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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Chuck wrote that he didn't mind seeing some
reprints in the monthly books. What is more important is his reason
though, "I accept it as a way to introduce classic stories to a new
audience." That would be a laudable goal, but I don't think it is a
reality though. Both Chuck and I discovered Disney comics through
Barks reprints. I just do not think that is happening today though.
I imagine that 95% or more of the readers of the two remaining monthly
titles, U$ and WDC&S, are dedicated Disney comics fans. I doubt very
many kids are reading these two titles at all, thus are there really that many
new people being *introduced* to Disney comics via these reprints? I don't
think so.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>So in essence, Chuck is being very generous and
charitable, which is wonderful *if* this generosity and charity pays off in new
readers. So I have a question for you Chuck. Just answering the
question *selfishly*, what would you like to see in the two monthly titles if
your only concern was for what *you* wanted to see? If you still
would want to see a combination of reprints and new stories for your *own*
enjoyment, that is fine. However, perhaps for *yourself* you would rather
see new stories and not reprints of stories you already have? Just
wondering?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Steven writes that he feels pessimistic. I
feel the same way too and also *hate* feeling that way. :( However
since all we have seen and experienced in the past 20 years with Disney comics,
isn't it kind of normal and realistic to be at least somewhat
pessimistic?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Pessimism though does not have to translate into
giving up though, and I am very thankful that Gemstone has *not* given up
all hope on reaching new and/or younger readers. I really hope that their
"Shonen Jump" style blank and white titles does great! I think the key
though is where it will be able to be sold. If it just ends up in
comics book stores, I don't see how that will work. However, if it can get
into bookstores and/or magazine stands I think it has realistic chance at decent
sales. Perhaps this is *way* too early for you to know, Gary,
but what are the plans for *where* this "Shonen Jump" style title will be
sold? Is there any hope or chance that it could actually be sold right
next to or near the actual "Shonen Jump" magazine? That would be
fantastic!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Finally, thanks to Chuck for bringing up how
lucky and fortunate we are for having dedicated Disney comics fans who have
provided us with the possibility to read Disney comics these past 20 years or
so. Without Bruce Hamilton and Steve Geppi, none of these discussions here
on the mailing list would even be taking place as there would have been *no*
Disney comics in North America for last 20+ years!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Dean Rekich</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>