Why New Comic Companies and Creators Need to be Born

     Why do new comic companies and creators need to be born?

     There are a few reasons that Titanium Comics has to offer:
 
1.  New comic companies and creators born out of an almost century's old tradition will appreciate the most important aspects of that tradition.  They value the sequential movement of comics and graphic novels, as well as the art of storytelling among other elements in comic production.  These companies and creators will breath new life into the genre by telling and illustrating stories based on events and ideas which resonate throughout their generation and culture.  There is an importance in not only respecting the tradition, but also having the adaptability to suit the times one is living in.  In our constantly evolving world, creators must have the ability to evolve as well.




2. There is a primary importance in giving comic book audiences a new take on concepts and ideas that are organic to the human experience.  Stories and characters should be believable.  They should offer a fresh look at life's time honored heroes, villains and situations, including those found anew.  These creators realize the characteristics of the hero and villain are inherent in each of us.  Whether expressed by a cape and cowl or jeans and a jacket, every real life event has within it one or more stories to tell.  Although there are many heroic and villainous elements that can resonate with all of us, innovative companies and creators can always find newer (and perhaps better) ways to revisit these classic archetypes.


3. Like anyone of us who has been doing the same thing day in and day out, for years, comic companies and creators can make the mistake of overspecializing in one area.  Basically, we can focus too much in one area, which makes other aspects of a comic or any creative work weak after production. Don't get me wrong; if we didn't spend the time to develop the character or the storyline, it wouldn't continue to intrigue or interest readers.  But the flip side to this has an advantage.  It becomes a new opportunity to expand our understanding of the medium itself.  To introduce unique interpretations within the genre is vital.  Staying original helps to keep us all guessing on not only what comes next for the character and the plot line, but what we may be able to expect from the very industry itself.  A comic industry comprised of originality, spontaneity, and variety keeps the medium vibrant and strong.

     The comic book industry took a heavy hit when censorship surfaced in the 1950s.  By the '90s, when more mature themes in comic books (violence, sexuality, and even language) had more of a presence, there was more of a noticeable variety to mainstream comics.  Thanks to newer publishers within that decade, the audience for comic books was given more options of comics to choose from other than garden variety superhero comics.

     When a medium becomes stagnant, and limited creativity suffers.  Readers become bored.  Companies refuse to grow and often dumb down, or limit, their potential, fearing that they may lose their audience.  At the same time, companies can make desperate attempts (usually when its too late) to completely change what they produce when their core audience becomes too comfortable with their predictable formula.  It's better for a constant flow of change and evolution to be noticeable in the comic book medium- something that we see readily from innovative comic companies.