Chapter 43: Collaboration

POWER STONES ARE REQUESTED.

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Chapter 43: Collaboration

Putting aside the newspaper he held, Colin's augmented version of [Super Hearing] came into play, allowing him to discern a series of brisk footsteps approaching the newspaper office.

"Boss..."

Instinctively, he raised his gaze towards the door and caught sight of Little John's perspiring figure.

"I have carried out the investigation as per your instructions regarding the neighboring publishing houses." Meeting Colin's eyes, Little John's initially excited tone involuntarily subdued.

He took a deep breath to compose himself before continuing, "Overall, these publishers are not faring well. Upon specific inquiry, many expressed concern and apprehension, fearing the possibility of being implicated..."

At present, the exact details of the bill have not been disclosed.

However, some magazines have already faced lawsuits from the US Postal Department on the grounds of alleged obscenity and the presence of non-"public information" content.

Numerous publishing houses, particularly those of smaller or medium size, have begun to worry about becoming the next target.

"To avoid potential legal consequences, many publishers are being compelled to alter the content of their magazines. Nonetheless, this has also given rise to a predicament—loss of their original subscribers. The most severely affected publishing house I encountered experienced a subscription decline of more than two-thirds."

The readership attracted by salacious content evidently does not favor a more "serious" magazine.

"So, have you completed the task I assigned to you?"

Within the offices of The Messenger newspaper, Colin exhibited a serious demeanor as he inquired about Little John's investigation.

"It's already done," Little John affirmed, nodding. "They were practically pleading, stating that as long as 'The Messenger' is willing to publish the comics in their magazine, they are open to anything."

Colin's refusal of the publishers' proposals was not due to an unwillingness to serialize "Superman" in a magazine.

Quite the contrary, the serialization of comics had gradually stabilized the sales of "The Messenger."

Thus, he required a new avenue to enhance the popularity of the "Superman" comics and accumulate more [faith].

Publishing a magazine presented an excellent opportunity to achieve this.

Previously, both "Famous Funnies" and the Humor Publishing House had shown great sincerity.

However, Colin rejected them for various reasons. He not only harbored doubts regarding the conditions they proposed but also lacked assurance that if "Superman" were entrusted to others for serialization, the response garnered would translate into [faith] as well.

Now, it was apparent that his decision had been the correct one.

The current situation posed a formidable challenge for both large and small publishing houses in New York City. However, amidst the crisis, Colin found himself presented with a rare opportunity—a chance to establish a comic magazine under the banner of the prestigious Messenger newspaper.

…

Within the confines of a small publishing house in New York, publisher Harry Donnelfield paced anxiously in his office. His colleague and partner, Jack Leibovitz, observing Harry's restlessness, couldn't help but offer some words of reassurance.

"Please calm down, Harry," Jack advised, hoping to quell his friend's unease.

"How can I possibly remain calm?" Harry halted his movements, a touch of anxiety evident in his voice. "Ever since the news about the Senate was published in the newspaper, magazine sales have plummeted.

How many copies of the magazine have we sold? A mere three thousand, less than a tenth of our previous figures. If this continues, we will face immediate bankruptcy!"

Understanding Harry's frustration, Jack shared a similarly helpless expression. "I am aware of our predicament, but we are not alone in this struggle. Everyone is facing the same challenges," he acknowledged.

In the past, publishers capitalized on the "yellow tabloid era," profiting from the mass production of sensational magazines. However, with the end of that era and the tightening of governmental policies, publishers were compelled to abandon their previously salacious content and instead focus on more sophisticated and fashionable material.

Regrettably, this shift alienated their original readership, leading to a sharp decline in magazine sales and repeated financial losses.

At this rate, both partners realized they would be unable to sustain the publishing house's mounting deficits. "What alternatives do we have? Should we continue publishing our original content?" Harry contemplated, his mind burdened by the morning's distressing state of affairs.

His gaze shifted toward the corner of the office, where the new issue of the magazine lay stacked like a mountain.

"If you wish to end up in prison, I will not object to your suggestion," Jack responded wryly. "Even if imprisonment were the outcome, it would be preferable to bankruptcy, as at least we would have sustenance."

Though Jack uttered these words, Harry lacked the courage to follow through. He had a family to support, and their survival during the Great Depression would be impossible if he were incarcerated.

Just as the two partners grappled with the publishing house's dire circumstances, a sudden knock interrupted their conversation.

"Come in," Harry called out, his voice betraying a mix of surprise and concern.

Within the office, Harry and Jack exchanged worried glances. Jack cautiously reached under the table, his hand finding the grip of a concealed firearm. He looked up, nodding to Harry, who regained his composure and responded to the visitor at the door.

This heightened sense of caution was not an exaggeration but a commonplace reaction during the Great Depression. Harry had witnessed, on more than one occasion, armed robbers brazenly borrowing guns from the police and subsequently sharing the spoils.

It was an era characterized by chaos and desperation, where survival compelled individuals to disregard morality in pursuit of financial security. In the face of this uncertainty, uniforms were nothing more than a convenience, given the government's prolonged nonpayment of wages.

The door swung open, revealing a young man donning a black windbreaker. He removed his hat, exposing a face that exuded an air of confidence and affluence seldom seen in this era.

"Good morning, Mr. Jack Leibovitz and Mr. Harry Donnelfield," the visitor greeted, calmly acknowledging the occupants of the office.

Colin, the boss of the Messenger, introduced himself. "I am Colin Luper, and I represent the Messenger. I have come to discuss a potential collaboration with your publishing house regarding the magazine."

Upon hearing Colin's self-introduction, Harry and Jack exchanged surprised glances. Stowing away the gun's handle in the drawer, Jack whispered the name "The Messenger" to himself, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"If my memory serves me correctly, isn't The Messenger the newspaper that serializes the comic strip 'Superman'?"

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