The era of comic book industry reform began in the 1970s, which is considered the Bronze Age of comics. New superheroes emerged and agreements were made to utilize merchandising. Marvel teamed up with Mattel and started the process of selling action figures in the early 1980s. Comics were evaluated in a more realistic manner, transforming the casual way of relating to superheroes. Three-dimensionality emerged during this time when the boom of a golden age faded, and sales gradually declined with the advent of television.
Since 1985, the modern age has been established. New themes about character evolution and linear storytelling were explored, with a stronger chronological sense. There were several comic reboots, and the industry faced evident crises, both for DC and Marvel. The leap from this industry reached the film and television world, where new ideas started to emerge for bringing superheroes to the screen. Even comics made their way into the gaming industry, all thanks to the vast North American market, which can sell different things every year due to its consumer-driven economy.
For capitalists, the North American market is a gold mine that produces substantial dividends. Entertainment is just one of the markets to exploit, and from there, you can understand that wealth is always distributed in questionable ways.
-Hellboy sales have taken off, - said Anne, the new secretary at Lux Animation.
Anne has a tan complexion, blonde hair, and soft features. She studied Administration at the University of San Jose. At 27 years old, she hasn't been able to secure a good job that helps cover her expenses, so she decided to work as a secretary and manage Lux Animation. A weekly salary of $900 is not insignificant. She works from Monday to Friday, and the schedule is not strict, allowing her to pick up her younger brother from school, which is a 30-minute drive from the Lux headquarters.
The most intriguing aspect of her contract is the confidentiality clause regarding Billy's identity and the handling of the yet-to-be-released titles stored in the drawing office.
-How are the numbers? - Billy asked.
-The sales increased by five points compared to last month's June. The fourth installment had a sold-out initial release, and they requested a new order for the entire series, -Anne replied.
-Not yet. We're short on ink. The order has been placed, but it will take three days for the delivery, along with a supply of 200 kilograms of paper from last month, - Anne said.
-70,000 copies sold in two days! - exclaimed Billy.
-No, but many stores have sold out. It's estimated that New York consumes the most comics, followed by Chicago, Phoenix, Arizona, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Everything is sold out in these five cities, according to the distribution chart. We can implement another print run for the same quantity as before, - said Anne.
-That's good. I suppose you've scheduled it with the workers, - said Billy.
-Currently, there are only six people responsible for the entire book production. Given the number of sales, two people manage to assemble 1,500 books daily, totaling 4,500. With the sale of your new series and the accumulation of new ones, we need four more workers. -
-Make the arrangements and tell my father to provide the contracts. Is the production behind schedule? As for the ink, buy it wholesale without hesitation, - Billy asked.
-No, but it could be. The order for 280,000 copies can only begin tomorrow, with your advance numbers for Slam Dunk up to issue 24. And the great comic boon from issue 1 to 12 and 12 to 24. It won't be possible to finish them by the end of this month. We can print up to issue 24, pause, and fulfill orders for the Terminator, Samurai Jack, and Hellboy series, - Anne said.
-If there are so many orders, it's because there are good sales. Are four workers enough? - asked Billy.
-In some cities, there have been significant sales, but in others, sales are scarce. We still receive letters requesting more Slam Dunk issues, which has become the bestseller. But with the comic.boon business, the distributors have been waiting, - Anne said.
-If four are enough, it would fill the machine's capacity. Even if we hire more, it would be a waste of money. Nevertheless, expenses would increase with four more workers. Currently, you spend a total of $12,000 per month on payroll, - Billy commented.
-That's a considerable amount of money. A increase to $14,000 is manageable, - said Billy.
-It is. The financial statements are healthy. I've already started a management plan to optimize processes. There's poor organization, but once the implementation begins, we could produce 10,000 copies per day, - Anne said.
-That many? - Billy asked.
-Yes, it's all a matter of order,- Anne replied.
-Damn, remind me to give you a bonus at the end of the year, - Billy said.
- I'll note it in the company's agenda. By the way, you have a meeting with Mike in two days regarding the comic-con. You didn't participate, but he wants to give you some details. Also, the sale of shirts was well-received. But, as you said, all profits will be donated to 'Save the Children.' We received a thank-you letter, - Anne said.
-Good. I'll start studying next Monday. I don't know how much free time I'll have. Tell Mike that I'm free until Sunday - Billy said.
-Noted, -Anne replied.
-Mike also forwarded fan letters. There are a bunch, so be careful. Read them and respond to a few. They'll be left in the shipping mailbox, -Anne said.
-Alright, I'll be in the studio, - Billy said.
Billy's studio has changed significantly since they moved from his father's garage to a large warehouse five blocks away in North San Jose. The old warehouse met all the requirements. Remodeling the entire warehouse was madness. It was thoroughly cleaned, painted a nice white, and some broken things were replaced.
Currently, only 40 percent of the warehouse is being used, while the rest remains abandoned. As time goes on, they expect to utilize all the available storage space. Comics for children like Pinky and the Brain and Rugrats are especially targeted for ages 4 to 10. Billy plans to expand this section with Dexter's Laboratory.
Status:
Billy Carson:
Drawing: 22.12
Literature: 22.23
Acting: 17.00
Points: 134
[Art supply store
Purchased:
Samurai Jack: 15 points
Hellboy: 22 points (1993)
Slam Dunk: 30 points (1990)
Yu Yu Hakusho: 40 points (1992)
Dexter's Laboratory: 21 points (1994)
Rugrats: Adventures in Diapers: 25 points
Pinky and the Brain: 15 points (1992)
Johnny Bravo: 15 points (1994)
Rurouni Kenshin: 25 points (1994)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: 20 points (1994)
Doom: 15 points (1993)
The Lion King: 50 points (1991)
His latest purchase of The Lion King is quite something. As long as it's published before 1991, there shouldn't be any significant copyright issues. Considering that this film began its production process in 1988 as a secret project, the earlier it's published, the better," he thought.
The Lion King could be one of Disney's biggest hits in history. If I can secure a portion of that IP, I could earn over 900 million dollars at the box office, especially with its 3D remakes, which have multiplied its earnings. Not to mention the potential profits in other sectors. Now, selling the film rights of The Lion King for a share of the box office, let's say 10 percent, would be a golden opportunity.
On the other hand, my stats have increased by 17.00 points in acting ability. The system doubles the increase after reaching 20.00 points. However, with an ability of 20.00, it can already be considered semi-professional. But since it reached 22.00, the point gain has gone from 200 to 400 points.
In other words, this increase in points is progressive. How long will it take to reach 30.00? An estimate of at least 6,400 points, assuming the increase doesn't double with each step. However, since reaching 20.00, my abilities have taken a qualitative leap above the rest.
[7. Sell over 1,000,000 copies with Yu Yu Hakusho/Ghost Informant: 170 points.
-Sold 380,000 copies.
To discover your next repressed desire, you must fulfill the first one.]
On the other hand, the majority of my desires are complicated and unfulfilled goals, but as more people read the comics, the vicious circle grows.
The process of reading fan letters is endearing. Most of these fans ask for autographs or updates on the series. There's already a predesigned document for the majority of cases. Only a few are worthy of a response.
..
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