a low tier book like Quasar had a creative team of Mark Gruenwald and Greg Capullo. We got to see the highest of highs. It's truly a travesty what has happened to the industry. And even worse that it's self-inflicted.
I'm more depressed with Marvel and DC condition in nowadays more than angry. ASM is so terrible right now that I don't even bothered in read the latest issues of my favorite comic book superhero of all. Fall Of X was one of my worst experiences in reading a X-Men book in my entire life. Batman main titles are so boring right now that I'm losting my interest in them. DC sales are so low right now that make me wonder if the publisher will stay around until the next decade. Sadness is my main feeling about DC and Marvel in these days.
I don't really care about comic books anymore. It's simply because the characters don't even act like they used to in the books. You can tell the companies have went corporate because the characters no longer evolve due to the fact that they are used as just money making. IPs.
I’ve gotten confirmation from people at Ghost Machine that Peter Tomasi and Brad Walker’s creator owned book “Snipe & Slug” will be published by Ghost Machine. They announced that book at the end of their Detective run over 3 years ago.
RIGHT ON,, in full agreement!! GIVER! I finally bailed about a year ago. I had enough of the boring long winded stories combined with the prices. I jumped into back issues to get my comic fix. I keep an eye out on the new stuff still, but almost nothing has made me bite. And thanks for tallking about PISKOR,, its awful how its just ignored.
I feel your pain Wes. Yet I still try to pick up a few comic book titles a month. And buy back issues just to support my local comic book shop. I saw the down fall of the comic book industry back in 2016. I vented and ranted on social media. Only to get kicked out and banned out of many comic book groups. Once being a geek became a popular trend and normies co opted geekdom. Is when the industry became self destructive. If the comic book industry ended I wouldn't be mad. I would be sad. But as long as comic or hobby shops exist that sell old comics, manga, graphic novels, ect. I will be ok.
@@saiyan_spawn4204 Normies didnt become fans of the comics. They didnt buy the comics They just wrnt out to see the movies.And watch the Disney plus shows. If the normies cared about representation comics sales wouldve been really good during the MCU era. But they were not.
You go Wes! Tell 'em!!! And I'm right here with you! The only way for things to change is for good people to get pissed and do something about it. You have every right to be angry and there are a whole lot of people just like you who are just as angry. But you sir have a platform that you can use and the will and knowledge to use it. I love your shows and I agree with everything you say and I'm thankful for not just the entertainment you provide but for the education as well. Well done, Wes. Don't give up, don't give in, and thank you for your service!
I don't know what else to do. My purchases make it clear that I don't want the new crap, but am happy to pay for quality (in the form of Epic Collections and Facsimile Editions). They just don't care. It's very hard to say goodbye to new comics, but I had to. Back in 2018 I was finished with it (a line was crossed in 2011--New52--and I was done) it took me awhile to admit that. I still love and collect old comics. Pre 1986 or so. I'd rather pay $5 per issue for something old I will cherish than a new comic I can't bear to finish reading...
The issue as I see it are the creators themselves are mostly pink-haired LGBTQ flag sporting folks, and the editors are too petrified to upset them. Like how many times have we seen creators blasting us long time comic collectors because they're busy gender/sex/race swapping our long time characters against our wishes?
@user-on2qy5cu6u Tini Howard turning Elizabeth Braddock lesbian. Megan Fitzmartin making Tim Drake gay. Bendis gaying Iceman. Tom Taylor with John Kent. That DC douche who just rage quit Alan Scott after making him a "hero" who frequents gay prostitutes
I was born in 03 and only got into comics at 18 and have only done so for 2 years. It really saddens me to see how Marvel and DC are doing nowadays, though I'm happy buying older stuff from second hand comic shops and Ebay. The high prices and especially the A.I allegations are why I'm never buying new comics again.
I reached a state of apathy when even ComicsGate stopped turning up projects I was interested in. We're moving into a self-inflicted recession by the entertainment industry and I think most people are ready to start seeing blocks falling down. I don't even tune into this show for the comics themselves anymore, it's mainly just the personalities on this show and different opinions on storylines.
I share your anger! Since my youth I dreamed that here in Poland we'll catch up with Batman's newest releases. Now I regret we did... and this pisses me off!
Last week in my local comic shop I heard a mother tell her children, who were around six and seven year old, not to look at the new DC books and to only look at the new Marvel books. Then she said ' We don't read DC books we only read Marvel. I wonder how long she'll let them read Marvel books?
I have Fantastic Four: Full Circle and its one of my most treasured things to reread. You cant imagine how aghast I was listening to you and hearing they rejected Alex Ross and went with Dan Slott instead. That's like turning down steak and being happy with moldy tuna fish sandwiches. I just cant!
