ComicsPro

[mwynn]

I recently attended a Comic Book retailer summit. A lot of the publishers had some ideas on keeping and engaging readers.

I have two questions for people who still and used to visit comic shops.

1. For the people who are still going what keeps you engaged?
2. For people who do not, what would bring you back?

[PoLskA]

I am a physical media junkie so I want a physical copy of my comics too... There are so many out there that I just limit myself to the X-Men books and tie-ins...

I think what James Gunn is doing, trying to promote comic shops along with the DC movies is something that needs to be expanded on.

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by PoLskA

I am a physical media junkie so I want a physical copy of my comics too... There are so many out there that I just limit myself to the X-Men books and tie-ins...

I think what James Gunn is doing, trying to promote comic shops along with the DC movies is something that needs to be expanded on.

Agreed, I told them this a few years ago and they finally started doing it recently.

[mwynn]

Any other thoughts?

[John1701D]

I've tried 4-5 times over the last 15 years to get back into reading/collecting but it never lasts more than a couple of months.


Strike 1 is that it's all hopelessly convoluted. It's very unforgiving to someone who is new or has been absent for years. This could just be me, because I'm old and mostly coast on nostalgia. It's also because I keep going back to marvel and DC even though I know there's independent stuff that's just as good or better.


Strike 2 is cost. Comics just aren't a good dollar to time ratio. $3-5 for something I'm done with in 10 minutes isn't a good value.

As to how to fix it I'm not sure. Maybe forget the ultra deluxe paper and ink and go back to newsprint. I know that's very unlikely though.

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by John1701D

I've tried 4-5 times over the last 15 years to get back into reading/collecting but it never lasts more than a couple of months.


Strike 1 is that it's all hopelessly convoluted. It's very unforgiving to someone who is new or has been absent for years. This could just be me, because I'm old and mostly coast on nostalgia. It's also because I keep going back to marvel and DC even though I know there's independent stuff that's just as good or better.


Strike 2 is cost. Comics just aren't a good dollar to time ratio. $3-5 for something I'm done with in 10 minutes isn't a good value.

As to how to fix it I'm not sure. Maybe forget the ultra deluxe paper and ink and go back to newsprint. I know that's very unlikely though.

Newsprint is an option I know one publisher that uses it. The problem is very few presses use it. I was thinking of looking into. Print cost are high based on the volume. So a small press person would have a hard time printing 10,000 books. I used to buy books when they were 65 cent. Now we are about to see the end of 3.99 books.

[finishominis]

Originally Posted by mwynn

Newsprint is an option I know one publisher that uses it. The problem is very few presses use it. I was thinking of looking into. Print cost are high based on the volume. So a small press person would have a hard time printing 10,000 books. I used to buy books when they were 65 cent. Now we are about to see the end of 3.99 books.

Have a news stand version and a direct version with a variant cover. Plus make good comics...

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by finishominis

Have a news stand version and a direct version with a variant cover. Plus make good comics...

News stand is not a viable option for indie books. For mainstream news stand is now walmart and Ollie's. We are currently working on getting books to dollar stores.

[mwynn]

I seriously recommend Radiant Black from Image.
They are doing a lot of stuff as a companion to the books. Like Podcasts.
https://imagecomics.com/press-releas...-higgins-costa

[mwynn]

I am currently planning an event with Creators, Retailers and Fans. It will be hosted online. I am hoping it will give people a chance to see something new they may like.

Will have more data soon.

[mwynn]

Still looking for some thoughts on this, if you have anything to share please do.

[Lemmy Lugosi]

1. No longer in the hobby of comics per se, other than selling them online and at shows. I read them occasionally, but most of the time, it's just my absolute favorites.

2. Well, The Immortal Hulk had me in the stores every release date for a new issue, and quite often the weeks between, as well. It's my favorite full run of any title ever released in comics. To return to the fold, I would need a story that is at least as compelling and exciting and interesting. And the artwork? Joe Bennett was incredible on the run, period. No one else could have done it justice. It was the perfect storm for a Hulk horror comic.

Most artists are mismatched to their material, and that's on almost every book. Covers almost always look great; contents are like a child drew them. And the plotlines in superhero books are just absurd and insipid at this point.

