Why Marvel Should Embrace DC’s Bold New Direction for Ultimate Success

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For quite some time, Marvel has held the top positions in sales charts. However, the dynamics have changed dramatically. DC’s “Absolute Universe,” which is their equivalent to Marvel’s rebooted Ultimate Universe, has created a stir on these charts. While DC titles like Batman occasionally took the top spot, it was unusual for multiple DC books to be among the top ten simultaneously. Even non-Absolute series are gaining traction now, as the popularity of the Absolute Universe seems to be influencing other parts of the company. Conversely, Marvel is experiencing a turn of events that few could have predicted a year ago. To some extent, the success of DC’s Absolute Universe deserves some credit for this shift in Marvel’s fortunes.

In simpler terms, the concept of the “Absolute Universe” seems remarkably innovative, even though it shares similarities with Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. For years, Marvel Comics have been in a creative slump, and perhaps they could learn a thing or two from the fresh approach taken by the Absolute Universe. The Absolute Universe has proven to be incredibly successful, and it would be beneficial for Marvel to emulate this success.

The Formula to Absolute Success

The triumph of the Universe Absolute is attributed to numerous aspects, yet what stands out the most and contributes significantly to its success is its uniqueness. A recent edition of Absolute Batman, for instance, showcases this distinctiveness brilliantly. In this particular issue, a new element – the Absolute Bat-Signal – is presented, but with an intriguing twist. Instead of the police creating it, Batman crafts it using the $200 million he earned from Black Mask. Initially, this might appear as just an exciting scene, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The makeshift Bat-Signal, designed to stand strong, instead succumbs to the fiery glare of the spotlight and literally sets money ablaze. This unconventional act by Batman serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering principles, demonstrating that he refuses to be swayed by monetary influence. However, this action also challenges a traditional aspect of Batman’s character. While the mainstream Batman uses wealth to facilitate his mission, often purchasing resources for ease, Absolute Batman was not raised in affluence and views money as the source of Gotham City’s woes. By destroying money, he symbolizes his stark contrast from the Batman readers are familiar with. This reimagining of Batman’s character sets Absolute Batman apart from both Batman and Detective Comics. It represents a clever twist on classic Batman tropes.

In these alternative narratives, titled “Absolute Superman“, “Absolute Batman“, and “Absolute Wonder Woman“, the creators deviate significantly from traditional stories. For instance, in “Absolute Superman“, Superman’s upbringing is not by the Kents but his biological parents, Jor-El and Lara, on Krypton. His acquaintance with the Kents is suggested, yet their relationship isn’t fully established. Lois Lane in this version is not the courageous journalist we are familiar with, but an agent of a shady quasi-military corporate cabal. Jimmy Olsen, instead of being a sidekick-style photographer, is a freedom fighter. “Absolute Wonder Woman“, while retaining some similarities, presents a more dramatic shift as Wonder Woman was raised in Hell rather than Themyscira. These departures from the norm enable these characters to explore entirely new paths. So, don’t expect to find familiar stories told by the Absolute books anytime soon.

The key to continued success builds upon the initial foundation – it’s the innovative groups of creators. The Absolute series boasts an abundance of exceptional talent such as Scott Snyder, Kelly Thompson, Jason Aaron, Nick Dragotta, Rafa Sandoval, and Hayden Sherman, all recognized leaders in their field. Soon to join this impressive roster are Jeff Lemire, Al Ewing, Deniz Camp, Nick Robles, Javier Rodriguez, and Jahnoy Lindsay. These creators are ideal for providing the necessary freedom to produce exceptional work. Intriguingly, Lemire recently disclosed in his newsletter that the first Absolute crossover is currently being coordinated, with emphasis on the high degree of collaboration among the creative teams. This collaborative approach is crucial for creating a unique line of books.

How Can Marvel Use This Method?

Instead of pointing out that Marvel can’t or already does what Absolute books are doing, it’s more accurate to acknowledge the praiseworthy Ultimate line but emphasize that Marvel’s main issues lie elsewhere. Many popular franchises such as X-Men, Spider-Man, and Avengers remain mired in stagnant storylines, heavily influenced by editorial intervention. The lack of innovation is palpable, with most books resembling repetitive versions of their former selves rather than fresh takes. While adhering to expectations is acceptable for titles like Fantastic Four, Marvel as a whole should break free from the constraints that hinder creativity and venture beyond their comfort zone.

In essence, the approach taken by Absolute comics serves as an exemplary model for Marvel. To stay innovative, Marvel should loosen the reins on its creative teams, just like how Absolute comics did. Marvel has maintained its dominance for so long that change may not seem necessary, but this very stability can lead to stagnation, even in success. It’s essential for Marvel to relinquish control from those who insist these stories should adhere strictly to a certain formula and instead let the creators breathe life into their work. The Absolute comics continue to use familiar characters, yet they manage to keep readers engaged by presenting fresh, intriguing twists that leave fans eager for more. For Marvel to reclaim its title as the “House of Ideas,” it needs to adopt a similar approach.

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2025-02-23 01:13