Didio on Flash Numbering

So, will the post-Rebirth relaunch of The Flash start with #1, #351, #600…? Dan Didio answers in the latest 20 Answers and 1 Question at Newsarama.

14) The Flash relaunch after Flash: Rebirth. Will that continue with the old numbering, or will it launch with a new #1?

DD: There’s a strength to a #1 when we present it in initial sales, it creates that sense that this is a wonderful jump-on point. Everyone always comes and asks us what the best ways to attract new readers is, and one of the best methods we’ve got is putting a “#1” on something, because it helps the readers to feel that they’re getting in on the ground floor.

Conversely, the continuing numbering, once you get past those early numbers, those higher numbers creates that sense of history for those characters and gives the sense that they have longevity.

So we’re still discussing it, but I imagine you’re going to see a new Flash #1 after the end of Rebirth [emphasis added] – but we are discussing the overall numbering. The more interesting question is, if we do go to the original numbering, what number would we pick it up at? Some people would argue, with a good point, that the Wally West issues should add in there, but should the Bart issues? It’s an interesting argument. Right now, though, I’m thinking you’ll see a Flash #1 for sure.

I actually posed the question of what number picking things up with Flash number should start, and the argument in the room was very clear as to whether or not we would jump from Barry’s original run to this new run of Barry…but for right now, I feel very comfortable in saying that after Flash Rebirth, there will be a new Flash #1 – who that Flash is, I still can’t say.

“I still can’t say.” Yeah. As if anyone believes that they would go to all this effort to bring Barry back with a big event miniseries and relaunch, then put someone else behind the mask.

Also Flash-related in this round: a discussion of in-house advertising and why a sure-bet like Flash: Rebirth got a valuable double-page ad in last month’s DC books. And regarding “co-features,” he points out that they’ve been choosing characters for backup features whom they believe could carry their own ongoing or mini-series.

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4 thoughts on “Didio on Flash Numbering

  1. Brandan

    HATE IT. Absolutely hate the idea of renumbering. Continuing from Wally’s run would have been a mistake since he would no longer be the star, but Barry’s numbering would have done well. Not only would restarting with his numbering had continued his legacy, it might have brought in additional sales of trades. It wouldn’t scare off any new readers because they’ve already read or heard of the restart that was Flash:Rebirth. If they want more Barry, they’ll know that he has 200+ issues for the picking. Starting with #1 is lame, and serves ZERO purpose other than another F U to Wally fans. I may be overreacting, but I’m now left wondering why they wouldn’t let 3 issues print so Wally would reach #250! Especially when you had this four month lay off of Flash stories. And who wouldn’t pick up a potential Final Crisis:Aftermath issue of Flash starring Wally after Barry returns. It certainly would have been more detailed than the dialogue we’ve seen in Flash:Rebirth #1.

    This is lame, and I hope Dan’s staff has enough pull to overrule his ass.

    .-= Brandan’s latest Twitter post: SpeedsterSite: The Flash relaunch to possibly start with a new #1? LAME http://tinyurl.com/c2qeqa =-.

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  2. fastest

    There going to go with a #1, but I think what Marvel did with Thor is going to be the new trend from now on. You start with a new #1, and you get all of those new #1 dollars and readers. Then, at around #10, when readership is dropping down, you all of a sudden are at #600, and readership booms again. I’m sure they’ll do something like that for Flash, and for Adventure Comics also.

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  3. Javi Trujillo

    That would be a kick if Wally remains the main Flash after Rebirth, but Didio’s coy comments aren’t fooling anyone.

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  4. Jason

    I read it as his coy way of saying we’re gonna get 2 series. My assumption is Flash starting at #1 and an All-Flash starting with the higher number(I’d say totalling up Barry and Wally’s runs, Bart’s run was basically just a maxi-series)

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