You could make an argument that what you say, that this article refers to only the first few months of the DC relaunch, is implied, due to the fact that, if Graeme’s previous article is to be believed, things are not nearly as good at DC now as opposed to last September. But that’s not explicitly stated, and even if it were, it leads to splitting hairs on how one views the term “success”.

I highlight them to show that there is clearly a narrative formed in Graeme’s blogs when talking about Marvel, especially Marvel NOW, and i am not the only poster to point it out recently. The rest of my argument (bitching about how poorly Marvel NOW is performing when it’s not on the stands) stands.

The quote from this column is a reference to the first few months of the new 52, when DC hyped the hell out of it in the mainstream press and when all of the books were returnable.

The second quote is referring to numbers from last month — a year after the relaunch.

Cherry picking information is exactly what you’re accusing Graeme (or, actually, Rich) of doing, but you’re doing the same thing.

Respond to his argument critically and logically. I understand what a loyal Marvel Zombie you are and feel protective over your Mania, but Graeme is coming from a place of caring whether you like it or not.

There’s been 4 (four) Marvel NOW books. One is a big hit, sold 350,000 copies, it’s their flagship title. One is a continuation of a poorly performing series that highlights a relatively unknown character -a gamble in any economic climate. One is a one-shot that acts as a preview for upcoming books, and one is an add on to Marvels successful summer event that is the definition of “non-essential” reading – something the market clearly shows readers dont want. Aside form Uncanny Avengers, how many of the titles teased and promoted as major Marvel NOW titles are out? What’s that? None, you say? Well what a perfect time to say the marketing failed to get people in stores! Just like the marketing for the new Lincoln movie failed to get people in theaters last weekend! What? It comes out this Christmas? Who cares, screw em! We have comprehensive data, from a private poll of 80 (80! Almost two per state!!!) who say these phantom books aren’t selling, so why bother with the fact that they aren’t on shelves yet!

But my favorite thing about this post HAS to be the part where Graeme says:
“Far more than the comics themselves, I’d argue that DC’s ability to get the word out to the “real world” about the relaunch, and ability to essentially make ordering the books as close to risk-free as is possible/likely are what made the New 52 launch as successful as it actually was. ”

Not because I disagree, but because just last week, he said this:
“In other words: Yes, DC may have won the dollar and market share for last month, but that doesn’t mean that they should necessarily feel happy with the way things are going over there.”

That’s from a post regarding the fact that outside its top 15 or so books, the mid to lower tier DC books aren’t selling anything. I’m sure that’s the success Graeme is talking about! At least you made it through without being depressed!