Yesterday, there was a big announcement from DC about the future of the company. The press release stated a new executive team that will be put in place to run things. Back in September, we heard about the creation of DC Entertainment. The idea behind the creation was to bring the DC Universe to the mainstream public by way of movies, TV shows, toys, and video games. We gave you our thoughts about the announcement back then and with the news yesterday, we should again give you our thoughts. First, let's cover the press release from DC.
Jim Lee and Dan DiDio Named Co-Publishers DC Comics
Geoff Johns to Serve as Chief Creative Officer
John Rood Named EVP, Sales, Marketing and Business Development
Patrick Caldon Named EVP, Finance and Administration
(February 18, 2010 – New York, NY and Burbank, CA) DC Entertainment, founded in September 2009 to unleash the power of the DC Comics library of characters across all media platforms, has named its executive management team, including new co-publishers of DC Comics and a Chief Creative Officer, as well as heads of Sales/Marketing/Business Development and Finance/Administration. Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, made the announcement today.
The new senior executive team includes Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, who have been named Co-Publishers of DC Comics, and Geoff Johns, who will serve as Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. Additionally, John Rood has been named Executive Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Business Development, and Patrick Caldon will serve as Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration. Each of these executives will report directly to Nelson.
“DC Entertainment’s new executive team is a creative ‘dream team,’ with accomplishments and talent unrivaled in the business,” said Nelson. “This announcement continues and underscores DC’s legacy as the ultimate destination for creators. We’ll benefit enormously from the deep experience this team represents, while re-energizing the direction and focus of the company. I’m excited and honored to have each of them with me at the helm of DC Entertainment.”
“With this new leadership team, Diane will be able to fully and respectfully integrate DC’s brand and characters, not only as key content drivers in the film division, but across all of the businesses of Warner Bros. and Time Warner,” said Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “I am very proud and excited about the accomplished executives who are charged with expanding this powerful library. They each have a diverse and complementary skill-set and are deeply committed to contributing to the DC Comics legacy.”
Prior to his current post, Lee served as Editorial Director, where he oversaw WildStorm Studios and was also the artist for many of DC Comics’ bestselling comic books and graphic novels, including “All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder,” “Batman: Hush” and “Superman: For Tomorrow.” He also serves as the Executive Creative Director for the upcoming DC Universe Online massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment.
Lee is an award-winning comic book illustrator/creator/publisher who started his professional career at Marvel Comics where his work on the X-Men continues to hold the all-time sales record for single issue sales at eight million copies sold in one month. At Marvel, he also drew the Punisher and co-created many characters, the most popular being Gambit, featured in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” feature film. In 1992, he started his own production company, WildStorm Productions, and co-founded Image Comics, an independent comics company which quickly grew to become the number-three North American comics publisher. His most notable creations, “WildCats” and “Gen 13,” saw life beyond comic books as a CBS Saturday morning cartoon and as a direct-to-video animated movie distributed by Disney, respectively. In 1998, he left Image Comics and sold WildStorm to DC Comics.
DiDio most recently served as Senior Vice President and Executive Editor, DC Universe, overseeing the editorial department for the DC Universe imprint, including the ongoing adventures of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and scores of heroes and villains. He also worked to develop new titles with the industry’s premier writers and artists. At DC Comics, DiDio has spearheaded such bestselling projects as “All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder,” “Identity Crisis,” Green Lantern, Teen Titans and The Outsiders.
Before joining DC in 2002, DiDio was with Mainframe Entertainment, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Creative Affairs, overseeing the development, distribution, marketing and promotion of all Mainframe’s television properties. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of Children’s Programming for ABC, where he was also a publicity manager, having started his television career at CBS, working in a variety of positions.
Johns builds on his current role at DC from being one of today’s most prolific, popular and award-winning contemporary comic book writers with this new executive role. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has written highly acclaimed stories revitalizing Green Lantern, Superman, the Flash, Teen Titans, and the Justice Society of America for DC Comics.
Johns began his comics career creating and writing “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” for DC Comics while at the same time working with film director Richard Donner. After acclaimed runs on Flash, Teen Titans and the bestselling “Infinite Crisis” mini-series, Johns co-wrote a run on Action Comics with his mentor, Donner. Johns has also written and produced for various other media, including the acclaimed “Legion” and “Absolute Justice” episodes of Warner Bros. Television’s “Smallville” and Adult Swim’s “Robot Chicken” and “Titan Maximum.” He also wrote the story of the DC Universe Online massively multiplayer action game from Sony Online Entertainment.
