Six DC Titles Canceled, Major Shift In Creative Teams

I've really enjoyed Savage Hawkman, I'm very sad to see it go. I have to believe that both hawkman and deathstroke got messed up after Rob Liefeld left and they then had a bunch of different writers.

I really hope DC keeps hawkman "savage" in JLA and maybe they will get the art team back for the next hawkman vol. I thought they did a great job.

And yet Red Lanterns endures...

@Teerack:

Detective Comics, Dark Knight, Action Comics are selling well.

Surprised Batwing dodged the chopping block; the new direction could be interesting though. Sorta disappointed about Deathstroke as I thought the series was just hitting its stride. And man I thought Jurgens coulda turned Firestorm around, but nada...too bad.

@humanfly26 said:

hopefully none of the new titles are in the 'young justice' group so it will only have two titles now, lol

Actually in an interview, Harras said there will be some new Young Justice books. I don't know how many that means.

@krspaceT said:

@MadeinBangladesh: @MadeinBangladesh said:

WOW Team 7 didn't even Last!

WTF?? WHy is Deathstroke Cancelled? The book was getting awsome!!! It's all Rob Liefeld's Fault.

Why isn't WORLD FINEST cancelled? Worst DC book.

I agree with the Rob Liefeld thing

I agree with the Rob Liefeld thing

I had such high hopes for Savage Hawkman but it just baaad. I hung in there for too many months and just recently removed it from my pull list. The first issue was good but it was all downhill after that.

Also, Firestorm has effectively been ruined forever. It should have always been Ronnie and the Professor.

They need more Earth2 books.

I had thought DC Universe Presents was being cancelled as well, yes/no?

team 7 and deathstroke were something i was beginning to enjoy a lot...but i hope for the best in the future!

All of these cancellations seem like smart choices to me. Glad to see Team 7 go, Justin Jordan's talents were being wasted on it. I think I dropped that book quicker than any other book ever. Still, I'm surprised, I figured they would at least give it and Sword of Sorcery one more cycle. Glad to see Dial H is still around, I don't know what the sales numbers are on it, but I doubt it is high, and it's a damn good book that I discovered only in the past month.

But Batwing stealing Black Panther's costume...I don't know how I feel about that one. I trust Palmiotti and Gray though, so I might start picking that book up again just to see how it is.

Let me start by saying that I'm saying this as someone who had no problems with Rob Liefield before his run on Deathstroke but after seeing how he absolutely wrecked that book like an irresponsible teenager who had just been given the keys to a brand new Lamborghini I want him no where near any comic I might have a slight interest in reading! That being said it is clear his horrible run on Deathstroke is the catalyst for its cancelation despite the fact that it was a few issues ago now the series just never recovered. One may argue "Deathstroke was never really that good" I beg to differ because anyone who read the first story arc can see that both the art and the writing was grade A+

As for Ravagers my feelings are different, my hope is that maybe with the cancelation of this book we can get another crossover with them and the Titans which see's certain characters either leave the team or just get killed off (writer's choice) and we can have the Teen Titans team we should had at the start of the New 52 featuring Red Robin, Superboy, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Beast Boy, and Terra.

Lastly let me say that if the image above is reflective of a new style change/upgrade to Batwing's armor then I am all for it. Wish that Ken Lashley guy was going to be the permanent artist on the title though.

@Grey56 said:

I had thought DC Universe Presents was being cancelled as well, yes/no?

Yes, in April. These are for May, most likely.

@inferiorego said:

If only Kyle Higgins was allowed to stay on Deathstroke....

It would be selling just the same. By the time issue 8 came out Deathstroke was selling about 18k copies.

@Jonny_Anonymous said:

@Outside_85 said:

@NightFang: @Jonny_Anonymous: The Edge seems to be doing a lot better than the Young Justice line, which is now down to 2 books...and only 1 sells atm.

Yea but it also has a new upcoming book, The Edge now has three books, none of which sell.

