CBR: Fan Expo: Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio

[CBR News]

DC Comics Executive Editor Dan DiDio's trademark Sunday Conversation panel concluded Fan Expo Canaday with a quiz for attendees to name Aquaman foes, among other informal discussions about comics.


Full article here (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22810).

[ian33407]

okay to pick-up Bendis from Marvel, but take Deodato Jr with him !

so sad about Aquaman and WonderWoman, they're perfect for a team book but it seem to be all for the moment..they both need their Grant Morrison.

[Kyle Anderson]

Please, my god, not Bendis! We don't need Dark JLA.

[maniacmatt]

Did anyone else think Didio came across as a complete a**hole here?
One fan wanted to find comics that could be shared and enjoyed with his kids. DiDio wanted to know, "Did you read them with your father?"

"No," the fan said.

"Case in point," DiDio replied.
Maybe this is paraphrased, and it's the reporter's fault, but, if not... wow.

[SeritoNiN]

I didn't feel Didio came off like an a**hole. He was being honest about where the business is these days.

[hondobrode]

All three of those characters, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Hawkman, need some better definition and a more defined set of villains. I love em all and can't wait to see Aquaman and Hawkman develop. Yes, either a Hawkman book with Aquaman co-feature or Atom co-feature. Heck, put all 3 in the same book for all I care.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

so sad about Aquaman and WonderWoman, they're perfect for a team book but it seem to be all for the moment..they both need their Grant Morrison.

Morrison has said he doesn't know how to write Wonder Woman - it's one of the reasons she wasn't that prominent in FC, so giving her to him would be a bit of a waste.

[True Herald]

Did anyone else think Didio came across as a complete a**hole here?
One fan wanted to find comics that could be shared and enjoyed with his kids. DiDio wanted to know, "Did you read them with your father?"

"No," the fan said.

"Case in point," DiDio replied.
Maybe this is paraphrased, and it's the reporter's fault, but, if not... wow.

Yeah, he eventually drops his veneer of "Hollywood civility" if you let him talk long enough.

[paulski]

That's crap and you know it.

You clearly don't like what he's done at DC but to attack the guy on his personality and public persona is unwarranted and a complete crock.

[True Herald]

That's crap and you know it.

You clearly don't like what he's done at DC but to attack the guy on his personality and public persona is unwarranted and a complete crock.

The example given clearly demonstrates what I'm saying.
Rather than give anything close to a positive or helpful answer, Dan resorted to a "smart" remark.
He didn't even point the man to the Johnny DC line, despite having the clear opportunity to do so.

[brenticles]

With time running out, Dan DiDio thanked the crowd for taking the time to meet with him and fans returned the favor with rousing applause.

Yep, it sounds like the audience thought he was a real a-hole. If you read the article you can tell that the vast majorty of the "case in point" exchange is left out and that specifric portion of the conversation went on longer than is quoted.

From everything I have read DiDio is very personable to fans, even critcal fans, who come up to him after panals and stays and answers their questions and comments as long as he can.

[maniacmatt]

I didn't feel Didio came off like an a**hole. He was being honest about where the business is these days.

That's fine, and I don't neccesarily disagree, he just seemed a bit blunt. He could've been a bit more respectful. And, again, this could just be the reporter's fault that it comes across that way.

[True Herald]

Yep, it sounds like the audience thought he was a real a-hole.

It sounds like the audience managed to be more polite than Dan.


If you read the article you can tell that the vast majorty of the "case in point" exchange is left out and that specifric portion of the conversation went on longer than is quoted.

Still doesn't mean Dan couldn't have just pointed the man to the Johnny DC line...


From everything I have read DiDio is very personable to fans, even critcal fans, who come up to him after panals and stays and answers their questions and comments as long as he can.

Which doesn't mean he's "practically perfect in every way".
Mary Poppins, he ain't.

[4thHorseman]

The example given clearly demonstrates what I'm saying.
Rather than give anything close to a positive or helpful answer, Dan resorted to a "smart" remark.
He didn't even point the man to the Johnny DC line, despite having the clear opportunity to do so.

