Silicon Age of Comics: New Bigger Markets, More Perceptions

Okay according to Geoff Johns, comic books are out of the Dark/Iron Age. So what should we call this era? New Golden Age? Too optimistic. Rusted Age? Too cynical. Ages of Man aren’t helping since we passed all known phases. Time to get relevant! Time to ask the Twitter threads… wait! Of course, the Silicon Age of Comics!

Hello netizens and welcome to a meta Comic Theory about classifying an entertainment era. Since pictures were first drawn on paper, people like to explore the evolution of media. It just so happens that this reflects the Ages of Man throughout mythology; looks like Princess Weekes was onto something. But what comes after this? Back at MFR I called it an Age of Steel but recent experiences are asking for new directions. Specifically the perceptions and platforms comics find themselves. So let’s get into the details.

Silicon Age of Comics Traits

So why the name Silicon over Steel? Simple, this era of comic books reflects the mediums rather than just reworking Iron Age trends. Get it? Like Silicon Valley; or the fact you’re reading this via the internet? Just about everything’s digital especially in how comics full embrace this field in 2011. No more Comics Code to deal with, just a direct market from different venues. Whether that’s Comixology and other apps, or company websites and their services. And most of this is to follow the success of Marvel Unlimited whose success comes from making risks.

All of which naturally means that the more mature audiences are ready to eat up content. In fact both DC and Archie Comics have reboots as jumping on points for content consumers. But that also comes with some baggage like retcons and popularity trends. In an age of social media and content creators, sometimes perceptions can get in the way. Well that and pretty shoddy business strategies.

Social Perceptions Trumping Reality

In a few comics I follow, I’ve been noticing Marvel and DC’s attempts at trying to avoid controversy. Most of which goes against continuity of certain characters and their motivations. To no one’s surprise, Batman is the first character to come up in these conversations. You hear about how Bruce Wayne’s money would be better spent on social programs than crime fighting. Only problem with that is he does do this; but people either gloss over it like in this redirect link (http://io9.com/bruce-wayne-hes-probably-the-biggest-philanthropist-in-1460382489) or outright ignore it. Others like Rob Jefferson of Comics Explained call the Dark Knight a bad superhero for not being an anti-hero. Did you really have to bend a knee to this DC?

He’s Not The Only One

But Batman’s not the only case. At Comic Book Herald, Austin Gordon recounts how one of his favorite characters the Black Knight is treated as unimportant. This is of course in spite of the fact that Dane Whitman plays important parts in Avengers history. Or at least when he’s not wearing a leather jacket or lightsaber.

Or how about a controversial general news story where companies try to save face? She-Hulk went from a lean but powerful voice of reason to a grunting brute because some lunatic called her a porn star.

And let’s not forget the controversy magnet, the Punisher. Frank Castle in recent years has been up for debate in portrayals. When real gun men and politicians make use of his skull logo, Marvel wonders why they keep him around. So to try to avoid controversies, Marvel gives Frank a new logo and ninja garb. But I feel like this is going to have the opposite effect. People only used the logo because they thought it looked cool, now they have one more.

Or how about creators drumming themselves up for doing things that have already happened?

The Silicon Age Needs More Public Appearances

In all honesty, most companies just aren’t using the market place to their utmost potential. Marvel and DC put in the minimal amount of advertising and rely on general news for wider reach. Hence why they’ve been so reliant on using buzzwords and trends to get social media buzz. I’d give you examples, but they’ve been brought up so much that it lost all influence; kind of like how these buzz stunts didn’t last long.

Surpassing both of these companies are Scholastic and Viz Media for being in the public eye; bookstores, supermarkets, and general retail. As for the digital front, apps like Webtoon and Viz’s Shonen Jump plus, there’s a reason they’re high on download lists. Webtoon apps like Line’s or Tapas have loads of free content and special promotions with low entry points. As for Viz, they have content all around in animated forms that serve as great advertising. This is especially the case for streaming services.

Frankly it’s little wonder why DC decided to put some titles on Webtoon; or why Marvel works with Viz’s parent company Shueisha with the Deadpool manga. The bigger audiences and business strategies are great opportunities to change distribution.

Silicon Age of Comics Potential

This silicon age of comics could be what advances the medium into newer and more affordable fields. For the US, the direct market just isn’t enough anymore, it’s only enough to survive. Not only that, but it’s led to typecasting on how comics should look to the audience. A bigger audience always means a more tolerant audience.

But so far, the attempts of these corporate comics for bigger audiences are lazy and haphazard. I go into a Walmart and I find bundles of floppies in a very obscure corner of the store. Unlike Scholastic, Viz, and printed editions of Webtoon comics in book aisles. It wouldn’t kill these corporations to follow Panini Group’s example.

And the digital front should focus on selling this stuff not reacting to people’s perceptions. If people have more regular access to content and continuity, nobody would be drumming up drama. Because let’s face it, news in general is all about clickbait not telling the truth. Not only that it can allow for genuine character development or finding an outline for further adventures.

Thanks for coming to the end and as always, remember to look between the panels.