Adrenaline #4
- Posted by Johanna on June 4, 2007 at 6:20 am
- Category: Indy Comic Reviews
- CREDITS: written by Tyler Chin-Tanner; pencils by James Boyle; inks by Fabio Redivo
- PUBLISHER: A Wave Blue World, $2.99 US
The latest issue of Adrenaline is out… and it bears some bad news in the letter column.
Unfortunately, this will be the last individual issue published in print format since Diamond distributors have decided to drop the title. Have no fear, for we will continue to produce the remaining four issues online. We will then publish the complete series in trade paperback form in early 2008.
I’m glad to hear that — not about them being dropped, although that’s unsurprising for any small press comic series these days — but that they’re going to continue in alternate venues, because the story has grabbed me.
The reality show challenge this issue involves scuba diving, which allows for some gorgeous underwater art. One team demonstrates their lack of loyalty, while another chooses saving a life over winning the task. Plus, there’s more insight into what motivates one of the competitors.
This story is action-packed enough that any issue is too short. When I read one, I want it to keep going, so a longer collection will be just the thing. I’m looking forward to seeing that next year.
June 4, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Okay, I’m lost here. I don’t see where Diamond’s decision is doing the comic community any good. They claim that they are canceling titles like this to make the catalog more “manageable”. But I’ve noticed they added new sections for collectible statues and import toys. So the page count of the catalog hasn’t change, all that’s change the available of independent comics.
June 5, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I honestly don’t know why any new creator, especially those working with a small publisher, would go with single issues these days anyway.
What was the last one that had any success following that path?
June 6, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Johanna, thanks for the mention and the kind words about the Adrenaline series. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. As I said, don’t worry, it shall live on.
James, after this experience I have to agree with you. I guess I thought it would be fun to put a new kind of action/adventures out of the shelf, but its too much of an uphill climb, even for someonelike me who went into this with a very realistic view of the industry. I am moving to webcomics and graphic novels and I recommend the same for other new creators.
June 6, 2007 at 4:44 pm
You can’t fault Diamond for expanding their catalog in a way that attempts to help retailers diversify their revenue streams. The days of a comics-only store are fading fast, if they haven’t already passed, and ancillary products like collectible statues and import toys offer much more upside to Diamond and their retailers than a comic book that isn’t getting more than 1,000 copies ordered of each issue.
June 7, 2007 at 1:45 am
Tyler, yeah the market has changed so much these last few years. There are just so many options out there now, and even readers who like trying new series (such as myself) rarely will look at single issues anymore.
I do look forward to trying the series on the web, and hopefully picking up the collection. Especially since Johanna’s reviews have made it sound interesting.