I know there are Major Spoilerites who have been decrying Robert Kirkman’s shipping schedule (you know the one that is never on time). Well, Kirkman promises he’s going to change in 2009, by getting his titles out on time.
“That’s right, kids, this time it’s for real,” said Kirkman. “Every single one of my titles – WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN and BRIT – will now be guaranteed to ship by their solicited date. This isn’t an empty promise and I’ve taken that extra step of hiring Aubrey Sitterson, an editor for my entire line, a guy you may know from his days at Marvel.”
I’m wondering if this has anything to do with his statement about creator owned work, or recently being named partner with Image Comics, or if it has anything to do with the basic sales technique of “you can’t make money, if you don’t have anything to sell”?
In regards to Mr. Sitterson, he’s been quietly working with Kirkman these last couple of months to get him whipped into shape.
Sitterson said, “I spent years wrangling Robert at the House of Ideas. Now, I’m champing at the bit to crack the whip and mix whatever metaphors necessary to get every last one of his books out on time – no exceptions and no excuses!”
Anyone want to take bets on how long it takes for the first ship date to miss? January 2009 will see Astounding Wolf-Man #12, Brit #12, Invincible #58, and The Walking Dead #57.
6 Comments
Wow. He guaranteed every one of his titles would be on the shelves on time. Is that anything like Domino’s Pizza’s old ‘At your door in 30 minutes or it’s free!’ guarantee?
Because, if not, it’s just empty words and I doubt he sticks to his little ‘New Year’s Resolution’ here longer than anyone else sticks to any of theirs (ie: he’ll break it by February).
I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now….
….broken by June.
Cant wait for the walking dead volume 10!!!! one of these days…..
I was there at the panel down at Baltimore Comic Con when he made the announcement. Call me skeptical given his track record, but it looks as though he’s taken steps to ensure that this would become a reality.
As far as The Walking Dead goes … let’s move the plot along! And who is Awesome Handlebar Mustache Guy?
Amazing Wolf-Man #12 – One week late.
Brit #12 – Two weeks late and counting.
So much for this guarantee. He lasted exactly two weeks. Shame he isn’t getting more heat for this. No matter what the excuses – a guarantee is a guarantee, and this story is just one of much free press he got because of that broken promise.