Comic books may have had a bad name for many years, but the recent glut of high-quality movie adaptions proved that this format provides far more intelligent, engaging, and fascinating storytelling than many expected. In fact, the comic worlds of Marvel and DC have taken over global popular culture in an unprecedented way and opened up room for mass comic love.
One unique benefit of this takeover is the rise of creator-driven comics by talented and skilled writers and artists. For example, Ghost Machine, a team created by legendary writer Geoff Johns, has hit the ground running in the last few years and looks to shake up the industry. Could a small indie company compete with The Bigs? Absolutely, and here’s why.
Why Ghost Has Shocked the World
Ghost Machine Comics has taken the unusual (for the industry) route of giving its talent full control of their work both on the creative and business end. They retain complete ownership of their characters and stories and receive fair compensation for their work. It’s a model the majors said would never work, but since 2022, Ghost has clearly been selling comics that people love.
In an interview with Geoff Johns (creator of Ghost), he revealed that this approach creates more engaged producers and produces far better work. As Ghost comics fly off the shelves, indie producers are taking notice. Perhaps it’s time to let go of the old models and reward the creators themselves. Just as significantly, the stories themselves are changing the industry.
Stories Beyond the Superhero Cliche
Obviously, Marvel and DC hit on a winning formula with their films. That said, the keyword in that last sentence sticks out like a sore thumb: formula. What was once a great and fascinating way to tell stories has grown stale. Fans are getting bored of the same approach, especially as it spills over into the comics themselves. Ghost and other indies are looking to change that.
A look at Ghost’s lineup reveals a broad range of comics that tell unique stories. “Geiger: Ground Zero” features a compassionate and radioactive hero exploring a post-apocalyptic world to find peace. “Redcoat” places an immortal Revolutionary War fighter in this same environment, while “Rook: Exodus” and “Hyde Street” add sci-fi and horror touches, respectively.
The Future Looks Promising for Ghost
Ghost Machine Comics can potentially emerge as a major industry leader in the comics world. While they may never hit the financial heights of Marvel or DC, their model works. Fans desperate for new, original, and intelligent stories have come to Ghost in droves. Could this lead to a new market of independent publishers creating stories people want to read?
Judging by the ever-declining sales numbers of Marvel and DC movies, it’s clear that the formula is wearing thin. It’s doubtful that these movies will ever completely bomb, of course. However, the success of Ghost and its many creators should give hope to up-and-coming publishers. They don’t have to stick to a narrow formula to find an audience for their work.
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