Donny Cates
Credit: Marvel Comics
Marvel exclusive writer Donny Cates is stepping up to defend Marvel’s decision to halt the release of new comics – in print or digital – during Diamond Comic Distributors’ now five-week long stoppage. In responding to fans on Newsarama’s twitter feed, the comic shop retailer-turned-writer argues that releasing new comics digitally would hurt shops – and fans.
“It’s complicated. But in a nutshell: If we put comics out digitally it hurts comic shops even more. Which in turn hurts you guys,” Cates tweeted. “Believe me, no one wants to sell Marvel comics more than Marvel. And we’re doing our best.”
“There’s a lot behind the scenes about this that you guys don’t know about. But I PROMISE this is the right move for now,” the writer continued. “I know it sucks for the moment, but that’s just it. A moment. And it will pass. I promise. In the meantime, go buy some comics that are new TO YOU!”
Marvel Comics, for their part, have not publicly declared a position on the controversial topic of publishing digital comics during the coronavirus shutdown.
Cates said that the creators he knows are using this downtime to get ahead on work.
“We’re actually getting time to get caught up on schedules and start new creator owned stuff,” Cates said. “Most creators I know are extremely busy.”
In addition to his Marvel work on Venom and Thor, Cates has two creator-owned series – Babyteeth and Redneck – as well as three additional titles in development.