DC Comics Confirms Vertigo Comics Shut Down – Reorganizes Into Three Labels

DC Comics announced that Vertigo Comics will be extinct beginning in 2020. They specifically note “DC will sunset the Vertigo publishing imprint at the end of the year.”

The news confirms rumors about the imprint being shut down from earlier this month.

In a press release, DC Comics announced they will be restructuring their comic book division under three labels: DC Kids, DC, and DC Black Label. These changes are expected to go into effect in 2020.

Books being published under DC Zoom and DC Ink will be assigned to the DC Kids and DC labels “depending on the content and intended audiences.” DC Comics doesn’t specifically address their other imprints like Young Animal, Jinxworld, Wonder Comics, Sandman Universe, WildStorm, or MAD Magazine, but one can expect those titles will also be assigned based on their content and intended audiences.

DC Comics Publisher Dan DiDio explained the change, “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.” He added, “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.”

DC Comics Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee also stated, “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.”

Lee adds, “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.”

Lee would add on Twitter that “no books are being cancelled or going away.”

Scott Snyder revealed that his American Vampire series will find a home under Black Label.

Many comic book creators simply wished Vertigo farewell.

DC Comics attempted to relaunch Vertigo Comics last year. However, it featured a number of extremely controversial creatives teams that included Zoe Quinn, Robbi Rodriguez, Ramon Villalobos, Eric Esquivel, Rob Sheridan, and Richard Pace among others.

Following the relaunch, the controversial creators announced would plague the imprint.

Sales would also plummet as most titles didn’t even ship over 10,000 copies by their second issue.

Are you surprised that DC Comics is shutting down Vertigo Comics? What do you make of their new age-based restructuring? Is this a good move? Or does it spell bad things to comic for DC Comics?

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