The Last Comic Book Thing: A Wake-Up Call for Indie Publishers

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I’m not interested in associating with that particular line of work, but if an opportunity arises for me to assist someone, I won’t hesitate.

Over the past few days, I’ve been in touch with numerous U.S.-based magazine and newspaper distributors, all appearing on the first page of search results. These companies have a national reach, some even extending beyond. They consistently manage volumes far greater than the average monthly comic book sales. Interestingly, they express interest in handling comics as well. However, I’ve noticed that no publisher within the industry has ever approached them for such collaboration.

Related: Comic Book Distributor’s Last Stand: Diamond Falls into Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Five individuals shared identical stories with me, and by the fifth account, I was close to anger over the absurdity. Across the United States and beyond, there are numerous periodical distributors headquartered. The initial business model hasn’t thrived for decades. Critics argue that sales today are only a fraction of what they were 50 years ago before the direct market took hold, implying that sales don’t cover costs but distribution has adapted to seek more specific sources of revenue in the years since. Poor-quality print media is the only kind that dies out. Instead of relying on crowd-funding for their coveted incentive covers or transforming their social marketing teams into subscription fulfillment departments, some comic book publishers have already ceased operations, while others are canceling titles and reducing staff dramatically, even as they raise prices to survive. Comic blogs either ignore the crisis or continuously express their distress about it. Unfortunately, no one seemed to think of an alternative to a prolonged financial struggle.

It seems that no one can effectively navigate a search engine or phone book to seek help. Comic book enthusiasts often get criticized for being immature, yet those who provide these comics are not much better. Alan Moore faced backlash when he highlighted the limited growth potential of the comic book community, but when they cling to the status quo and resist change even in dire situations…mainstream media doesn’t consider the breakup of the comic book distribution monopoly as significant news because journalists often appear unaware of phone directories. Anyone involved in comics must be intellectually challenged, much like many Americans who create problems out of nothing, eager to blame others and desperate for someone else to solve their issues.

As an additional viewpoint, it’s worth noting that there are approximately 3668 to 4689 comic book stores in the U.S., but around half of these might close within the next three months due to debts owed by some stores to Diamond and vice versa. However, Barnes & Noble has announced plans to open 60 new bookstores this year, suggesting that print media is far from extinct. Moreover, at least one mid-sized comic publisher has stopped publishing monthly comics, instead focusing on collecting story arcs for trade paperback releases that can be sold in various retail outlets other than comic shops. This move towards trade paperbacks could become more common due to high costs associated with tariffs on foreign printing.

In private, I shared crucial details about the distribution information with groups I deemed particularly vulnerable under these conditions. If you’d like to keep your imaginative ideas alive, feel free to take action on your own.

It seems that many industries today operate based on the idea of creating demand for products that have already been produced, which can lead to consumers not receiving what they truly want or need. This raises the question: why should the public continue to support such practices? I learned Excel and Access at a community college over 20 years ago, and while bookkeeping may not seem difficult, it’s simpler than spending more than you earn or confusing comfort with survival. Despite my lack of personal business experience, those who have sunk ships (made poor decisions) in the past are currently being looked to for guidance.

In simpler terms, the concept of microcosm and macrocosm refers to the interconnectedness between small and large aspects of life. Instead of labeling actions as good or evil, they are seen as expressions of individual inclinations. For instance, helping a stranger by offering directions might mean setting aside your own needs, while purchasing a comic book instead of food may indicate prioritizing personal entertainment over someone else’s immediate need for sustenance.

Every action, regardless of whether it seems good or evil, is simply an expression of self-interest. There are no inherently ‘good’ or ‘evil’ individuals in comics, literature, or any other field. However, there are people who may appear to be oblivious to the concept of self-sacrifice, even when their own circumstances deteriorate. These people might not intentionally cause harm but may seem ignorant due to their focus on personal needs and interests.

I’m not insulting you, you take care of that if nothing else.

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2025-02-28 21:45