I think he has a point. How many people already know about the Johnny DC line? Most if not all people. But at what age do people think it's ok for them to be reading more mainstream titles? Because the Johnny DC line is for a certain age limit. And Didio pointing out that most people started reading on their own instead of with a parent kinda asks "Why do you need to be reading with them? Why not let them read something for themselves?"

Shit, I was 6 years old when I had my first comic. In one of the opening pages it had people being blown to skeletons. I thought it was cool and the action like that and other things in the issue made me want to keep reading. I'm curious what everyone else's first issue was and at what age they were.

[brenticles]

It sounds like the audience managed to be more polite than Dan.

Still doesn't mean Dan couldn't have just pointed the man to the Johnny DC line...

Which doesn't mean he's "practically perfect in every way".
Mary Poppins, he ain't.

I'd be really surprised if a fan at a Comic Convention specifically attending this panel didn't already know about Johnny DC.

My post does not say nor imply that he is "practically perfect in every way", just that he's very nice to all the fans he meets. Was your experiance at this year's Wizard World Philly different when you met Dan?

[4thHorseman]

Hell, even reading it, it doesn't make much sense. It feels like the person asked the question had made a comment too that was omitted. The question/answer Didio said doesn't even seem important to the question asked itself. So I think there was something left out.

[brenticles]

I think he has a point. How many people already know about the Johnny DC line? Most if not all people. But at what age do people think it's ok for them to be reading more mainstream titles? Because the Johnny DC line is for a certain age limit. And Didio pointing out that most people started reading on their own instead of with a parent kinda asks "Why do you need to be reading with them? Why not let them read something for themselves?"

Shit, I was 6 years old when I had my first comic. In one of the opening pages it had people being blown to skeletons. I thought it was cool and the action like that and other things in the issue made me want to keep reading. I'm curious what everyone else's first issue was and at what age they were.
My first experince with comics was when my older brother gave me a stack for Christmas. I think I was 8 and the first issue I read was The Amazing Spider-Man. The cover was Spidey on a commuter train and the issue was about him fighting a villain in the 'burbs. It was very funny. All Star Squadron and Infinity, Inc. were also in the stack.

[Mat001]

I think he has a point. How many people already know about the Johnny DC line? Most if not all people. But at what age do people think it's ok for them to be reading more mainstream titles? Because the Johnny DC line is for a certain age limit. And Didio pointing out that most people started reading on their own instead of with a parent kinda asks "Why do you need to be reading with them? Why not let them read something for themselves?"

Shit, I was 6 years old when I had my first comic. In one of the opening pages it had people being blown to skeletons. I thought it was cool and the action like that and other things in the issue made me want to keep reading. I'm curious what everyone else's first issue was and at what age they were.

I was about two months from turning six when I picked up my first round of comics. And I didn't have a parent reading them with me. As to Didio's comments, I don't think he was being rude. Unless one of you was actually there and can shed some light. I think what he's saying is that not many parents who grew up reading comics share them with their children. The guy was one who was willing to, but when pointed to JLA, the guy said he read it at age eight, but won't let his son do so. There is a bit of a contradiction with that, because JLA twenty years ago was not nearly as violent as right now, but it still was quite violent when the guy was a kid. If the guy's father read that JLA book to him, he'd probably wouldn't be happy with the violence quota.


I'd be really surprised if a fan at a Comic Convention specifically attending this panel didn't already know about Johnny DC.

Apparently this guy didn't know. So he's not nearly as well versed if he doesn't know about "Super Friends" or "Justice League Unlimited".

[True Herald]

I'd be really surprised if a fan at a Comic Convention specifically attending this panel didn't already know about Johnny DC.

Not everyone knows everything you or I do.
And neither you nor Dan should just ASSume that this guy did.


My post does not say nor imply that he is "practically perfect in every way", just that he's very nice to all the fans he meets.

You're making sorry excuses for Dan's sorrier behavior.
You are trying to make him squeaky clean.


Was your experiance at this year's Wizard World Philly different when you met Dan?

