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In the world of comics there are certain things that are expected, and perhaps even operate like clockwork. Titles will be re-launched in "all new" and "all different" directions with a new #1 issue, the dead will return from the grave, clones and symbiotes will drive readers crazy, and Alan Davis will start penciling a monthly series just to leave it a handful of issues later. You know what I mean. Another thing that can be expected is that at some point the issue of "new blood" will come up in discussions between current readers and those in the industry.
Finding a next generation of readers for comics is definitely a point of concern. I find it amusing to read various boards at times because I get to read comments by people who insist readers of Marvel and DC should take the time to look at what exists beyond those companies. Some of those statements are good; most seem to be insane rants by people who are angry that their favorite "unheard-of" title isn't selling better.
At the core they just seem to want the market to grow and be more accepting of those titles that are off the beaten path, which is understandable. However, I think a point of concern of comic readers, regardless of what they read, should be who will follow us after we move on. You can expect your titles and your tastes to "mature," but if you do that what are you leaving for those behind?
I've been thinking about "Free Comic Book Day" lately and trying to figure out what it really does for the comic community. From what I've read it doesn't really do much expect for those specific store that happen to have the ability or fortune to bring a major comic "talent" into their establishment. Even then the people being catered to are the current readers. People on the outside of the comic community could care less about a "star" writer or illustrator being at the local comic shop.
As I read my comics lately I notice that they carry more of an "edge" towards them. Sometimes there is a hint of reality, sometimes a hint of concepts that actually attempt to make you think about something outside yourself and the book in your hands. For me that's great because I feel as though the titles I read (well, many of them) are maturing with me. Yet, I find myself wondering if that is a good thing.
In the "real world," I work with the local community. The majority of my time is specifically spent working with local youth on a variety of social issues. The reason I mention this is because when I work with these youth I find that I need to work with them on THEIR level. I cannot treat them as though they are an adult. While some may have the mental capacity and maturity level to be talked to in such a matter, they are still kids. Development encompasses a number of things, not just the mind. Finally, I have seen that someone else in the comic community has also realized this.
While I was looking through the latest Previews I noticed the section called "Johnny DC." I don't know why I had never noticed it before, but this time I did. This is the section of the book that has the DC titles that are joined to their current shows aimed at a more youthful audience. This, in my opinion, is what the current "big guns" known as Marvel and DC may need in order to bring in the next generation of comic readers. While I have not read these more youthful titles, I am hoping that they can serve a point where new readers can investigate comic books and perhaps become regular readers themselves.
I was originally brought into the world of comics from the shows that I watched. The shows of Superfriends, G.I. Joe and Transformers all led me to the titles of Super Powers, G.I. Joe and Transformers. They were my introduction to "real" comics, and in turn brought me to where I am today as a reader. In my opinion, if we hope to bring in another generation of comic readers something similar has to happen.
We don't have major cartoon, or toy, commodities that are easily tying into major comics. Some do, but not to the degree the comic community needs. DC has attempted to remedy this with their current cartoons, and now the titles that tie into them. Marvel needs to do the same. I know what some of you are thinking, but the "Ultimate" line does not to that. It's not even close. It's merely a "re-imagining" of ALREADY FAVORITE concept brought into a more current atmosphere.
Regardless of what you may think of the Spider-Man movies they have shown that many people are aware of, and enjoy, the concept of a superhero. Sorry, but a bunch of comic geeks alone did NOT generate the dollar amounts those movies have made. Marvel made a sorry attempt to keep the momentum going with the Spider-Man series that was on MTV, but it was more flash than substance. Sorry, but give me Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, or the 80's Incredible Hulk cartoon any day. THOSE are the things that hook the young on the characters. Then you need to give them an opportunity to investigate actual comics, but on a lighter level that will let them enjoy the characters without needing a large amount of (if any) knowledge of the characters and universe they reside in.
When they're ready to move into the "real" universe they try it, and maybe they'll like it. Nobody can foresee that. However, if Marvel and DC aren't willing to offer youth the means to get into comics how can they be shocked when no new blood comes in? DC is trying, Marvel needs to get onboard.
Kids like heroes, I know because I work with them. Many know (or knew) the members of the Justice League from the show, so you can't tell me it's not catching their attention. If comic publishers don't keep that attention then this "hobby" will either die out or reach a point where it is so niche that it can't be pulled back to where it is today. The comic community needs a transfusion of new readers and it needs them soon, the question is will the publishers find a means to help it happen and will the current readers look beyond themselves long enough to support what they do.
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