Comic book projects should avoid Netflix

If you’re a comic book creator, Netflix may not be a place where you want to put your content. The streaming platform has become known for prematurely canceling projects.

Most of the more popular streaming platforms have some kind of comic book content. Hulu has Hit-Monkey and Amazon has Invincible and The Boys. Of course, HBO Max has DC Comics and Disney Plus has Marvel. Before any of them took a chance on comic book shows, Netflix was giving the genre a chance.

When the Marvel Comics shows were out of theaters, they would stream on Netflix. You could also catch DC Comics projects like the Dark Knight trilogy there as well.

Later, they took a chance with original comic content. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist started the trend. After that Jupiter’s Legacy, Grendel, and Warrior Nun followed. What do the last three shows have in common? They were all canceled.

Netflix and cancellations

Netflix has been canceling projects left and right. Some of this could be due to low ratings and a lack of streaming. However, it’s nearly impossible to know how well a streaming show is doing. Netflix will say a show or movie is the highest streaming project of all time, but how do we know this is true?

It’s also come to a point that popularity doesn’t matter either. If you check social media, you’d assume Warrior Nun would be renewed. It was a beloved show. After the way season 1 ended, fans couldn’t wait for season 2.

Unfortunately, the sophomore season came and there won’t be a third. It’s enough to make a fan not want to invest in a Netflix show. This is one of the reasons why comic book franchises should make them a last resort.

Netflix needs to be updated

Netflix is a step away from becoming Blockbuster. It’s been said before, but it’s true. What makes this ironic is Netflix is following a similar path of the video franchise they put out of business.

They’ve refused to join the new era of streaming. While people still enjoy binging shows, weekly releases have become popular again. House of the Dragon, the Marvel Comics programs, and Hulu’s original content prove this. Netflix refuses to join the club. We don’t know if it’s stubbornness or contract issues, but they have to change with the times. Otherwise, they’ll be left behind.

Are all of the cancelations the fault of Netflix? Of course not. Warrior Nun could have been renewed if season 2 was released soon after the first. The pandemic put a damper on that happening. Jupiter’s Legacy wasn’t a good show. The plot was predictable and it wasn’t a compelling story. However, Inside Job, Sense8, and others didn’t get a chance. It made this writer wonder if Wednesday and The Sandman have a chance. Even if season 2 is good, can we as fans trust that there will be a third?

The problem with this is creators are going to go where they can get their dreams out. Netflix could be the only option and there’s nothing wrong with going with them. Amazon, Hulu, and other streaming platforms may not want your project. That’s also not to say that other places won’t. We’ve seen how DC Comics, HBO Max, and the CW haven’t renewed shows recently.

No one wants their dreams cut short. Sadly, it’s a possibility in this industry. However, if a comic book creator *does* have an option, they may avoid going to Netflix if they can. Especially if the trend of cancellations continues.

What do you think, readers? Do you trust Netflix to not cancel comic book projects? Let us know in the comments below.