Like I said, I've seen Dan's veneer, and I've heard his so-called "jokes" when I'm sure the malice in them was very much intended.

[True Herald]

I was about two months from turning six when I picked up my first round of comics. And I didn't have a parent reading them with me. As to Didio's comments, I don't think he was being rude. Unless one of you was actually there and can shed some light. I think what he's saying is that not many parents who grew up reading comics share them with their children.

And if you're one of those who wants to do so, you should be looked down upon by Dan DiDio for it??


The guy was one who was willing to, but when pointed to JLA, the guy said he read it at age eight, but won't let his son do so. There is a bit of a contradiction with that, because JLA twenty years ago was not nearly as violent as right now, but it still was quite violent when the guy was a kid.

But not the kind of gory, R-rated violence that current DC revels in (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Gorn).
And the League wasn't dealing with rape back then, either.


Apparently this guy didn't know. So he's not nearly as well versed if he doesn't know about "Super Friends" or "Justice League Unlimited".

Indeed. But apparently, it's a crime to come to a convention without full knowledge of every single, solitary book DC Comics publishes. If you do so, you risk being told off by Executive Editor Dan DiDio...

[brenticles]

Not everyone knows everything you or I do.
And neither you nor Dan should just ASSume that this guy did.

You're making sorry excuses for Dan's sorrier behavior.
You are trying to make him squeaky clean.

Like I said, I've seen Dan's veneer, and I've heard his so-called "jokes" when I'm sure the malice in them was very much intended.

Huh, that's a very interesting reply.

I didn't ASSume anything. (Really? Capitalizing ass? Lame.) I simply stated that I (me, not the guy) would be very SURprised if he didn't already know about the Johnny DC line. The statement is all about me, not the guy.

Oh and please do tell how I'm trying to make DiDio squeaky clean by quoting what many, many people have said, that he was "very nice"; that should be entertaining.

So you have specifics of how Dan mistreated you? Quotes of those malice filled jokes?

[Munkiman]

Two characters who really need a Rebirth-type thing to breathe life back into the character while at the same time returning them to their classic roots are Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter. And they're both dead, so they fit the requirements for the Rebirth treatment.

And when they bring back Aquaman, make sure he keeps his orange shirt, dammit.

You know what? I would change Wonder Woman's costume, too. I'd give her her skirt back. It's prettier. I liked how it looked in Red Son.

[The Crime Dentist]

Didio seems to have some weird effect on people on the internet. He can say pretty much anything and somebody posts a thread saying ZOMG HOW COULD HE SAY THAT HE'S HISTORY'S GREATEST MONSTER

[True Herald]

Huh, that's a very interesting reply.

I didn't ASSume anything.

Yes, you did. You assume that everyone who comes to a convention should know about the Johnny DC line. Not everybody does. Not every store even carries them!

The man asked about comics he can read to his son; if he knew the answer already, he probably wouldn't have bothered asking that question! You give Dan ALL the benefit of the doubt in the world, but afford none to the father and his question.

And to have him rebuked with a smart-aleck response like that?? No wonder DC's books are selling so piss-poorly! You have a guy who wanted to actively cultivate a future audience for comics, and he was verbally smacked upside the head for his effort! Gee, thanks, Dan! :rolleyes:


I simply stated that I (me, not the guy) would be very SURprised if he didn't already know about the Johnny DC line. The statement is all about me, not the guy.

And that surprise is based on an assumption that the man would already know. Also, you are doing so despite given clear evidence: the fact that he is indicating otherwise with his question!


Oh and please do tell how I'm trying to make DiDio squeaky clean by quoting what many, many people have said, that he was "very nice"; that should be entertaining.

I already said that you're making sorry excuses for his sorrier behavior.


So you have specifics of how Dan mistreated you? Quotes of those malice filled jokes?

Compiling that would take forever and require re-reading tons of Dan's clunky jokes, which I am not going to do.

You'll have to settle for the recent remarks about Wonder Woman as an example. Instead of addressing a question about the character, Dan makes a lame joke about cutting her top lower. Yeah, we get it, Dan; you don't care about her. Just say so and get it over with.

