The BEST WAY To Buy Comics! --Issue At Hand, Episode 10
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Date: 2023-12-10
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Comments and reviews: 30
-docmidnight
This was better than I thought it would be. As a retailer, I will say that pull lists are also annoying. There is a trend where customers only want to pull something to try it. Trade waiting has effectively killed the attention span of the modern comics consumer.
All a pull list does is give us a baseline of sales but someone picking up comics once a month isn't helping to create a picture of success for a series and someone test driving 1st issues isn't either.
What would help is if Diamond offered flat returnability up to a certain percentage of the order. They'll never let us return everything but if they'd expand what could be returned beyond things like -DC is doing a new thing so you can return it for 6 MOS- then we would really diversify AND the consumer would pretty much always get what they want.
The issue of monopoly is all about what is considered a major publisher. Sure the Top 5 publishers might have exclusives BUT the bottom 300 in the catalog do not. We can talk to those publishers directly if we wanted to but sometimes that's a HUGE pain in the ass with everything else we have to do.
You could try being a shop that doesn't carry Marvel, DC or Image Comics but in this market. Good luck. The DOJ thinks of a monopoly as the consumer (you or us) having no choice. None of us have a -right- to buy Batman and on some level we can have shops without Batman, we just know that wouldn't be easy. Some shops go full on indie and small press and because they can, Diamond isn't getting broken up, so far.
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This was better than I thought it would be. As a retailer, I will say that pull lists are also annoying. There is a trend where customers only want to pull something to try it. Trade waiting has effectively killed the attention span of the modern comics consumer.
All a pull list does is give us a baseline of sales but someone picking up comics once a month isn't helping to create a picture of success for a series and someone test driving 1st issues isn't either.
What would help is if Diamond offered flat returnability up to a certain percentage of the order. They'll never let us return everything but if they'd expand what could be returned beyond things like -DC is doing a new thing so you can return it for 6 MOS- then we would really diversify AND the consumer would pretty much always get what they want.
The issue of monopoly is all about what is considered a major publisher. Sure the Top 5 publishers might have exclusives BUT the bottom 300 in the catalog do not. We can talk to those publishers directly if we wanted to but sometimes that's a HUGE pain in the ass with everything else we have to do.
You could try being a shop that doesn't carry Marvel, DC or Image Comics but in this market. Good luck. The DOJ thinks of a monopoly as the consumer (you or us) having no choice. None of us have a -right- to buy Batman and on some level we can have shops without Batman, we just know that wouldn't be easy. Some shops go full on indie and small press and because they can, Diamond isn't getting broken up, so far.
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-mahranch841
This is the same problem with Anime, but WORSE. American dub companies (like Funimation, now nearly a monopoly) pays a flat fee to license a title from Japan for a set period of time (8-11 years if I recall) with the exception of a few massive IPs (DBZ, Naruto, etc. Funimation then collects AND KEEPS all the profits from the anime they sell. Japanese production companies don't see a dime. You are NOT supporting Japanese anime companies by purchasing Funimation titles at FYE (again, with the exception of a few titles that required special contracts. Keep in mind the fact that Funimation doesn't create, write or animate anime. They're a glorified fan-dub group and they make a killing providing a voice over track.
With the Japanese anime industry as it is, they need all the help they can get. Support your favorite anime by buying Japanese bluray discs which now usually contain english subs. You can get them from Amazon Japan, CDnow, or a dozen other places. Or stream it from a place like crunchyroll which has profit sharing with japanese production companies.
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This is the same problem with Anime, but WORSE. American dub companies (like Funimation, now nearly a monopoly) pays a flat fee to license a title from Japan for a set period of time (8-11 years if I recall) with the exception of a few massive IPs (DBZ, Naruto, etc. Funimation then collects AND KEEPS all the profits from the anime they sell. Japanese production companies don't see a dime. You are NOT supporting Japanese anime companies by purchasing Funimation titles at FYE (again, with the exception of a few titles that required special contracts. Keep in mind the fact that Funimation doesn't create, write or animate anime. They're a glorified fan-dub group and they make a killing providing a voice over track.
