Chuck Dixon
Chuck Dixon seems pretty upset.
Dixon, primarily responsible for the grimmest and grittiest version of ‘in continuity’ Batman I’ve ever seen (Detective comics 1992-99), recently wrote an essay (you can read it at http://dixonverse.net/blog/?p=38) where he bemoans the current creator trend of exploiting the ‘grim and gritty’ in comics, explaining most classic creators had no such dark visions when these characters were imagined. He goes on to describe the creators who utilize this tactic as bereaved of imagination. His exact words: “Largely, the creators have eschewed plot for characterization. They want to explore what makes the character work and have that be what drives the stories.”
In addition to all this he calls us (comic readers) “…increasingly cynical fans who fancy themselves critics”.
Well, this ‘critic’ has a few thoughts.
When I came back to comics in the late 90s I excitedly purchased most of Dixon’s Nightwing run. A longtime fan of the Wolfman/Perez New Teen Titans, where Dick Grayson was finally allowed to grow up and become his own person, I was horrified by Dixon’s interpretation of the character. Dixon turned what was once my favorite character into ‘Batman light’. No one, not even Wolfman himself, has been able to undo the damage done to Dick Grayson by Chuck Dixon.
Furthermore, over the last decade I have found Chuck Dixon the author of nearly every DC book in which I was let down by characterization.
Additionally, Dixon’s complaints seems a little late. After all, the ‘grim and gritty’ infiltrating comics was something of a 90s phenomenon. The tide turned shortly before the release of Kingdom Come (1996) which was a commentary on comic heroes if that trend continued. While I agree with Dixon that some characters have become unnecessarily dark, in my opinion comics have never been better.
This forces me to conclude that Dixon’s essay is more a statement of frustration than a serious attempt to help solve ‘the problem’. Dixon’s departure from DC comics is shrouded in mystery. The online rumors have to do with malcontent on Dixon’s part related to RIP and Final Crisis. While I can certainly understand if that is the case, I for one, was happy to see him go, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the current flock of DC creators have in store.
That having been said, I would add that I’ve heard a number of good reviews on Dixon’s work at IDW, specifically, The Vanishers. It sounds fascinating. Not to mention his Wildstorm project, Storming Paradise with artist Butch Guice. Perhaps, untempered by previously established continuity, Dixon has finally found his calling. I will pick up a copy, in hopes of a better Dixon.
-Alan