Threshold is the 4th Edge title

@Impala said:

Sales for December for titles below 18K mark

• Legion of Superheroes – 16.9K
• Dial H – 16.2K
• Ravagers – 16.1K
• Stormwatch – 15.4K
• Team 7 – 15.3K
• Demon Knights – 15.1K
• Batwing – 14.7K
• Sword of Sorcery – 13.8K
• Hawkman – 13.6K
• Deathstroke 13.5K
• Firestorm – 12K

And I don't see Red Lanterns being cancelled any time soon cuz sales are 39K

Yup, and all these lost a significant percentage of their sales numbers over the last couple of month (Oct-Dec). Especially the most recent titles (Sword of Sorcery from 21 to 13k, Team 7 from 25 to 15k). No wonder they're getting cancelled. I wouldn't be surprised if none of the above titles will be cancelled by the end of this year. Even Batwing - I don't think it'll get a boost from Palmiotti and Gray.

DC Universe presents? A previous article said it would also be cancelled soon. Is that still so or not? It is not mentioned in the interview on CBR.

These are a lot of cancellations! Luckily I'm not really attached to any of these titles; except Demon Knights and that one's safe for now.

@DonFelipe said:

@Impala said:

Sales for December for titles below 18K mark

• Legion of Superheroes – 16.9K
• Dial H – 16.2K
• Ravagers – 16.1K
• Stormwatch – 15.4K
• Team 7 – 15.3K
• Demon Knights – 15.1K
• Batwing – 14.7K
• Sword of Sorcery – 13.8K
• Hawkman – 13.6K
• Deathstroke 13.5K
• Firestorm – 12K

And I don't see Red Lanterns being cancelled any time soon cuz sales are 39K

Yup, and all these lost a significant percentage of their sales numbers over the last couple of month (Oct-Dec). Especially the most recent titles (Sword of Sorcery from 21 to 13k, Team 7 from 25 to 15k). No wonder they're getting cancelled. I wouldn't be surprised if none of the above titles will be cancelled by the end of this year. Even Batwing - I don't think it'll get a boost from Palmiotti and Gray.

DC Universe presents? A previous article said it would also be cancelled soon. Is that still so or not? It is not mentioned in the interview on CBR.

These are a lot of cancellations! Luckily I'm not really attached to any of these titles; except Demon Knights and that one's safe for now.

DC Universe Presents is cancelled with issue 19.

@BatWatch said:

WTF about sums it up for me. Ravagers had its best issue in series history last month with a new writer. They could have at least let him finish his first arch before canning his series. Lame. Marx series failed in nearly record time, yet they give her Birds of Prey? Team 7 was a solid property in terms of story though I can see why it failed to connect with its base what with mix and matching the previous universes. Deathstroke, Hawkman, and Firestorm have all been a long time coming though.

Oh, also, I don't mind Palmiotti taking over Batwing, but Fabian Nicieza just started his run on the series, and it was shaping up nicely, so lameness on that front too.

@Friskynesss said:

Batwing had a good start but after the first arc, I was out of it

I feel bad for Deathstroke as it was getting good and Savage Hawkman was my favorite too

Oh well, here is to hoping that All will be Well

All iz well. All iz well.

Batwing was recently taken over by Fabian Nicieza, and he was actually doing good work with it, so I am disappointed he will be ousted.

@Kal'smahboi said:

Really sad that they couldn't make Hawkman work. They almost refused to try. I was excited when the series started, and quit one issue into Liefeld's run. Also, didn't Sword of Sorcery only go for like five issues? That's sad.

Yeah, but DC, being ever clever, decided not to waste the writing talent which managed to kill the series in only five issues and has instead decided to give her Birds of Prey. I'm sure copies of Birds will be flying off shelves with her at the helm. Flying! See what I did there? Clever of me. Almost as clever as DC's editorial team.

@Red_Robin97 said:

Didn't really care much for these titles anyway. New 52 has really disappointed me. I just wonder what they will do to replace them or if they're gonna replace them at all?

I hope something will. I actually like the one up one down model because it forces them to keep trying new things, but the counter argument is that it gives them an excuse to throw out half baked crap, so I'm not sure if it works in practice. Still, I like it in theory.