With the Japanese anime industry as it is, they need all the help they can get. Support your favorite anime by buying Japanese bluray discs which now usually contain english subs. You can get them from Amazon Japan, CDnow, or a dozen other places. Or stream it from a place like crunchyroll which has profit sharing with japanese production companies.
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-tamahoshio
i agree with the graphic novel thing a lot!
having been interested i n DC characters through several animated series as a kid but having waaaaaaay more experience with buying manga tankobon, i find it way easier and less frustrating to buy collected novels because in my little experience with a local comic shop it is basically i m p o s s i b l e to find all the issues i would need otherwise, since i really only go for some characters and i end up coming in late on many of the series' i have liked as a result.
(plus, i can just buy the graphic novels at Barnes and Noble instead. which i know isn't the best but also where no one tries to mansplain the entire continuity of DC and Marvel to me when i just wanted to pick up a couple of things)
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i agree with the graphic novel thing a lot!
having been interested i n DC characters through several animated series as a kid but having waaaaaaay more experience with buying manga tankobon, i find it way easier and less frustrating to buy collected novels because in my little experience with a local comic shop it is basically i m p o s s i b l e to find all the issues i would need otherwise, since i really only go for some characters and i end up coming in late on many of the series' i have liked as a result.
(plus, i can just buy the graphic novels at Barnes and Noble instead. which i know isn't the best but also where no one tries to mansplain the entire continuity of DC and Marvel to me when i just wanted to pick up a couple of things)
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-payableondeath7
I love that -Buying trades is the best way to keep up- was followed by -you have to wait _six months_ to read-. I buy single issues of books every other week and I still feel like I'm left behind because of spoilers (a lot of the time they are -official spoilers-, too) and digital readers getting their's early and posting about it lol
I'm glad that digital is taking off, because the market is so much bigger (there are about 2 billion active smartphones on earth and rising fast. I just personally prefer the collecting aspect of single issue, and the physical feel of holding it in your hands. I'll probably eventually move to single issue AND digital, because there are SO many good books out right now.
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I love that -Buying trades is the best way to keep up- was followed by -you have to wait _six months_ to read-. I buy single issues of books every other week and I still feel like I'm left behind because of spoilers (a lot of the time they are -official spoilers-, too) and digital readers getting their's early and posting about it lol
I'm glad that digital is taking off, because the market is so much bigger (there are about 2 billion active smartphones on earth and rising fast. I just personally prefer the collecting aspect of single issue, and the physical feel of holding it in your hands. I'll probably eventually move to single issue AND digital, because there are SO many good books out right now.
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-RossLlewallyn
I really appreciate your final answer to the title question. I guess I'm a loyal comic book reader at this point, going to my local shop every week, but the pull list isn't exactly what I want. I rather enjoy the process of looking through the shelves for new issues, not usually knowing what new has come out (information that is strangely not obviously accessible to me, and deciding on the fly that I don't want to keep buying Aquaman or Sam Wilson in favor of trying out Gamora.
The history you detailed was super fascinating and really important to know. You may have sparked the next conversation I have with the folks at my local spot when I check out.
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I really appreciate your final answer to the title question. I guess I'm a loyal comic book reader at this point, going to my local shop every week, but the pull list isn't exactly what I want. I rather enjoy the process of looking through the shelves for new issues, not usually knowing what new has come out (information that is strangely not obviously accessible to me, and deciding on the fly that I don't want to keep buying Aquaman or Sam Wilson in favor of trying out Gamora.
The history you detailed was super fascinating and really important to know. You may have sparked the next conversation I have with the folks at my local spot when I check out.
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-JPlovesmusic
Pull Lists/ Pre-ordering are sooooo important in supporting small publishers and independent press. Read previews and follow the blogs and tell your comic shop what you want before the order deadlines hit. If enough people place pre-orders via their pull lists, the shops are more likely to take a risk on extra issues and thus support said independent or small press book.
