Date: Mon, 27 Mar 1995 12:01:57 -0500 From: [g--l--n] at [falcon.bgsu.edu] (Metroplex) Subject: ftp 526 ==== FIT TO PRINT by cathrine yronwode for the week of March 27, 1995 THIS IS FIT TO PRINT NUMBER 526: Remember a while back when i wrote that despite shaky comic book industry conditions which had necessitated the layoff of several dozen employees and the axing of as many low-selling series, Marvel was continuing to announce new titles for spring in CBG? Well, not so fast. Three previously announced series - Fusion Force, Wraitheart, and Mode Extreme - have been put on hiatus before publication. Each title was based on characters created by Clive Barker and each was designed to intersect with the Marvel Universe by guest-starring mainstream Marvel super heroes. Ironically, the pre-publication cancellations went into effect even while Marvel was running full-colour ads for Clive's next big movie, Candyman 2. Not only that, his upcoming film Lord of Illusions is readying for spring release, and the latest entry in his gory spiritual-horror series, Hellraiser IV, has completed filming. Several issues of each of the Marvel-Barker titles have been fully scripted and illustrated, and Marvel still retains the rights to publish them if and when the market takes an upturn. And make no mistake, it is the current state of the comic book market, not any problems with Clive or his popularity that caused Marvel to stop work on the three Barker titles. In fact, it seems that the decision to shelve these books was based on the fact that Marvel's recent new launches have not been as successful as hoped. Hulk 2099 was cancelled with issue six, and two other titles went directly from open-ended to four-issue mini-series, when sales reports on the first issues came in. If Marvel can't successfully debut a new title under current conditions, then let the smaller publishers beware. It's cold out there! ANOTHER MEMO: In light of the buyout of Heroes World Distribution and persistent rumours that another distributor will soon sell out to Marvel, it is notable that Diamond Comics Distributors, the nation's largest direct distributor of comics, has decided to postpone its Annual Retailers Seminar. The announcement came February 22, when Steve Geppi, the president and CEO of Diamond, sent out a press release temporarily calling off the scheduled May 20-23 event. Geppi's explanation for the change in plans refers only obliquely to the behind-the-scenes gossip currently burning up the fax and phone lines; he assumes recipients will know enough to read between the lines. Here are the highlights: "A set of 'New Dynamics' is evolving in our industry, as suppliers, distributors, and retailers alike strive to understand the implications of Marvel's recent Heroes World acquisition. It may take some time for these new dynamics to come into focus, but Diamond's 'partnership' with Direct Market suppliers and retailers will continue. "In the meantime, because of the uncertainties of the marketplace, and the timing of the changes taking place, it becomes extremely difficult to plan and coordinate an event of the Seminar's size and scope... "Diamond is currently planning a series of retailer meetings on 'The New Dynamics' to be held soon in cities worldwide. Our Purchasing Department will also be contacting each of you in the near future to discuss how we can continue to best work together, given the changing nature of our marketplace." Since Diamond is not a rumoured target of Marvel's expansion plans, i read this press release as a notice that Geppi intends to sit tight, consolidate industry alliances, and react only if and when the metabolic byproducts actually contact the rotary blades. Good for him. ==== Fit to Print appears in print each week in Comics Buyers Guide and is available via e-mail. Tell your friends! To subscribe to Fit to Print via e-mail send a request with the words "Subscribe FtP" in the subject header and your address in the body of the message to [g--l--n] at [bgnet.bgsu.edu.] You will be added to the list and receive the next available issue. Backissues are available. FTP to nspace.cts.com and look in the Comics/About Comics/Comics News/Fit to Print directory. Responses are welcome and should be directed to [g--l--n] at [bgnet.bgsu.edu.] Fit to Print is Copyright 1994 Cathrine Yronwode. All rights reserved.