What does surprise me is that the new release got coverage in USA Today. Coverage from "mainstream" media of a new mini-series announcement is an indication of the synergy linked to superhero comics. We assume that independent comics, always a space for creativity are more cool. DC and Marvel Comics, firmly controlled by corporate media giants are, in the best case scenario, fodder for next blockbuster.
Still, the relative success of Marvel versus DC over the last few years has more to do with the legacy of independent comics than corporatism. As far as I can tell, Marvel hasn't hired a writer who was not already established in the independent comic world in more than a decade. Names like Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, and Jason Aaron published indy comics before setting one foot in the house of ideas. The creative vision they bring to Marvel is huge benefit. Added to this fact, Joe Quesada's tenure seems to have provide Marvel a clear space to take creative chance. Either one of those things would be enough to be give Marvel a boost, but together they set Marvel up to make good decisions more often than bad. Given Rags Morales off handed comment about Warner Bros. executives requiring DC editors to attend meetings, and a vision of producing comics by committee develops. All of this makes for interesting times. Marvel's success heighten people's awareness about comics and that awareness, in my experience, lead them to more than just superheroes. People are always asking me about comics, especially when the newest trailer for a summer blockbuster hit the web. Once the door is open, they quick learn about all the other stories told in comic form. They way I see it, there is an ecosystem of creative synergy linked to superhero comics. More than anything, I think that drives the mainstream fascination with superhero comics.