CHUD.com Community › Forums › ARTS & LITERATURE › Comics & Anime › DC's "After Watchmen, What's Next?" Program
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

DC's "After Watchmen, What's Next?" Program

post #1 of 39
2/18/09 at 11:37am
Thread Starter 
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020918-Watchmen.html

Quote:
The excitement surrounding the upcoming WATCHMEN feature film has brought new readers to the graphic novel format. Now that they’ve read WATCHMEN, where do they go next? Help point them in the right direction with DC Comics’ “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” program.

DC Comics has developed a marketing campaign that spotlights several award-winning, best-selling titles from our various imprints. Each book reflects an aspect of WATCHMEN’s broad appeal — including other works by Alan Moore, science fiction tales, post-modern super hero action and sophisticated titles for mature readers — and is a great entry point for both new fans just discovering graphic novels and established readers looking to try something new.

The program is supported by an extensive marketing campaign including five promotionally-priced reprint Specials which are rush solicited below.

The marketing campaign includes:

Five “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials featuring a cover price of just $1.00:

• SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION
• TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION
• PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION
• PREACHER #1 SPECIAL
• IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL
I like the impulse behind this, even if I doubt they'll be able to make this campaign visible outside of the direct market.
Reply
post #2 of 39
2/18/09 at 11:47am
Identity Crisis?
Reply
post #3 of 39
2/18/09 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 
I guess it's for people who thought the rape angle of Watchmen wasn't developed enough.
Reply
post #4 of 39
2/18/09 at 11:59am
I'm not sure whether this is gonna work at all, but it seems like a good idea. Except for Identity Crisis ofcourse. And the fact that people will need to go into comic book stores run by sweaty anti-social nerds to get them.
Reply
post #5 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:08pm
I don't know if I'd suggest 'Preacher' to anyone coming off of 'Watchmen'. As much as I love 'Preacher', they are both very different animals.
Reply
post #6 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:08pm
Way to hype titles that are no longer running.
Reply
post #7 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:11pm
Thread Starter 
I actually like that aspect of it: all of the stories they're pushing are self-contained* and available in their entirety in bookstores. For DC, that's fairly forward-thinking.

*Again, Identity Crisis excepted.
Reply
post #8 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:14pm
No more mass epics and especially ones with the word "Crisis" in them. Move the fuck on already DC.
Reply
post #9 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:29pm
I can see why Identity Crisis, out of most of the Crisai, is the one included, because it's pretty much the most self-contained cross-over either M or D have put out in recent years. It's an excellent mystery, but I also think they're milking the name Meltzer.
Reply
post #10 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:36pm
What, no mention of Sandman or Y: The Last Man?
Reply
post #11 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt M View Post
I guess it's for people who thought the rape angle of Watchmen wasn't developed enough.
Hilarious.
Reply
post #12 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Dickson View Post
Way to hype titles that are no longer running.
Seeing as they should have done this back in 1987, they're still ahead of the game!
Reply
post #13 of 39
2/18/09 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankypanky View Post
I'm not sure whether this is gonna work at all, but it seems like a good idea. Except for Identity Crisis ofcourse. And the fact that people will need to go into comic book stores run by sweaty anti-social nerds to get them.
You can get these at B&N or Amazon. Those are the shoppers I would assume their targeting.
Reply
post #14 of 39
2/18/09 at 1:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BobClark View Post
You can get these at B&N or Amazon. Those are the shoppers I would assume their targeting.
I guess you mean the trades? But if I understand it correctly, these are floppy reprints of the first issues of these series.

So I wonder whether they will reach the intended audience.
Reply
post #15 of 39
2/18/09 at 1:21pm
Reading the full press release, it sounds like they'll be available outside of comic shops.
Reply
post #16 of 39
2/18/09 at 1:25pm
In seriousness, Preacher makes the most sense from DC/Warner's perspective.

