What has to be a comics shocker, news is out that Andy Diggle has stepped down as the next writer for “Action Comics.” Even before the first issue released, Andy Diggle announced that he will not succeed Grant Morrison as writer on “Action Comics.” This is what Andy Diggle had to say on Twitter, March 20, 2013:
“Sadly, I’ve decided to walk away from Action Comics for professional reasons.
It was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make, especially with Superman’s 75th anniversary and Man of Steel on the horizon.
But it was the right decision. No regrets. Onwards!
Sincere thanks to Matt Idelson for inviting me to follow Grant Morrison on Action Comics. I hope we still get to work together someday.
Thank you to all the fans who’ve expressed their enthusiasm in anticipation of my run.
I wish nothing but the best of luck to whichever new creative team picks up the red boots and cape.
Many of you were planning to pick up Action Comics for the first time. I hope you still do.”
Andy Diggle is an immense talent. You can currently catch his writing, teamed up again with the artist Jock, for the short series, “Snapshot,” published by Image Comics. There is also “Doctor Who” for IDW; “Thief of Thieves,” with Skybound; and “Uncanny” with Dynamite. Yes, the man is busy. But this is “Action Comics” we’re talking about! Well, some things are meant to be.
Tony Daniel, the artist for this next round of “Action Comics,” will now be both artist and writer for the remainder of the run.
Add this news to Josh Fialkov walking away as writer for “Green Lantern Corps” and “Red Lanterns.” In that case, Fialkov would not go along with plans by DC Comics to kill off a key Green Lantern character, John Stewart.
The news of Andy Diggle’s departure can only open up the wounds from Rob Liefeld leaving DC Comics while he was writer on three titles, “Hawkman,” “Deathstoke,” and “Grifter.” This story is all about alleged editorial interference with the writer and provides a window into the process. This is what Liefeld had to say on Twitter on August 22, 2012 about his departure:
Last week my editor said “early on we had a lot of indie talent that weren’t used to re-writes and changes…made it hard.” Uh, no, it’s you.
We wish everyone the best. It is unfortunate but it appears to explain a lot.
I’m a die-hard DC boy, but I’m glad I’m a reader not a writer….
Andy Diggle is a class act.