minx thoughts
While informing people of the demise of the Minx line, I ended up going on a bit of a rant. So, in case you're not on my mailing list, here's what you missed:
Most of the comic news blogs and their comment sections have been filled with theories on what DC did wrong or why the initiative failed. Plenty of it doesn't even merit debate. But I've read so much about it all that I feel compelled to comment on a few things.
Some people have been blaming DC for not shelving the Minx books better in bookstores. And I know this was a major factor. But I don't think it was DC's fault. It's not that simple. Let's be honest: bookstores are still figuring out what to do with graphic novels in general. For them it's a new beast that's yet to be domesticated. Things are just as, or more so, confusing when you try to place the Minx books, which could potentially fit in 3 or 4 different sections of the store. But none of those current sections are perfect. There is no perfect solution.
I've read comments from bookstore employees about where they think the Minx books should have been racked. But the different employees contradicted one another, which really emphasizes that there is no correct answer right now.
Which brings us to my only real disappointment with how DC handled things: they pulled the plug too soon. The first Minx books hit store shelves a little over 16 months ago. That is not enough time to capture a specific audience that isn't already in place, that doesn't already have an established category. What Minx offered wasn't manga and it wasn't YA novels. It was something in between. And I think that in-between category can exist and SHOULD exist. But it's something that needs time to take root and find its place.
I had thought DC was going to make that commitment. Maybe I was wrong all along or maybe the accountants just got edgy and freaked everyone else out. I don't know.
And don't get me wrong; I know there are similar types of graphic novels being produced by other publishers. And I love them for it. But what excited me about Minx was that they were going to make a concentrated effort to raise the profile of the genre and actually promote them to the target audience outside of comic shops. But, again, they pulled the plug too soon. There are copies of Seventeen and Teen magazine on stands right now with prominent Minx ads filling their back covers and inside front covers, respectively. Not to mention other events they lined up with Seventeen magazine to get Minx in front of teenage girls. But now things are ending before we have a chance for those marketing plans to pay off.
However, aside from their decision to end it all, I have to applaud DC Comics for their efforts and for giving it a shot. I specifically tip my hat to editor Shelly Bond for the energy and enthusiasm she put into it.
Hopefully the types of graphic novels that Minx was striving for will continue to be produced under other imprints and at smaller publishers who are willing to put in the dedication to build that audience. But it will probably take that much longer without Minx around.
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steverolston) wrote,
