I'm always a little baffled when someone commits to print that "American comics don't even want to create a new or interesting character." Like.... What on earth are you talking about.
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The CREATORS do, its just... after Harley Quinn, isn't there all these wacky rules around creating characters tied to established ones? Like, giving away the rights, sure, the series isn't ur property to begin with, but, thought there was more to it.
sep 1, 2025, 11:36 pm • 0 0 • view
I'm no big city lawyer.
sep 2, 2025, 12:32 am • 0 0 • view
The view from the chain bookstore, maybe.. or a section at a big box store. Or the towns that don't have comics or game shops. I'll admit I haven't looked to see if there's a Comixology equivalent for independent titles outside the Big Four (DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse?)
sep 1, 2025, 11:29 pm • 1 0 • view
American comics is CONSTANTLY trying to make new and interesting characters! The fact that the dominant comics readership just seem to want endless Batman comics doesn’t mean creators don’t want to pursue other ideas!
sep 1, 2025, 11:07 pm • 10 0 • view
Bingo. Every time a new character comes along I see the same symphony of "Who asked for this?" or "They're still trying to make ____ a thing."
sep 1, 2025, 11:10 pm • 4 0 • view
Some of the new characters even DO succeed! Like Miles Morales or Kamala Khan!
sep 1, 2025, 11:15 pm • 6 0 • view
You would think. But that last phrase I mentioned? That's usually directed towards Kamala. Miles seems to get a pass. I guess because of the movies. I wasn't really active on the popular socials before then to compare sentiments.
sep 1, 2025, 11:17 pm • 0 0 • view
I'm working on new characters all the time. In both mainstream and smaller publishers. I don't know enough about manga publishing to be super knowledgeable but I'm pretty sure there are at least 4k "failed" series for every one Naruto.
sep 1, 2025, 11:08 pm • 15 0 • view
4k is probably too low. But anyway: I think it's extremely different to do a weekly 5 pager vs a monthly full color 22-30 pager. I also know Gintama has many stores dedicated to it. No point there, I just want a Sadaharu keychain.
sep 1, 2025, 11:10 pm • 5 0 • view
I also don't think it's comparable that US market is "collectible" and Japanese market JUMP gets left on the train. It's a lot easier to stumble on a series if you can access it. But idk. What do I know?
sep 1, 2025, 11:12 pm • 5 0 • view
I’m certain the people who make these sorts of comments aren’t even comics readers. If they looked at the new arrivals each Wednesday they’d know this wasn’t true.
sep 1, 2025, 11:51 pm • 2 0 • view
Think that's kind of cross wires. A new character in an established world, often playing off another legacy. Doesn't feel all together new. Same way a new Dragon ball character is fine, but a whole new world being created before your eyes is unbeatable. Indie comics is a 0 exposure issue.
sep 2, 2025, 8:53 am • 0 0 • view