Marvel Comics released Generations: The Iron #1 this week, which theoretically should have excited fans of Tony Stark. The cover features old-school armor and it looks like writer Brian Michael Bendis was going to show the billionaire in his prime — paired up with protégé Riri Williams.
Given that this is 2017 and Marvel is run by writers and editors who downright loath long-time customers, that is not what the company delivered.
- If you always wanted to see Tony Stark as a 126-year-old man who oversees a mystical police state, then this story is for you.
- If you always wanted to hear someone tell Riri Williams that she will eventually be one of the most important characters in “the galaxy,” then this book so for you.
- If you just can’t get enough of SJW-Marvel characters who take selfies with adoring fans, then this book is for you.
In short, Marvel is practicing a “death by 10,000 paper cuts” approach with older readers to push them away. The bet is that young people (who generally steal comics online instead of buying them in stores) will somehow be convinced to fork over cash. If the plan fails and it turns out that Marvel needlessly alienated men and women who would have purchased comics for another 30-40 years, then writers and editors can always blame other factors for the industry’s implosion.
Check out my latest YouTube video for a full rundown, and as always feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below. I’m interested to hear what’s on your mind.
