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Post by ArArArchStanton on Jan 11, 2021 3:24:01 GMT 1
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Post by Lord Death Man on Jan 11, 2021 4:23:02 GMT 1
We've heard this rumor or variations on it for the past five years. Every time you read it or hear it again, the end is always about six months away. Unfortunately, this time, I'm inclined to believe it's true. I talked about this same rumor with my local comic book store owner earlier today, and he also thinks it's true. We're also discussing it on another comic book-centric board where I am a member. We're all pretty shook up and heartbroken by the news. While I don't shop at my local comic book store anymore, I still collect physical comic books. I have a running "subscription" to several titles, which I pop into the store about once a month to pick up. I usually make some small talk for ten minutes or so with the staff and then leave. I'm generally just too busy to browse. Anyway, DC switched distributors last year from Diamond Distribution to four separate distributors just as the pandemic was heading into full swing. In case you don't know who they are and what they do, Diamond distributes comic books from a variety of publishers to the direct market in the United States. Diamond has exclusive distribution arrangements with most major U.S. comic book publishers, including Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics (until June 2020), IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, and several more. They're basically responsible for getting comic books on shelves. On paper, the reason for switching was to increase their reach to a global audience. In reality, AT&T did not want to pay Diamond to distribute comics that no one would buy because people weren't going to physical comic book stores anymore. When you sign with Diamond, you usually pay them regardless of whether you produce and/or publish anything during a specific interval. The transition has been nothing short of a nightmare for comic book stores. The subscription and inventory software most mid to large-sized comic book stores use is incompatible with the new distributors' (untested) databases. The store can't even send out emails to customers with accurate dates for when DC comic books will be released and available on the stands. Marvel, who also uses Diamond, decided to stay with them during the pandemic, and outside of a three-month hiatus from publishing in 2020, I have gotten every single one of my Marvel subs on time. I don't know where Marvel stands on ceasing publication but, they have let go of many of their principal editorial staff (some of those layoffs were cost-control measures that were enacted after the Fox acquisition). Comic books are indeed on their way out, but I thought we had at least until 2025. it seems that the pandemic and corporate greed have hastened their inevitable demise. I plan to keep collecting until the bitter end.
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Post by ArArArchStanton on Jan 11, 2021 4:48:10 GMT 1
We've heard this rumor or variations on it for the past five years. Every time you read it or hear it again, the end is always about six months away. Unfortunately, this time, I'm inclined to believe it's true. I talked about this same rumor with my local comic book store owner earlier today, and he also thinks it's true. We're also discussing it on another comic book-centric board where I am a member. We're all pretty shook up and heartbroken by the news. While I don't shop at my local comic book store anymore, I still collect physical comic books. I have a running "subscription" to several titles, which I pop into the store about once a month to pick up. I usually make some small talk for ten minutes or so with the staff and then leave. I'm generally just too busy to browse. Anyway, DC switched distributors last year from Diamond Distribution to four separate distributors just as the pandemic was heading into full swing. In case you don't know who they are and what they do, Diamond distributes comic books from a variety of publishers to the direct market in the United States. Diamond has exclusive distribution arrangements with most major U.S. comic book publishers, including Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics (until June 2020), IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, and several more. They're basically responsible for getting comic books on shelves. On paper, the reason for switching was to increase their reach to a global audience. In reality, AT&T did not want to pay Diamond to distribute comics that no one would buy because people weren't going to physical comic book stores anymore. When you sign with Diamond, you usually pay them regardless of whether you produce and/or publish anything during a specific interval. The transition has been nothing short of a nightmare for comic book stores. The subscription and inventory software most mid to large-sized comic book stores use is incompatible with the new distributors' (untested) databases. The store can't even send out emails to customers with accurate dates for when DC comic books will be released and available on the stands. Marvel, who also uses Diamond, decided to stay with them during the pandemic, and outside of a three-month hiatus from publishing in 2020, I have gotten every single one of my Marvel subs on time. I don't know where Marvel stands on ceasing publication but, they have let go of many of their principal editorial staff (some of those layoffs were cost-control measures that were enacted after the Fox acquisition). Comic books are indeed on their way out, but I thought we had at least until 2025. it seems that the pandemic and corporate greed have hastened their inevitable demise. I plan to keep collecting until the bitter end. Thats some good detail sir. It’s been some time since I got an issue now. As much as I hate to see this, if it must be, I do think it would be morbidly cool to buy the last comicbook ever from each publisher.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2021 12:45:39 GMT 1