It is a strange time in comics when you have more excitement and momentum in comics based on 30yr old cartoon franchises (GI Joe, TMNT and Transformers) than you have in hundreds of comics with legacy characters
As someone who quit modern comics nearly 8 years ago it has been rough seeing everything going continuously downhill. With the prices so high can't imagine spending the kind of money I used to for this. But I can assure bronze age comics & further back still read just fine. Getting ready to re-read Swamp Thing from the 70's & after that either some old Conan or maybe Batman the Knightfall saga.
This downfall mostly owes to the changing culture behind the scenes in editorial and writing, the successors (for lack of a better term) holding the pioneers and their legacies in utter contempt. And their brand of attitude and mediocrity have carried over to the MCU for the mainstream audience to see.
You can’t get angry at something, that’s become so unrecognisably bad, that you don’t care about anymore. It hurts to see what Marvel and especially DC have done to my favourite characters but i can’t be bothered to pick up new comics anymore… In a selfish way I kinda want James Gunn’s new DCU to fail, because if it even just does alright it will extend the death spiral of terrible writing and bad decisions at DC by another +10 years.
They fucked up when they killed Alfred and didn't marry Batman. You have to trade. Ya can't just short change on both ends. Dead Alfred, married Batman, is growing up moving forward Batman. Big shit. They flinched. And it's been in a tail spin ever since. We're just lesser on all fronts.
Great video, Wes. I totally understand your anger. I used to feel this way. Now I just don't care. I'm friends with the owner of my LCS, so I make a point of going down and trying to get something from him at least once a month. The only new comic book that I actively purchase is Conan the Barbarian. I'll also buy everything Mark Millar does once it hits trade. That's it. About fifteen years ago, I was probably spending about $100 a month on comics. Now I might spend $20. And there are thousands of guys like me out there. I talk to them when I'm in the shop. They come in out of nostalgia for a hobby they no longer have. The store itself is doing fine, but that's because the bulk of his business comes from sales of Manga, cards, genre fiction, and high-end collectibles. It's sad to see just how far the American comic book market has fallen, and the wounds it's suffered are totally self-inflicted. Keep up with the great content.
You are on point today. I’ve been seeing this woke crap overtake the comic industry for the past ten years, it’s just I don’t think there is any going back to normalcy, it’s just too far gone
I know how you feel, I've gone through anger, frustration, apathy, I don't want to be in this neverending circle of torment. I want great comics, stuff mediocre comics, I want comics to be cool, heroes to be heroic heroes.
It baffles how/why a business would continue the same practices as sales and interest plummet. This isn't a government gig, you'd think they need to show profit or improvement at some point.
DC should just bring out one story each kinda books for their characters Not an issue by issue thing but like one big book for each miniseries/short story. But yeah, you're right; we ought be angrier
I'm really getting sick of even basic constructive criticism about an obviously flawed product is being treated as straight up toxic, hate speech, whatever buzzword. Yes, I want to look on the bright side too and give ACTUAL talented creators and good stories the spot light they deserve. But so many act like anything less than glowing praises is pure negativity. It really doesn't help so much media only cares about shallow DEI quotas and we keep being pelted with examples about why that's a bad idea to base everything off those.
I've been saying for a few years that there needs to be a new company that is ran by enthusiast with a broad catalog. There needs to be a company that filters out woke writers with a focus on social politics and "changing the narrative" about punitive topics. There are plenty of independents who make classic and good stories but lack the publishing power to get noticed.
My anger turned to apathy when I realized they weren't listening and didn't care about making money. When you can't "vote with your wallet" and can't facilitate change then there's nothing left. Just read old issues and listen to smart reviewers like yourself while they continue to disgrace once great characters.
Hey Wes - wouldn't it be something if ALL shop owners banded together for one month and collectively decided NOT to purchase any Marvel or DC comics to protest the awful monthly products they received? Both the big two are clearly violating the trust and any goodwill they have with retailers. I say retailers refuse to purchase any of the big two titles but instead push alternatives for 30 days, along with back issues. If retailers approached their customers, who would in turn guarantee a minimum comic purchase for that month, to assure cash flow. What's the worst that could happen?
When I first discovered your channel, Wes, I was a bit put off by your anger. The more I listened, the more I got angry also. There may be the off chance where I disagree, but it's rare. One of your best rants yet! Keep it up, Wes.
"Come on Walter, man, you're not even Jewish!" "I converted when I married Cynthia, Dude, you know that." "Yeah, and then she divorced your ass. You're livin' in the past, man!" (Deep breath) "Three thousand years of beautiful tradition, from Moses to Sandy Koufax, YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT I'M LIVIN' IN THE FUCKIN' PAST!" - The Big Lebowski
Like the Acolyte, comics have been handed to the Community. The producers know that this stuff is going to be rejected and ridiculed. This is meant to show the Community that they are being rejected by larger society to further isolate and radicalize them.
I've been angry for over 2 years now fir cranking out that Bull they call asm atm. Was the only book i was allowed to read.. Thank God ultimate spider-man came. But i don't see change comming.
