Karen Berger is stepping down at Vertigo

[Mark Sullivan (Vertiginous Mod)]

Just saw this at The Beat: Karen Berger steps down at Vertigo. I thought the cancellation of Hellblazer was the end of an era, but this beats that news by a mile. She has been so strongly identified with the imprint that it's hard to imagine it going on without her. They do have several veteran staff left (after the bloodbath last year), so I'm sure they're capable. I just have to wonder how long DC will keep Vertigo's doors open.

[Travis Herrick (Modular Mod)]

I saw that story as well, and the first thing I thought was,"This is the end of an era." She steered Vertigo through a lot over the decades. I'd like to see Shelly Bond take over myself.

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

This is horrible news for DC... but my guess is, probably pretty good news for Karen. She has all that expertise, and all those contacts, and all that trust built up with some of the most amazing talents in comics... and she can take it to a publisher that is more concerned with quality material than with owning exploitable IP.

My gut feeling says a big obstacle just got out of her way.

[Wandering Sensei: Moderator Man]

Well put, Rob. I'm sure the DC she knew and loved is no longer there. And I agree that the world is now her oyster. Good luck, Karen! DC will miss you more than it can possibly realize.

Rob Staeger said:

This is horrible news for DC... but my guess is, probably pretty good news for Karen. She has all that expertise, and all those contacts, and all that trust built up with some of the most amazing talents in comics... and she can take it to a publisher that is more concerned with quality material than with owning exploitable IP.

My gut feeling says a big obstacle just got out of her way.

[Lumbering Jack (M'odd-R8-Tr)]

Interesting article on the fall of Vertigo. http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/12/03/vertigone/

[Henry R. Kujawa]

I've long thought the prolonged downfall of LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES (which appears to have only finally, really recovered in the last few years) was more a result of her stepping down as editor, than the loss of Paul Levitz. As soon as she was off the book, it turned into years on end of non-stop CHAOS.