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Wow.
My monthly column for this fine publication began the same way and when I got up the morning I didn't expect the same reaction in looking through the local comic book sites.
Let's reflect for a moment: Disney bought Marvel (well buying . . . ).
Again . . . Wow.
First off, let's put the "wow" into perspective: Marvel owns the Punisher.
That's a big WOW.
The character that has killed more people then all the seasons of the Sopranos could end up on a ride at Disney World. (Not likely but . . . ) It's mind boggling. And we don't yet know, and probably won't know, all the little details. In considering all of this I really recommend looking at Dan Vado's comments here:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22765
And further industry comments here:
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0908/31/disneyreaction.htm
It's all interesting but there are some big things to pull out these comments and ideas.
You can note I called attention to Dan Vado's comments. After working with Disney for years trying to do licensing the man has a good idea how Disney works and Disney is not really big into publishing. Overall, Warner Brothers, Marvel itself even, probably has a larger "book" presence then Disney does in the current market. I know I see more Marvel books then Disney ones, though maybe I'm not looking in the right places. Either way, this seems a big potential change that can't be easily dismissed by Quesada's comments. Marvel will probably get a huge boost in exposure, toys and merchandise in Disney Land and Disney World might make me more inclined to visit, and a great emphasis in animation, TV, (As Dan Slott said, "Squirrel Girl on Toon Disney. Hey, it could happen. :) That's my one-and-only comment.") and movies . . . but publishing is likely to be something that will take a hit. It will probably reduce, not guaranteed, but likely.
However, it could stay solid and increase (God forbid as I'll explain in a minute) like it has for DC . . . sort of. One note brought up is that the backing of Warner Brothers makes DC a more solid company, it can take more risks in its publishing and approaches. A strong big brother means Marvel can get more aggressive and experimental on the playground. But . . .
Disney is known for family friendly entertainment and the departure of the Weinstein Company and lack of more "mature" ideas with Disney entertainment could mean that Marvel get's "neutered" to an extent. (As Jamal Igle says: "To Marvel.. good luck with the new ownership. You'll soon find out why they're referred to in animation circles as Mouseschwitz.") Most characters would be fine, but I call you back to the Punisher and also Wolverine. As Frank Tieri said "Yeah, Disney's gonna love me." And that's extremely doubtful, both Frank Tieri and Jason Aaron may need to look for other pastures to write their stuff. The MAX line could soon be a thing of the past, but who knows . . . Not I. Also considering Kevin Smith's lack of love for Disney, who knows if he'll ever work for Marvel again. (Again this could be depressing or great depending on your perspective.) Everything is conjecture, but it is interesting conjecture and is going to be the comic book story of the decade guaranteed.
All that is known for certain is that Marvel will change. Slowly to be sure, but it will change. We will see more of it, which we already see a lot, and it will be interesting to see if the Disney logo shows up quickly in comic insignias; how soon Japan will be getting more Marvel characters, books, and toys (Disney is huge there); to maybe see a new Marvel Gargoyles comic (a guy can dream); how soon comic racks will be at Disney World; and whether the Marvel employee paychecks will have the Disney logo on them. Exclusives will probably also be a new and interesting approach with Disney legal involved. Again conjecture, but one thing I guarantee: this will be huge new for a long time because whatever fans dislike at Marvel they will soon blame on Disney.
To put it into perspective though I told my local comic show owner about it today as he finalized his order. One thing that's been clear lately, Marvel is publishing a crap-ton of books and they have been difficult to decide how to order because a lot are limited series and just seem like "glut". Being purchased by Disney may change their entire publishing approach, not just reducing it, but also being moved over to Disney's publisher Harper. It could happen. Who knows? But comics will go on, and at the end of the day while interesting my local comic shop owner has more important things to figure out . . . like how many copies of Veil to order from IDW. It was 1, since so far 0 of 4 ordered have sold (sorry Ashley Wood). It will be interesting to watch and see how Spider-Man is treated as he sets up shop in the Magic Kingdom.
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