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The exact moment James Tynion IV retired from superhero comics was while he was writing DC's flagship Batman title
"That was the moment," Department of Truth author Tynion told us at C2E2, "That it was just like, 'I need to lean in to my own worlds.'"
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These days, James Tynion IV is known as an indie comics champion. And with one of his creator-owned books, Exquisite Corpses, having been one of the best-selling indie comics of 2025 and still growing, that's unlikely to change anytime soon. But as I'm sure you know if you're a comics reader, Tynion spent a healthy chunk of his career at DC Comics writing the superheroes that the medium has become known for. So what changed?
That's exactly what we set out to learn.
Popverse's Editor-in-Chief Chris Arrant had the chance to sit down with Tynion at C2E2 2026, and during their discussion, asked about the Something is Killing the Children author's transition between traditional superhero storytelling and horror-leaning indie works. And it turns out, there was a single moment when that transition clicked for the author.
"There was a very, very specific moment," Tynion explained, "It was the month that Nice House on the Lake came out, which was 2021, that June. I was on the main Batman title - it was me and Jorge Jiménez - and that month Batman was selling very very well. But [also] that month, Nice House on the Lake and Something is Killing the Children both outsold Batman. That was the moment that it was just like, 'I need to lean in to my own worlds.' This is the moment that, if I don't start leaning in, I will regret this for the rest of my life."
With ever more Tynion-penned indie hits like the Department of Truth dominating comic sales and things like the live-action Something is Killing the Children adaptation on the way, we'd say Tynion made a great call. Even still, we're looking forward to Tynion's semi-un-retirement from the world of DC Comics when the incredibly-titled Swamp Thing is Killing the Children heads to shelves this fall.
You can watch Popverse's full interview with James Tynion IV below:
Get ready for what's next with our list to upcoming comics and how to buy comics at a comic shop.
About C2E2
Comics, cosplay, gaming, authors, and anime abound in the only pop culture convention in the heart of Downtown Chicago! We've gathered your favorite celebrities, unique exhibitors, incredible comic creators, and larger-than-life literary authors into one place to celebrate the fandoms you love. From the halls of Artist Alley to the depths of the Show Floor, our goal is to provide a space of creativity and fun, but most importantly, one that cultivates a sense of belonging, safety, and inclusiveness.
Dates
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Location
Chicago's McCormick Place
United States
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