[matt_hatyber]

I was at this panel and I just wanted to point out not once did Dan act like a asshole. He was very nice during the entire panel.

[4thHorseman]

Yes, you did. You assume that everyone who comes to a convention should know about the Johnny DC line. Not everybody does. Not every store even carries them!

The man asked about comics he can read to his son; if he knew the answer already, he probably wouldn't have bothered asking that question! You give Dan ALL the benefit of the doubt in the world, but afford none to the father and his question.

The same thing could be said about the reviewer. You're assuming that he's doing it word for word and didn't omit anything. So you're giving him the benefit of the doubt, but afford none to Didio and his answer.



And that surprise is based on an assumption that the man would already know. Also, you are doing so despite given clear evidence: the fact that he is indicating otherwise with his question!

Perhaps Didio didn't know the age of the children. Despite your belief that the JLA is all about rape now (it's been...what...6 years since that story? Way to keep up to date...) he may feel that a younger child could read it without it being too "adult". There is no clear evidence for the ambiguous review of this panel.


Compiling that would take forever and require re-reading tons of Dan's clunky jokes, which I am not going to do.

You'll have to settle for the recent remarks about Wonder Woman as an example. Instead of addressing a question about the character, Dan makes a lame joke about cutting her top lower. Yeah, we get it, Dan; you don't care about her. Just say so and get it over with.

So in other words, unless it comes from a lame website that you can link to so you don't have to formulate your own thoughts, you don't want to post them.

Fine, so settle for the Wonder Woman remarks. I can find some remarks from him about what he LIKES about the character. SDCC - DC Nation Panel to be exact.

[maniacmatt]

I was at this panel and I just wanted to point out not once did Dan act like a asshole. He was very nice during the entire panel.

Thank you. Damn. Sorry I started this.

[True Herald]

The same thing could be said about the reviewer. You're assuming that he's doing it word for word and didn't omit anything. So you're giving him the benefit of the doubt, but afford none to Didio and his answer.

When you find this mythical "omission", you let me know.
I don't think it ever existed.


Perhaps Didio didn't know the age of the children.

Here's a hint: Ten-year-old children don't particularly want to be read to.
Think lower.


Despite your belief that the JLA is all about rape now (it's been...what...6 years since that story? Way to keep up to date...)

You're the one who thinks it was 6 years ago; clearly you are the one who can't keep up...


he may feel that a younger child could read it without it being too "adult". There is no clear evidence for the ambiguous review of this panel.

Yeah, because panels of Roy and Hawkgirl having sex is good for all ages... :rolleyes:


So in other words, unless it comes from a lame website that you can link to so you don't have to formulate your own thoughts, you don't want to post them.

So in other words, you're no good at reading comprehension.
Understood.


Fine, so settle for the Wonder Woman remarks. I can find some remarks from him about what he LIKES about the character. SDCC - DC Nation Panel to be exact.

You can... and yet you haven't shared even one of them like I have.
How interesting.

[4thHorseman]

When you find this mythical "omission", you let me know.
I don't think it ever existed.

When you find a Didio who's an asshole like you think he is (despite someone else mentioning he wasn't) please let us know.


Here's a hint: Ten-year-old children don't particularly want to be read to.
Think lower.

Here's another hint: Not all children under the age of ten only read Johnny DC titles. Think main books.

And if you actually read the thing again, the reviewer says "share and enjoy with" not "read to".

Maybe that was part of that "mythical" omission too?




You're the one who thinks it was 6 years ago; clearly you are the one who can't keep up...

Well, it has been several months since i last read it. So there may have been rape since then. So enlighten me when the last rape was. Preferably issue number would help.



So in other words, you're no good at reading comprehension.
Understood.

Do you know what the word comprehension means? Because you fail to mention where mine lacks. My guess it's a big word your parents read to you at the age of 9. Hurry, go look up the word on another one of your sites :rolleyes:

Speaking of comprehension, remember the "share and enjoy" that you ASSume means read?



You can... and yet you haven't shared even one of them like I have.
How interesting.

