Meaning: The quote provided is from Garth Ennis, a well-known writer in the comic book industry, discussing the character of Hitman and the potential for the character to be involved in the DC Universe. This quote reflects Ennis' perspective on the delicate balance between maintaining the integrity of a character and the potential commercial benefits of integrating the character into a larger universe.

Hitman is a fictional character created by Garth Ennis and artist John McCrea. The character first appeared in "The Demon Annual" #2 in 1993 and subsequently had his own series published by DC Comics from 1996 to 2001. The series followed the story of Tommy Monaghan, a contract killer with the ability to read minds. Despite his occupation, Monaghan was depicted as having a strong moral code and often found himself in morally complex situations.

In the quote, Ennis acknowledges that Hitman "does well" and "certainly does well enough to survive," indicating that the character has garnered a solid fan base and commercial success. However, he also expresses reluctance to involve the character in the DC Universe, even if it meant increased sales. This reluctance stems from Ennis' desire to maintain the integrity and balance of the character as he exists within his own standalone series.

Ennis' stance on not wanting to involve Hitman in the DC Universe, despite the potential for increased sales, reflects a commitment to preserving the character's individuality and unique narrative. By keeping Hitman separate from the larger DC Universe, Ennis is able to maintain creative control over the character and ensure that his stories are told in a way that aligns with his original vision.

Additionally, Ennis' reluctance to integrate Hitman into the DC Universe may also stem from a desire to avoid diluting the character's narrative or compromising the character's established traits and storylines. In many cases, when characters are incorporated into larger universes, their stories and identities can become intertwined with the broader continuity, potentially altering or overshadowing their original essence.

It's worth noting that the balance Ennis refers to in the quote may also encompass the tonal and thematic differences between Hitman and the broader DC Universe. Hitman's series was known for its dark humor, gritty storytelling, and mature themes, which may not seamlessly align with the tone of mainstream DC superhero titles. By keeping Hitman separate, Ennis is able to maintain the distinct tone and atmosphere of the character's stories without being constrained by the conventions of the broader DC Universe.

In conclusion, Garth Ennis' quote about Hitman's place in the DC Universe reflects his commitment to preserving the character's integrity and individuality. By choosing not to involve Hitman in the larger DC Universe, Ennis can maintain creative control over the character and ensure that his stories remain true to the original vision. This decision also allows for the preservation of Hitman's unique tone and thematic elements, ultimately serving the character's narrative and the satisfaction of his dedicated fan base.