DC To Cut Existing Workforce; Publishing To Remain In NYC; Digital To LA; WS And Zuda Lines Killed



Read the press release here. I'm going to sit back a day on this and see what people say in reaction. I'm enough of a comics purist focus-wise that I wonder if this isn't a total non-starter for me a story, anyway.

My first thought -- and I'm not saying it's a smart one, but it was first -- is that it's another curious half-decision from a company that seemed to promise bold new directions a year ago when Diane Nelson was brought in. My second thought was that this likely saves a bunch of existing jobs. I didn't have a third thought. My fourth thought was about Batgirl.

Update: A second, separate announcement brings news that they're closing the vastly under-performing WildStorm imprint, closing that office in La Jolla and moving some of the editorial into the west coast digital team, and also closing the Zuda imprint that some people believed was already closed but had really just shifted emphases. So much for first impressions. I'm going to assume that the WildStorm closure comes with some job-loss.

Update 02: They're going to cut about 50 of 250 jobs overall, according to an interview with Diane Nelson. I'm not sure why something that big is trickling out, but okay. Also, as much as I love Howard the Duck, I'll now make this entry sticky and put it top of blog until further notice.

Update 03: It looks like writer Kurt Busiek didn't know the WildStorm closure was coming, which may indicate that talent wasn't contacted ahead of the press releases.

Update 04: First major interview I've seen with Diane Nelson talking to an industry journalist. Oddly, the answer about making sure that publishing works with wider Warners entertainment divisions is more convincing than the answer about keeping the publishing culture intact -- if I didn't know before I read it publishing was staying East, I might be confused. Also, talks about plans for the properties to extend until end of year. Most importantly, they're doing a massive in-house personnel review position by position -- some relocation, some promotions, many layoffs. Next few days should be tough.

Update 05: Let's change the headline. It was formerly "Rumors Only Half-Right: DC Comics Remains In DC, DC Entertainment (Digital, Multi-Media) To L.A." I think the staff cuts need to lead here.
 
posted 8:00 pm PST | Permalink
 

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