DC is once again in the center of controversy as critically acclaimed writers Andy Diggle and Joshua Hale Fialkov have announced their departures from upcoming DC books.
Diggle, who along with artist Tony Daniel was set to follow Grant Morrison on “Action Comics” with April’s #19, announced on Twitter earlier this morning that he would be leaving the book for “professional reasons.” The writer expressed his disappointment at leaving, with the 75th anniversary of Superman and the “Man of Steel” film just around the corner, but says he has no regrets. DC PR man Alex Segura revealed that Tony Daniel will now be writing and drawing “Action Comics” for the duration of the arc.
Sadly, I’ve decided to walk away from Action Comics for professional reasons.
— Andy Diggle (@andydiggle) March 20, 2013
Later, it was reported by Bleeding Cool and confirmed by Comic Book Resources that Joshua Hale Fialkov has walked away from writing both “Green Lantern Corps” and “Red Lanterns.” The writer spoke as recently as a week ago about his plans for the books. Neither DC or Fialkov have commented on the departure.
These are just the most recent examples of writers leaving DC books before their first issue sees publication, with Robert Venditti and Jim Zubkavich leaving “Constantine” and “Birds of Prey” earlier this year. While the blame for these creative exoduses has been pinned on editorial intervention, there’s no official word. Sean Murphy, writer of the acclaimed “Punk Rock Jesus” suggested on Twitter that the departures may have to do with DC Entertainment’s upcoming movie plans.
I have no inside scoop yet, but I’ll guess the quitings have to do with movie stuff on some level. No clue though.
— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) March 20, 2013
Whatever the cause, these are sad times for DC fans. Keep checking back with Multiversity as more information arises.
Update: From Josh Fialkov’s site:
Hey guys,
Just a quick note to confirm what everyone knows, I am no longer the writer of GLC and Red Lanterns for DC Comics. There were editorial decisions about the direction of the book that conflicted with the story I was hired to tell, and I felt that it was better to let DC tell their story the way they want. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’ll miss working with the entire Green Lantern team.
This was not an easy decision to make emotionally or financially, but, I’m sure it was the right decision for both me, and for the Green Lantern books. The outpouring of support, your kind words and well wishes mean so much to me and my family.
In the meantime, I’ll be writing ALPHA: BIG TIME and THE ULTIMATES over at Marvel, and THE DEVILLERS at Dynamite. I’ve got a couple more projects in the works, so stay tuned.
Thanks again,
j.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Alex Segura shared on Twitter that someone named Van Jensen – with Robert Venditti co-plotting – will be taking over Green Lantern Corps and Charles Soule will be writing Red Lanterns. The wheels keep on turning.
ANOTHER ANOTHER UPDATE: Tony Daniel shared on his Facebook page that he himself is off Action Comics after #21, and it was a pre-planned departure. So a whole new team on Action Comics come issue #22.
