Top Cow president defends "sexy" reputation

Top Cow president Matt Hawkins has defended the publisher's reputation.

The Image Comics partner is often dismissed as a '90s-influenced, overly sexualised niche in the comics market.

Hawkins told Comic Book Resources: "It is a hard perception to break, but companies evolve and change over time. Marvel and DC obviously have gone through a number of changes and perceptions over the decades. Look at Batman alone and look at the multiple versions there are of that character, from the absurd slapstick to the über-dark and brooding.

"The best way to counter perception is through word of mouth of people who like it. That happens through good content and building new fans."

Hawkins continued: "People who have a 'negative' opinion of something are not likely to change, and I'd rather invest in trying to get a new pool or readership than trying to convert an old one. People who 'like' Witchblade and read it regularly are more likely to 'defend' it against people [who] make comments based on lack of knowledge.

"I think because [Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri] draws sexy women and all his proteges learned to draw sexy women from him, that people just assume that is what it's all about. We've tried a number of things to change perception."

Hawkins concluded: "I think what people need to realise is that changing perceptions is damn hard and takes time. It is easier to convert a fan with no opinion than one with a preconceived notion."

He also revealed that the lineup for the 2011 Top Cow Pilot Season would be unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con.

Top Cow superstar writer Ron Marz recently revealed that he will soon be ending his 71-issue run on Witchblade.