Rood returns to Warner Bros. after 10 years with the Disney ABC Television Group, where he most recently was Senior Vice President of Marketing, ABC Family. While at ABC, he also consulted for ABC News during the recent transitions at “Good Morning America” and “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer.”
Prior to Disney, Rood worked for six years at Warner Bros. Consumer Products, negotiating promotional deals with national advertisers using Warner Bros.’ properties, including the DC Comics characters. He has also worked in promotions for Equity Marketing on the Burger King account and in advertising for Leo Burnett on the McDonald’s and Miller Brewing accounts.
Caldon most recently served as Executive Vice President, Finance and Operations of DC Comics and MAD Magazine. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Operations, and his other posts at DC include Vice President, Finance and Operations, and Controller, the position in which he joined the company in 1985. Prior to joining DC Comics, Caldon spent a decade at Warner Communications in corporate accounting and as Senior Vice President and CFO of the Cosmos soccer team (owned by Warner Communications at the time).
DC Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment, is charged with strategically integrating the DC Comics business, brand and characters deeply into Warner Bros. and all its content and distribution businesses. DC Entertainment utilizes the expertise the Studio has in building and sustaining franchises to prioritize the DC properties as key titles and growth drivers across all of the Studio, including feature films, television, interactive entertainment, direct-to-consumer platforms and consumer products. The DC Comics publishing business is the cornerstone of DC Entertainment, releasing approximately 90 comic books through its various imprints and 30 graphic novels a month as well as continuing to build on its creative leadership in the comic book industry.
Alright, so there you have it. Jim Lee gets a huge promotion. Didio moves up the corporate ladder. Johns gets a position that will keep him at DC for a good amount of time, while he gives input on everything that has to do with the DC Universe. So a couple of the normal posters here at TheBatmanUniverse.net gave their two sense about this big news.
The first thought come from SteveJRogers:
Well, Dan DiDio, Jim Lee and Geoff Johns have nice shiny promotions. I don’t think the full scope of what is happening here though won’t be felt until a successor to DiDio’s EIC role is filled. And I’d like to see how this affects the Green Lantern books as well as the Flash title. It was going to be interesting to see the EIC take over Outsiders as it really is more of a Batman satellite than a cornerstone of the entire universe. I doubt Johns will have much time to do anything other than a brief fill-in or mini or one-shot.
The important question for Bat-Fans of course is how does this impact the Bat-Books? I’m not entirely sure if it does just yet, of course Johns is in the midst of the new OOC graphic novel series, or I am calling it, the latest attempt of DC creating an Ultimate Universe (see All-Star Batman & Robin The Boy Wonder and All-Star Superman), but as I said, I can see an executive having that kind of project on his/her plate, but not any of the major on-goings (Batman, Batman & Robin, Detective are the big three at the moment).
What I hope doesn’t happen, and it has been seen far too many times (Marvel in the 1990s for example) is when you have giant seismic paradigm shifts that the first thing that happens is immediate change. So maybe it’s a good thing that the big three were promoted within, and whatever change happens is a gradual process.
Interesting times indeed.
So next we have some thoughts about Geoff Johns and his new position from Dark Knight Dave:
James Cameron may “King of the World” but Geoff Johns is King of the Universe. The DC Universe that is. I always when I reached work today I fired up the trusty Dell and started poking around the ‘net for any cool and unusual news. One of my more frequent stops is “The Source” brought to us by DC. Alex Segura usually has something to tease us with and I enjoy clicking on preview panels and checking out some new art and or storylines.
Who the heck is David Hyde? And why is he writing so many “War and Peace” type entries into the “Source” blog. I scroll down, I scroll down some more, this guy is pretty excited about something but it seems pretty dry. I think I’ll click on one of my favorite sci-fi sites, io9, and see what they have to offer. Oh, something has rocked the DC world. I read it. Geoff Johns is what? He’s in charge of what now? I zoom back to the “Source” blog and things are still pretty dry there but I am glad David Hyde is happy as I click back to io9.