SDCC 7-24-09: 17:03 into the podcast:
"Why I like WW. I love the warrior aspect of it. I love how she interacts with the people of our society moreso than that of the amazons and the Gods. I find that makes her more interesting and when she's on and dealing with the JL members dealing with all that because she stands equally with them but she has her own ideals and sensibilities. She doesn't back down. But she's not always right and she's not also perfect. That's what I like about the character."

There you go. I shared more than you did and I did it in a damn-near exact quote.

[the-wolf]

All three of those characters, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Hawkman, need some better definition and a more defined set of villains. I love em all and can't wait to see Aquaman and Hawkman develop. Yes, either a Hawkman book with Aquaman co-feature or Atom co-feature. Heck, put all 3 in the same book for all I care.

See, I take this a step further and I've stated this so in the past. WW, AM and HM all share one thing in common and that's mythology. Egyptian, Atlantean, Greek/Amazonian. Put these characters togehter into their own little corner of the universe and delve deeply into these mythologies. Not just individually either, but how they might tie together. Keep and refine the best of their rogues and come up with new ones.

Here's where it goes a step further: put them in the same book. They don't all have to appear together in every story, but make the title an anthology where the characters regularly do cross over and intermingle. Publish it giant-sized or bi-weekly to capitalize on having 3 characters (rather than a second title).

I think it'd be interesting to see characters keeping the global peace in a mystical, mythological, almost behind-the-scenes way in places where the rest of the DCU don't normally go.

[brenticles]

When you find this mythical "omission", you let me know.
I don't think it ever existed..

Uh huh, it is an article, a summary, not a word for word transcript. By definition words and comments of people have been omited. In fact the conversation went on but we don't get word for word quotes, we get snippets presented in a manner that the author thinks best relays the events.


Yes, you did. You assume that everyone who comes to a convention should know about the Johnny DC line. Not everybody does. Not every store even carries them!

You say "Not everyone knows everything you or I do." yet somehow you know my thoughts and intent of my words and despite telling you what I was thinking and my intent you disagree and tell me what I was thinking. Now who is assuming?


I already said that you're making sorry excuses for his sorrier behavior.

Yes you just keep saying the same thing without actually saying anything at all.


Compiling that would take forever and require re-reading tons of Dan's clunky jokes, which I am not going to do.

You'll have to settle for the recent remarks about Wonder Woman as an example. Instead of addressing a question about the character, Dan makes a lame joke about cutting her top lower. Yeah, we get it, Dan; you don't care about her. Just say so and get it over with.

Nice dodge but that not what I asked you. When you met Dan at Wizard World Philly this year did he do or say anything that was mean, rude, or in any way "not nice"? Please give specifics from you own personal experience.


I was at this panel and I just wanted to point out not once did Dan act like a asshole. He was very nice during the entire panel.

Well pardon me Tru, I'll take the word of the guy that was actually there. Thanks Matt.

[True Herald]

When you find a Didio who's an asshole like you think he is (despite someone else mentioning he wasn't) please let us know.

Already done with the quote that we're talking about.
Where's mine??


Here's another hint: Not all children under the age of ten only read Johnny DC titles. Think main books.

Already knew that.
But obviously, you didn't know that DC's main books aren't suitable for children anymore.


And if you actually read the thing again, the reviewer says "share and enjoy with" not "read to".

Maybe that was part of that "mythical" omission too?

The sooner you produce these missing words, the sooner we can get to the real nitty-gritty...


Well, it has been several months since i last read it. So there may have been rape since then. So enlighten me when the last rape was. Preferably issue number would help.

Suicide Squad #5: Windfall tells a counselor how she was gangraped and thrown out of college for it.

Final Crisis: Revelations #1: The villain Dr. Light has girls dress up as various Titans in preparation to rape them, until Spectre intervenes.


Do you know what the word comprehension means? Because you fail to mention where mine lacks.

Which proves my point about comprehension, since you obviously didn't read my post to know this information already.


