Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Dark Matter
    Featured

    [Opinion] Comics Portal – Losing a Favorite

    Wayne HallBy Wayne HallSeptember 4, 20176 Mins Read

    It’s Labor Day, and that often means the end of Summer to many of us. I know, I know – many of you are already back at school, but when I grew up, the day after Labor Day was always the first day of school. (Yes, I’m that old!)

    However, with the advent of the Internet and the endless news cycle, we also can’t escape the unceasing flow of information, including the news that I came across on Friday night that a favorite Syfy show of mine, Dark Matter, has been cancelled after three seasons. Rats.

    This made me think about how I react when many of my favorite comics are cancelled, so I thought I’d share some thoughts on that today, a day off for many of us.

    WHERE DID MY BOOK GO?

    Cartoon Network, Beware the Batman, Green Lantern, Syfy, Dark Matter, Stargate, Netflix, Spider-Man, Marvel, Walking Dead, Black Knight, Christian, Black Panther, While the Internet is a place where many of us find out things we want to learn as well as what we don’t necessarily want to find out, I think it’s interesting that many comics simply disappear from the shelves in local comics shops. I mean, nary a word is said before they’re gone.

    On some levels, I was happy a couple of years back when I learned that Marvel’s The Black Knight was being cancelled after five issues. I mean, I’ve loved that character literally for decades, and I appreciated that he was given a new series, but I was heartbroken that he wouldn’t be around any longer. (Let’s face it – The Black Knight isn’t going to be featured in another, more popular title. He’s often considered an albatross who will only drag the other series down, at this point.)

    On the other hand, at least I knew! What if I had been looking for months with no sign of the book, only to be told by the person behind the counter at the store, “Oh, they cancelled that book months ago!” This has happened to me several times in the past, sadly.

    I don’t know how many companies do this, but I have seen Marvel function this way. Suddenly in their Preview book, a series can’t be found. Well, I think, maybe it just fell behind and needed a month off. Yeah, right!

    I check next month. Not there again. At that point, I’ve seen this happen enough to where I get to my computer and Google the series, only to find a teensy mention in a long news release that said book was halted. Double rats!

    I guess the notion is that we’ll keep looking for it in the Marvel stuff, and if we don’t see it, well, we just might pick up another Marvel to take its place.

    I never react this way. I get frustrated and unhappy, and find another company to look through. But that’s just me.

    WHERE DID MY HERO GO?

    I’ll stick with Black Knight for a bit because he’s been run through the wringer several times, often re-appearing as someone unrecognizable to his fans.

    I remember when the hero appeared in the Black Panther series as a Christian evangelist of some sort. “Become a Christian or die!” seemed to be his motto. Now, TBK had NEVER even said a word about being a religious kind of guy in any Marvel appearance in the past, so I was repulsed to see this happen to him. If you need someone to bring this activity to life, by all means, make a NEW character rather than bastardizing a known one in this way.

    Fortunately, few if any comics readers even remember this incarnation, so in that way, I’m happy.

    Speaking of which, bring this guy back, okay, Marvel?

    WHAT DO I DO NOW?

    Cartoon Network, Beware the Batman, Green Lantern, Syfy, Dark Matter, Stargate, Netflix, Spider-Man, Marvel, Walking Dead, Black Knight, Christian, Black Panther, Back to losing a favorite character again! Even when a hero I’ve admired has faded away for a time, I haven’t stopped being a fan of him or her. I just have to look harder to find that person again. But I do keep looking.

    What I often do in this kind of circumstance is try to replace the book I’ve lost with another good one. I’ll ask friends, I’ll ask the persons behind the counters, I’ll check online. I ask, What’s good, what should I be reading that I’m not?

    I’ll still grieve for a while. It’s a loss to me, after all. But given my ability to attach myself to lower-tier heroes and love them like others do Spider-Man, I’ve encountered this sense of loss quite a bit in my days.

    I’ve often shared the story of how I came across The Walking Dead. I had extra money one weekend and asked a store owner to recommend something. I’m glad I did that because now I’m a fan of that series and show! Turn a loss into a gain!

    By the way, do remember that Dark Matter was based on a four-part comic series published by Dark Horse. I loved that miniseries a lot, so I was thrilled to hear it was coming to Syfy.

    So, I’m left with choices to make regarding Dark Matter. Do I forget the show ever aired? Do I hope they’ll wrap things up in a comics miniseries? What will take place next?

    There have been some excellent comics that have followed up on TV shows that died before their times, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and several members of the Stargate franchise. We may not enjoy Dark Matter on the small screen any longer, but it could return to its roots to wrap up a complex and totally enjoyable show in a satisfying way!

    And by the way, Syfy – I’ve got my eye on you! Just as Cartoon Network did to me when it cancelled Green Lantern: The Animated Series and Beware the Batman, you may find my remote going to your channel less and less over the next few years. Netflix, hey, pay attention here! You might pick up a new fandom!

    What do you think about comics that just disappear from the shelves? Good move, bad one? Is this a practice that is good for the comics industry? Whatever your opinions, be sure to share them in the space below!


    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    beware the batman Black Knight Black Panther cartoon network Christian dark matter Green Lantern Marvel Netflix Spider-Man stargate SyFy Walking Dead
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleRetro Review: Wetworks #1 (June 1994)
    Next Article [Preview] The Harcourt Legacy #1
    Wayne Hall
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Wayne Hall creates the Wayne's Comics Podcast. He’s interviewed Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, John Layman, Kyle Higgins, Phil Hester, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, David Petersen, Christos Gage, Mike Grell, and Matt Kindt. On this site each week, he writes his "Comics Portal" column (general comics comments and previews) and reviews comics.

    Related Posts

    J. Michael Straczynski takes on The Amazing Spider-Man

    Read More

    Spider-Man ’94 wraps up the animated series

    Read More

    Major Spoilers Podcast #1131: The Podcast Smurfers

    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    8.3
    June 17, 2025

    Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 Review

    7.7
    June 17, 2025

    Supergirl #2 Review

    6.0
    June 16, 2025

    Runaways #1 Review

    8.0
    June 15, 2025

    The Death of the Silver Surfer #1 Review

    4.7
    June 15, 2025

    Retro Review: Master Comics #11 (February 1941)

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?
    • ZackaryTobias on COMICS PORTAL: Where Is All The Cool Merchandise?
    • Nathan on Wayne’s Comics Podcast #696: Interview with Creators from Concrete Arcanum
    • Austin Cowboy on FIRST LOOK: Conan the Barbarian #21
    • Frank on COMICS PORTAL: Batman Meets… Deadpool!?
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT