ComicPOP 2020
Added 2019-12-22 06:16:23 +0000 UTCYou're our most diehard section of the POPulation. I've been asking around across social media what they want to see in 2020 from us. My question to you is: what are we doing wrong? What needs to change? What could be better? Tell us in the comments!
Comments
I enjoy your creator interviews, I would love more of those. I really enjoyed the latest Elseworld's Exchange on YouTube and Influencers, particularly your chemistry and back and forths with Ben and Ethan. I would like more of the three of you on a show where you have more time to talk to each on air outside of Back Issues. Back Issues is great and it's my favourite show on YouTube. I would like more guest on Back Issues when possible. I loved the interactions with you guys and TWP guys. I understand things have changed and you guys are busy but it's always nice to see you guys together and I would love more of that if possible.
Joshua Halili
2019-12-31 02:46:33 +0000 UTCHomies, Sorry I'm late to the party with this one, but one area where I think you guys could improve is actually trying to match better with what's prevalent in popular culture at the moment(and draw in more new potential subscribers). I also think something that some other big comic YouTubers do really well that doesn’t come up quite as well are having some element of continuity between some segment of your video library. I also think the specific subject matter covered could pander (for lack of a better word) to the comic consuming audience at large. Finally, I think you all need to do more to take advantage of the visual nature of YouTube as a medium. For the issue of having videos that relate to what’s going on in pop culture, I have two main examples. First, for when "The Mandalorian" first dropped and you guys did the Boba Fett comic on Back Issues, you didn't actually put "Mandalorian" in the title and I think this really hurt the potential return. While I'm not familiar at all with the pool of Boba Fett comics from which you could draw from, I might have also chosen something less negative to start out with when doing a video that is likely to attract new viewers. While I realize a large portion of the entertainment of many of the episodes of Back Issues come from ripping on the story in question, I think if you do something that's good enough where there are at least some parts of the story where you can wholeheartedly talk about how awesome and cool the characters are will get more buy in from those who are looking up YouTube videos because they're hyped for a show. My second example is that I think you would be well served by expanding the number of topic in popular culture that you try and tie in with. Now, I’m not saying to pander to what’s happening outside the world of geekdom, but when the new season of Rick and Morty came out, you guys didn’t do anything. While I haven’t read them, I understand that there are a number of well received Rick and Morty comics that could have been the subject of an episode of Back Issues. I think this is something you guys will be able to use successfully when the second half of Season 4 comes out. As a more minor, third example, I think that you’ve failed to capitalize on the hype regarding Crisis on Infinite Earths. While I totally don’t think you need to get hyped around the show or watch several episodes of something you don’t enjoy, I think you could have done what Benny did and release a video(s) on the Comic. I think that would have been the best time to do a Back Issues on that event, since not only does it fit in what media consumed by a broader audience, the story itself is fucking crazy and would be wonderfully ripped apart on Back Issues. Regarding a sense of continuity, I think this is what has allowed Comicstorian to become to popular, and Rob does a decent job of this too (though Rob clearly thinks second drafts are for chumps, so I don’t think he’s the best example to follow). Especially for Benny’s early videos, he would have one video lead into another so nicely, that it both accomplished having a short video that accommodated the attention span of the average viewer (I am NOT recommending shortening Back Issues, I love the longer episodes. I think this is just something to consider for a possible new series) and it gave buy in to an audience for a few videos (which I think spirals into them becoming active subs for you). If I were you, I would implement this by doing more (goddamn) Ultimate Spider-Man. I have attentively followed that saga and have enjoyed each video. Similarly, I would try and get another series for you to chronicle. Not sure how the reception for the IDW TMNT video was, but if you started going through the Volumes of that series, I know I’d be very interested in each release. However, if you think there’d be something more popular to cover, obviously I’d go with that (though maybe start with something that’s good enough that you want to cover it continually and that will maintain the interest of viewers over a period of time). Regarding the element of “pandering,” I think that shows that already seek to cash in on the nostalgia of the viewer (I have Savage Screen in mind specifically) need to go all the way for longer before you branch out into more obscure shows from yesteryear. What I mean by this is I think you need to get a few commentaries in on Spider-Man and X-Men before you do a Silver Surfer (which I didn’t even know was a thing). Not only were those shows more popular at the time, it seems to me that the heroes of those shows are more likely to draw in new viewership for both Disney+ and you guys. Lastly, I think one area where Comicstorian and Comics Explained have a huge leg up on you is the visual portion of their videos are constantly showing panels from the comics in question. Don’t mistake this comment to say that I don’t enjoy the view of the couch, particularly when the editing zooms in on hilarious expressions or emphasizes an especially funny comment, but I think mixing in more images of fantastical heroes or villains doing stuff that, like the Ghost Rider, looks awesome would help maintain the attention of your audience. I