Yes, but Diamond's quota system - which determines what series they distribute, is determined off initial orders. While Moonstone itself is fine, and possibly The Phantom is fine as well, downward sales trending series' is not a good sign for the future, no matter what anyone says. So, it's not so much wishful thinking as one might think. But it's perfectly understandable for a Moonstone forum to say everything's hunky dory, I well understand that. I hope that continues. I want them to do well, I want The Phantom to do well.
Yes, but Diamond's quota system - which determines what series they distribute, is determined off initial orders.
Not sure what that has to do with the topic at hand, but ok.
While Moonstone itself is fine, and possibly The Phantom is fine as well, downward sales trending series' is not a good sign for the future, no matter what anyone says. So, it's not so much wishful thinking as one might think. But it's perfectly understandable for a Moonstone forum to say everything's hunky dory, I well understand that. I hope that continues. I want them to do well, I want The Phantom to do well.
Well, my point is: there's a big difference between something being "not a good sign" and someone wishing financial jeopardy upon Moonstone simply because that person is disgruntled.
I'd wager that less than 10% of the new series launched by small press publishers in the US over the last two years have escaped a downward trend in sales . It's not a Moonstone-only problem, it's an industry problem.
Just take a look at the top 300 sales charts published every month by http://www.icv2.com. Remove the Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse books and what do you have left? Now, track those same books over two years and see what remains. ( http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/1850.html )
Luckily, for Moonstone, the health of the company in general and the Phantom projects specifically, isn't solely tied to Diamond's initial pre-order numbers on the single-issue comic books. Legacy sold very well, I've heard that LAW has sold very well, and according to the retailer feedback I've received so far, the comic series is taking an upswing starting with #12.
The retailers (the ones who determine the initial pre-orders) for the most part LOVE the Phantom and want to see his series succeed. What they don't like is a sporadic shipping schedule and books that arrive months and months after the preceding issue. We've taken steps to prevent that from happening in the future, so that should remove that stumbling block. I hope that with more hard work, good stories, great artwork and good PR, the series will get back on track and this entire discussion will be wiped away into the "moot point" pile. :mrgreen:
So Mike, are you saying The Phantom will soon be published on a regular, dependable schedule?
Moonstone have been promising for a while that with issue #12 the comics will come out on a regular schedual.
So Mike, are you saying The Phantom will soon be published on a regular, dependable schedule?
Yes. By the time #12 hits stores, I'll be working on #19 or 20, Eric J will be working on #16 and 13-15 will be ready to send to the printer.
At the moment, it's coming on a bi-monthly schedule, but we're hoping that by next year we'll be able to put the individual story arcs out monthly, with a one month gap between arcs. That way you won't have to wait more than a month to read "the rest of the story". 
Bryan:
There has been much fanfare from Moonstone about this change (most of it from Bullock himself), prompting bizarre adulation from the sycophantic forum community who have yet to read a single word of his Phantom stories.
And that comes from the guy who just couldn't handle an honest debate in a discussion forum, and therefore have to bash someone who can't defend themselves.
It's ridicilous. Deepwoods used to be the leading source for Phantom stuff on the web. Now, it only works as a database of older issues and some interesting articles. I prefer websites like Fantomet.org and ChronicleChamber.com, which have more open views on things.
If anything, the reviews might make people wanna check out the book for themselves.
At the moment, it's coming on a bi-monthly schedule, but we're hoping that by next year we'll be able to put the individual story arcs out monthly, with a one month gap between arcs. That way you won't have to wait more than a month to read "the rest of the story".
HALLELUIA!! *Breaks out into dance in computer room only to be shot down by glare from teenage sister*:mrgreen: That is great news!! Good luck!
BRUCEY
Bryan:
There has been much fanfare from Moonstone about this change (most of it from Bullock himself), prompting bizarre adulation from the sycophantic forum community who have yet to read a single word of his Phantom stories.
And that comes from the guy who just couldn't handle an honest debate in a discussion forum, and therefore have to bash someone who can't defend themselves.
It's ridicilous. Deepwoods used to be the leading source for Phantom stuff on the web. Now, it only works as a database of older issues and some interesting articles. I prefer websites like Fantomet.org and ChronicleChamber.com, which have more open views on things.
If anything, the reviews might make people wanna check out the book for themselves.
If Bryan wasn't so blind, or rather took any notice of, the world in which he is entering - that of the larger comic book relm (and he is entering it if he wants too or not because the Phantom is) he'd know Mike is a proven writer. His series Lions, Tigers and Bears was hugely successful, the TP of Vol.1 has just gone back for a second printing and that dosen't happen a hack of alot for books not with the Big 2.
Phans have a reason to be exited about Mike comeing on board and if Bryan could look downs from his high horse for once second and actualyl see why Phans are exited rather than poo-poo everyone he'd see that.
For Phantom fans, there are only three sources of new stories: syndicated strips, Egmont and Moonstone. I can't imagine why any true fan would want to reduce the opportunities for generating new material. Since each source is for a different audience, I wouldn't expect each offering to be received equally by everyone.
Even the master, Lee Falk, had mixed reviews for different periods of his work.
I enjoy reading all three, but of course, certain stories resonate more than others for my sensibilities. I enjoy modern comics and have several long boxes full of non Phantom comics. I especially love classic Lee Falk. I look forward to the Egmont stories, I read the newspaper stories each day and I'm delighted to see Moonstones fresh approach. They are daring; they're trying new things. Ben Raab may have added his interpretation to certain aspects, but he paid tribute to Lee's work...who else revisted the Wasaka and the Sky Band?
Mike is studying Lee's work intently and I believe long time fans and newcomers will find something to like in what he's doing. I hope everyone will give his work a fair chance, but I know there were people who hated Legacy before anyone even had a chance to read it.
I sincerely hope all three find continued success.
So Mike, are you saying The Phantom will soon be published on a regular, dependable schedule?
Yes. By the time #12 hits stores, I'll be working on #19 or 20, Eric J will be working on #16 and 13-15 will be ready to send to the printer.
At the moment, it's coming on a bi-monthly schedule, but we're hoping that by next year we'll be able to put the individual story arcs out monthly, with a one month gap between arcs. That way you won't have to wait more than a month to read "the rest of the story".
Good news. I have to admit, that so far each Phantom story from Moonstone has left me with both positive and negative feelings. But the fact that they come so far apart has kept me from forming an overall opinion of the books. It kind of feels like every issue (or at least every 2-part story) is a re-start since they come out many months after the preceding issue.
i think that a consistent publishing schedule is right now more important than having the same creators for each issue. I really don't mind fill-in artists, in fact I prefer more variety.