Everything's wrong with the Marvel x Williams F1 collab
note: these are my observations, as a comic collector and fan.
MARKETING
Doesn't follow the marketing strategies of comic publishers.
We've gotten no previews, no variant cover reveals prior to release, no information on how long this run is going to be, whether or not it's a single stand alone issue or a limited series. These are usually the first information released when a publisher debuts a new series.
There is no webpage where all the variants are listed and compiled. Usually, each single issue has a webpage where all the up for order variants are listed.
No artist involvement, no clear images of the uncoloured inked pages, nothing.
Comics are not available in shops until October, and only available on the Williams website for a race weekend. Afterwards the order page is taken off(??) the comic is not marked as sold out or unavailable, it's listing is taken off completely. This is a very unusual practice, especially with recent releases.
CREDITS/CREATIVE TEAM
There has been no creative team announced, no credits given for cover art or story art, we have no writer, artist, colourist or letterer. No matter the publisher (DC/Marvel/Image etc) the creative team's names are ALWAYS included. Often these details are announced ahead of any cover reveal or preview. Creative team is always amongst the first to be announced.
Usually the writer(s), artist(s) and colourist(s) names are displayed on the cover. If the image on the order page doesn't contain these, it's still listed in the item description (which it isn't on the Williams website).
Variant covers also clearly list the artist's name ESPECIALLY when you go and order them. Even retail variants (aka covers commissioned by retailers and exclusive to them only) are revealed before the actual release day AND often the retailer announces the artist they commissioned way ahead of release.
For the Monaco variant cover, we do have a supposed artist, Greg Land (concluded from the artist signature on the front wing of the green f1 car), but it was never officially announced or tagged. The artist never made a post about this variant despite having an active social media, even though he has an established career as a comic book artist (even if it's quite controversial).
LACK OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM MARVEL COMICS
As of now, Marvel comics only posted about this collaboration once, back during the Miami weekend, when it was announced.
I have not seen any instagram stories let alone instagram posts about it ever since.
ADDITIONAL
The price point for this is insane. £12.50 for a SINGLE ISSUE. Not a foil or glow in the dark or signed cover. A regular variant cover. The average retail price for single issues is $4.99/€4.99/£3.99 at big retailers. Cardstock variants may cost 1-2 AT MOST 3 $/€/£ additionally. NOT DOUBLE THAT.
I also have very strong opinions on the line art/inks and colours and overall quality of the comic but I'll leave you with this: the public isn't enraged enough.
The way Williams is moving about this collaboration is not normal in any way. The lack of transparency and credits are very concerning especially at this price point. Is this a predatory contract or something that involves generative AI? I don't know but I truly hope it's the formal.
ps. if anyone bought this comic and is willing to share images of the cover and pages, please contact me. Any information I may have gotten wrong, I apologise for, this is purely based on my observations and research.