We've heard this rumor or variations on it for the past five years. Every time you read it or hear it again, the end is always about six months away. Unfortunately, this time, I'm inclined to believe it's true. I talked about this same rumor with my local comic book store owner earlier today, and he also thinks it's true. We're also discussing it on another comic book-centric board where I am a member. We're all pretty shook up and heartbroken by the news. While I don't shop at my local comic book store anymore, I still collect physical comic books. I have a running "subscription" to several titles, which I pop into the store about once a month to pick up. I usually make some small talk for ten minutes or so with the staff and then leave. I'm generally just too busy to browse. Anyway, DC switched distributors last year from Diamond Distribution to four separate distributors just as the pandemic was heading into full swing. In case you don't know who they are and what they do, Diamond distributes comic books from a variety of publishers to the direct market in the United States. Diamond has exclusive distribution arrangements with most major U.S. comic book publishers, including Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics (until June 2020), IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, and several more. They're basically responsible for getting comic books on shelves. On paper, the reason for switching was to increase their reach to a global audience. In reality, AT&T did not want to pay Diamond to distribute comics that no one would buy because people weren't going to physical comic book stores anymore. When you sign with Diamond, you usually pay them regardless of whether you produce and/or publish anything during a specific interval. The transition has been nothing short of a nightmare for comic book stores. The subscription and inventory software most mid to large-sized comic book stores use is incompatible with the new distributors' (untested) databases. The store can't even send out emails to customers with accurate dates for when DC comic books will be released and available on the stands. Marvel, who also uses Diamond, decided to stay with them during the pandemic, and outside of a three-month hiatus from publishing in 2020, I have gotten every single one of my Marvel subs on time. I don't know where Marvel stands on ceasing publication but, they have let go of many of their principal editorial staff (some of those layoffs were cost-control measures that were enacted after the Fox acquisition). Comic books are indeed on their way out, but I thought we had at least until 2025. it seems that the pandemic and corporate greed have hastened their inevitable demise. I plan to keep collecting until the bitter end. Will there still be digital sales? Or is it just over for comic books in general?
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Post by Lord Death Man on Jan 11, 2021 15:25:23 GMT 1
We've heard this rumor or variations on it for the past five years. Every time you read it or hear it again, the end is always about six months away. Unfortunately, this time, I'm inclined to believe it's true. I talked about this same rumor with my local comic book store owner earlier today, and he also thinks it's true. We're also discussing it on another comic book-centric board where I am a member. We're all pretty shook up and heartbroken by the news. While I don't shop at my local comic book store anymore, I still collect physical comic books. I have a running "subscription" to several titles, which I pop into the store about once a month to pick up. I usually make some small talk for ten minutes or so with the staff and then leave. I'm generally just too busy to browse. Anyway, DC switched distributors last year from Diamond Distribution to four separate distributors just as the pandemic was heading into full swing. In case you don't know who they are and what they do, Diamond distributes comic books from a variety of publishers to the direct market in the United States. Diamond has exclusive distribution arrangements with most major U.S. comic book publishers, including Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics (until June 2020), IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, and several more. They're basically responsible for getting comic books on shelves. On paper, the reason for switching was to increase their reach to a global audience. In reality, AT&T did not want to pay Diamond to distribute comics that no one would buy because people weren't going to physical comic book stores anymore. When you sign with Diamond, you usually pay them regardless of whether you produce and/or publish anything during a specific interval. The transition has been nothing short of a nightmare for comic book stores. The subscription and inventory software most mid to large-sized comic book stores use is incompatible with the new distributors' (untested) databases. The store can't even send out emails to customers with accurate dates for when DC comic books will be released and available on the stands. Marvel, who also uses Diamond, decided to stay with them during the pandemic, and outside of a three-month hiatus from publishing in 2020, I have gotten every single one of my Marvel subs on time. I don't know where Marvel stands on ceasing publication but, they have let go of many of their principal editorial staff (some of those layoffs were cost-control measures that were enacted after the Fox acquisition). Comic books are indeed on their way out, but I thought we had at least until 2025. it seems that the pandemic and corporate greed have hastened their inevitable demise. I plan to keep collecting until the bitter end. Will there still be digital sales? Or is it just over for comic books in general? It is not entirely clear if digital sales will continue, but it's not very likely. To put the matter in perspective, Comichron, an industry analyst, reported that in 2018, total physical sales of comic books were approximately $945M. Digital sales were roughly $100M that same year. Print sales of comic books dominate digital sales. The irony of all of this is that year over year, comic book sales have been up overall since 2012. No one wants to believe this rumor because it doesn't make economic sense - and yet it persists. I could go on a lengthy rant about everything wrong with the comic book industry today, but I'm sure no one here wants to live through that.
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Post by taylorfirst1 on Jan 11, 2021 19:33:33 GMT 1
They wouldn't be in this situation if they hadn't spent the last 2 decades producing a bunch of incomprehensible gobbledygook for a tiny niche audience.
I mean look at those sales numbers. 1 MCU movie can make more revenue just at the box office than all the comics sold in North America in an entire year!