It's the next prestige comic flick from DC/Vertigo, it's got an A-List director on it, and that will guarantee a certain pedigree of star. It'll have the highest profile publically and will be the most controversial of the books mentioned, generating more press (I cannot wait to see the Evangelical reactions).

It won't sell as well across the board, because of its content and because the SuperEvangelicals will threaten their congregations with damnation for reading it, but that patina of taboo will draw a lot of folks in as well.
Reply
post #17 of 39
2/18/09 at 1:32pm
I heard Transmet's pretty good. Haven't read it myself. Any thoughts?
Reply
post #18 of 39
2/18/09 at 1:36pm
Thread Starter 
I love Transmet. The quality dipped a little in the latter third, but it's a good comic, on the whole. The first volume is really cheap, and worth checking out.
Reply
post #19 of 39
2/18/09 at 1:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sackley View Post
I heard Transmet's pretty good. Haven't read it myself. Any thoughts?
It's cool, although a bit in love with itself.

DC, you should be using this opportunity to finally collect Garth Ennis' Hitman aka the best thing ever
Reply
post #20 of 39
2/18/09 at 2:39pm
My knee jerk reaction is that this is a good idea, and fairly overdue, as Bob said. It's kind of sad that comic stores need to have DC hold them by the hand and say "THIS is what you give to people who come in to buy Watchmen", but I guess it happens in some form to all retail stores as well.

What I want to know is what the practical incentive will be, other than the power of suggestion. Are they going to offer 20% off a "Preacher" volume for people who buy Watchmen, or something? Because just telling people to read their other stuff may not be enough.

And yeah, Y: The Last Man ought to be right up there as well. Sandman's a little esoteric, but then people who enjoy Watchmen ought to be able to get into it.
Reply
post #21 of 39
2/18/09 at 3:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Prankster View Post

And yeah, Y: The Last Man ought to be right up there as well. Sandman's a little esoteric, but then people who enjoy Watchmen ought to be able to get into it.
Those were certainly the omissions that surprised me most. Maybe Sandman's already well-enough established with non-comics readers. I'd have also thought that a dose of John Constantine would go over well.
Reply
post #22 of 39
2/18/09 at 3:34pm
Thread Starter 
You're getting the Constantine via Swamp Thing.
Reply
post #23 of 39
2/18/09 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
No more mass epics and especially ones with the word "Crisis" in them. Move the fuck on already DC.
I believe that's why they did FINAL Crisis.
Reply
post #24 of 39
2/18/09 at 4:34pm
I was hoping DC would release the original 60's Charleton Hero stories on whom the Watchmen were based in a reasonably priced format but noooooooooo-----
I would be interesting in reading those, but not at the prices DC is asking for it's Archives "Action Heros" editions.
That said, DC has a better program of publishing it's classic material then Marvel, particularly when it comes to the Golden Age material.
Reply
post #25 of 39
2/18/09 at 4:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeShaynePI View Post
I believe that's why they did FINAL Crisis.
Now, do you really think we won't see "Crisis Returns!" befores its all said and done?
Reply
post #26 of 39
2/18/09 at 4:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jesse Custer View Post
In seriousness, Preacher makes the most sense from DC/Warner's perspective.

It's the next prestige comic flick from DC/Vertigo.
I thought Y was next on the books for DC, but if I've missed a "Y movie dumped as DC stalls again" article sorry.

I like the idea of the $1 re-issue in the era of $4 comics, it's a nice thing to do, odd that they could have done it on FCBD a month or so later.

As a very very casual DC reader I thought that Identity Crisis was an odd choice as it relies very very heavily on the established DC continuity (something that made it hard for me to get into), whereas the other books all inhabit their own little vertigo universes (I think).

Is there any reason why they aren't pushing more of the wildstorn / ABC stuff? I mean they are owned by DC right and the Alan Moore connection is $$$?

