DC Comics has just canceled more than 20 books. As reported by Newsarama, the publisher has axed a number of previously announced titles from its schedule. This includes several titles from the Facsimile line and quite a few more from the company’s Dolor Comics offerings.
A reason for the cancellations has not been provided as of this writing. DC, like every publisher in the comic book business right now, is struggling to adapt to the situation at hand. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced disruptions in supply chains, closed down comic book shops and hurt sales. It is likely the cancellations have to do with the publisher adjusting to the situation.
Here is a full list of the canceled DC Comics titles.
Facsimile cancellations:
Green Lantern #76
Batman #321
Man-Bat #1
The Flash #135
Dollar Comics cancellations:
Batman #13 (2013)
Batman #450
Batman #663
Catwoman #1 (2002)
Catwoman #1 (2011)
Checkmate #1 (2006)
Detective Comics #826
Green Lantern #1 (2011)
Dark Nights: Metal #1
Green Lantern #29 (2008)
Manhunter #1 (2004)
Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #1
Wonder Woman #212
Wonder Woman #14 (2005)
Wonder Woman #206 (1987)
DC Classics: Justice League #50
DC Classics: Saga of the Swamp Thing #21
DC Classics: Legion of Super-Heroes #1 (1989)
“Here’s where we are on digital. All our data shows the digital consumer and the physical consumer are two different audiences,” Adam Philips, Director of Marketing Service of DC Comics previously said. “For now, we’re going to continue to release digital comics, but will revisit this if the pipeline for physical distribution continues to be challenged and disrupted.”
During the shutdown, DC has shifted several titles to digital exclusives. With many consumers unwilling or unable to pick up physical books in stores, digital sales have become more important than ever. But as Philips explains, the type of consumer that will buy a book digitally, versus the type of consumer that heads to a local shop to pick up books, is quite different.
DC’s Dollar Comics are mostly reprintings of older issues. These books are released at a discounted price to help encourage new readership. The unfortunate part of these titles being axed from the lineup is that it takes many affordable books out of stores in the future.
These are not the only titles that have suffered recently. DC also has canceled Supergirl, The Terrifics, Manhunters: The Lost History and Lucifer. RWBY and gen:LOCK, meanwhile, will no longer be going to print. Instead, they are becoming digital exclusives.
So what do you think? Which of these DC Comics titles are you most upset to see canceled? Do you think they made the right call? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter.
