Embattled DC Comics Announces Layoffs (VIDEO)

January 24, 2019January 24, 2019 Victor Medina

DC Comics has announced a restructuring and layoffs, that all seem to indicate serious problems at the nation’s #2 comic book publisher.

According to a report by Variety, the moves are intended to refocus DC to its core mission of publishing comics. The layoffs, which account for 3% of its total workforce, only amount to seven staffers out of 240, but include three senior vice presidents.

The individuals leaving the company include senior VP of sales trade marketing John Cunningham, VP of consumer marketing Eddie Scannell, and senior VP art director Mark Chiarello.

The cuts would seem to come from areas that have been lucrative for comic book companies in recent years. After some major missteps with some recent DC movies and merchandising, the company appears determined to refocus on an area that has seen declining sales: publishing comic books.

DC Comics will now operate under three divisions: Editorial, Production & Manufacturing, and the newly-created Publishing Support Services.

Merchandising of DC Comics properties will now be under the control of Warner Brothers’ merchandising arm, an indication that WB feels DC has mishandled some of the biggest icons in pop culture. A Warner Bros. executive indicated more moves may be coming, which may mean this move is only the first step in the studio taking firmer control over one of their most valuable assets.

If Warner is indeed serious about “righting the ship” with their DC properties, it would make sense to force DC Comics to restructure and rethink their approach to comic books.

The DC Comics layoffs come as comic books have seen a serious decline in popularity and sales, even as comic book movies and merchandise (especially Marvel properties) thrive.

While the entire comic book industry has seen a major drop in sales in recent years – some would call it a modern “crash” – some critics say DC Comics did itself no favors with its editorial direction.

DC’s SJW Philosophy

While Marvel kept its comics generally family-friendly, PG-13 fare, DC took a more radical approach. That included the introduction of social justice storylines in a number of their comic titles. They also took a subversive tone with their classic characters, including showing Bruce Wayne’s penis in a Batman comic (albeit labeled for “mature readers).”

This week, DC previewed “Wonder Twins” #1, based on the characters popularized in the 1970s “Super Friends” cartoon series. The comic, which is labeled for general audiences, includes a creepy scene involving the discussion of public orgies.

See for yourself.

In a memo to DC employees, president of Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences Pam Lifford addressed the redirection. “We have spent time assessing DC’s business, as well as the comic book publishing landscape,” she said in a memo to DC Comics employees. “DC is going back to its roots of delivering epic stories with our world-class characters, stories and brands. Rest assured, the direct market will remain at the heart of our business – and will continue to be one of our greatest strengths.”

Lifford also announced plans to have “town halls” with employees to discuss the changes.

In a video posted to YouTube, former DC artist Ethan Van Sciver addressed the layoffs.