Four Reasons Why DC Comics May Have Dropped in Market Share

According to an article from Bleeding Cool, DC Comics market share has dropped to nearly 26%. I would say it's from a combination of things such as:

1. The Reboot. First, It has turned away quite a few of the old customers. Those were Loyal Paying Customers that they didn't factor into their decision to such a drastic reboot. Many of the LPCs initially gave the reboot a try but were so disappointed they gave up on the new take on their favorite heroes after finding many to be unrecognizable. However, I'm sure many would return if they found a book or series that interested them.

Second, the company hasn't been able to hold on to all the new customers that they acquired from the reboot. Many have started to lose interest and have moved on. It's also hard to keep new customers if you're putting out a poorly written product with poorly written characters. Not to mention the constantly canceling series before they are able to find a fan base. Who wants to invest in a series if it's going to be canceled at a moments notice?


2. DC's Treatment of Fans. Their negative attitude towards their fans questions and complaints has also turned away quite a few fans. The fans questions are disregard and then when the company does attempt to answer the questions it's with sarcasm and verbal attacks. One writer even attacked a fan not only on Twitter but also during an interview. Who would want to support a company that doesn't value them?


3. The Gimmicks. From the Superman/Wonder Woman Fauxmance to countless other gimmicks that have been used since the start of the reboot, some fans are starting to get tired of the stunts the company is using to garner more sales. I also think the multiple upon multiple cross over events is starting to take it's toll on some of the new fans, they want to be able to read a comic without having to pick up other books just to read one story.


4. The Price. A couple of years prior to the reboot, DC had created a base line price of $2.99 for their comics but once the reboot launched they tossed that concept out. The comics now average $3.99 or more per issue with more continuing to increase. There is now only a small amount that's still $2.99. It seems like the most popular characters/titles have been getting the price increase. There will also be a price increase for Justice League Dark when the Trinity Wars begins in July. It makes me wonder how long fans will continue to go into their local comic book store to purchase a comic if the prices continue to increase? Especially when they can just buy it in digital form for less. I understand prices have to increase but so should the quality. If the product is poorly made, shouldn't the price reflect that.


Until DC finally sees why they are losing fans, they will probably continue to use gimmicks as a way of telling their stories. As a comic book reader, the new 52 has felt like a real disappointment because the characters are not interesting and everything feels like they are trying too hard to be "edgy" instead of creating good stories, also some of the artwork is absolutely awful. DC does have some good products in the new 52 it's just most are being over shadowed by the gimmicks or not getting enough promotion.