DC Comics Publisher Dan DiDio revealed that Mark Russell and Richard Pace’s Second Coming series was cancelled because DC Comics needed to make edits to the series.
DiDio responded to a fan who posted on his Facebook wall inquiring about the cancellation:
“Hated to see this series leave DC, but we needed to make edits and it was Mark’s preference to keep it as originally presented. So we respected his request to return the project. I love Mark’s work I wish him and Richard nothing but the best when they publish.”
He would reiterate that with another fan who expressed their distaste for the cancellation.
Creators Mark Russell and Richard Pace indicated it was their decision to cancel the Second Coming series by requesting the rights back.
The: DC/Vertigo’s cancellation of the orders for Second Coming, just so you know, DC did not do anything untoward to me. I asked for the rights back and they gracefully agreed. They’ve been a pleasure to work with and it will still be released, albeit with a different publisher.
— Mark Russell (@Manruss) February 13, 2019
Also, re: Second Coming, I want to thank everyone at Vertigo who’s gotten it to the point where it’s as good as it is. Specifically, I want to thank Molly, Maggie, and Mark for all their support and hard work. Wherever it ends up coming out, know that this is still your book.
— Mark Russell (@Manruss) February 13, 2019
Re: Second Coming. My goal is always to write the best books I can about things I have a deep personal attachment to. Publishers have goals of their own. Sometimes our goals complement each other’s, sometimes they don’t. It’s okay to admit it when they don’t and go separate ways.
— Mark Russell (@Manruss) February 14, 2019
Pace would echo Russell in multiple Tweets.
So Mark and I requested the rights back and DC is being very kind and generous about this.
Stay tuned for further announcements about the series https://t.co/EnXM3C1vH2
— Richard Pace @ECCC & C2E2 03/19 (@rpace) February 13, 2019
The big news on Second Coming is @manruss and I asked for our book back and @dccomics very generously is doing so. We’re looking forward to announcing the new home for Sun-Man, Jesus and their family soon.
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.#secondcoming #jesus #vertigo #dccomics #comicartist #workincomics pic.twitter.com/x53s94uEMj— Richard Pace @ECCC & C2E2 03/19 (@rpace) February 13, 2019
The big news on Second Coming is @manruss and I asked for our book back and @dccomics very generously is doing so. We’re looking forward to announcing the new home for Sun-Man, Jesus and their family soon.
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.#secondcoming #jesus #vertigo #dccomics #comicartist #workincomics— Richard Pace @ECCC & C2E2 03/19 (@rpace) February 14, 2019