Maybe, dear Wes, it's time for MARVEL and DC to burn down to the ground, just like STAR WARS. I'm not sure how it happened (I do have my suspicions, though), but at some point many big players in the entertainment industry became disconnected with their audience. They started to believe they could educate us instead of just entertain us. And now we're seeing the results. People are leaving, not only because the products are getting worse, but also because they are getting worse at higher prices. Honestly, this will be studied in business and marketing schools for years to come as a lesson in "paying customer comes always first". Anyway, please keep those reviews coming, good or bad, full of joy or anger, because, review channels on TH-cam like yours are the best entertainment we mere mortals can afford right now.
I WANT YOU MAD!! 00:00:00 - Frustration With Mediocre Comic Books 00:00:37 - Coverage Of The Comic Book Industry 00:01:14 - The State Of Modern Comic Books 00:01:51 - The Pathway To Total Annihilation And Destruction 00:02:29 - Lack Of Progression In The Comic Book Industry 00:03:08 - The Decline Of Marvel Comics Sales 00:03:44 - The Decline Of Marvel Comics 00:04:22 - The Decline Of Marvel Comics Quality 00:04:53 - Lack Of Diversity At Marvel Comics 00:05:29 - Marvel Comics' Struggles In Hiring Talent 00:06:10 - The Mediocrity Of Dan Slot In Fantastic 4 00:06:52 - DC Comics And The Neglected Talent 00:07:29 - Disappointment With DC Comics' Decision 00:08:11 - The Success Of The Event 00:08:47 - Bullying In The Comic Book Industry 00:09:24 - Leadership Responsibility In The Comic Book Industry 00:10:03 - The Dark Side Of The Industry 00:10:44 - Destruction Of Beloved Characters In Comics 00:11:22 - The Incompetence Of Industry Leadership 00:12:02 - The Insanity Of The Industry 00:12:40 - Cash Grabbing In The Comic Book Industry 00:13:13 - The Survival Of The Comic Book Industry 00:13:50 - The Future Of Marvel And DC Comics 00:14:26 - The Problems With Comic Books 00:15:02 - No More Tolerating Bullshit
While I have Spent thousands on Collected editions of Marvel / DC material covering up the to the Mid 80s and still willing to collect that era I would not lose any sleep If Both Companies ceased printing new comics. that ship sailed a long time ago
I tune my pull every month, it's always a lot of fun. But this variant interior nonsense.... got me feeling like just dropping everything. This is officially must too much thrash to juggle and figure out. We're not evening keeping continuity from ish to ish with the gore version? What even is this anymore? What will even be collected in the HCs and omnis eventually?? I'm tapping out. I give up.
I would love to see Indy creators work on Marvel and DC comics. If the big two are cash strapped, that’s fine. Bring in some unknown creators and tell the editors to give them free reign to create. Give it six months and see what happens. I live in hope that new creators bring something new to the books.
Honestly I’d rather they stop writing in continuity stories, the writers they currently have, have far more success writing elseworld stories. If the writer becomes trusted and has a good idea that can push the story forward in an interesting way, they get the continuity book. Would also require way smarter editors than they currently have.
I've spent the hundreds I used to spend on my favourite Marvel and DC creators elsewhere. I gave Harry Partridge £32 for his Starbarians indie Gogo. I've bought Chainsaw Man, I've bought Sakamoto Days, I've bought One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100, Kaiju no.8, I've bought stuff from Rippaverse, Rooster Fighter, I've bought Udons Street Fighter stuff I originally missed. Marvel hired shit that actively told me not to buy. DC has desperately aped Marvel's failing strategy. Both companies have produced so many titles that NOBODY wanted. My money is still there, I could live for as many decades as I've already been around for. Weird the "Big" Two don't seem to want it.
You're 100% justified in your criticism of these jackasses at major comic publishers. We need critical voices to give us honest objective reviews. Your channel and a couple others have saved me a ton of money on not buying trash comics. On the other hand, you've also brought some stsnd-outs to my attention and that is where my money goes. Get Fury is the only Marvel comic on my pull list and after the current Superman and Detective comics runs, I'll have no DC on my list. I will no longer purchase average to below average titles. What is on my list: all of the Ghost Machine Titles, The Energon Universe titles, Conan by Titan, and Yojimbo Usagi.
Your just a voice in the woods until someone hears you....your just chasing windmills....but yeah the big two are fucked when what boxes you check is far more important then talent....
I have passed beyond general anger, passed beyond apathy, to the stage of not caring. I will still tune in here just to see what is going on, and maybe, just maybe find something new, like the Conan series.
I actually really enjoy it when you get worked up. It's far more entertaining to listen to you rail. On the flip side, you've pulled me back into the fold for a few different series. Your coverage if HoX/PoX made me buy that as well as the energon universe and Vendidi's XO Manowar
Going WAAAY back and collecting the Ed Brubaker winter soldier run on Captain American and couldn't be happier. Haven't bought new marvel since then. And no plans to any time soon.
The biggest question is how Marvel and DC are NOT understanding the feedback that is literally everywhere.