And yet, this tiny niche group still thinks the entire genre is supposed to cater to their preferences.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2021 19:36:11 GMT 1
They wouldn't be in this situation if they hadn't spent the last 2 decades producing a bunch of incomprehensible gobbledygook for a tiny niche audience. I mean look at those sales numbers. 1 MCU movie can make more revenue just at the box office than all the comics sold in North America in an entire year! And yet, this tiny niche group still thinks the entire genre is supposed to cater to their preferences. To be fair comic book fans is what started all of this in the first place
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Post by taylorfirst1 on Jan 11, 2021 19:42:00 GMT 1
They wouldn't be in this situation if they hadn't spent the last 2 decades producing a bunch of incomprehensible gobbledygook for a tiny niche audience. I mean look at those sales numbers. 1 MCU movie can make more revenue just at the box office than all the comics sold in North America in an entire year! And yet, this tiny niche group still thinks the entire genre is supposed to cater to their preferences. To be fair comic book fans is what started all of this in the first place Yes. the fans of the comics that people actually read in large numbers back in the 60's - 80's.
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Post by Lord Death Man on Jan 11, 2021 20:32:21 GMT 1
They wouldn't be in this situation if they hadn't spent the last 2 decades producing a bunch of incomprehensible gobbledygook for a tiny niche audience. I mean look at those sales numbers. 1 MCU movie can make more revenue just at the box office than all the comics sold in North America in an entire year! And yet, this tiny niche group still thinks the entire genre is supposed to cater to their preferences. To be fair comic book fans is what started all of this in the first place How so? When I started reading and collecting comics, they were essentially produced by and for fans. It was considered an embarrassing job for a grown, adult male with a family to have. The compensation was lousy, and the job typically carried little or no benefits. Once successful movies started to be made based on comic book characters, suddenly those fan creators were replaced by asshats on their fifth or six shitty detective novel who looked down on the medium. Seeing no inherent value in the art form, they decided it would make an excellent vehicle to promote their politics - because young people read comic books, and that's the perfect time to start the indoctrination of your politics of the week. These paycheck chasers see comic books as nothing more than a stepping stone to their first screenplay or a Netflix deal. The fans didn't do anything but continue to pay the exorbitant cover prices for a product that had not materially changed in decades. What could be acquired for pocket money in the 90s is well beyond the average pre-teen's reach today. I'm all for being progressive when it fits the cause, but the last decade of comic book publishing, with few exceptions, has been nothing short of exploitation.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2021 20:35:30 GMT 1
To be fair comic book fans is what started all of this in the first place How so? When I started reading and collecting comics, they were essentially produced by and for fans. It was considered an embarrassing job for a grown, adult male with a family to have. The compensation was lousy, and the job typically carried little or no benefits. Once successful movies started to be made based on comic book characters, suddenly those fan creators were replaced by asshats on their fifth or six shitty detective novel who looked down on the medium. Seeing no inherent value in the art form, they decided it would make an excellent vehicle to promote their politics - because young people read comic books, and that's the perfect time to start the indoctrination of your politics of the week. These paycheck chasers see comic books as nothing more than a stepping stone to their first screenplay or a Netflix deal. The fans didn't do anything but continue to pay the exorbitant cover prices for a product that had not materially changed in decades. What could be acquired for pocket money in the 90s is well beyond the average pre-teen's reach today. I'm all for being progressive when it fits the cause, but the last two decades of comic book publishing, with few exceptions, has been nothing short of exploitation. All I mean is that if it werent for comic book fans, there would be no comic book movies. Kinda like a massive oak tree coming from a small acorn
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Post by Lord Death Man on Jan 11, 2021 20:38:01 GMT 1
How so? When I started reading and collecting comics, they were essentially produced by and for fans. It was considered an embarrassing job for a grown, adult male with a family to have. The compensation was lousy, and the job typically carried little or no benefits. Once successful movies started to be made based on comic book characters, suddenly those fan creators were replaced by asshats on their fifth or six shitty detective novel who looked down on the medium. Seeing no inherent value in the art form, they decided it would make an excellent vehicle to promote their politics - because young people read comic books, and that's the perfect time to start the indoctrination of your politics of the week. These paycheck chasers see comic books as nothing more than a stepping stone to their first screenplay or a Netflix deal. The fans didn't do anything but continue to pay the exorbitant cover prices for a product that had not materially changed in decades. What could be acquired for pocket money in the 90s is well beyond the average pre-teen's reach today. I'm all for being progressive when it fits the cause, but the last two decades of comic book publishing, with few exceptions, has been nothing short of exploitation. All I mean is that if it werent for comic book fans, there would be no comic book movies. Kinda like a massive oak tree coming from a small acorn We should be given metals for that... not witnessing the end of our favorite pastime. It really sucks.
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Post by AQUA KEN! on Jan 12, 2021 18:12:09 GMT 1
Well I guess everything comes to an end eventually.
I wonder if Marvel Comics will be next?
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