Wouldn't have made more sense to print discounted copies of vol. 1 to get people into them? Or even to do new anthologies of them (ala essential / showcase) - As it is -it's a bit of a rook, first issue $1, all 10 volumes $200+!!!!

Incidentally my favourite: "Ultimate Crises on alternate Tuesdays."
Reply
post #27 of 39
2/18/09 at 4:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_adam View Post
Is there any reason why they aren't pushing more of the wildstorn / ABC stuff? I mean they are owned by DC right and the Alan Moore connection is $$$?
The ABC titles are all a little esoteric, though. Tom Strong is too juvenile on the surface (they're clearly picking books with a more 'adult' vibe), Tomorrow Stories is an anthology (and is pretty spotty in quality), Top 10 requires a lot of knowledge of superhero conventions and comic culture to really get, and Promethea is, well, Promethea.

I think that, given what DC seems to be going for, and given the Alan Moore material available to them, Swamp Thing is probably the right choice.
Reply
post #28 of 39
2/18/09 at 5:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_adam View Post
I thought Y was next on the books for DC, but if I've missed a "Y movie dumped as DC stalls again" article sorry.
No, that might be true - Y just wasn't one of the books listed in Matt M's post, and Preacher was.
Reply
post #29 of 39
2/18/09 at 5:17pm
I'd imagine a 'Introduction to Vertigo' type pamphlet would work well. There's a variety of stories there and most people who liked Watchmen will find something within that range.
Reply
post #30 of 39
2/18/09 at 5:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt M View Post
You're getting the Constantine via Swamp Thing.
D'oh!
Reply
post #31 of 39
2/18/09 at 5:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kriegaffe View Post
I'd imagine a 'Introduction to Vertigo' type pamphlet would work well. There's a variety of stories there and most people who liked Watchmen will find something within that range.
There are a few of those in print, actually.

First Offenses

First Taste

First Cut

Might not be a bad idea to rebrand those for the post-Watchmen reader, though.
Reply
post #32 of 39
2/21/09 at 2:28pm
Here's an e-mail from Diamond.

Quote:
The excitement surrounding the upcoming Watchmen feature film has brought new readers to the graphic novel format. Now that they’ve read Watchmen, where do they go next? Help point them in the right direction with DC Comics’ “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” Program.

DC has developed a marketing campaign that spotlights several award-winning, best-selling titles from various imprints. Each book reflects an aspect of Watchmen’s broad appeal – including other works by Alan Moore, science fiction tales, post-modern super hero action and sophisticated titles for mature readers – and is a great entry point for both new fans just discovering graphic novels and established readers looking to try something new.

The program is supported by an extensive marketing campaign, including five rush-solicited reprint Specials promotionally priced at just $1.00.

Specials include:

• Saga of the Swamp Thing #21 Special Edition (JAN098009C, $1.00): Written by Alan Moore with art by Stephen Bissette & John Totleben. Cover by Tom Yeates. On sale March 11; 32-pages, full-color, $1.00 US; Mature Readers.

• Transmetropolitan #1 Special Edition (JAN098010C, $1.00): Written by Warren Ellis with art by Darick Robertson & Jerome K. Moore. Cover by Geof Darrow. On sale March 18; 32 pages, full-color, $1.00 US; Mature Readers. FOC date: Thursday, February 26

• Planetary #1 Special Edition (JAN098011C, $1.00): Written by Warren Ellis; art & cover by John Cassaday. On sale March 25; 32 pages, full-color, $1.00 US; FOC date: Thursday, March 5

• Preacher #1 Special (JAN098012C, $1.00): Written by Garth Ennis with art by Steve Dillon. Cover by Glenn Fabry. On sale April 1; 48 pages, full-color, $1.00 US; Mature Readers. FOC date: Thursday, March 12

• Identity Crisis #1 Special (JAN098013C, $1.00): Written by Brad Meltzer with art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair. Cover by Michael Turner. On sale April 8; 48 pages, full-color, $1.00 US – FOC date: Thursday, March 19

These titles will arrive in stores weekly beginning March 11, and prominently feature the “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” branding and trade dress. Each is offered to all Diamond retailers at a special “C” discount code of 60% off.

