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Archive for the ‘The Modern Age of Comics’ Category

There are two things that redefined comics, especially superhero comics in 1986.

Due to several factors, including lower sales, traditional distribution channels such as convenience stores and pharmacies, comics are no longer carried out in these stores to drive traffic to most comics stores. More books and more comics were only distributed through the market to the point where the only place to find more of the comic is a comic book store.

The rise of speculators. Thanks in part to the success of “event comics” Watchmen, Crisis on Infinite Earths, The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight Returns, people began to see comics as an investment property, such as coins or first-edition books. But instead of buying more comics that can increase in value, speculators were buying new issues on the belief that one day the new comics increased as much value as, for example, Giant Size X-Men # 1.

For many fans modern time is considered one of the weaknesses of superhero comics.

The creation of Image Comics. In 1991, seven of Marvel Comics most popular artists (including Rob Liefeld, who recently apologized for his role in the decline of quality in the years 90) has demanded to be given ownership and creative control characters were creating for the publisher. When Marvel refused their requests, they left and formed Image Modern Comics, a publisher who gave everyone full control on each designer’s creative creations. Image with Dark Horse Comics, were the two largest distributors to distribute only the direct market, and many gadgets most notorious cover belonged to Image Comics.