The Prophet

Dear DC Comics,

My name is Cora and I want to start by saying I am a lifelong DC fan. I wouldn’t be reaching out if I weren’t. That being said, I recognize the current challenges in the comic book industry—DC isn’t selling like it used to. I could spend this letter telling you how amazing my story is (and it is), but let’s focus on what matters most: Innovation and Profitability.

In 2022, Manga accounted for 45% of all comic book sales across the U.S. (CBR.com). With two manga publishers ranking among the top ten comic publishing companies in the United States and millions of copies sold worldwide; they’re just getting started. Competitors like Image Comics are gaining ground and, if this trend continues, DC could face the risk of slipping from its dominant position as the top publishing company. The question is: Why is this happening and how can DC stay ahead?

The answer lies in what readers crave—stories that are dark, immersive, and boundary-pushing. The success of Absolute Batman last year, being the highest sold DC comic, along with most of Scott Snyder’s work (who most people believe is one of the best Batman writers of all time) proves that darker, more imaginative storytelling resonates deeply with audiences. The Killing Joke is another prime example—people are drawn to narratives that challenge the depths of human nature. This same appeal drives the popularity of manga for their disturbing and edgy narratives, as well as, the consistent demand for true crime, horror, and psychological thrills in people’s lives. This is also why Batman continues to sell the most comics year after year after year over any other DC character for the last 40 straight years. We enjoy the darkness. I know I do.

Beyond storytelling, manga also excels in affordability. Cutting costs on color while maintaining high-quality art and compelling narratives, manga remains cost-effective to print and purchase—making it more accessible to a global audience without sacrificing creative integrity. The No.1 best-selling DC comic of all time was Batman Ten Cent Adventure #1 (2002), and it sold because of just that: it was ten cents. You sold 702,126 copies. The second best-selling DC comic book of all time was Batman Detective Comic #1000, and it only sold 574,705 copies for a difference of 127,421 comic books; that’s a large gap. I’m not saying I want to sell my book series for 10 cents, but I think the money we save by using manga formatting, pages, and no color will help lower the price of the book and raise sales by making it affordable for a younger audience while maintaining a margin of profit for us.

My series, The Prophet, embodies these key elements for success. It blends the best aspects of both manga and traditional comics—offering a gripping, intricate narrative with a dark and unique art style that stands out in today’s market. It’s a project designed for profitability, reader engagement, and longevity.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how The Prophet can further contribute to DC’s legacy. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Best regards,

Cora Buzan

corabuzan1@gmail.com

503.899.7493

4314 E Silverwood Dr. Phoenix, AZ

Genre:

Dark Fantasy

Length + Style:

BLK/White

Approx. 85-100 pages

Book Series

Comps:

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

Lord of the Rings

The Black Cauldron

Army of Darkness

The Story

The world of Edenia is about to end… again. With all of its civilizations crumbling from apocalyptic-level natural disasters and mankind's evil nature turning against itself, only one man save them, the Prophet. A powerful mediator between Edenia and mankind who brings with him life and prosperity. But there’s only one problem; he’s dead.

The greedy Queen Catherine, ruler of the most prominently wealthy and self-absorbed country, has decided one throne isn’t enough, and she’s turned her efforts to world domination. The only force in Edenia that could stop her is the Prophet, but she’s dealt with that already…

Without the Prophet, the world begins to die, and humanity's timeline is coming quickly to an end. Only one person seems to notice: an unpopular reporter by the name of Xerox. Xerox forms a band of heroes to find someone to replace the Prophet before it’s too late, someone who bears a special mark at the base of their skull. There are only three candidates left in the world: Xerox, Queen Catherine’s daughter Princess Maragaret, and a small, sickly orphaned child named Alexander.

As the scramble for salvation ensues and Catherine becomes more and more dangerous, a powerful ancient evil by the name of Baal is awoken from inside its forested prison. As Edenia weakens in the Prophet’s absence, the Evil escapes and gleefully begins his crusade to stomp out mankind. He enslaves the prince and future king Thutmose III and uses him to destroy every living thing by abusing his status, power, and resources available to him.

Having known each other for ages as young royals of neighboring countries, Princess Maragret and Prince Thutmose reunite by chance. This time, they fall in love with each other. Princess Maragaret shares in private with Thutmose the plan to assemble the candidates and go to the Crossed Trees, a place where Prophets are chosen. Margaret, not knowing Thutmose is a slave in his own body, inadvertently reveals the plan to Baal. Upon discovering this information, Baal seeks to destroy the Crossed Trees before the candidates can get to it and a new prophet is chosen.

Towards the end of the series, most of Edenia is destroyed, and many people have died. Cities are buried under ash, water and earth. Along with Thutmose’s army, Baal waits at the Crossed Trees to ambush Xerox and his band of heroes once they arrive. When they do, a final battle breaks out. Margaret is killed by Thutmose from Baal’s influence, and Thutmose kills himself in grief, releasing himself from Baal’s service. The two remaining candidates, Xerox and Alexander, enter between the Crossed Trees, where they get to speak to Edenia itself. Edenia chooses Alexander to be the next successor, and Xerox dies inside the Crossed Trees. Alexander steps outside, youthfully rejuvenated and powerful. He sends Baal back to his prison, overcomes the evil indwelt within the remaining men on Edenia, and replenishes the plants and the earth. Peace is restored, and goodness has prevailed.