SDCC 7-24-09: 17:03 into the podcast:
"Why I like WW. I love the warrior aspect of it. I love how she interacts with the people of our society moreso than that of the amazons and the Gods. I find that makes her more interesting and when she's on and dealing with the JL members dealing with all that because she stands equally with them but she has her own ideals and sensibilities. She doesn't back down. But she's not always right and she's not also perfect. That's what I like about the character."

There you go. I shared more than you did and I did it in a damn-near exact quote.

And I had to push you to get it in the first place.
But I'm glad to see something at least.

[True Herald]

Uh huh, it is an article, a summary, not a word for word transcript. By definition words and comments of people have been omited. In fact the conversation went on but we don't get word for word quotes, we get snippets presented in a manner that the author thinks best relays the events.

And yet, people are assuming that there were all kinds of words exchanged before the ones given. I don't think there was, and I say there needs to be proof of this so-called conversation.


You say "Not everyone knows everything you or I do." yet somehow you know my thoughts and intent of my words and despite telling you what I was thinking and my intent you disagree and tell me what I was thinking. Now who is assuming?

Your "surprise" comes from an assumption that everyone at the con knew about Johnny DC comics. That's all there is to it.


Yes you just keep saying the same thing without actually saying anything at all.

That'd be you.


Nice dodge but that not what I asked you. When you met Dan at Wizard World Philly this year did he do or say anything that was mean, rude, or in any way "not nice"? Please give specifics from you own personal experience.

I didn't answer you because that's irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, the current quote from him is not nice and he never should have said it.


Well pardon me Tru, I'll take the word of the guy that was actually there. Thanks Matt.

Just because some guy who "happened to be there" excuses Dan telling off a father who's looking for reading material for his kid doesn't mean EVERYbody should excuse that behavior. :rolleyes:

[brenticles]

I didn't answer you because that's irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, the current quote from him is not nice and he never should have said it.

Just because some guy who "happened to be there" excuses Dan telling off a father who's looking for reading material for his kid doesn't mean EVERYbody should excuse that behavior. :rolleyes:

It's indeed very relevant. You keep acting like Dan eats babies and unplugs respirators at nursing homes for fun. I'm asking you about your personal experience when you actually met the man. I think it's very interesting, and telling, that you avoid talking about that and insist on interpreting the accounts of others.

I never said that "EVERYbody", or anybody, had to do anything. I simply said I'd take the word of someone that was actually there to add color to a neutral presentation of the event (the news article) over an internet poster that's hell-bent on believing DiDio is the Son of Satan.

[maniacmatt]

YELLING SCREAMING WHINING!!!!!!!
...
:biggrin:

[paulski]

When you find a Didio who's an asshole like you think he is (despite someone else mentioning he wasn't) please let us know.

The problem here is that, because True Herald has serious problems with how DiDio is running DC and the particular creative directions he's steering it in, he can't see past his own dislike of the guy to recognise the fact that, far from being the asshole he's making him out to be, Dan is almost universally recognised as being one of the most respectful comics guys around when it comes to fans.

So any debating you guys are trying to do with TH is simply a waste of time and energy. Cut your losses, guys.

[paulski]

Dastardly double post.

[Mat001]

I was at this panel and I just wanted to point out not once did Dan act like a asshole. He was very nice during the entire panel.

Liar! :tongue:


But obviously, you didn't know that DC's main books aren't suitable for children anymore.

They haven't been for years. DC hasn't been kid friendly in it's main books since the mid 60's. We had drugs and racisim issues in the GL book in the late 60's/early 70's. We had the Amazons being raped, even if it was only implied in Wonder Woman in the 80's. Jason Todd being beaten nearly to death and blown up. Barbara Gordon was shot and then humiliated by the Joker. Kyle Rayner found his girlfriend stuffed in a refrigerator. Catwoman was a hooker who had been raped by her pimp. Kids being shot in drive-by shootings in Steel and the various Batman books, plus once in Superman. Domestic volence in a Superman book. Gays and lesbians in a variety of titles. Hell, we see Batman's origin repeatedly with a little kid watching his parents die.

I mean, let's be honest here, DC's a violent comic company just like Marvel.