Comic Creators Dismayed Over Reported DC Layoffs

By Andrew Sanford | Miscellaneous | August 11, 2020 |

By Andrew Sanford | Miscellaneous | August 11, 2020 |

Yesterday, reports began to spread that WarnerMedia was laying off around 600 employees. Among those employees are a possible third of DC’s editorial staff. Editor-in-chief Bob Harris and senior story editor Brian Cunningham are among the names reported to have been let go. There are also rumors that this will lead to the end of the DC Universe app.

While the news spread, DC comics creators past and present took to Twitter to offer their condolences and support.

No one works in comics who doesn’t do it for love of comics. Only compassion and love for friends and creative partners at DC tonight. Hoping everyone sees far better days in far better years. ❤️

— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) August 11, 2020

I have a lot of friends at DC- a LOT. Sending my best to all of them.

— Cully Hamner (@CullyHamner) August 10, 2020

If the rumours are true, some of the folks 'leaving' DC are amongst the best editors I've ever worked with.

— BRYAN HITCH (@THEBRYANHITCH) August 11, 2020

comics will break your heart

— The Dreaming: Waking Hours 08/04 (@GWillowWilson) August 11, 2020

There were those, as well, who pointed out that layoffs were not a signal that something was wrong with the comics business.

Pro tip: When a large corporation lays off over 600 people across multiple divisions, it’s because of things that happened at the large corporation level, not because of comic book sales in one of the smaller divisions.

— Kurt Busiek Resists (@KurtBusiek) August 11, 2020

And others, like the always wonderful Gail Simone, were not interested in seeing people revel in the news.

I am not interested in the cackling ghouls who say they care about comics, but clearly don’t.

Right now I care about the people who got laid off, and the retailers and staff and readers who count on DC.

— Gail Simone (@GailSimone) August 11, 2020

What are your thoughts on the layoffs? Sound off below.