...impenetrable fanboy paradise.

I remember an interview Busiek gave just before the Heroes Return books launched. When asked about the Killer/Teen Tony Stark storyline, he said that the debacle would have to be adressed and dealt with at some point.

I was like, Why does it need to be addressed? Why can't we all just ignore it and move on with our lives?

"Brian, are you serious? The publishing division did not bring the company back from any ruin... get a clue. The editor in chief of the comic line isn't even making the publishing decisions let alone the decisions for the other lines of business."

Sorry I wasn't clear. I was overstating my point simply for effect. But, you do have to consider the impact that JQ had on the publishing segment, and it was significant. As a shareholder, I had paid a great deal of attention to all aspects of the business the last ten years.

As James mentioned, it is much harder to find annual and quarterly reports now that Marvel no longer exists. Pulling from one of my own, for FY 07, the publishing segment had sales of $125.7 mil. FY06, publishing was at $108.5 mil.  And for FY05, publishing sales were $92.4 mil. And this three yearrend was something that started before 2005 and did continue on through this year.

Say what you will about the guy, and say what you will about his stories, but financially he shows results that bean counters are going to like. I am hard pressed to believe the opinion that there is a shrinking market when there is a 26% increase in sales just three years.

For me the Gwen Stacy having Norman Osborn's kids is the ultimate insult.

+++++++++

Me, too. Before, that, it was "Spider-Man is a clone!", but I still drifted back after that mess. Not this time. And I haven't regretted it. I vastly prefer spending my money on good, OLD comics.