Dream Team Assembled

I remember the last time I was excited about a Dream Team. It was 1992 and Michael Jordan was lining up on the same side line as Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Normally, I wouldn’t care about basketball, especially one in the Summer Olympics, but this time I knew it was special. I knew it was different.

I felt the same way again last week when DC Entertainment made a few announcements (I guess technically it was one big announcement) about a few changes in their front office. The changes put together another Dream Team to rival that of Jordan, Johnson, and Bird. No, these guys couldn’t hold their own on a basketball court with these legends, but they sure know how to make great comic books!

After months of speculation, DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson announced who would succeed outgoing publisher Paul Levitz as head of the comics giant.
DC’s executive editor Dan DiDio and Wildstorm editorial director Jim Lee have been appointed co-publishers of the company, Nelson said. Meanwhile, current Green Lantern writer Geoff Johns was named the company’s Chief Creative Officer.

It was a great announcement! What a freaking team, huh? Everything you would ever want in a comic company. I mean, seriously, how awesome is it that the people who made the company rich get to take over? It never happens. Ever.

I remember back when Todd McFarlane was making Marvel Comics a whole bunch of money and when he asked for a little pull in the company, they said “hell, no.” His response? Well, you know the rest. He created Spawn, made millions of dollars, and can sit on a beach and sip margaritas all day if he desired. This promotion reminds me of the same power McFarlane never received. In short, they are honoring those who helped make DC so popular. And it’s about time!

I’ve seen power struggles ruin companies. Or, at the very least, they ruined good titles. This collaboration is simply exciting. DC didn’t shop their company to the highest bidder. Instead, they looked at the talent within and moved people around in order to make their next big move. What is that move? I have no idea, but I’m excited.

I saw a shakeup coming, but I guess I assumed DC would do what Marvel did and go find a production company to take the reigns. By allowing DiDio, Lee, and Johns take the helm, DC is telling comic book fans the fight isn’t over—there are still comics to publish!!

I’m more than sure the comic book industry is ready for a solid change in business philosophy, but it doesn’t mean you throw out the people who got you there in hopes of a quick fix. This move makes sense. Even as I write this I see how much thought and care went into this decision. We could discuss business and why it will bolster the company, but, the truth is, it is fantastic to see the little guys who have worked so hard to help build an image get what they deserve: an office with a view. Kudos to you, DC!!