In Defense of Comics Rotating Creative Teams (Part 2)

Authors' note: Part 1 for this article can be found here.

In continuing with the dialog sparked by this article, on the shortcomings of American comics in comparison to Manga, the other reason I don't hold the following tweet to be entirely accurate is because I don't think every Mangaka is consistently good at what they do, even if they are the original creators of a series. This can be for a variety of reasons. It is also worth noting that, despite their many differences, Manga can have similar issues to American comics.

I like the continuity, characters don't become completely different people every few issues whenever a new team takes over.

— Pluiedautomne (@pluiedautomne) July 5, 2017

Artists, writers, and the various other people who put together mediums like these aren't perfect.
Even iconic creators can fall short of the expectations of their fans at times. Famed creators like Akira Toriyama, Masashi Kishimoto, and Hirohiki Araki have done amazing work with their respective franchises. Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Jojo's Bizzare Adventure are all incredibly popular and influential series. But even the staunchest defenders of these men has to concede that each one has issues with their series. 

Kishimotos' development of his female characters, and the escalation of power leading to less traditional Ninja techniques and more explosions in the Naruto led to, in many peoples' opinion, the decline of the series as it progressed. DB fans who happen to prefer characters who aren't Saiyans regularly find their favorite characters becoming less useful as Goku, Vegeta, and other Gods dominate the action of the series. Stardust Crusaders, arguably the most iconic of the Jojo's Bizzare Adventure franchise begins with a gaping plot hole--the first of many throughout the series.

I love JJBA, but how could DIO be in a coffin underwater if Erina used it to get to safety?

When such things occur in comics, it's not unusual for a new creative team to address similar issues, by furthering development of minor characters, helping reestablish or refocus major characters, or addressing old issues. Many times for the better. Such instances have given comics a number of great characters, events, and the like. 

Runs like The Flash by Mark Waid, Action Comics by Grant Morrison, and Aquaman by Geoff Johns are all critically-acclaimed, along with cult-classics like Secret Six by Gail Simone and Nightwing by Chuck Dixon. Under new writers and artists, Green Arrow went from a Batman copycat, to his own defined character with a passionate fanbase. Very much different from the original creation of Mortimer Weisinger and George Papp.

While the Silver Age stories have their charm, I think Green Arrow is in great hands these days.

In addition, and this might be an extreme case in helping my argument, but it's not unheard of for Mangaka to take time off. Since they typically do a lot of work, it's not a bad idea to think that these men and women could use a break. This is something you're particularly adept with dealing with, though, if you're a HunterxHunter fan. Some fans are even suggesting that creator, Yoshihiro Togashi hand the series to a more consistent artist.

While individual artists and writers are known to take issues off, it rarely results in an outright stoppage. The cost of which, could mean a loss of interest and readers. Where this helps American comics, is that when artists and writers take breaks, a fill-in gets a huge opportunity! 

While the practice is far from perfect and American comics can stand to learn a lot from how Manga is made. Still, there is plenty of room for give and take. And likewise, Mangakas can learn a lot from how American comics are produced. In the long run, I would hope to see more entertaining and varied products come from both sides.