How do you solve the "mini" problem?

[JKtheMac]

Bringing the discussion back to mini-series and maxi-series, I think most modern writers would prefer 12 issues to tell a self contained story with separate acts, to a 4-6 issue story. It is actually quite difficult to pace out a story that almost demands act breaks after every issue, which this shorter form does.

See for example the not so stealthy maxi-series Astonishing X-Men. It is right there on the title page which act we are in. The first act was both a six issue self contained story and the opening act of a longer story about a Charles Xavier construct that may or may not be the real thing. The second act has begun with a new direction in this tale, but the overall structure is apparently 12 issue, and this knowledge actually helps us situate ourselves in the story. Pretending this is an ongoing is IMO harming the narrative and making people jump to poor assumptions and conclusions like for example “Xavier is back!”.