We’ve covered a lot of news over the course of this year and, as with every year, a few stories stood out as particularly significant. Obviously, the industry lost a lot of its legendary creators this year, but most especially Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Those two losses will likely continue to impact the industry for years to come.
But there was a lot of news outside of those deaths, especially from some of the biggest publishers in sequential art. The shift in Viz’s publishing strategy seems like a pretty great way to get manga into more people’s hands with relative ease. After years at Dark Horse, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer license departed for a fresh start at BOOM! Valiant went from one of the most creator-friendly spots in comics to a corporate owned IP factory, shedding much of its staff and losing some of its biggest freelancers in the process. comiXology made the headlong dive into publishing their own, commissioned, work with comiXology Originals.
On the creators’ side, Brian Michael Bendis made the jump to DC and thrived in his first year at the Distinguished Competition. DC also cancelled “Border Town” and cut ties with Eric M. Esquivel over sexual assault allegations. The great Stuart Immonen “retired” from comics. Marvel’s firing of Chuck Wendig sets a dangerous precedent for publishers, essentially, rewarding or punishing based on political statements.
In slower news years, any of these could have been the biggest story of the year. But which means the most to you? Vote in our reader poll, and defned your choice in the comments!