realize most of what I've stated until this point has been negative. But to contrast that, there are a few videos I love where I do hope you keep up with the "algorithms be damned!" mentality. Foremost, I love the Elseworlds Exchange episodes where you interview creators. I particularly enjoyed the interview with Chip Zdarsky and were it not for that interview, I don't think I would have read Spider-Man: Life Story. I also do like the Back Issues you all do on masterful stories that I've never heard of (Tiff's Saga episodes are spectacular). I also hope that you get Jason Inman back on soon and often, I really enjoy his insights into the comic world at large (I also like how he doesn't back down from haters in the superchats). To close this out, please let me say that I really love the Back Issues that are an exploration of the comic’s history (a la Spawn, The Maxx, and The Tick). If you can do more like this, I would be ecstatic. Also, just so I don’t regret not mentioning it, please, please, please don’t start doing Top Ten lists or anything like that. Leave that unsatisfying bullshit to Watch Mojo and WhatCulture. One element I really love about this channel is how fully it explores a story and exactly how much you all are able to get out of it. Fittingly enough, it’s the fact that you all are able to hear an element of a story and decide that you don’t like it that enabled me to be unafraid to critique the media I consume in a more comprehensive and satisfying way. So please! Keep up the good work. I realize this is sort of a lot for a comment, but I hope that it’s helpful for driving your growth going into 2020. I absolutely love this channel and I can’t wait to see all of what you, the Generals of the POPulation, serve to us in the coming year. Love, John
John Kearns
2019-12-29 05:24:51 +0000 UTCI pretty much love everything you guys are doing. Having said that..... Back Issues: 1. Would Like More Pictures From The Graphic Novel On The TV Be Hide The Couch 2. Need More Tiffany (Host & "Guest") 3. More Episodes With Comicstorian Guys 4. More Tangent Videos 5. More Letter Page Videos 6. More of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly That is all I think might help or that I'd like. Regardless if you guys do any of it I'll still be a member of the POPulation. Thanks for all you all do.
Kevin Mcinally
2019-12-26 11:53:56 +0000 UTCTo try to add something original I'll say this. I think updates for everyone would be nice. Not like the ones we get on here but just on whether or not shows are continuing. With all the issues with Youtube sometimes your left wondering. Did Bat Issues not come out or is Youtube being crappy? It could even just be a form of a list just so everyone knows what to look forward to that week!
Nerd King 101
2019-12-24 20:26:02 +0000 UTCI want to selfishly say “algorithms be damned” and post whatever and as frequently as you want but that’s probably not the wisest idea. Maybe use Twitch for indie videos, Harbor Patrol or Bat Issues? As much as I love the pre-recorded and edited shows, I’d like to see more live stuff. More live shows = more superchats. You’d save time from having to edit stuff as well. I could see a live GBU or Back Issues happening with a clusterfuck of off topic superchats, which could definitely be a problem; but I could also imagine you all being savvy enough to handle and manage them as well. Keep up the great work!
Jason Cantu
2019-12-24 13:59:55 +0000 UTCYou all are definitely not doing anything wrong. I love the content and your reliable posting keeps me entertained at work all week. A few things I saw pointed out that I'll agree with. First, keep trying new stuff and give it more time to catch fire. I've worked what you all do now into my weekly schedule so sometimes when a new show pops up it take a while to find time to watch, even if it's a nice format! Second, bring back Gunther! (almost kidding but those pop ups were hilarious and informative!) Oh and also more reviews and watch-alongs of shows.movie. I've watched long enough to always want to know your opinions and feelings on everything so when you can do those I love it. Overall, keep doing what you're doing because it's incredibly entertaining!
Lyndon Stewart
2019-12-23 20:06:03 +0000 UTCLet patrons download audio-only versions of Elseworlds Exchange, Absolute Comics, etc. as soon as they are ready. I like the videos, but often want to listen as a podcast while commuting (if this is already a feature and I missed it let me know, but usually I can only find the eps on PodBean a few weeks after they are posted).
Brett
2019-12-23 14:58:09 +0000 UTCI would say to forget the YouTube algorithms. You guys make some great shows (Comic Line, Bat Issues, ComicPOP! Draws, Savage Screen, Big Shots, etc) that I think you dont give enough time to before you cut them. I can understand trying to reduce your recording and editing time, but don't cut them because they aren't getting enough views. You have to remember that even Back Issues didn't get awesome views when it first came out. You have to let the audience build up and it takes time to do that. I say that you should continue with those shows that you are passionate about and let your honest emotions attract the audience to them. Love your channel. Can't wait to see what you have for us in 2020. Happy Holidays, Trey
Michael
2019-12-22 22:23:20 +0000 UTCPersonally, I always loved the longform content. It is a shame that Harbor Patrol did not perform, your stuff is great. I will often put your stuff on in the background while I cook, or grind in a game, or whatever else I can do in the limited free time I have these days. Back Issues is my favorite, followed by GBU, which is fun to see you riff on old single issues, out of old runs or just fun twists. I am sorry the algorithm screwed you so, and it is a shame you cannot change the classification without remaking the whole channel(which is bs cause real tv channels change focus every few years(mtv does not play music)). It means you may or may not ever get the growth you need, and it breaks my heart seeing you stonewalled, I love this channel so, and hope you guys can continue for years to come.
