Why Has the Popularity of Comic Books from Marvel and DC Declined Despite Their Long History?

The decline in popularity of Marvel and DC Comics is a complex issue that involves changes in media landscapes, challenges in marketing, and the quality of storytelling. These factors have combined over the years to make comic books less appealing to a broad audience. This article aims to explore these aspects and provide a comprehensive analysis of what has led to the current trend.

Changing Media Landscapes

Back in the 40s and 60s, comic books like the Batman franchise were the primary form of entertainment for fans. If you wanted to enjoy Batman, you had just one option: the comics. As the years passed, comic books expanded to include television shows and movies, but the shift to a diversified content landscape has significantly altered the way people consume superhero content.

Today, there are numerous channels to entertain fans of Marvel and DC. Everything from Batman Brave and the Bold, The Batman, and the Dynamic Cinema Animated Universe (DCAU) to animated series and video games offers a rich and diverse experience. Games like the Arkham Knight trilogy, Lego games, and Ultimate Alliance games provide an immersive experience without the need to read comics. The availability of content through myriad sources such as Netflix and Cinemax further reduces the necessity of engaging with comic books, especially for those who prefer other forms of media.

Frustrating Marketing Strategies

Marketing practices by Marvel and DC also play a significant role in the decline in comic book popularity. The overwhelming number of events with complex, interconnected storylines that are sometimes poorly representative of the core narrative can be overwhelming for new readers.

Comic historian noted that there was no clear guide to understanding the Fall of X storyline in the aftermath of the Kraken Age. Although multiple titles were released with the Fall of X title, only a few were relevant to the core story. In the past, it was easier for new readers to follow a single author's work and build a solid foundation, but today, managing event fatigue can be a daunting task.

The State of Creative Writing

The creativity of writers at Marvel and DC has also been criticized. While some writers produce excellent work, others are accused of being creatively bankrupt. For example, a writer of the Kraken Age event had a plan that was later undermined by the editorial team, leading to a dragging storyline and a loss of narrative coherence. This creative bankruptcy often results in disjointed storylines and a lack of direction, which further alienates readers.

Ironically, the push to include more characters in events has led to poor character development and limiting their potential. A writer had to end Dick Grayson's storyline as a hero because Tom King's Heroes in Crisis event had turned him into a villain. Similar occurrences have led to a decrease in the quality of storytelling, making comic books less appealing to readers.

Conclusion

The decline in the popularity of Maular and DC comics is a multifaceted issue that cannot be attributed to any single factor. The diversification of media, the frustrating marketing strategies, and the state of creative writing all contribute to this trend. Understanding these factors can help fans and industry experts work towards reviving the popularity of these iconic comic book franchises.