Why you shouldn't read franchise comics saga

As an avid reader of comic books and graphic novels, I have come to realize my strong dislike for franchise comic sagas. The reasoning behind my dislike stems from a lack of creativity, predictability, and an over-reliance on the continuation of a pre-existing storyline.

Introduction

When it comes to comics, there are a lot of options to choose from: superhero comics, horror comics, drama comics, and more. However, one type of comic that has been growing in popularity is the franchise comics saga. These comics build on existing intellectual property, often from movies or TV shows, to create a new story. While the idea is creative, there are several reasons why you shouldn't read franchise comics saga.

Lack of Originality

The issue with franchise comics saga is that they rely too much on existing intellectual property. It can be tempting to pick up a comic featuring characters or a universe you already know and love, but these comics rarely provide anything new or original. They tend to retread the same themes and characters we've seen before, making them feel more like extended fan fiction than a true expansion of the story. With so many other original comics out there, it's a shame to waste your time and money on something you've already experienced.

Creative Limitations

Franchise comics saga are also limited by the original source material. Writers and artists are constrained by what has already been established in movies or TV shows, making it difficult to take the story in new and exciting directions. Writers can't kill off popular characters or take risks with the story, as it could cause issues for future movies or TV shows. This leads to a formulaic approach to storytelling that can grow stale over time. Furthermore, franchise comics rely heavily on continuity—previous events and storylines that shape the universe. While continuity can be used to enhance a narrative and provide context for new readers, it can also be a disadvantage. If continuity is not correctly maintained, new readers can feel alienated, as they struggle to keep up with the storyline’s vast universe. Continuity can even bring down the entire franchise if inconsistencies arise within its canon.

Lack of Consistency

Since franchise comics saga are not the original source material, they often have a hard time keeping consistent with the source material. Writers and artists may not have access to the same resources or knowledge as the original creators, resulting in inconsistent characterizations or plot holes. When you're invested in a story, it's frustrating to see things not add up or characters act out of character. In fact, franchises are predictable in terms of character development. Any changes within the characters are superficial, with no substantial developments to their personalities or values. Character arcs appear to be planned out in advance and are not given the opportunity to have their own natural progression. This negatively impacts the overall quality of the storylines, making them feel like they lack depth and maturity.

Fragmented Storytelling

Finally, franchise comics saga can suffer from fragmented storytelling. With multiple writers and artists working on different issues or series, it can be hard to keep track of the overall story. If you miss an issue or series, you might miss critical information or character developments. In some cases, you may need to read multiple series just to get the full story, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Conclusion

While it can be tempting to dive into a familiar universe through franchise comics saga, the limitations and lack of originality make them a poor investment. With so many exciting and innovative original comics available, there's no need to rely on stories that lack creativity, consistency, or a cohesive narrative.