Geoff Johns is being named “Chief Creative Officer for DC Entertainment.” Holy promotion Batman I thought the guy was busy now. Not only is he the brains behind the cash cow that is “Blackest Night” for DC comics (although he stumbled a little with the last issue of “BN” after a great Batman centric Blackest Night #5) he wrote the highly rated and well received “Absolute Justice” two parter for the WB’s Smallville series and he has single handedly thrust Green Lantern as one of the if not the foremost hero in the DC pantheon of heroes. Let’s add to his resume the much anticipated “Earth One: Batman” and a little thing called “Brightest Day” as a follow up to “Blackest Night”. Phew! You’d need the “Flash” just to write this guys Wikipedia page just to get it done before years end. Oh, right, he writes “The Flash” also.
Good luck Geoff the eyes of the DC Universe are upon you and its loyal readership eagerly awaits your next offering. I have no doubt it will be a hit.
P.S. Geoff I have a movie treatment for you! Geoff? Geoff?!!
Alright and lastly, Zach gives his thoughts about everything:
Yesterday, February 18th, DC Entertainment announced their plans for the future. DC Entertainment has decided to play quite a large game of musical chairs for the year of 2010. Some major players will be stepping up and taking control of the DC Imprint. Here is the latest news on the future of DC, that no one saw coming.
First off, the Jim Lee and Dan DiDio have been named new co-publishers of DC Comics. What does this mean? Jim Lee is experienced with being the editorial director of Wildstorm Studios, while also having a large hand in the upcoming video game, DC Universe Online. This is a huge promotion for Jim Lee, and this really is DC thanking him for all the hard work that he has put in over the years at DC Comics. Congratulations Jim, very well deserved. Now, Dan DiDio has also taken a much larger seat at the table. I know that many fans feel iffy about DiDio, but I think he will be able to handle this position. I think that while he hasn’t always made the best call, he has been consistent as the Senior Vice President and Executive Editor at DC. This also confirms that DiDio is going nowhere after rumors have swirled over the last couple years that he was on the hot seat. None the less, I am excited and I think DiDio will really flourish under his new position.
As if the news couldn’t get any bigger! DC Entertainment also announced that Geoff Johns will serve as the Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment. While some may know, I am not Johns’ number one fan, but I do know that he knows comics. And it is this reason that I know that the DC Imprint is in good hands. He truly loves the DC Universe and all of its characters. Now, don’t worry! Johns will continue to write, but now he will give his creative input on all the comics. In addition to this, he will use his control to get the DC Universe into other imprints such as film, merchandise, animation, and video games. I think Johns has proven himself to be worthy of the job, especially after the large work loads that he has taken over the years at DC.
In addition to these announcements, John Rood will become Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. Rood has previously worked at Warner Bros. and to be a key asset in the growth of DC’s consumer products. Patrick Caldon was also named the Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration. Caldon has been with the company since 1985, about 25 years. I would definitely say he has earned his stripes.
Now, nothing was announced directly towards Batman, but I will say that this news does impact the Batman Universe, therefore affecting you, the fan. First off, Jim Lee knows Batman; he has done some terrific work over the years with the character, and will continue that work. He knows the passionate following the character has and I am sure will do everything to enlarge that following. In regarding Dan DiDio, I think during DiDio’s time as the Executive Editor, the character has been through some major changes. Some have been good and some have been bad, but I think for the most part he gets it, and therefore I am not very concerned. And I think once Morrison finishes his tale of the dark knight; Geoff Johns will definitely oversee many of the future tales. I think that from a creative stand point, Johns loves the character and looks forward to getting his hands on the Batman Universe.
Well it was a wild day over at Warner Bros. Many are already calling this the most talented executive team in the comics industry. I know I am excited to see what this team does. Are you? We will have to wait and see what kind of magic the new crew is able to pull off.
So there you have it. For the most part this will be in fact another new chapter for DC and DC Entertainment. Hopefully, now that they have the staff announced we can get to some news about future projects. As soon as we hear something, you will be the first to know.
Posted by Dustin
Hello Bat-fans, Zach here, and I would like to introduce you to a new segment I like to call “Creator Spotlight”. Twice a month, I will write a lengthy piece about a creator who has strong ties to the character of Batman. Let me present you with our first spotlight, one of my personal favorites, the legendary writer/artist Frank Miller.