It is all ridiculous. They used to ask for feedback and hire separate companies to perform research in what people want. And now that all this is free and available everywhere, they just ignore it and say "Your feedback is what is wrong, not our perfect unsellable products!".
It is like the entire industry only hired mentally unstable children, for every single position. Childish CEO, childish bosses, childish editors, childish writers. I guess inkers, letterers etc could be grown adults, considering they do their job and don't make much noise. But they are probably also just AI these days.
It's obvious. It's not about MONEY, it's about sending a message. These are activists not artists. They WILL drive these companies and the entire artform into their graves LONG before even CONSIDERING changing course. They will always serve ideology before customers. Always. Literally, the only option is to fire every single staff member currently in both the big 2 for good. Bring in actual fans and artists.
@@cloverfan98 Exactly - it's about appeasing huge hedge fund investors like Blackrock and Vanguard who are buying influential interests in companies around the world and pushing this shit. The reason they do it is completely satanic, evil, and weird, and too tough for most people to swallow.
Because they still make a shitload of money and aren't overly concerned with how they're doing it. It is unfortunate but true of every company approaching their scale
They don't need to. They're getting ESG/DEI money, which is more reliable that yours or mine.
You’re not too angry, we are seeing a bunch of liars and pathetic people are running the show, I’m angry too
Rip in peace the guy from comicstorian.
Absolutely
I really wanted to see thinking critical and comicstorian do a crossover.
That's Benny. That man was awesome.
@@DarthDread-oh2neHis name was Benny Potter. Great guy, really loved his content even tho I started watching him in recent years.
What about the comic book girl?
"Just read the things you like" they say as they look over your shoulder for what to corrupt next
I disagree. You seem
justifiably perpetually pissed, like most of us. :)
His core fan group might be the saltiest people on earth
@kinnymane8593 please explain?
@@truespartan1000 which part? my comment was incredibly self explanatory
I’m not perpetually pissed. I am just doing my own thing with The Pensuke Files
A hobby or frenchise dies not when people are angry or unhappy. But when people just stop to care.
Your right, i honestly have seen less and less outrage and anger at comics and more apathy. The comic book industry has been slowing dying and fading away for years now, your more likely to find someone interested in a random manga than a Batman or avengers comics
*franchise*
I’ve stopped being angry and am more apathetic. That doesn’t mean I get a pang of anger when I hear what they are doing to poor Peter but my Spiderman ended after the early 2000’s.
Wes’ business is dependent on comics. He can’t afford to be apathetic.
Glad i'm not the only one sensing the cultural assassination of Peter Parker
Oh... But didn't you know, Wes? We are supposed to not ask questions, just consume the product and get excited for the next one. Otherwise, we are just bigots. 🤐🤦
Im not a mindless consumer if they don't have quality than im not going to support or consumer their products, I used to be a loyal fan of comics until they started to start seeing everyone as mindless consumers
Just don't buy the books then and shut up about it. It isn't that hard.
Coooonsuuuume.
@@guywholikesheelies3231
"Don't buy our books, bigots"
Okay
"Wait how come no one is buying our books? They must be bigots"
@@guywholikesheelies3231 his channel is to provide commentary on comic books so it makes sense he will continue to talk about them
It really boils down to bad editors hiring bad writers. Writers who should not be in comics at all include Sina Grace, Nicole Maines, Tom King, Si Spurrier, Stephanie Williams, Tini Howard, Leah Williams, Mark Russell, among others. These are DC writers I actively avoid.
Tom King can actually write. But, he would rather talk about PTSD for the millionth time or ruin a character to tell the story he wants to tell.
@@brianlong9650 Until Tom King learns to write a character in character, then he will continue to be in the “can’t write” catagory.
eh, Mr Miracle was really good, same with Rorschach
@art2005pmr Mr. Miracle had quality writing. However, it was a story King wanted to tell about PTSD and not a good Mr. Miracle story. The story did a great job using metaphors. But, the characterizations were way off.
I’m not angry. Im apathetic. I just don’t care anymore.
I just can't believe why either in comics or the MCU, they just refuse to listen to fans.
You have taken every word out of my mouth. Sometimes it feels like I am yelling at the sky. It's so nice to frequent a channel such as yours and know I am not alone.
I think editorial is the root of the problem.
1. Can you imagine if they took their current approach decades ago? If editorial told Frank Miller, “here’s the story I want you to tell on Daredevil.” Or the same with Alan Moore on Swamp Thing. How many current writers actually get to tell the stories they want to tell? Even those that have a little leeway get interrupted by constant events.
2. The old pathways to working at the big two are blocked. A writer used to prove themselves making independent comics, then get hired by Marvel or DC, make a name there, then go back to the indies with an increased readership, where they can own and profit off their own work. Has anyone of proven quality made the jump from the indies to the big two in recent years?
Editors should be scouting for new talent based on ability, not identity. I wouldn’t be surprised if the current editors barely even read their own comics, let alone indie titles.
