I do not know this as gospel but I have been told and don't necessarily believe it but can see how others do that it is about the Intellectual Property. More characters (even poorly thought out and executed ones) the more IP exists and the more potential for additional revenue (TV, Movies, Merch).
TO me, I see the problem being not only the quality of the content being produced but also the price tag associated with it. 4 Bucks for a comic book is a rich man's game. I had a more than generous allowance growing up (AKA I had a job and worked hard for my book money) where I would spend 100 bucks a month and basically owned every DC, Marvel, Image title that got published because the comics were affordable. Now at that budget with the 3.99 price point that's 25 books a month. Not bad but not a way to grow a hobby. Don't get me started on the price points for the digital comics that you actually don't own.