For more news, reviews, and commentary for the entire Bat Family, check out BatWatch.net.

I agree with you about Marx taking over Birds of Prey. However, Fabian Nicieza wasn't ousted from Batwing. He was first only asked to finish Winick's Father Lost storyline. They then asked him to pitch another story (Enemy of the State). He even clearly stated that he wasn't the new ongoing writer of Batwing, just the current writer. He was just a placeholder, like Paul Jenkins on Stormwatch, and Ray Fawkes on Batgirl.

DC's biggest problem is that they dug themselves a grave with the whole New 52 thing. I'm not necessarily talking about the reboot itself. I'm talking about the name "New 52" - they are locked into having 52 "ongoing" titles. And the problem is, they don't have enough quality talent to support 52 ongoing titles. Because of this, they've spread themselves way too thin.

And look at what DC's best titles are - they're the ones that have basically carried forward the pre-Flashpoint continuity as much a possible (Bat-books, the Green Lantern titles - even Red Lanterns) or would have worked regardless of the reboot (Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Animal Man). If they had done a "DC NOW!" we may not have as many continuity issues and troublesome storytelling as we have now.

Look, I understand why certain titles are in print, such as Batwing or Red Lanterns. I don't know anyone that reads them, but they appear to sell well enough where they aren't facing cancellation. Batman sells. Green Lantern sells. They're big DCU franchises. But they were big franchises before Flashpoint too. Maybe they should consider dropping it down to 40 ongoing titles - and this means cutting down the Batman-line of books. I love Batman, and the whole family of Bat-characters (look at my avatar), but 13 of the 52 series are Batman titles. That's 1/4 of the entire line dedicated to one character! That's insane! Okay, I sense I'm rambling at this point... which makes sense as I've been up for 20 hours. Goodnight Comicvine.

Except for Ravagers and Sword of Sorcery never really cared much for the others. it's just unfortunate that we don't get to see any more development of these characters: Rose Wilson, Caitlin Fairchild & Amethyst, but I hope I'm wrong and we still get to see them play a big part in some books.

@thenexusrebound said:

I am sad Sword of Sorcery is getting cancelled. I like the Amethyst story and I loved the Beowulf story.

I know! The Beowulf backups were the main reason I read Sword of Sorcery, it was a really interesting take on The Future of the DCU. I'll also miss Ravagers, which I personally thought was a great book. Except for Firestorm I thought all these comics were good.

Can't say I'm really surprised, but I am curious why some titles aren't listed here that should be....::coughs:: Red Lanterns ::coughs::

I never cared for any of the cancelled title. but im excited for what will be the new replacement. Maybe they will announce now the new superman by scott snyder and jim lee. or even a solo ongoing for cassandra cain...... well its just wishful thinking.

I don't read any of these titles, but I picked up one issue of Ravagers that looked like it could be interesting.

I'd love Deathstroke to have some appearances in Teen Titans though

Even at the sacrifice of Bart's knee

"Look for a Red Robin, Martian Manhunter, Superman/Batman, DC Comics Presents and Brave and Bold to enter the 52 arena sooner than later." - tweeted by Liefeld a few days ago.

It doesn't seem to be too far-fetched to say there will definitely be a few more Bat/Supes related titles coming up. I was so hoping for an Alfred Solo by Snyder. There's always hope!

Really worried about Talon now. Love that series. Anyone know the sales on that?

Dc needs to reboot the Legion already with a new creative team and new ideas. Legion used to be a top seller in the bronze age when both JLA and Legion were monthly giants. Legion also got the baxter treatment in the bronze age. I prefer DC reboot Legion into the 21st century to compete with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Maybe also reboot Legion into adults instead of teens. Teen characters don't seem to be popular anymore. I don't believe the new writer can save Stormwatch. Dc needs to find another writer for a Stormwatch reboot. The Authority Stormwatch were the good old days. I prefer a Demon title set in the current time 21st century. I also prefer Demon in Justice League Dark or maybe Demon can lead his own team in the 21st century. There's already too many Bat titles so Batwing probably can't be saved.