Frank Miller is considered to be one of the most prolific and influential comic book creators of all time. Miller has left his mark on some of the most prominent characters in the comic book industry. Miller is praised for his work on Daredevil, Wolverine, Sin City, 300, Spawn, Elektra, Give Me Liberty, and of course, Batman. Miller’s Batman work includes; Batman: Year One, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again and his most recent work on All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder. Miller also wrote the Spawn/Batman crossover in 1994.
Frank Miller’s name has always been associated with two characters, Daredevil and Batman. Miller initially started out in the industry with brief stints with Gold Key Comics and DC Comics. Miller would make his name writing the character Daredevil, who, at the time was on the verge of cancellation. Miller’s first encounter with the dark knight was in 1980, where he drew a Batman Christmas story in DC Holiday Special, in which he had the opportunity of working with another significant Batman creator, Dennis O’ Neil. After leaving Marvel Comics, Miller wrote and penciled Ronin, his creator owned book published by DC Comics. Miller then began writing and penciling Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Nobody could predict the impact that Miller was about to have on the Batman mythos.
In 1986, DC published Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, which is often to be considered the comic to bring the grim and gritty Batman. The Dark Knight Returns depicted a new kind of Batman, an old and bitter Bruce Wayne brought out of retirement to stop the latest up rise in crime and chaos. Miller also did all the penciling for the title, which is in my opinion, if anyone else had penciled this book, that special something would have been lost. Klaus Janson did the inking, who had previously collaborated with Miller on Daredevil. The Dark Knight Returns was the first Batman storyline to break away from the previous depictions of the character. In a lot of ways, it revolutionized the way Batman would be written and changed the medium of comics as well.
Following the success of The Dark Knight Returns, Miller began a new Batman project. Batman: Year One was an updated origin, but not a reboot of the character. Year One ran the main Batman comic book series from issue #404 to #407 in 1987. Miller wrote the story while the great David Mazzucchelli provided the artwork. The result was an instant classic. With Miller’s action packed and smoothly paced storyline, Mazzucchelli was able to provide us with some of the greatest artwork that we have ever seen in a Batman comic book. To this day, I still truly believe that Batman: Year One is still the greatest Batman masterpiece.
After a fourteen year break from the character, Miller return to write and pencil the sequel to DKR, The Dark Knight Strikes Again in 2001. The fan reception was rather negative. However, can you truly blame Miller? Fans were bugging him for years to put out a sequel. And while the consensus opinion was that Miller should have left it alone, I still think the final product was quite enjoyable and presented the readers with a very noir like storyline that I thought was rather clever.
After Miller’s negative reviews of The Dark Knight Strikes Again, he once again stepped away from the character, but only for 4 years this time. Miller returned to DC to collaborate with artist Jim Lee on All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder in 2005. The initial fan response was explosive; issue #1 was the number one selling single issue for the year of 2005. However, after constant delays and the controversial characterizations, the book has been received rather harshly. Many fans complain about the bitter characterization of Batman, as well as the lack of action that the issues have contained. I have found this book to be fun and I consider this to be Miller’s form of Batman satire. In my opinion, he seems to be mocking the industry’s dramatic shift in the late 1980’s and how dark comics became. Jim Lee’s artwork remains to be fantastic and while there have only been ten issues since 2005; more are expected to be on the way sometime in the future.
There is no denying the impact that Miller has had on Batman over the years. Miller’s work on Batman set up the style and tone of the Batman comics from the mid 1980’s to present day. He explored the darker side of the character that no one had ever really done before. Much has been said about Miller’s later Batman work, but I cannot think of any other writer I would want writing a Batman comic out of continuity. I definitely agree that Miller has changed over the years, but all writers do. He remains to be one of the most influential creators in the comic industry. His innovative and controversial style will be echoed by comic fans and fellow creators forever.
“Who the hell do you think I am? I’m the goddamn Batman.”
-Batman, All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder
Written by Frank Miller
Well bat-fans, I hope you enjoyed this week’s Creator Spotlight on the one and only Frank Miller. Look for the next Creator Spotlight which will be on the great Jim Aparo. Tune in next time, Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Blog.
Posted by Zach