For 26 years, Vertigo Comics has been the home to DC Comics’ more mature themed series, including Preacher and Fables. However, early next year, it’ll be no more, as DC Comics will shift towards a simplified age-labeled system. The comic titan announced today that it would reorganize its comic structure. It will “retire” the Vertigo brand, along with DC Zoom and DC Ink. Starting in January 2020, it will rebrand these companies as DC Kids, DC and DC Black Label.
This follows rumors that have been circulating over the past few months over Vertigo’s retirement. It recently celebrated its 25th anniversary celebration with a relaunch. Dan DiDio, who serves as co-publisher for DC, explained that Vertigo’s “sundowning” was due to the industry’s changing times.
“We’re returning to a singular presentation of the DC brand that was present throughout most of our history until 1993 when we launched Vertigo to provide an outlet for edgier material,” said DiDio in a press statement. “That kind of material is now mainstream across all genres, so we thought it was the right time to bring greater clarity to the DC brand and reinforce our commitment to storytelling for all of our fans in every age group. This new system will replace the age ratings we currently use on our material.”
Related: Vertigo Comics’ Survivors Club Is Headed To The CW
Current titles will continue to be absorbed into the new labels as they have been in the past. Mature comics, for example, will fit into the Black Label; while children’s fare will fit into DC Kids. The general DC label will feature content for readers age 13 and up.
“What we’ve done here is apply an ages and stages organizing philosophy that will strengthen what we’re already doing well, whether that is our move into the young adult and middle grade audience or our long track record of success with creator-driven pop-up lines,” added Jim Lee. “We will also continue to publish creator-owned projects, and will evaluate and assign to the appropriate label to help our fans find the best books for their interests. These new labels not only bring greater consistency and focus to our characters, but they also open up a wealth of new opportunities for the talent working on our books.”
Will you miss Vertigo Comics? What’s your favorite Vertigo memory? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Absolute Sandman Vol. 1
