Bab 69: Chapter 64: Sales Growth
Note- If you don't like reading slow pace novels, please don't read this. And give a low rating because it is not fast food; that you have to finish in 5 to 10 minutes. ( have updated this notice in 1st chapter also)
This for the 2 genius people that have given this fic 2 or 3 star reviews.
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Chapter 65: Sales Growth
Today, the studio has gained fame with the success of Mickey Mouse.
However, Walt still couldn't forget the experience in New York.
Putting aside the memories, he redirected his gaze to the newspaper in Roy's hands.
"The Messenger Post?"
Taking the newspaper from Roy, to Walt's surprise, the in-demand newspaper Roy mentioned wasn't one of the well-known big papers like "World Daily" or "New York Daily News," but rather an obscure little publication.
Looking at the name on the paper, Walt couldn't help but glance at Roy, seemingly asking if he had made a mistake.
"You'll understand when you read it."
Roy gestured for Walt to continue reading.
With a mix of doubt and curiosity, Walt looked back down at "The Messenger Post" in his hands and continued reading.
Flipping open the newspaper, there wasn't much else in it, and instead of familiar news articles, there was a large serialized "comic strip" section.
"Superman?"
As Walt looked at the serialized comic on the newspaper, his confusion deepened.
The storyline of the comic wasn't complicated, mainly focusing on the protagonist, Superman, helping others and saving the city of Metropolis.
However, the concept of a superhero undoubtedly shattered Walt's traditional understanding of comics. This fresh genre provided readers with a completely new experience, and the portrayal of Metropolis in the story gave them a mysterious sense of immersion. In this regard, "Superman" and Walt's Disney Studio represented two completely different creative approaches.
Walt Disney Studio's animated works mainly revolved around creating fairy tales, including the design of Mickey Mouse and the content of the "Silly Symphonies" series of animated shorts, all illustrating this point. In the "Silly Symphonies" animations, various anthropomorphized stories were depicted, including insects and even plants.
On the other hand, "Superman" in "The Messenger Post" took a more modern approach, placing the story's essence in a real-life context. Moreover, having been to New York himself, Walt immediately recognized that the city depicted in the comic was undoubtedly a portrayal of New York.
"It's an excellent work."
Flipping through the newspaper and reaching the end of the serialized "Superman" story, Walt nodded in admiration.
"Now I understand why it's in such high demand."
After reading the serialized "Superman" in the newspaper, sparks of inspiration ignited in Walt's mind, and he had a vague idea forming.
"The success of 'The Messenger Post' isn't just limited to the newspaper. In fact, their 'Messenger Comics' is also selling like crazy. It's said they've sold over three hundred thousand copies in New York alone."
Roy seemed to have some knowledge about Colin's Messenger Post, knowing not only about "The Messenger Post" but also about their recent release, "Messenger Comics."
During this period, news wasn't as readily accessible as it would be in later years. Unless it was a serious event like the "Detroit Hunger March," newspapers rarely covered events from outside their state.
"Messenger Comics."
Hearing Roy's introduction, Walt looked again at "The Messenger Post" in his hands.
"I admit that 'Superman,' serialized in 'The Messenger Post,' is an excellent work, but it doesn't seem to have much connection to our studio."
With his gaze back, Walt expressed some confusion.
"It seems you haven't noticed."
In response to his brother's questioning, Roy's lips curled up slightly. "Mickey would probably cry if he knew."
Roy's teasing tone was accompanied by a hint of surprise.
Hearing this, Walt picked up "The Messenger Post" again, and sure enough, a few minutes later, he spotted that familiar figure in one of the comic's pages.
"It's 'Steamboat Willie'!"
In the comic, the character with a captain's hat, steering a boat, was undoubtedly a rendition of Mickey Mouse.
Although limited by the comic's printing technology, Mickey's image wasn't very clear. But as the creator of Mickey Mouse, Walt immediately recognized it at a glance.
"So, the reason you brought the newspaper is to tell me that Mickey appeared in 'Superman' comic?"
After the excitement, Walt calmed down and looked at Roy in bewilderment.
"Or are you planning to sue 'The Messenger Post' for copyright infringement?"
After the experience with "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit," Walt Disney Studios had been extremely cautious about Mickey's copyrights and didn't want to repeat past mistakes.
"If it's a lawsuit, I think the chances of success are slim."
Looking at Mickey in the comic, Walt hesitated. "After all, this black and white printed comic makes it difficult to sue them unless it involves the main character. Besides, removing Mickey from the comic wouldn't really impact the storyline in any way."
Roy suddenly spoke up, "A few days ago, sales of Mickey Mouse dolls in New York increased by about ten percent."
Seeing Walt's puzzled expression, he continued, "Clearly, the serialized comic in 'The Messenger Post' played a role."
In the industry, Walt Disney Studios had achieved some success with "Steamboat Willie" and even received recognition from the Oscars. However, when it came to expanding the Mickey Mouse brand, they encountered some issues, especially regarding the sale of merchandise.
Initially, the licensed Mickey and Minnie dolls had shown promising momentum. However, with the impact of the Great Depression, the worsening economic situation affected the sales of Mickey Mouse merchandise.
According to the information from the publishing company they collaborated with in New York, Bob Lane, people seemed to no longer be as fond of Mickey Mouse as before, and sales of related products started to decline.
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