DC Boss Admits Manga Is Better than American Comics (& What the Big Two Can Learn from It)
DC Comics has recently achieved a significant milestone, topping the American superhero comics sales charts for the first time in years. However, the company remains behind the overall best-selling comic entity: manga. Manga has dominated sales charts since 2014 and has become a widespread pop culture phenomenon in the United States.
The Rise of Manga and DC’s Response
DC Comics’ head, Jim Lee, addressed this shift in an interview with NikkeiXTrend, a Japanese publication. Lee, who has overseen DC’s recent sales successes, discussed the cultural impact of manga and potential lessons for the American comic industry.
A Different Approach to Comics
Lee highlighted the power of storytelling in Japanese manga and anime, questioning what American comics might be lacking. He noted a key difference: while American comics largely focus on superheroes, manga encompasses a much wider range of genres, including cooking and sports, appealing to a broader audience. In Japan, comics are viewed more like “literature,” accessible to all ages, unlike the perception of comics as children’s media in the West.
Lee also observed that younger audiences often seek something “uniquely their own,” and manga currently fills that role. Superhero comics, with their established characters and histories, can feel dated in comparison.
DC’s Exploration of New Territory
Recognizing the challenge, DC Comics has begun to explore genres beyond traditional superhero stories. The publisher has a history of strong horror and sci-fi offerings, and has recently increased its output of “slice of life” comics, such as the Fire and Ice minis, Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman, and Supergirl (Vol. 8). The return of the Vertigo imprint is also intended to add further variety to DC’s catalog.
While DC Comics has a strong track record of producing quality books, Lee acknowledges there is still considerable ground to cover to reach manga’s sales levels. He believes that learning from manga’s approach – expanding storytelling styles and increasing output – could benefit the entire industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary reason for manga’s success in the United States?
The sheer variety of manga genres, combined with its acceptance as a legitimate art form in Japan, has contributed to its success in the United States.
What is DC Comics doing to address the challenge posed by manga?
DC Comics is exploring genres beyond superheroes, including horror, sci-fi, and “slice of life” stories, and has revived the Vertigo imprint to increase variety.
According to Jim Lee, what is a key difference between the American and Japanese comics industries?
Jim Lee stated that American comics are largely focused on superheroes, while manga encompasses a much wider range of genres, appealing to a broader audience.
Will DC Comics’ efforts to diversify its offerings be enough to close the sales gap with manga?