@Taylors005 said:

@krspaceT said:

@MadeinBangladesh: @MadeinBangladesh said:

WTF?? WHy is Deathstroke Cancelled? The book was getting awsome!!! It's all Rob Liefeld's Fault.

I agree with the Rob Liefeld thing

I agree with the Rob Liefeld thing

I STILL dont get DC's logic with Liefeld. he bombed Hawk& Dove, so they gave him a GREAT title. Then when he bombed it they took him off and cancelled it. WTF? Obviously, the book can still do great. you Just need to give people time to get the taste of LieFail out of their mouths.

...but then again, all the NEW 52 seems to be is gut reactions. No real planning or patience. They just .... do Things. Chasing that elusive "NEW READER"... who in reality is just old readers who were previously driven away by some other stupid CRAP they did...

Hawkman and Firestorm probably could be saved with new writers. Better to simplify Firestorm into just 1 super hero instead of 2. For the replacement titles, I hope we can see Gen 13, Wildcats, Cyborg, Captain Marvel Shazam, Freedom Fighters, Checkmate. Martian Manhunter probably will be a back up feature for a few months.

Firestorm, Deathstroke, Team 7, Supergirl new writer, WHAT! The only good thing might be Jordan taking over De Falco books and Palmiotti, wait, I hope they are still on all star western DC, PLAN YOUR STUFF.

I tend to enjoy gray/palmiotti writing, but...batwing? idk, we'll see.

Well i'm bummed i started picking up Deathstroke after Lifield left the title and enjoyed it so far and i've heard good things about sword and sorcery, WTF DC COMICS? Leave crappy books like Superboy and Batgirl and you let Firestorm run for so long when it should have been kicked out a while ago.

I'm surprised that Team 7 is being canceled.

Why the hell would someone want to cancel ravagers, it's a good comic with a complex characters, altrough it wouldn't be bad to see some of those characters gets solo series like ridge or beast boy. Plus I will be missing fury of firestorm and savage hawkman.

Aww man this really is a bummer. It's been a bad time to be a Deathstroke fan. Just when things are looking up, they go and cancel it! Why?!?!

@BatWatch: It's not like this books are cancelled immediately they all were solicited for April so they can surely finish this arc on Ravagers

@Lanternrag: I don't know if you read the article (not the CV post, but the article it refers to), but Deathstroke is still going to be seeing a lot of action. Most readily, he's going to be in RHatO.

@modunhanul: Yeah sadly. I wish they would still cancel them based off reception though.

There will come a time; not to far into the future when the only titles DC are the Batman family. They may as well rename themselves BC (Batman Comics). So much for the dark, brooding loner.

The main concept of the new 52 has flaws in it.The merging of DC,Vertigo and Wildstorm is not acceptable and look what is happening?...Team 7 is getting canned.IMHO which has very good wildstorm elements.Likewise Sword of Sorcery could have shined under Vertigo comics,but all DC cares about the sales and got it canned.Jordon would be an obvious choice of the "Edge" corner of DC.Instead he has given the role to write something about "Superboy"...lame,really lame

@Jonny_Anonymous said:

I'm done with trying to read new DC books, no matter how good they are nobody gives them a chance, not even DC so what the hell's the point?

Well with that kind of mentality we wouldn't be getting any diversity.
BB

I actually like johnsons run on Supergirl. Never read nelsons work.

Batwing getting a better costume is nice.

@Ganthetsward20: Firestorm is better now.

They're cancelling DEATHSTROKE ? The one true BADASS in DC comics ?

Man this is pathetic. Deathstroke is my favorite DC character of all time :'(

2 of the replacements have already been announced -

The Green Team and The Movement...

info here -

http://www.comicvine.com/forums/gen-discussion/1/2-new-dc-titles-announced/749205/#1

I don't care for any of those titles anyway so no skin of my bones.

Why isn't the Red Lantern comic there? Or Teen Titans really... *flees scene*

NO! Not Sword of Sorcery. It was one of my favourite books. And it had only just begun! Why DC?

In other news: These were comics?

@djotaku said:

In other news: These were comics?

Ha!