It wasn’t all that long ago that Marvel cancelled several titles including Dr. Strange, Ghost Rider, and Strikeforce. The interesting part is that they happened publicly.
SOMETIMES THEY JUST FADE AWAY
The sad thing about comics being cancelled is that fans don’t always know that has happened.
Honestly, it was the only Spidey title I bought. I enjoyed it each month and liked issue #14. Then, I wondered where it went to when I didn’t see it in my pull box for several months.
Turns out it had actually been extended two months beyond what was supposed to only be a 12-issue run.
I wish I had known that. Maybe I just missed all that news, but the lady who runs the store I frequent told me it had ended when I wondered out loud where it had gone.
Rats. I still miss that book. I mean, I try very hard to read this website each day to keep current with this kind of thing. But I can’t read everything every day!
THIS DRIVES ME CRAZY!
Like many TV shows I’ve enjoyed, many comics have simply faded away without any fanfare. Often that means that even the comics press hasn’t said anything about it or found out it has been cancelled.
After all, we’re so preoccupied with the new books coming out that we just move on. They are the stuff of most press releases and interviews, seems like. And most companies seem to think admitting a comic has been cancelled is an admission of failure. Hey, you did your best, and I believe you should honor the fans you have already gathered together for that title by letting them know it has ended!
We’re lucky on occasion when the creators say it’s happening on social media. There was a Black Knight comic I was buying faithfully not very long ago until I read a Tweet from the writer saying the fifth issue was the last. I grieved, but at least I knew it was happening. I wouldn’t be wondering where it went.
SHOULD THAT BE CHANGED?
I realize that every “jumping on” point is also a “jumping off” point, and comic companies want as many customers frequenting local comics shops as much as possible. If they don’t see Dr. Strange, maybe they’ll pick up Strange Academy instead. Or something else that has come out that week or recently.
I truly feel deceived when I find out a comic I like has ended without my knowing about it. Granted, I won’t stop buying comics when I find that out, but it does make me wonder what else I don’t know about that I should be aware of.
My brother was poking through the most recent Marvel Previews when he noticed he didn’t see Dr. Strange in it. Since I had heard about it’s cancellation, I told him that had happened. He voiced this same concern, that comics often just fade away and fans just don’t know about it.
Maybe a website that makes lists of what is coming out each week should also consider including books that have all-too-quietly ended if they know this has happened for sure. I know I would appreciate it. My brother used to want this, too! I’m sure we’re not alone in this!
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