And their editorial interference should be limited to ensuring that the writers aren’t breaking the characters. No more characters with a 30-50 year history of heterosexuality suddenly turning gay. No more heroes becoming psychopaths and treating that as a good thing because they’re killing the ‘right’ kind of people.
We need writers who like and respect these characters, and have stories to tell. They need the freedom to tell those stories. It seems like upper management doesn’t have their hands on the wheel, and the editors are getting away with whatever stupid shit they think up. Replacing incompetent editors would be a huge step in the right direction.
I understand you completely, Wes. You and I are a month apart in age. When we were teens even a low tier book like Quasar had a creative team of Mark Gruenwald and Greg Capullo. We got to see the highest of highs. It's truly a travesty what has happened to the industry. And even worse that it's self-inflicted.
We lost another store at the mall I work in. Now I have to go into Federal Way if I want to get that Punisher: Get Fury comic.
Same people talking about micro-agressions are the ones saying "not everything is for you, buy it or shut up".
I'm more depressed with Marvel and DC condition in nowadays more than angry. ASM is so terrible right now that I don't even bothered in read the latest issues of my favorite comic book superhero of all. Fall Of X was one of my worst experiences in reading a X-Men book in my entire life. Batman main titles are so boring right now that I'm losting my interest in them. DC sales are so low right now that make me wonder if the publisher will stay around until the next decade. Sadness is my main feeling about DC and Marvel in these days.
RIP Benny Potter aka Comicstorian.
I don't really care about comic books anymore. It's simply because the characters don't even act like they used to in the books. You can tell the companies have went corporate because the characters no longer evolve due to the fact that they are used as just money making. IPs.
WE ALL COMIC BOOK GEEKS- SAULTE TO BENNY COMICHISTORIAN
"You're being too emotional about this" -- said by every narcissist ever.
That generalization is rich, especially coming from the same crowd that thinks that the wrong spoken words or not saying anything is "violence."
I’ve gotten confirmation from people at Ghost Machine that Peter Tomasi and Brad Walker’s creator owned book “Snipe & Slug” will be published by Ghost Machine. They announced that book at the end of their Detective run over 3 years ago.
That sounds pretty interesting! Any idea what that book is about?
RIGHT ON,, in full agreement!! GIVER!
I finally bailed about a year ago. I had enough of the boring long winded stories combined with the prices. I jumped into back issues to get my comic fix. I keep an eye out on the new stuff still, but almost nothing has made me bite. And thanks for tallking about PISKOR,, its awful how its just ignored.
I'm not even into Comics, i never was. But i like your passion. The industry needs more ppl like you, that's for sure.
This is why MANGA Is killing comics.
You know the industry has gone to shit when foil covers of old books are on the racks.
But Wes, it’s Pride Month, I’m sure all those comics will save the industry.
I feel your pain Wes. Yet I still try to pick up a few comic book titles a month. And buy back issues just to support my local comic book shop.
I saw the down fall of the comic book industry back in 2016. I vented and ranted on social media. Only to get kicked out and banned out of many comic book groups. Once being a geek became a popular trend and normies co opted geekdom. Is when the industry became self destructive.
If the comic book industry ended I wouldn't be mad. I would be sad. But as long as comic or hobby shops exist that sell old comics, manga, graphic novels, ect. I will be ok.
People who watched the movies decided to become fans. The wrong people. People that demand representation across the board.
@@saiyan_spawn4204 Normies didnt become fans of the comics. They didnt buy the comics They just wrnt out to see the movies.And watch the Disney plus shows.
If the normies cared about representation comics sales wouldve been really good during the MCU era. But they were not.
You go Wes! Tell 'em!!! And I'm right here with you! The only way for things to change is for good people to get pissed and do something about it. You have every right to be angry and there are a whole lot of people just like you who are just as angry. But you sir have a platform that you can use and the will and knowledge to use it. I love your shows and I agree with everything you say and I'm thankful for not just the entertainment you provide but for the education as well. Well done, Wes. Don't give up, don't give in, and thank you for your service!
Tony Stark: We need the Hulk, Bruce!
Bruce: I am not nearly angry enough about comics at this point.
They expect you to eat shit and call it caviar.
No one is been forced to Buy and read those comics.
I don't know what else to do. My purchases make it clear that I don't want the new crap, but am happy to pay for quality (in the form of Epic Collections and Facsimile Editions). They just don't care. It's very hard to say goodbye to new comics, but I had to. Back in 2018 I was finished with it (a line was crossed in 2011--New52--and I was done) it took me awhile to admit that.
I still love and collect old comics. Pre 1986 or so. I'd rather pay $5 per issue for something old I will cherish than a new comic I can't bear to finish reading...
The issue as I see it are the creators themselves are mostly pink-haired LGBTQ flag sporting folks, and the editors are too petrified to upset them. Like how many times have we seen creators blasting us long time comic collectors because they're busy gender/sex/race swapping our long time characters against our wishes?