Worst thing you can ever do: Pre-order/Pull something and then not buy it. That screws the shop bc they can't return it. And will likely embitter them again that title/ author/ artist/ publisher.
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Pull Lists/ Pre-ordering are sooooo important in supporting small publishers and independent press. Read previews and follow the blogs and tell your comic shop what you want before the order deadlines hit. If enough people place pre-orders via their pull lists, the shops are more likely to take a risk on extra issues and thus support said independent or small press book.
Worst thing you can ever do: Pre-order/Pull something and then not buy it. That screws the shop bc they can't return it. And will likely embitter them again that title/ author/ artist/ publisher.
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polygon
There's a lot of generalizations here, like -buying digitally is the same price as buying in print-, it is not.
1) You might have to pay additional tax on the digital comics
2) Digital comics are always on sale
3) Companies like Dark Horse Comics realizes they are saving money by selling directly to the consumer, and to buy DHC digital comics are cheaper than print, often by 50%.
4) You can get a ton of free digital comics from various platforms
5) Digital comic bundles and collections are almost always cheaper then print
6) More next time
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There's a lot of generalizations here, like -buying digitally is the same price as buying in print-, it is not.
1) You might have to pay additional tax on the digital comics
2) Digital comics are always on sale
3) Companies like Dark Horse Comics realizes they are saving money by selling directly to the consumer, and to buy DHC digital comics are cheaper than print, often by 50%.
4) You can get a ton of free digital comics from various platforms
5) Digital comic bundles and collections are almost always cheaper then print
6) More next time
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-JPlovesmusic
Also, pull lists are great. But then again I'm not a -casual- reader. Which seems to be who this video is geared towards. Also, I hate reading comics on a screen. My advice to casual folks: start with trades. see if you are into a certain character/ story/ team and then get into single issues when you feel you're ready. Or even want to. A lot of books (mainly image titles) take a hiatus so that people can read the latest trade and then get on the single issue train when their done.
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Also, pull lists are great. But then again I'm not a -casual- reader. Which seems to be who this video is geared towards. Also, I hate reading comics on a screen. My advice to casual folks: start with trades. see if you are into a certain character/ story/ team and then get into single issues when you feel you're ready. Or even want to. A lot of books (mainly image titles) take a hiatus so that people can read the latest trade and then get on the single issue train when their done.
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polygon
Here's a novel idea:
If a comic book series is coming out in a collection/graphic novel, release the graphic novel on the same day as the final comic book is published.
So if #1-6 will be collected when #6 has been out, release the collection/graphic novel on the same day as #6 is released. That closes the gap by months, not only in the US, but also abroad; cuz most are waiting for trade, and those who buy the said comic books, do not buy again in a collection.
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Here's a novel idea:
If a comic book series is coming out in a collection/graphic novel, release the graphic novel on the same day as the final comic book is published.
So if #1-6 will be collected when #6 has been out, release the collection/graphic novel on the same day as #6 is released. That closes the gap by months, not only in the US, but also abroad; cuz most are waiting for trade, and those who buy the said comic books, do not buy again in a collection.
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-josephgarvin3998
Do publishers ever start new issues on a quarterly basis? Plot out a 4-part starter, published every three months, so by the time the 3rd issue is coming out, you already know how the first two are received and selling, and can then make the decision to continue or wrap it up. I can see fans losing track without proper subscription services, and creative teams might not like the longer gaps, but it could get over that first three months problem.
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Do publishers ever start new issues on a quarterly basis? Plot out a 4-part starter, published every three months, so by the time the 3rd issue is coming out, you already know how the first two are received and selling, and can then make the decision to continue or wrap it up. I can see fans losing track without proper subscription services, and creative teams might not like the longer gaps, but it could get over that first three months problem.
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-GypsyxDarling
Great video, as usual. I love this series, so please keep it up!
