Back before the advent of the direct sales market, which could cater to smaller, more discerning audiences, it was the accepted wisdom that more mature and
sophisticated comics didn't sell.
The most cited cases were comics like the Silver Surfer by Stan Lee and John Buscema, GL/GA by Denny O'Neil & Neal Adams, Warlock by Jim Starlin, Deadman by Neal Adams, War of the Worlds by Don McGregor and Craig Russell and sundry others.
It was often said they were too complex for younger readers who made up the backbone of the comics audience..
There are also other theories, including crooked distributors in some cases etc.
However, do you think there is some merit to the first theory i.e. they went over the heads of the average youthful readers?
I think it may be partially true in the case of Warlock and War of the Worlds but I don't feel it cuts any mustard for the rest.
Besides Surfie looking mournful every issue and soliloquizïng about "what fools these mortals be", where was the deep philosophical content ascribed to it (mainly by Stan Lee himself)? Most of the plots were pretty mundane and the last half a dozen issues seemed to be Marvel Team-Up avant des lettres but with Surfie instead of Spidey. Hardly heavy fare.
As far as GL/GA is concerned. Sure it featured topical themes but the relevance was anything but subtle. In fact, it was probably it's heavy handed, in your faced, pedantic relevance that killed it. Along with the contrived plots and corny dialogue. Even Adams' exquisite artwork couldn't save it.
Deadman had great artwork too but the blantant Fugitive rip-off and the faux eastern philosophy hardly elevated it above the typical slamfest of the month fare. That and the fact that the main plotline barely seemed to progress was probably what killed it eventually. Beautiful artwork again though.
I do think Warlock and War of the Worlds were both early attempts at superhero comics attempting to tackle deeper themes organically, without being overly didactic. It was a bit over the top at times but not objectionably so.
I really don't know what Warlock crapped out. I still find it an enjoyable, entertaining and thought provoking read. Maybe it was too heavy for the average reader.
I think War of the Worlds panned because McGregor was too intense and overly dogmatic and the erratic artwork must've hurt too.The same goes for his Black Panther too.
I think the first comics of the 70s which successfully dealt with more mature topics without alienating the average reader and achieving long-lasting sales was Doctor Strange and Master of Kung Fu. And Doc's track run was rather checkered.
Then the 80s came and the Direct Sales market took off and it was a whole new ballgame.
The most cited cases were comics like the Silver Surfer by Stan Lee and John Buscema, GL/GA by Denny O'Neil & Neal Adams, Warlock by Jim Starlin, Deadman by Neal Adams, War of the Worlds by Don McGregor and Craig Russell and sundry others.
It was often said they were too complex for younger readers who made up the backbone of the comics audience..
There are also other theories, including crooked distributors in some cases etc.
However, do you think there is some merit to the first theory i.e. they went over the heads of the average youthful readers?
I think it may be partially true in the case of Warlock and War of the Worlds but I don't feel it cuts any mustard for the rest.
Besides Surfie looking mournful every issue and soliloquizïng about "what fools these mortals be", where was the deep philosophical content ascribed to it (mainly by Stan Lee himself)? Most of the plots were pretty mundane and the last half a dozen issues seemed to be Marvel Team-Up avant des lettres but with Surfie instead of Spidey. Hardly heavy fare.
As far as GL/GA is concerned. Sure it featured topical themes but the relevance was anything but subtle. In fact, it was probably it's heavy handed, in your faced, pedantic relevance that killed it. Along with the contrived plots and corny dialogue. Even Adams' exquisite artwork couldn't save it.
Deadman had great artwork too but the blantant Fugitive rip-off and the faux eastern philosophy hardly elevated it above the typical slamfest of the month fare. That and the fact that the main plotline barely seemed to progress was probably what killed it eventually. Beautiful artwork again though.
I do think Warlock and War of the Worlds were both early attempts at superhero comics attempting to tackle deeper themes organically, without being overly didactic. It was a bit over the top at times but not objectionably so.
I really don't know what Warlock crapped out. I still find it an enjoyable, entertaining and thought provoking read. Maybe it was too heavy for the average reader.
I think War of the Worlds panned because McGregor was too intense and overly dogmatic and the erratic artwork must've hurt too.The same goes for his Black Panther too.
I think the first comics of the 70s which successfully dealt with more mature topics without alienating the average reader and achieving long-lasting sales was Doctor Strange and Master of Kung Fu. And Doc's track run was rather checkered.
Then the 80s came and the Direct Sales market took off and it was a whole new ballgame.
...The Pick!
