Absolute Success - Why Batman Is Selling Millions of Comics GUEST Joe Grunenwald - The Beat

We analyze the success of the DC Absolute Universe with Joe Gruenenwald from The Beat and discuss the legacy of the indie anthology Negative Burn with Joe Pruett. This session explores why the Absolute line has captured the market and how historic anthologies continue to provide a platform for new talent. Slides on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/cbs-live-3-3-25-152230268 DATE: 3/3/2026 TIME: 8:00 PM EST HOST: Buddy Scalera CO-HOST: Mike Fasolo CO-HOST: Deanna Destito GUEST: Joe Grunenwald - The Beat - https://bsky.app/profile/joegrunenwald.bsky.social KEY EDUCATIONAL TAKEAWAYS Reimagining Icons: Analyzing the creative risks and commercial success of the DC Absolute Universe. The Power of Anthologies: How titles like Negative Burn serve as an R&D department for the entire comic industry. Crowdfunding Legacy: Professional strategies for using Zoop to bring influential historical works back into print. Market Analysis: Understanding the current consumer demand for "prestige" formats and reimagined continuity. FEATURED GUESTS Joe Gruenenwald: Editor at The Beat and expert on comic industry trends and publishing. Joe Pruett: Publisher of AfterShock Comics and creator of the influential anthology Negative Burn. FEATURED COMICS AND ANTHOLOGIES TITLE: "Absolute Batman" PUBLISHER: DC Comics DATE: October 2024 CREATORS: Scott Snyder (Writer), Nick Dragotta (Artist). TITLE: "Absolute Wonder Woman" PUBLISHER: DC Comics DATE: October 2024 CREATORS: Kelly Thompson (Writer), Hayden Sherman (Artist). TITLE: "Absolute Superman" PUBLISHER: DC Comics DATE: November 2024 CREATORS: Jason Aaron (Writer), Rafa Sandoval (Artist). TITLE: "Negative Burn" PUBLISHER: Caliber Press / Image Comics DATE: Originally published 1993 CREATORS: Various (Edited by Joe Pruett). YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction to the Craft and Business of Making Comics 05:40 - Joe Gruenenwald on the DC Absolute Universe Phenomenon 18:12 - Why "Absolute Batman" Succeeded: Analyzing the Creative Shifts 35:45 - The Business of "Prestige" Comics and Market Sustainability 48:20 - Joe Pruett Joins: The History and Impact of "Negative Burn" 01:02:15 - Discovering Talent: How Anthologies Build Careers 01:10:40 - The Negative Burn Zoop Campaign and Preserving Comic History 01:16:30 - Workshop: Five Learnings on Launching Modern Indie Projects ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SERVICES Educational Slide Decks: Access the technical breakdown of the Absolute Universe on our Patreon. Deanna Destito's The Beat: Follow Joe Gruenenwald’s latest reporting at ComicsBeat.com. Mike Fasolo on Substack: Read the weekly serialization of Mike's new novel. SOCIAL LINKS Comic Book School Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/comicbookschool The Beat: https://www.comicsbeat.com Negative Burn Zoop Campaign: [Insert Link] Mike Fasolo's Substack: https://mikefasolo.substack.com SOCIAL LINKS * Comic Book School Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/comicbookschool * Deanna Destito Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/deannadestito * Mike Fasolo's Substack: https://mikefasolo.substack.com