Umm… whom exactly are you talking about?
@user-on2qy5cu6u Tini Howard turning Elizabeth Braddock lesbian. Megan Fitzmartin making Tim Drake gay. Bendis gaying Iceman. Tom Taylor with John Kent. That DC douche who just rage quit Alan Scott after making him a "hero" who frequents gay prostitutes
Until the ESG/DEI money goes way, and there are Editorial changes at the big two, we're pretty much screwed.
I was born in 03 and only got into comics at 18 and have only done so for 2 years. It really saddens me to see how Marvel and DC are doing nowadays, though I'm happy buying older stuff from second hand comic shops and Ebay. The high prices and especially the A.I allegations are why I'm never buying new comics again.
The corporate ownership of comic books thought the movies are where the money is and forgot that the comics wrote the screenplay.
The name of the imprint within DC that eventually turn out to be Ghost Machine was named "The Killing Zone"
I started collecting early 2000s Flash since Jeremy Adams left to get my Flash fix.
Wes, keep posting.
Screw the Naysayers.
I appreciate your opinion, and I love your channel
Come on. Preach! We need this out there!
I reached a state of apathy when even ComicsGate stopped turning up projects I was interested in. We're moving into a self-inflicted recession by the entertainment industry and I think most people are ready to start seeing blocks falling down. I don't even tune into this show for the comics themselves anymore, it's mainly just the personalities on this show and different opinions on storylines.
I share your anger!
Since my youth I dreamed that here in Poland we'll catch up with Batman's newest releases. Now I regret we did... and this pisses me off!
Thanks for speaking up as always! Its the saddest thing to see something you grew up with being utterly decimated
Wes and YaBoiZack currently executing a perfect "double heel/face turn".
Last week in my local comic shop I heard a mother tell her children, who were around six and seven year old, not to look at the new DC books and to only look at the new Marvel books. Then she said ' We don't read DC books we only read Marvel. I wonder how long she'll let them read Marvel books?
Dc readers will read and love scott snyder stories. The bar is so low, it's hitting moleman in the head
I have Fantastic Four: Full Circle and its one of my most treasured things to reread. You cant imagine how aghast I was listening to you and hearing they rejected Alex Ross and went with Dan Slott instead. That's like turning down steak and being happy with moldy tuna fish sandwiches. I just cant!
It is a strange time in comics when you have more excitement and momentum in comics based on 30yr old cartoon franchises (GI Joe, TMNT and Transformers) than you have in hundreds of comics with legacy characters
As someone who quit modern comics nearly 8 years ago it has been rough seeing everything going continuously downhill. With the prices so high can't imagine spending the kind of money I used to for this. But I can assure bronze age comics & further back still read just fine. Getting ready to re-read Swamp Thing from the 70's & after that either some old Conan or maybe Batman the Knightfall saga.
This downfall mostly owes to the changing culture behind the scenes in editorial and writing, the successors (for lack of a better term) holding the pioneers and their legacies in utter contempt. And their brand of attitude and mediocrity have carried over to the MCU for the mainstream audience to see.
You can’t get angry at something, that’s become so unrecognisably bad, that you don’t care about anymore. It hurts to see what Marvel and especially DC have done to my favourite characters but i can’t be bothered to pick up new comics anymore…
In a selfish way I kinda want James Gunn’s new DCU to fail, because if it even just does alright it will extend the death spiral of terrible writing and bad decisions at DC by another +10 years.
"...with a straight look on their face,"
I'm surprised I've never heard of someone being fired for using that phrase by now.
The art quality is s bad in the main Marvel comics now it is unbelievable it looks like I drew it in 9th grade.
They fucked up when they killed Alfred and didn't marry Batman. You have to trade. Ya can't just short change on both ends. Dead Alfred, married Batman, is growing up moving forward Batman. Big shit. They flinched. And it's been in a tail spin ever since. We're just lesser on all fronts.
DC and Marvel are a reflection of their new surroundings. They both used to be based in NYC and mirrored urban in one of the oldest cities.
Great video, Wes. I totally understand your anger. I used to feel this way. Now I just don't care. I'm friends with the owner of my LCS, so I make a point of going down and trying to get something from him at least once a month. The only new comic book that I actively purchase is Conan the Barbarian. I'll also buy everything Mark Millar does once it hits trade. That's it. About fifteen years ago, I was probably spending about $100 a month on comics. Now I might spend $20. And there are thousands of guys like me out there. I talk to them when I'm in the shop. They come in out of nostalgia for a hobby they no longer have. The store itself is doing fine, but that's because the bulk of his business comes from sales of Manga, cards, genre fiction, and high-end collectibles. It's sad to see just how far the American comic book market has fallen, and the wounds it's suffered are totally self-inflicted. Keep up with the great content.
Wes got so mad that he turned into the Red Hulk!
Preach brother.
Every time I go into Ollies and see the shelves of totally ignored comics, I feel that society has lost something.
