Disney comics readership survey

[Wilmer Rivers]

The August 14 issue of "Comics Buyer's Guide" has an article
about a survey of Disney Comics readership.  This survey was
based on response to a clip-out ballot printed in the November
1991 issues of the comics.  Disney received 3000 responses to
this survey.  The article says that 69% of the respondents
were male, 73% were under age 17, and 52% were between the ages
of 7 and 12.  Disney says they are evaluating the results of
this survey and will use the results to help develop their
future publications.

I have mixed feelings about this.  On the one hand. it's
essential that younger readers be brought into comics books
stores if comics (or perhaps even literacy???) is to have a
future.  On the other hand, Disney may conclude that its
comics line is strictly kiddy fare, and the vacancies created
by the departures of people like Bob Foster will then be filled
by people who have no real interest in the product.  Does anyone
with first-hand knowledge of Disney Comics have any insight into
how they intend to develop and market their books in the future?

Wilmer Rivers