Research Paper Source 2(Pages 7-12)

Why I Quit Static Shock: By John Rozum

In considering SOPA's effects on the comic book industry, I realized that this potential battle between government/comic publishers and creators can be likened to a lot of other editorial/creator disputes in the comics stories themselves. By studying what exactly happened in these clashes, one can learn from these mistakes so that when SOPA comes down on the comic book industry, the effects are not as hazardous. The following source is an explanation by writer John Rozum as to why the DC-New 52 comic Static Shock failed both commercially and creatively.

-Rozum states that he initially decided to stay quiet about Static Shock, but loyal Static fans were beginning to unfairly blame Rozum for the title's failure and swore to not buy titles with his name on it.
-Just like any other comic fan, Rozum has an attachment to the stories of Static Shock in the Milestone imprint by creator Dwayne McDuffie. Rozum intended to produce a story worthy of the character and his creator.
-According to Rozum, he was benched by series editor Harvey Richards and artist Scott McDaniel. McDaniel quickly became the head writer of the series, though he had never written before in his life. Rozum's role in the series's development was to essentially transfer McDaniel's plots into dialogue.
-Richards and McDaniel were more concerned with keeping the title in a reasonable sales level than telling a good story. This led to an emphasis on "shocking moments", such as Static's arm getting cut off in issue 1 and the reveal that his sister had a clone of herself, over the development of the main character and supporting cast.
-Rozum notes the stress that this collaboration with Richards and McDaniel caused him. When the two men began to leave him out of the plotting of the series, Rozum decided that enough was enough and walked off the book.
-Rozum believes that keeping his name on the book would unfairly draw fans who are attracted to Rozum's past works, such as the former ongoing series Xombi.
-Rozum distances the actions of Richards and McDaniel from DC Entertainment in general and notes his positive experiences with the company.
-Contrary to internet rumors, Static Shock did not get cancelled because it starred a minority character or a C-list hero. The book failed because of the quality of the stories and editorial mandates that Rozum had no control over.