The recession and cost-cutting again rears its unsightly head. The upcoming Batgirl film that was in post-production has been cancelled. The director seemed in shock at the sudden news and posted their thoughts on Instagram. Sadly, the relocation was sudden but not unexpected in this financial environment and corporate landscape. let us look deeper into this decision and see how it impacts the comic book collecting hobby.
Warner Bros. discovery Merger
When Warner brothers merged with Discovery, changes were made. CNN+ was killed only months after the platform’s launch. Gone were the days of throwing money away needlessly. Comic book properties were not immune from the accountants’ cost-cutting moves. The CW saw a bloodbath as show after show was axed. The Flash has announced its final season, and even Superman and Lois was retooled to reflect the Arrowverse implosion. new bosses imply new visions. The signs were there for all to see.
Shows that were once discussed on sites sparked investor frenzy and FOMO. remember the green lantern series that was rumored at HBO Max? That was a while ago and has the needle moved? The wonder twins were discussed as possible big or small screen candidates and very pals #7 jumped in value.
Rather than purchase what is proven, speculators spent feverishly to keep ahead of the curve to scoop up the next “hot” property. That issue has now dropped considerably in value. Then, we had the Batgirl news – and everything ought to change.
Batgirl dies when she was ready to be born
Detectives Comics #359 has always been a essential comic book for collectors and investors alike. This book has the first appearance of Batgirl. during production of the film, costs had soared from the original plan. actors such as Leslie Grace, JK Simmons, Brendan Fraser, and Michael Keaton were involved in the production. The film had filmed and reached the post-production stage. Then, the news broke that it was canceled and was now going to be used as a tax write-off.
That implies the film will not be sold to another studio. The film will not be released on the Internet, in theaters, or on television. The film is dead! Warner Bros. discover would rather take a tax write-off for this loss rather than try to sell or release it. The problem is that that choice may have been only the beginning.
Other films and television series have not moved much from announcements. Justice league Dark, green Lantern, Blue Beetle, and other properties are now in a state of limbo. The Flash has received negative buzz because of the star’s recent bad press, and this may not help the situation. Dollars are tight and the economy is not as robust as it was before these productions were announced.
Furthermore, successful peer productions like Ms. marvel have seen some backlash from fans who may not have embraced it as they did other shows. then there is a diminished box office. Thor: love and Thunder was a good film, but it did experience a box office drop.
The film will still be a success, but cracks are starting to appear. The problem is that some collectors and investors may have not taken notice because times were good.
FOMO NO MO
Inflation has hit the world economy. investment and collector dollars are drying up. Recently, displeasure has been voiced about both the DCEU and MCU properties. sites have released speculative picks for how investors can get rich quick by getting in on issues before others target them. Collectors have fought with investors in bidding wars to get those books they want to add to their collections that all of a sudden were in vogue. The problem is that sales data was ignored because of the FOMO factor. That may have to stop now.
Investors and collectors alike ought to use the sales data now much more than ever. set limits and be very conservative in the perceived return on investment collectors target with their purchases. Collectors ought to be client because now even much more “can’t miss” books will come to market with prices slashed. review sales data to identify where a book’s FMV was before any news that may have spiked interest in it.
FOMO was a driving force in the comic book market. worry of missing out caused numerous to leap at perceived opportunities before a extensive review of the book could be performed. Due diligence was ignored at the altar of FOMO. The Batgirl film decision is a game changer. A film in post-production being written off is a cautioning sign now to collectors and investors. sure things are not as sure anymore. Warner Bros. discovery can write off the film as a loss, but numerous investors and collectors paid inflated prices for issues to go along for the ride. now those people feel they were taken for a ride.
Let the dust settle
The Batgirl cancellation should now cause the collectors and investors to pause. FOMO caused people to jump intonull