Patches
2019-12-22 20:55:49 +0000 UTCI honestly can't think of anything to critique you guys on. If anything, I worry about burnout since you guys do a lot and are really consistent. The shorter, explanatory videos would be nice to see again. And maybe do one or two dramatic readings again?
Heartlessfang
2019-12-22 20:54:11 +0000 UTCLooking at YouTube as it is now, they want ten to twenty minute family-friendly videos. My suggestion would be doing more short-form trivia videos like your "Every Spider-Man Girlfriend So Far" video, which is your most popular video by far. With Wonder Woman and Black Widow coming out next year, I think a rundown on something like their reoccurring Villians would well-received since they are not as well known as Batman's or Spider-Man's rogue's gallery.
Randall H
2019-12-22 17:38:36 +0000 UTCMy top 2 suggestions are: 1) More Disney + commentaries (Fantastic Four, Spider-Woman, Gargoyles please😁). 2) Back Issues on more Valiant and Indie books. I understand indie Back Issues don’t get as many views as a Batman or Spider-Man, but there is a portion of the Population that would appreciate them and support them. My own personal preferences for things I would love to see on the channel one day include: 1) Spotlights on older DC and Vertigo runs like Hellblazer, Swamp Thing, Ostrander’s The Spectre and Martian Manhunter runs from the 90s. 2) Back Issues on Milestone. Literally any Milestone character, but since Static is the most popular he’d get the most views. Spotlighting any of them on ComicPop’s platform would spread awareness of them to newer/younger readers who may not have heard of Static or Icon outside of seeing them on the Young Justice cartoon. You guys are doing an amazing job, but specifically to your question, “what could be better?” I think more diversity in the characters and stories presented could bring in new viewers. And, just spitballing here, maybe a Batwoman Back Issues or Good,Bad,Ugly to coincide with the CW show. Tbh, I hate that show, but perhaps it could do something positive for the channel. Or spotlights on Black Lightning and Supergirl, again because of the CW shows. Been following the channel for 5years, and I appreciate the content. Whatever you guys do, I will continue support.
R Jones
2019-12-22 16:03:39 +0000 UTC1. Comic Line going monthly or bi-weekly. 2. GBU staying as a part of the weekly rotation (but idk how that would affect editing times). 3. More creator interviews on Elseworlds (maybe 1 per month at first?)
Hunter Romans
2019-12-22 16:02:19 +0000 UTCI like everything you do. ComicPop is one of the few comic creators that provides significant value added content. I like that you give a "take" on the books you examine, which can sometimes be as simple as "it's crazy". Wishing you all the best in the new year. I know you want to know what to change, but your content hits such a sweet spot for me, I don't know what to suggest. I want you guys to be more popular and successful, but I can't see that changing things would make me like the content any more than I already do, and I can't understand someone who doesn't already like it. So I guess, from that perspective, I'm not a great person to ask.
Eric Miller
2019-12-22 15:50:41 +0000 UTCI honestly can't see anything that you guys are doing wrong. All the shows are great. Outside of just asking for certain books on back issues i'd love to see more of the character deep-dive episodes like for Spawn and The Tick.
Grievousish
2019-12-22 15:05:13 +0000 UTCOh and more movie/show commentaries. Those are AWESOME!!
Mike Novo
2019-12-22 06:45:20 +0000 UTCI'd love to see those facts at the bottom of the screen in back issues return, always found those fun. More on-screen images of what your reading/criticising/making fun of during back issues would also be cool. More creators on Elseworlds Exchange? Just for the sake of convenience, it would be cool to have the Absolute Comics show uploaded onto the ComicPop channel, instead of having to go through a separate channel. You guys are the best! Thanks for all the hard work, keep it up!! 🖖🏼
Mike Novo
2019-12-22 06:43:42 +0000 UTCI'd like to see Letters Page make a comeback. I know you guys were wanting to go a more polished, edited angle with it but TBH there wasn't anything wrong with the "gang sits at a table and opens letters and talks about stuff" format.
Radvengence
2019-12-22 06:42:14 +0000 UTCOh! And bring back the weekly updates it's always interesting to read about the bts antics
Dylan Gupta Cassidy
2019-12-22 06:20:42 +0000 UTCBring back savage screens, I understand it might be your least popular show but maybe you could do it as an audio only and upload it to spotify!!
Dylan Gupta Cassidy
2019-12-22 06:19:27 +0000 UTC
