Reviving Defunct Comic Book Imprints: A Fan's Perspective

As comic books have evolved over the years, some imprints have fallen by the wayside, leaving behind a treasure trove of stories and characters that fans still cherish. In this article, we explore a few of these defunct imprints and discuss the possibility of their revival. From the balanced approach of the Hard Travelling Heroes to the futuristic marvel of MC2, there's a wealth of content that could bring joy and excitement to the modern comic community.

Hard Travelling Heroes: Finding a Modern Balancing Act

Hard Travelling Heroes is a unique comic book imprint that brought together the conservative Hal Jordan and the liberal Oliver Queen, the characters of Green Lantern and Green Arrow respectively, in an interesting co-op story. This imprint, run by DC Comics, provided fans with a blend of action and ideological discourse, as the two heroes went on various adventures.

I would love to see this imprint come back with a modern perspective. While the original series leaned towards Arrow's viewpoint, a contemporary approach could offer a more balanced perspective, detailing why each character believes what they do without dismissing either side's views. This would not only appeal to long-time fans but also attract a new audience looking for thought-provoking storytelling.

However, finding a writer who can put aside personal biases while keeping the stories engaging and not turning them into moral lessons would be a significant challenge. For instance, the clash between the Question's Ayn Rand philosophy and Green Arrow's hippie beliefs in the Dark Knight Strikes Again, which is one of the best parts of the series, shows the potential for interesting narratives.

MC2: A Marvel of the Future

The defunct MC2 imprint offers a glimpse into the future of comic books. Centered around Spider-Girl, this imprint produced a series of innovative and engaging titles such as J2 A-Next, The Buzz, Wildthing, and DarkDevil. Spider-Girl quickly became a breakout star, and the imprint's unique approach to storytelling and character development created a lot of buzz among readers.

The future-oriented nature of MC2 was its crown jewel. It showed a comic book company experimenting with themes and storytelling techniques that were ahead of their time. The titles not only captured the imagination of the audience but also set a benchmark for what the industry could achieve. This is a heritage that could be revived and celebrated by both fans and comic book creators alike.

Imagining a Revitalized Crossgen and Wildstorm

Another iconic defunct imprint with a dedicated fanbase is Crossgen. During its brief but impactful run, it produced critically acclaimed titles like Sojourn, Way of the Rat, and Ruse. The stories and characters from Crossgen have a timeless quality and continue to resonate with fans who miss the imaginative and boundary-pushing nature of the imprint.

The same can be said for the Wildstorm imprints like Authority, StormWatch, and WildC.A.T.S. These series were like comic book cocaine for me during their peak, offering intense action, groundbreaking concepts, and a sense of adventure that was unmatched at the time. The characters and stories are so rich that they have continued to influence modern comic book creators and readers.

Reviving these imprints, with updated stories and a modern take on the original characters, could breathe new life into the comic book industry. Fans would relish the chance to experience these beloved characters in a fresh and engaging format. The characters and stories are more relevant now than ever, especially as society grapples with new challenges and perspectives.

Conclusion

The defunct comic book imprints mentioned here hold a special place in the hearts of many readers. Whether it's the balanced narrative of Hard Travelling Heroes, the innovative storytelling of MC2, the imaginative content of Crossgen, and the intense action of Wildstorm, there's a wealth of content that could be revitalized and enjoyed by current and future audiences.

If the comic book industry takes an interest in reviving these imprints, it could revive not only the books but also the spirit of creative exploration and storytelling that these companies typified. This would be a win for fans and an opportunity for creators to bring new life to cherished characters and ideas.