DC Is Replacing Its Imprints with an Age-Based Rating System
DC is shutting down its imprints DC Ink, DC Vertigo, and DC Zoom starting January 2020. The idea is that the comic publisher will release all content under the DC brand and introduce a new labeling system based on the targeted ages for the material. The age categories seem to fall into 3 categories: general, pre-teen (8-12-year olds), and 17+. They will be called DC, DC Kids, and DC Black Label respectively. Publisher Dan DiDio made the following statement:
“We’re returning to a singular presentation of the DC brand that was present throughout most of our history until 1993, when we launched Vertigo to provide an outlet for edgier material. That kind of material is now mainstream across all genres, so we thought it was the right time to bring greater clarity to the DC brand and reinforce our commitment to storytelling for all of our fans in every age group. This new system will replace the age ratings we currently use on our material.”
Jim Lee added:
“What we’ve done here is apply an ages and stages organizing philosophy that will strengthen what we’re already doing well, whether that is our move into the young adult and middle grade audience or our long track record of success with creator-driven pop-up lines. We will also continue to publish creator-owned projects, and will evaluate and assign to the appropriate label to help our fans find the best books for their interests. These new labels not only bring greater consistency and focus to our characters, but they also open up a wealth of new opportunities for the talent working on our books.”
The report does say that pop-up imprints will still remain a thing for miniseries from an individual creator. What do you think of this consolidation?
Via: THR