It's a horse a piece but ultimately a good move in the end. It's negative side obviously is that the " original/classic " being on hiatus creates a reader/fan backlash. I can cite Spider-man being replaced by Scarlet Spider taking the hardest hit there, noting that they quickly altered Ben's persona from Scarlet into Spider-man (though really I think the outrage came with the now retraced revelation that Peter Parker was not the real article, meaning the possibility was that he wouldn't return at some point.). Though with less prolific books it doesn't always generate that heat, like Savage Dragon for example. Why it ultimately works of course is that not only does the replacement character gain a larger readership themselves, but the celebrated return of the original of course which renews appreciation for the character, ei; we take what we have for granted until it's gone. It's an expansive move at the end of the day either way.
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