DC Comics, The Ugly Black Stepchild, And Vinnie, by Michael Davis – Straight No Chaser #332 | @MDWorld

November 22, 2013 Michael Davis 2 Comments

 

From a Comicmix.com comment:

Even I made the mistake that DC had finally bought Milestone’s assets as part of the latest attempt to use them, and was soundly corrected with authority by Mr. Davis. My assumption was that the desire to jump back into the pool was so great, that some change must have taken place for them to decide it was to their benefit to do so.

Not counting the fact that it was all but impossible for DC to have a panel at a convention without someone asking when they were going to bring back Milestone, a question that always gets a hearty round of applause.

As the latest reboot came and, sadl
y, went, I tabled the theory that DC’s only real interest was in Static, having no problem believing that to some at DC, he was the only character with any recognition, and as such, any cache. Even that proved untrue as the New 52 title sputtered and died (theories vary, but I’ve always thought it was simply Too Many Cooks) and has not been seen since.

But indeed, the lack of interest to make the characters work makes more sense once you realize they DON’T own the characters. If they’d bought them, they’d be trying something new every few months; instead, they gave it a bash, and gave up, much lik they did with their Red Circle and THUNDER Agents books.

And once again, the part of the company that has done the most and the best with the characters is the animation division. Icon and Rocket on Young Justice was one of the most pleasant surprises in a long time.

Need I mention that Dwayne did better and more entertaining work with the Justice League and Static on TV than he was ever allowed to do in the comics, and to a far larger audience?

Vinnie Bartilucci

Vinnie,

I respect and admire how you use the word “theory.” Most people think what they surmise is reality, regardless of whether it makes sense, like your theory does, or if it makes NO sense and the only way it could be true is if time travel and magic were real.

When it comes DC Comics, I’ve never been one not to call a spade a spade.

Here’s the deal — I hear all the time about how DC does not respect the Milestone Universe, and how they fucked up Static’s return in the new 52.

One part of that is true.  Yes, it can be said that DC did fuck up Static’s return. However, DC is always portrayed as the evil corporate giant that treats Milestone like a ugly stepchild, making no attempt to help that child in any way.

That is simply not true.

Counting down to number one, this is who is responsible for Static’s failure in the new 52,  in my opinion:

4. DC, for hiring the Static editor

3. The editor, for hiring the writer, and then approving the storyline that featured a fight with a giant fish.

2. The writer who thought it was a good idea to have Static fight a giant fish.

1. The giant fish.

So yep, you can say DC fucked up Static — and clearly that giant fish had some serious connections with someone at Warner Bros.

Now, does DC respect the Milestone Universe?

The fact is that DC DOES respect the Milestone characters.

Vinnie, this is ME. Do you really think I would stay silent if I thought DC did not respect the Universe?  They do, and it’s not just Static.

Regarding fan reaction to Milestone and those fans wanting to see more — dude, I’ve know that for 20 years.

But when they get more, they have to support it.

Lastly, DC is our publishing partner, and as such they are not alone when it comes to blame. I would be less than honest if I didn’t step up and say who else was responsible for Static’s poor numbers.

As I’m sure you have figured out, the other party responsible was the giant fish.