There’s been some interesting discussion in Usenet lately of why people continue to collect comic titles they actively dislike. The foundation seems generally to be optimism and protectiveness of beloved characters, which I can certainly understand. But, in my case, I think inertia has more to do with it than anything, so I’m making some cuts:
NIGHTWING: Once a reliable action-adventure book, this title has become a relentlessly grim, psychosexual slog, substituting brutality and sensationalism for any genuine narrative innovation or craft. Frankly, Nightwing simply isn’t a character who can carry this level of Sturm und Drang. And since the misery isn’t written very well in the first place, it’s cut. (I’m getting this week’s issue, just because I decided too late to stop the pre-order, so look forward to a few more grumblings on #94.)
DETECTIVE: As I’ve said, I only ever picked up this title because Rucka was the writer, and I admire his work a great deal (BATMAN: DEATH AND THE MAIDENS, QUEEN AND COUNTRY, WONDER WOMAN). Now, it’s a mediocre offering in the Batman line, and the money could be better spent trying new titles in different genres.
JLA: Honestly, I don’t know why I stuck around for Byrne’s multi-issue pimp for his new DOOM PATROL series. With #100 serving as a launchpad for the spin-off title and the issues after featuring the generally dreadful authorship of Chuck Austen, this is a perfect jumping-off point. While I’ve liked a lot of Joe Kelly’s work (particularly DEADPOOL), I’m not really interested in the premise of JUSTICE LEAGUE ELITE. None of the new characters he’s created for this title have caught my interest, and they comprise much of the cast of the spin-off.
X-MEN: Another title where Austen is the deciding factor. Admittedly, anyone would have difficulty following in Grant Morrison’s shoes, and my interest in this group of characters usually depends on the writer in question. I’ll probably swap it out for UNCANNY X-MEN, largely due to Alan Davis’s gorgeous art.
Looking back, that’s not a particularly impressive list, but it’s a start.
I do feel strangely guilty about cutting back my purchases, mostly because I’m very fond of the folks at the two comic shops I frequent. I support small businesses in general and comic shops in particular, and while I know cutting a handful of books from my reserve list won’t put their kids in second-hand shoes, it still twinges in the guilt centers of my brain. Of course, then I remind myself of my complete lack of impulse control, willingness to pick up new titles and trades, and I feel a bit better.
Speaking of new titles and trades, I’m looking forward to the next issue of DISTRICT X, which is much more interesting and promising than any title featuring Bishop has a right to be. Also, for those of you who missed the spectacularly entertaining MY FAITH IN FRANKIE from Vertigo, a collection has been announced. It was a wonderful mini, and I highly recommend it.