Part 12/13:
Ultimately, the comic book industry appears to be at a crossroads: continue with traditional gatekeeping—favoring established names and political alignments—or embrace creator-driven, decentralized models that put audience demand above ideology.
The key takeaway is that success—whether in comics or any entertainment medium—remains rooted in authenticity and meeting consumer preferences. Platforms like Substack have demonstrated that people will pay for content they value, even if it means disruptive shifts and conflicts with old-world gatekeepers.