Why Comics Aren't Dying

Comic books are dying.

This is a phrase that any modern-day comic book fan is more than likely familiar with. And the claim certainly isn’t an unfounded one.

Throughout what fans have defined as ‘the Modern Age’, major comic studios such as DC and Marvel have been accused of using comics as a way to test concepts for potential Hollywood movies and that that the overall quality of comic books is now at the mercy of the blockbuster box office.

Some also feel that commercial studios have become too swept up in the modern political wave, thus creating a hostile environment within the fanbase in which disagreement can too frequently result in ostracisation. This is thought to have been partly a result of the digital era in comics, in which the anonymity of the internet allows extensive liberties when it comes to the manner in which fans express their opinions, a scenario that can all too easily escalate to aggression. As such, many fans describe a “walking on eggshells” feeling when it comes to interacting within some of the online comic enthusiast communities. Consequently, this has provoked widespread disengagement within fanbases, particularly among newcomers and casual fans.

All that said though, the digital age has proven itself to be a double-edged sword. There are strong arguments to be made for the digital market in keeping the comic book industry financially afloat.

Statistics from Diamond Comics Distributors state that in 2011, the North American digital comic market brought in $25 million in addition to the overall comic book sales, before rising to $70 million in 2012 and $90 million in 2013. Since 2013, the overall North American digital market intake has kept itself at a steady $90 - $100 million and has yet to show any sign of decline.

The age-old phrase “numbers don’t lie” comes into play in the context of defending the current wellness of the comic book industry.

Fancy statistics aside though, one of the most major and understandable sore points of modern comic fans is the feeling that classic comic book studios have lost touch with their audience. Many feel that studios have become more preoccupied with their contemporary, “on-trend” appearances than they are with their actual story-based characters and content. This has lead to a public shift towards more obscure studios and startups.

Despite reservations, many believe that the old favourites still have a chance to bounce back. In the meantime, the comic book community has taken to exploring new writers, artists and creators with smaller traction than the major cooperate publishers, opening up fans to new worlds and possibilities.

Truth be told, whether or not comic books are dying depends entirely on who you ask. Financially, though, they seem to be holding up just fine. Even if some of the older formats appear to be on their way out, a more realistic take on the issue would be to say that the industry is not dying but changing.

The world of comics has undergone numerous shifts throughout the years and we now find ourselves in the midst of another.

While the future is uncertain, it is undeniably exciting.