Meaning: The quote "DC used to print up all of their pages, they were the only company that did it" by Gil Kane, a renowned comic book artist, refers to a unique practice that distinguished DC Comics from other comic book companies during a certain period in the industry's history. To understand the significance of this statement, it is essential to delve into the historical context of comic book publishing and the production process involved.

During the early years of the comic book industry, the production process for creating comic books involved several stages, including writing, drawing, inking, lettering, and coloring. Once these stages were completed, the pages were then sent to a printing press where they were reproduced in bulk for distribution to readers.

In the context of the quote, Gil Kane is highlighting the fact that DC Comics had a distinctive approach to the production process. While other companies may have sent digital files or individual pages for printing, DC Comics chose to print up all of their pages before proceeding with the production process. This meant that the entire comic book, including all of its pages, was printed as a single unit before being further processed.

This approach had several implications for the production and creative process at DC Comics. By printing up all of their pages, the company could ensure a cohesive and consistent printing quality across the entire book. It also allowed for a more comprehensive review of the entire work before proceeding with subsequent production stages, potentially reducing errors and ensuring that the final product met the company's standards.

Furthermore, this method may have also provided the creative teams at DC Comics with a unique perspective on their work. Seeing the entire comic book in its printed form before it was fully completed could have influenced the way artists and writers approached their storytelling and visual compositions. It provided an opportunity for creators to assess the flow and impact of the entire work as a unified piece, rather than focusing solely on individual pages or panels.

The quote by Gil Kane also reflects a particular moment in the history of comic book production, as it suggests that this approach was not widely adopted by other companies at the time. This unique practice at DC Comics may have set them apart in terms of the quality and consistency of their printed output, contributing to the company's reputation as a leader in the industry.

In conclusion, Gil Kane's quote sheds light on a distinctive aspect of DC Comics' production process that set them apart from other comic book companies. By choosing to print up all of their pages as a single unit, DC Comics demonstrated a commitment to quality and consistency in their printed output. This approach may have also influenced the creative process, providing the company's artists and writers with a unique perspective on their work. Ultimately, this quote offers valuable insight into the historical practices of comic book production and the ways in which companies sought to differentiate themselves in the industry.