In 1998, DC Comics took a huge step ahead in the collectibles arena, producing an interior business that would create products for their fans. However, with the news that parent business AT&T hit all of DC with major layoffs, including that in-house collectibles company. So, in light of the layoffs, what is the future for collectibles as well as DC direct for DC Comics? The short response is that they aren’t going anywhere. There will still be lots of product for the biggest DC fans to pick up, even without DC direct as it when was. Also, the label itself isn’t going anywhere, it seems. In 2012, DC direct altered its name to DC Collectibles. However, in February, the business altered the name back to DC Direct, which is a hint to the future of DC collectibles after the layoffs.
Publisher as well as chief innovative policeman at DC Comics, Jim Lee, spoke just recently about this large restricting effort. He stated that it’s been a difficult time for his team, as these layoffs let go longtime collaborators as well as friends. speaking particularly about DC Direct, he explained what the business would look like going forward.
As he told The Hollywood Reporter:
“When we started, we were one of the very first companies, if not the first, to go out as well as produce a business that catered to that specialty market. That success has brought in a great deal of competitors as well as a great deal of business that are now in that space. So it’s about evolving the model. We want to create those collectibles as well as serve those fans, however we will most likely shift to a higher cost point collectible as well as more of a licensing model, working with manufacturers we already work with.
“From a consumer point of view, there will not be a modification or decrease off in the high quality of the work they are seeing. Behind the scenes, exactly how we produce it as well as exactly how we get it to them is going to change. We still have our primary lead of DC Direct, Jim Fletcher, with the company. He will be showcased in a fun panel with J. Scott Campbell at Fandome.”
picture via DC Direct
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Essentially, the DC direct label will be used to costlier products made by other collectibles manufacturers. instead of contending with them directly, they would pay a premium to screen that label on new, licensed products. The manufacturers they partner with will shoulder the expense of creating the items, while DC, WarnerMedia, as well as AT&T just reap the benefits. It’s some business heartlessness, however one can’t suggest with the business logic of it all.
What do you think? will you still support DC direct as well as their collectibles in the future? Or does this feel like a heartless money grab from DC’s new business overlords? Share your take in the comments below.
Featured picture via DC direct on Facebook