So What The Hell Is Going On At DC Right Now?

[Rich Johnston]

At DC Comics today, they've been holding individual meetings with staff members, and are about to start a general meeting for everyone.

I haven't heard a peep about what's actually happening or being said.

I have been assured that we're not talking redundancies, and I'm told that settled a few nervous flutters this morning. I know that there were other meetings yesterday but that the top heads are happier about what's going to be announced today. But it could be anything.

Karen Berger's resignation yesterday does seem linked, which has caused some wags to suggest that it's a full blown exodus to Burbank, the kind of move that Berger wouldn't countenance. This would depend of course on whether of not the DC archive has been thoroughly documented - it was this that caused much of DC to remain in New York during the big reorganisation a few years ago. And it might explain discussion about increasing efficiencies at DC...

There's been a suggestion that Diane Nelson may have moved on at Warners, while waiting for her bosses to finish their jousting for top position. And this is the big news.

The third suggestion is that something radical is happening to publishing policy, involving a major jump from print to digital, with all sorts of new opportunities.

But this is all mindless speculation, none of it is based in fact, and the other thing that people seem to know right now, is that they know nothing.

Socrates would be so proud.

[D Bell]

Nelson moving on (and up) would make sense. It's been about 18 months (a long time in corporate world) and her tenure has been a success - DC comic sales are up, direct to DVD sales are solid and it appears that merchandising is moving well (I'm seeing DC on more products today that a few years ago).
And that should/could mean a shake up of the five heads. Logic says the new Diane Nelson would be the fifth player we never hear about, the finance guy, because non-creative leadership always see the money guy as the most important. That's why so many corporate CEOs, TV presidents and radio GMs are the former CFOs and/or sales managers.
Or at least that's my guess.

Also I wouldn't discount the jump to an in-house digital sales platform. The sales have skyrocketed more than 300 percent over the past couple of years. Granted, when you start at near zero, any sales are a huge gain but this can be a huge cost savings over the long term.

A move to Burbank? Surprised that hasn't happened yet.

[downlikecharlie]

The last time DC made a huge publishing change involving DC, it worked out so well for me. Hopefully that will happen again.

[Timber-Munki]

May be they take their secret Santa really seriously.

[Cavemold]

so you made another thread about the same topic? lols.

[WinterCeltic]

so you made another thread about the same topic? lols.

Oh, there will be more. At least 1-2 more today alone.

[spacedog]

Nelson moving on (and up) would make sense. It's been about 18 months (a long time in corporate world)

Jenette Kahn was president for 26 years. Paul Levitz occupied the position for 9 years.

Comparatively, it is a very short period - even in corporate world.

[Mike H.]

Oh, there will be more. At least 1-2 more today alone.

Yep. It's the "multiple bites of the apple" approach.

[FireballXTC]

Rich Johnston - hugely out of the loop these days, clearly. Bit of a shame, as I do miss real quality comics goss. Maybe the rest of the day will prove me wrong, doubt it though.

[D Bell]

Jenette Kahn was president for 26 years. Paul Levitz occupied the position for 9 years.

Comparatively, it is a very short period - even in corporate world.

Not these days. It's all about what have you done for me this quarter. It's why Perlmutter does so well in the current corporate culture.