Furthermore, DC’s marketing support for the “After Watchmen, What Next?” campaign includes:

Print

•32-page booklet to be given away at conventions, comics shops and book stores
• House ads in the DC Universe, Vertigo and WildStorm titles
• Editorial page promotions in Vertigo: On the Ledge, DC Nation and WildStorm Stormfront columns
• Trade ads

Online

• E-mail Blasts
• National Consumer Online Banner Advertising Campaign
• Retailer Tools on DC Comics retailer page on diamondcomics.com
• Checklist, Header Card, Shelf Talker and Bag Slick
• Bag Stuffer for DC Retailer page for Direct Market retailers

Social Networking

• After Watchmen, What’s Next? MySpace Group
• After Watchmen, What’s Next? Facebook Group

Conventions

• Ad pages in Convention Program Guides
• 32-page Booklet distribution at DC booth
• Bookmark distribution at DC booth

DCcomics.com

• Website at www.ReadWatchmen.com
• Showcase titles on the homepages of DC, WildStorm and Vertigo throughout February, March and April to capture new Watchmen readers
• Articles on DC, Vertigo and WildStorm homepages

Co-Op

• Co-op Movie Slide
• Co-op Ad Slick

Don’t miss this opportunity to maintain momentum in your store after the monumental opening of Warner Bros.’ Watchmen movie on March 6 – place your orders now for DC’s five “After Watchmen, What Next?” Special Editions by contacting your Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@diamondcomics.com. While you’re at it, check your stock on Watchmen (HC JUL080172D; TP FEB058406D; Absolute Ed. JUL080174D) and secure more copies now, before the movie opens. Clock’s ticking…
Reply
post #33 of 39
2/23/09 at 9:18pm
Good god, it sounds like one of the Big Two actually wants to bring new readers into comics! Follow through is, of course, the key, but good for DC for trying something.

And, good for DC for not just shoving superheroes. Yeah, Identity Crisis , but at least there's more to the campaign.
Reply
post #34 of 39
2/23/09 at 10:48pm
Thread Starter 
You can see why they're pushing Identity Crisis, though. On the surface, it's more similar to Watchmen than any of the other books.
Reply
post #35 of 39
2/24/09 at 7:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt M View Post
You can see why they're pushing Identity Crisis, though. On the surface, it's more similar to Watchmen than any of the other books.

Agreed, though I still maintain my Charlton 60's heros reprint is a natural for this....
Reply
post #36 of 39
2/24/09 at 7:16pm
Thread Starter 
That would be great for those of us who are already comic nerds. It would be terrible material to foist onto people who've not read any comic other than Watchmen and are looking for other things to read. It regresses the experience, rather than progressing it. You're not opening any new doors for the reader.
Reply
post #37 of 39
2/24/09 at 10:23pm
Identity Crisis was like a gift from God to me. I can't tell you how many times I watched Super Friends as a small child and thought to myself... "There's not enough rape in this cartoon."
Reply
post #38 of 39
2/25/09 at 12:50am
Wouldn't this be a great way of introducing Tommy Monaghan to the world again? Hitman is by far my favourite series that DC has published and thats including their other imprints.
Its been nearly two years since they talked about publishing the books again, where is it? I want to hold physical copies of that book in my hand so i can cuddle it and whisper bueno! in-between turning the pages.
Reply
post #39 of 39
3/12/09 at 7:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timothy225 View Post
What, no mention of Sandman or Y: The Last Man?
I can't picture a "Sandman" movie. That comic would work better as a TV series (and one that should be made for HBO at that).
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Comics & Anime
CHUD.com Community › Forums › ARTS & LITERATURE › Comics & Anime › DC's "After Watchmen, What's Next?" Program