Being a DC is like seeing a dear friend spiral out of control and all you can do is stand by and watch..😢
You are on point today. I’ve been seeing this woke crap overtake the comic industry for the past ten years, it’s just I don’t think there is any going back to normalcy, it’s just too far gone
I know how you feel, I've gone through anger, frustration, apathy, I don't want to be in this neverending circle of torment. I want great comics, stuff mediocre comics, I want comics to be cool, heroes to be heroic heroes.
Love this video!! Do what you think is right man! We need somebody calling these companies out on their BS! 👏
Back in the day, a comic only sold 2 k copies it would have been cancelled.
The last minute made me want to holler FUCK YEAH. Every suit at DC and Marvel ought to be chained to a chair and forced to listen to this whole thing.
It baffles how/why a business would continue the same practices as sales and interest plummet. This isn't a government gig, you'd think they need to show profit or improvement at some point.
Companies have other incentives. DEI comics for ESG to farm investors bucks. The investor is the main customer.
@@PrivateCitizen84 exactly, they generally want a return on their investment. Disney must just see it as an IP farm and losses are acceptable.
I've moved on from anger and frustration to apathy. I stopped caring about comics.
DC should just bring out one story each kinda books for their characters
Not an issue by issue thing but like one big book for each miniseries/short story.
But yeah, you're right; we ought be angrier
I'm really getting sick of even basic constructive criticism about an obviously flawed product is being treated as straight up toxic, hate speech, whatever buzzword. Yes, I want to look on the bright side too and give ACTUAL talented creators and good stories the spot light they deserve. But so many act like anything less than glowing praises is pure negativity. It really doesn't help so much media only cares about shallow DEI quotas and we keep being pelted with examples about why that's a bad idea to base everything off those.
I've been saying for a few years that there needs to be a new company that is ran by enthusiast with a broad catalog. There needs to be a company that filters out woke writers with a focus on social politics and "changing the narrative" about punitive topics. There are plenty of independents who make classic and good stories but lack the publishing power to get noticed.
My anger turned to apathy when I realized they weren't listening and didn't care about making money. When you can't "vote with your wallet" and can't facilitate change then there's nothing left. Just read old issues and listen to smart reviewers like yourself while they continue to disgrace once great characters.
Hey Wes - wouldn't it be something if ALL shop owners banded together for one month and collectively decided NOT to purchase any Marvel or DC comics to protest the awful monthly products they received? Both the big two are clearly violating the trust and any goodwill they have with retailers. I say retailers refuse to purchase any of the big two titles but instead push alternatives for 30 days, along with back issues. If retailers approached their customers, who would in turn guarantee a minimum comic purchase for that month, to assure cash flow. What's the worst that could happen?
When I first discovered your channel, Wes, I was a bit put off by your anger. The more I listened, the more I got angry also. There may be the off chance where I disagree, but it's rare. One of your best rants yet! Keep it up, Wes.
WAIT THEY TOOK SLOTT OVER ROSS!?!?!?
Probably Slott himself wonder about that!😂😂
@@yamatokira4335 he honestly seems like the most openly lazy people I’ve ever seen who is still for some reason able to move books
"Come on Walter, man, you're not even Jewish!"
"I converted when I married Cynthia, Dude, you know that."
"Yeah, and then she divorced your ass. You're livin' in the past, man!"
(Deep breath)
"Three thousand years of beautiful tradition, from Moses to Sandy Koufax, YOU'RE GODDAMN RIGHT I'M LIVIN' IN THE FUCKIN' PAST!"
- The Big Lebowski
Like the Acolyte, comics have been handed to the Community. The producers know that this stuff is going to be rejected and ridiculed. This is meant to show the Community that they are being rejected by larger society to further isolate and radicalize them.
I've been angry for over 2 years now fir cranking out that Bull they call asm atm.
Was the only book i was allowed to read..
Thank God ultimate spider-man came.
But i don't see change comming.
Loved this video, nice to see that Wes feels the same way so many of us do.
Maybe, dear Wes, it's time for MARVEL and DC to burn down to the ground, just like STAR WARS. I'm not sure how it happened (I do have my suspicions, though), but at some point many big players in the entertainment industry became disconnected with their audience. They started to believe they could educate us instead of just entertain us. And now we're seeing the results. People are leaving, not only because the products are getting worse, but also because they are getting worse at higher prices. Honestly, this will be studied in business and marketing schools for years to come as a lesson in "paying customer comes always first". Anyway, please keep those reviews coming, good or bad, full of joy or anger, because, review channels on TH-cam like yours are the best entertainment we mere mortals can afford right now.
I WANT YOU MAD!!