After 55 years of reading them, I feel like I've just about entertained myself to death. I own/have owned every book I've ever wanted to read and own. I've met every creator I ever wanted to meet, other than Jack Kirby. The pursuit is over. I do still read them for entertainment at times, but usually just my absolute favorites, which I have in several/all formats: digital, original issues, and hardcovers/TPBs.

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by Lemmy Lugosi

1. No longer in the hobby of comics per se, other than selling them online and at shows. I read them occasionally, but most of the time, it's just my absolute favorites.

2. Well, The Immortal Hulk had me in the stores every release date for a new issue, and quite often the weeks between, as well. It's my favorite full run of any title ever released in comics. To return to the fold, I would need a story that is at least as compelling and exciting and interesting. And the artwork? Joe Bennett was incredible on the run, period. No one else could have done it justice. It was the perfect storm for a Hulk horror comic.

Most artists are mismatched to their material, and that's on almost every book. Covers almost always look great; contents are like a child drew them. And the plotlines in superhero books are just absurd and insipid at this point.

After 55 years of reading them, I feel like I've just about entertained myself to death. I own/have owned every book I've ever wanted to read and own. I've met every creator I ever wanted to meet, other than Jack Kirby. The pursuit is over. I do still read them for entertainment at times, but usually just my absolute favorites, which I have in several/all formats: digital, original issues, and hardcovers/TPBs.

Have you tried many book outside of Marvel and DC?

[Lemmy Lugosi]

Originally Posted by mwynn

Have you tried many book outside of Marvel and DC?

I have, over the years. A small percentage, but yes. And some of them have been quite excellent. But they’re always the exception to the rule for me. But my interest in superheroes in general is waning after nearly six decades, so I may be trying something different.

[mwynn]

So back in October there was a virtual ComicsPro meeting. Some good data came out of it.

We are going to lose more stores next year.

https://laist.com/news/arts-and-ente...e-closing-down

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by mwynn

I recently attended a Comic Book retailer summit. A lot of the publishers had some ideas on keeping and engaging readers.

I have two questions for people who still and used to visit comic shops.

1. For the people who are still going what keeps you engaged?
2. For people who do not, what would bring you back?

Also still looking for feedback on this. The landscape has shifted again with the issues with the economy.

I have also noticed slow attendance at some conventions.

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by Lemmy Lugosi

I have, over the years. A small percentage, but yes. And some of them have been quite excellent. But they’re always the exception to the rule for me. But my interest in superheroes in general is waning after nearly six decades, so I may be trying something different.

What new books have you tried since this post?

[mwynn]

ComicsPro is coming up in February. This year I started some stuff about Crowdfunding and how the stores should embrace it. I am sure this year it will be about the mass amount of stores closing and circling the wagons. While I have my thoughts on Marvel and DC neither is relevant to my path. So all I will be doing is trying to convince the hold out stores, that they need to embrace indie comics. As well as stop treating their stores like they are a library.

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by NateBoake

I am drawn to special editions, cover variants, and offers available exclusively in comic book stores, much like the presence of a wide selection and engaging storylines. You've touched upon quite an interesting topic, as it pertains not only to bookstores but also to comic book shops. Recently, I read an article on this subject and came across your post here. Perhaps the provision of exclusive digital versions of comics or additional content for online purchasers could attract a new audience. The concept of unique offerings accessible only through digital channels opens up new possibilities for retail.

The issue with digital is that it cuts out the retailers. The other is the cost. Producing a digital book has no lower cost. We cannot sell the digital copy at cost, so there is no real profit to be gained there. Most give away digital for free. I mostly use it as an incentive.

The data coming out now is not favorable to variants. Most of the retailers feel they are over produced, and the number of issues needed to get the ratio is to high.

[mwynn]

One of the top issues for comic retailers and comics in general in 2024. Is trying to find away to attract new readers. Manga is a hot ticket in the US, there is no reason that American Comics cannot get a piece of that action.

I have been to a lot of comic shops and have found quite a few of them to be uninviting for new people.

I have walked into shops and the person behind the counter, either did not look at me. Or did not attempt to make eye contact. If you do not care to make me feel welcome why should I give you my time and money.

At conventions most of the people buying product are over 40. There is no way to sustain long term, unless you can also capture under 40.