Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, fiona staples, jason kingsley, neal adams

The Bleeding Cool Top 100 Power List 2015 – 79 To 77

Welcome to the Fourth Bleeding Cool Top 100 Power List for the next Bleeding Cool Magazine, being serialized right now on the Bleeding Cool website.

It's an attempt to list the most powerful people working in the English speaking comic book marketplace. It's judged by all manner of attributes, the ability to influence what comics exist and sell, but also the willingness to use that power and the ability to retain said power if one aspect is taken away – a job, a gig or a prominent role. Which is why you will see a number of people on a higher spot than their bosses.

The Power List rewards those who combine roles, those who are double and triple threats and also where power is concentrated in one person or perceived identity. But it also notes certain teams who work together, who've built up a joint identity, a gestalt more powerful than the sum of their parts. Some powerful organisations or groups, where power is diffused amongst many, drop down or drop out altogether.

It does not measure talent or likeability and also does not intend to represent diversity. All it does is note power, used for the betterment – or the detriment – of comics.

The list has been created in consultation with a number of senior figures in the comics industry. However, I'm aware the one thing that can be guaranteed is that everyone will think it's wrong and prefer their own take. Including all of those who were consulted.

There will be a new post every day on Bleeding Cool. We'll run the previous ones below as well, so, in reverse order…

79. Jason Kingsley – UP

The single owner of the games company Rebellion, who also publishes the 2000AD and Judge Dredd comics, Jason Kingsley has had a rougher than expected time expanding further into TV and movies.

But 2000AD may be a R&D Department for Rebellion's IP, it's also a place that American publishers go to recruit ready made talent. Indeed, much of Marvel's All-New All-Different relaunch comes ready made from 2000AD's door and Marvel seems to be recreating a variety of 2000AD icons in Secret Wars and Scarlet Witch right now. Jason's decisions will shape how Marvel and DC will look… in five years time.

Position next year depends upon: Announcing that Rogue Trooper film.

78. Fiona Staples (DOWN)

Artist on the comic book Saga, Fiona Staples worked on a number of minor titles before exploding on the book with Brian K Vaughan. To critical acclaim they made everybody else's world building look like playpen construction, and Fiona does it all, down to the hand lettering. The art on Saga attracts acclaim, awards, and sales. Lying Cat has become an industry in itself, and Saga is the Image comic that challenges The Walking Dead without having a successful TV series behind it. Indeed, Fiona and Brian have said that the comic is all there will ever be.

She also drew the first issues of the new Archie Comics relaunch which redesigned the characters for the company and saw the comic hit the top ten for the first time in its history. To make Archie sell? That's real power!

Position next year depends upon: Just, I guess, continuing to be Fiona Staples.

77.   Neal Adams – NEW ENTRY

Legendary comic book creator Neal Adams has been a constant fighter for creator rights in the industry and has involved himself behind the scenes in a number of recent legal landmark fights. He maintains a strong presence on the show circuit and this year began to evangelise for comic book creators to start charging for autographs at shows as part of a process of valuing themselves more.

He has also been able to help get credits and payments for media exploited work for others – and himself – at DC, as their TV line continues to grow. And in 2016 he is all over the DC comic books…

Position next year depends upon: Keeping on fighting the good fight.

#100-#98 – Dennis Barger, Janelle Asselin, Matthew Rosenberg

#97-#95 – Rich Johnston, Marc Silvestri, James Killen

#94-#92 – Jim Demonakos, Tim Buckley, Gahl Buslov

#91-#89 – Rob Liefeld, Peter Dolan, Catlin DiMotta

#88-#86 – Ken Levin, David Alpert, Kate Leth

#85-#83 – Jason Aaron, Stephen Christy, Jon Goldwater

#82-#80 – Stan Lee, Lorelei Bunjes, Marc Toberoff

And catch up on previous years, here:

2014:

#100-#81
#80-#61
#60-#41
#40-#21
#20-#11
#10-#1

2013:

#100-#81
#80-#61
#60-#41
#40-#21
#20-#11
#10-#1

2012:

#100-#81
#80-#61
#60-#41
#40-#21
#20-#11
#10-#1

Bleeding Cool Magazine #19 is out now in all good comic book stores. Bleeding Cool Magazine #20 with the full Top 100 Power List will be out in January.

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