One thing I was curious about is comic subscriptions, which weren't mentioned in the video. I've always had weird mixed feelings about them - they let me get issues I'm excited about into my hands without having to drive out to the local comic book store, but then I feel guilty about not supporting my local store. I'm not sure what to do!
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Great video, as usual. I love this series, so please keep it up!
One thing I was curious about is comic subscriptions, which weren't mentioned in the video. I've always had weird mixed feelings about them - they let me get issues I'm excited about into my hands without having to drive out to the local comic book store, but then I feel guilty about not supporting my local store. I'm not sure what to do!
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-writerserenyty
Great video! This is one of the many reasons why getting into comics has been a challenge - I keep hearing stuff about pull lists and I just found it all to be incredibly confusing, especially with comics creators all going -please preorder PLEASE-. I don't really buy many single issues now (I did for Fraction Hawkeye but that's about it) but might do more single issues digitally.
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Great video! This is one of the many reasons why getting into comics has been a challenge - I keep hearing stuff about pull lists and I just found it all to be incredibly confusing, especially with comics creators all going -please preorder PLEASE-. I don't really buy many single issues now (I did for Fraction Hawkeye but that's about it) but might do more single issues digitally.
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-mcg_bryan
-Ugh comics. - pretty much encapsulates my feelings on buying them. I love, love, love the feel of a book in my hands, yet I decided to go all digital since my apartment is tiny and space wasn't an option. But then you see good books cancelled and creators asking people to order the book early so they actually get to see the money and book gets support.
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-Ugh comics. - pretty much encapsulates my feelings on buying them. I love, love, love the feel of a book in my hands, yet I decided to go all digital since my apartment is tiny and space wasn't an option. But then you see good books cancelled and creators asking people to order the book early so they actually get to see the money and book gets support.
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-user73483
I wish I had the money to support comic books more. I haven't bought many over the years but man if buying comic books can help push a comic book to get animated it would be great. I recently fell in love with Justice League Infinity. I really want the physical copies hoping if it gets enough sells producers will see how much people want a show of it.
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I wish I had the money to support comic books more. I haven't bought many over the years but man if buying comic books can help push a comic book to get animated it would be great. I recently fell in love with Justice League Infinity. I really want the physical copies hoping if it gets enough sells producers will see how much people want a show of it.
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polygon
I tend to stick to trades-- they're easier to binge, harder to accidentally bend, and I can buy them at a bookstore instead of a comic book store. Of the three comic stores near me, two are focused way more on toys than comics, and they both neglected to order a comic I asked them to reserve. Maybe I should try the other one, I've only been there once.
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I tend to stick to trades-- they're easier to binge, harder to accidentally bend, and I can buy them at a bookstore instead of a comic book store. Of the three comic stores near me, two are focused way more on toys than comics, and they both neglected to order a comic I asked them to reserve. Maybe I should try the other one, I've only been there once.
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-wushufuzz9629
You for got mail to your home by order. Its now like 40% off. I wouldnt adivse though. I had 2 issiues malid to me with a total of 24 issues total and onky 8 have made to my house fn+ or better conditions. Not just bends rips comics need to better than a thin back bord and thin piece of plastic.
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You for got mail to your home by order. Its now like 40% off. I wouldnt adivse though. I had 2 issiues malid to me with a total of 24 issues total and onky 8 have made to my house fn+ or better conditions. Not just bends rips comics need to better than a thin back bord and thin piece of plastic.
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polygon
What a well researched and concise video on the weird way we order comics! We will definitely be keeping an eye out for new episodes!
Though DC has, in recent months, done commission based sales with the launch of their Rebirth universe. So it's not a completely by-gone practice.
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What a well researched and concise video on the weird way we order comics! We will definitely be keeping an eye out for new episodes!
Though DC has, in recent months, done commission based sales with the launch of their Rebirth universe. So it's not a completely by-gone practice.
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-alexhayden507
The best way to buy comics is eBay! Buy complete runs of single issues for a fraction of the cost of trade paperbacks! Delight in glorious full size covers! Revel in the (very dated) ads! The secondary market is where it's at.
