Surprising news out of DC Comics, with widespread reports that co-publisher Dan DiDio is no longer with the company. DiDio has been DC Comics’ top decision-maker alongside Jim Lee since 2010, after previously serving in roles as the company’s executive editor and vice president of editorial.
Under DiDio, DC Comics launched a number of successful imprints including Young Animal, Sandman Universe, Vertigo and Black Label - although the latter is the only one currently in operation as DC’s mature content has merged into that banner. He’s also been in charge of DC publishing when they’ve done some really interesting titles. DiDio was one of the main figures behind 2011’s The New 52 relaunch which was a mixed bag in terms of success. Still, the timing couldn’t be odder.
The reports of his exit (first coming from THR) arriving on a Friday isn’t all that surprising, but the fact ComicsPro 2020 is currently under way in Portland, is definitely a strange coincidence (DiDio spoke at last year’s event in Charlotte). DiDio has a long history with DC comics, joining the home of Batman back in 2002 as VP of editorial. In 2004 he jumped to executive editor and then was named co-publisher in 2010. DiDio’s made a number of key decisions over the last decade and for better or worse, changed DC Comics to the company it is today.
While it did lead to some solid titles like Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s run on Batman, it was also marred in controversy, mainly around editorial meddling, and a lack of female creators and the way certain female characters were used. One of the oddest decisions was not allowing characters to be married during that run, leading into a controversy on Batwoman that led to both J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman leaving the title. While DC’s post-Rebirth run has been more inclusive in terms of creators and diverse characters, it’s still lacking. While DC Comics has yet to confirm or offer clarification, writers and artists reacted to the reports on social media.
DiDio seemed to be spearheading the upcoming Generation Zero launch which was possibly going to lead the company in a new direction. What happens with that upcoming series and it’s overall importance to the future of DC Comics remains to be seen. During his time at DC, he also wrote a handful of titles including Sideways, Superboy, and Metal Men. DC Comics hasn’t officially confirmed the reports or released a statement on DiDio leaving the company. We’ll update this story should further news arrive.
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Source: THR