00:00:00 - Frustration With Mediocre Comic Books
00:00:37 - Coverage Of The Comic Book Industry
00:01:14 - The State Of Modern Comic Books
00:01:51 - The Pathway To Total Annihilation And Destruction
00:02:29 - Lack Of Progression In The Comic Book Industry
00:03:08 - The Decline Of Marvel Comics Sales
00:03:44 - The Decline Of Marvel Comics
00:04:22 - The Decline Of Marvel Comics Quality
00:04:53 - Lack Of Diversity At Marvel Comics
00:05:29 - Marvel Comics' Struggles In Hiring Talent
00:06:10 - The Mediocrity Of Dan Slot In Fantastic 4
00:06:52 - DC Comics And The Neglected Talent
00:07:29 - Disappointment With DC Comics' Decision
00:08:11 - The Success Of The Event
00:08:47 - Bullying In The Comic Book Industry
00:09:24 - Leadership Responsibility In The Comic Book Industry
00:10:03 - The Dark Side Of The Industry
00:10:44 - Destruction Of Beloved Characters In Comics
00:11:22 - The Incompetence Of Industry Leadership
00:12:02 - The Insanity Of The Industry
00:12:40 - Cash Grabbing In The Comic Book Industry
00:13:13 - The Survival Of The Comic Book Industry
00:13:50 - The Future Of Marvel And DC Comics
00:14:26 - The Problems With Comic Books
00:15:02 - No More Tolerating Bullshit
While I have Spent thousands on Collected editions of Marvel / DC material covering up the to the Mid 80s and still willing to collect that era I would not lose any sleep If Both Companies ceased printing new comics. that ship sailed a long time ago
I suspect that Marvel,DC, and others have an additional revenue source other than comic book sales.
they can't comprehend that 'new voices' doesn't mean 'good voices'.
I tune my pull every month, it's always a lot of fun. But this variant interior nonsense.... got me feeling like just dropping everything. This is officially must too much thrash to juggle and figure out. We're not evening keeping continuity from ish to ish with the gore version? What even is this anymore? What will even be collected in the HCs and omnis eventually?? I'm tapping out. I give up.
I'm just sad that DC comics will never be good again.
I would love to see Indy creators work on Marvel and DC comics. If the big two are cash strapped, that’s fine. Bring in some unknown creators and tell the editors to give them free reign to create. Give it six months and see what happens. I live in hope that new creators bring something new to the books.
Honestly I’d rather they stop writing in continuity stories, the writers they currently have, have far more success writing elseworld stories. If the writer becomes trusted and has a good idea that can push the story forward in an interesting way, they get the continuity book. Would also require way smarter editors than they currently have.
I've spent the hundreds I used to spend on my favourite Marvel and DC creators elsewhere. I gave Harry Partridge £32 for his Starbarians indie Gogo. I've bought Chainsaw Man, I've bought Sakamoto Days, I've bought One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100, Kaiju no.8, I've bought stuff from Rippaverse, Rooster Fighter, I've bought Udons Street Fighter stuff I originally missed.
Marvel hired shit that actively told me not to buy. DC has desperately aped Marvel's failing strategy. Both companies have produced so many titles that NOBODY wanted.
My money is still there, I could live for as many decades as I've already been around for. Weird the "Big" Two don't seem to want it.
You're 100% justified in your criticism of these jackasses at major comic publishers. We need critical voices to give us honest objective reviews. Your channel and a couple others have saved me a ton of money on not buying trash comics. On the other hand, you've also brought some stsnd-outs to my attention and that is where my money goes. Get Fury is the only Marvel comic on my pull list and after the current Superman and Detective comics runs, I'll have no DC on my list. I will no longer purchase average to below average titles. What is on my list: all of the Ghost Machine Titles, The Energon Universe titles, Conan by Titan, and Yojimbo Usagi.
T-they turned down Ross? For Slottt....
Is there a slow gas leak at Marvel? It would explain a lot.
SHIT HAPPENS!😂
- Forrest Gump -
It was Mad Ghost for the original imprint.
Your just a voice in the woods until someone hears you....your just chasing windmills....but yeah the big two are fucked when what boxes you check is far more important then talent....
I feel ya Wes but I can't give my money to people who clearly hate me...
100% will not support any form of hate shown towards fans
I have passed beyond general anger, passed beyond apathy, to the stage of not caring. I will still tune in here just to see what is going on, and maybe, just maybe find something new, like the Conan series.
I actually really enjoy it when you get worked up. It's far more entertaining to listen to you rail. On the flip side, you've pulled me back into the fold for a few different series. Your coverage if HoX/PoX made me buy that as well as the energon universe and Vendidi's XO Manowar
Going WAAAY back and collecting the Ed Brubaker winter soldier run on Captain American and couldn't be happier. Haven't bought new marvel since then. And no plans to any time soon.
You have every right to be mad. I've seen enough videos from your channel to know how bad the western comic industry has gotten.
Thanks Wes. Stay angry, mate---you've earned it.
I 100% AGREE WITH EVERYTHING SAID. 💯 GREAT VIDEO WES! WE APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEOS!
Wes catching up to the rest of the formerly marvel/dc fans who realized things won't be changing anytime soon.
DC destroys Vertigo. Finally starts dropping Vertigo omnis. What??