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The best way to buy comics is eBay! Buy complete runs of single issues for a fraction of the cost of trade paperbacks! Delight in glorious full size covers! Revel in the (very dated) ads! The secondary market is where it's at.
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-TylerSticka
It's funny, I knew the fundamentals of how comics were bought and sold but I'd never made the connection with how disconnected this is from most consumer purchase flows till this video spelled it out for me. Hooray for learning!
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It's funny, I knew the fundamentals of how comics were bought and sold but I'd never made the connection with how disconnected this is from most consumer purchase flows till this video spelled it out for me. Hooray for learning!
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-CaravelClerihew
My first (and only) flash of fiscal responsibility was picking up a single issue as a kid, getting to the end really quickly and thinking -wait, I have to buy more of these to know how it ends? - Then I switched to novels.
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My first (and only) flash of fiscal responsibility was picking up a single issue as a kid, getting to the end really quickly and thinking -wait, I have to buy more of these to know how it ends? - Then I switched to novels.
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-dougoloughlin6237
Ordering off the Previews catalog isn't 3 full months off, it's 'month-after-next, ' also there's a final-order-cutoff (FOC) 3 weeks before printing that lets comic shops assess how the previous issue sold etc.
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Ordering off the Previews catalog isn't 3 full months off, it's 'month-after-next, ' also there's a final-order-cutoff (FOC) 3 weeks before printing that lets comic shops assess how the previous issue sold etc.
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-laurafrakinroslin
This video is why I don't buy US comics. A digital copy will never have the same value to me as a hard copy so I'm not doing that, and comics are way too expensive on top of that. I like manga tho.
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This video is why I don't buy US comics. A digital copy will never have the same value to me as a hard copy so I'm not doing that, and comics are way too expensive on top of that. I like manga tho.
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-grantake
Can you make a video explaining why saying -Stan Lee created the Marvel Universe, - gets under some reader's skin? It would be a really handy link I could share, instead of trying to explain it all myself.
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Can you make a video explaining why saying -Stan Lee created the Marvel Universe, - gets under some reader's skin? It would be a really handy link I could share, instead of trying to explain it all myself.
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-DoubleATam
Oh gosh. No wonder the archie comics Mega Man adaptation got cancelled: any videogame fans that are new readers and are suddenly learning about comic books HAVE NO IDEA about pull lists.
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Oh gosh. No wonder the archie comics Mega Man adaptation got cancelled: any videogame fans that are new readers and are suddenly learning about comic books HAVE NO IDEA about pull lists.
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-superanimenerd13
I've got a newbie question about comics. Where does somebody start if they wanna get into a series? Do they have to go hunt down Spiderman #1 or is there some other way to start?
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I've got a newbie question about comics. Where does somebody start if they wanna get into a series? Do they have to go hunt down Spiderman #1 or is there some other way to start?
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-joebetz6317
Easily one of best video series in Polygon's history. Terrific content under 10 minutes with information, humor, and cleverness? Please keep up the good work, and thank you for it!
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Easily one of best video series in Polygon's history. Terrific content under 10 minutes with information, humor, and cleverness? Please keep up the good work, and thank you for it!
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-punk51984
What about library services like Marvel Unlimited? I stopped picking up collected editions and signed up for MU because of the variety, does Marvel track that readership?
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What about library services like Marvel Unlimited? I stopped picking up collected editions and signed up for MU because of the variety, does Marvel track that readership?
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-Lerkero
This sounds like a horrible business model. Considering the number of books that go unsold, I wouldn't think twice before refusing to take the risk of owning a comic shop.
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This sounds like a horrible business model. Considering the number of books that go unsold, I wouldn't think twice before refusing to take the risk of owning a comic shop.
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-lefrenchtoast6378
I find that larger antique stores Have some pretty good older comics. I found some fantastic four comics over forty years old for only about five bucks each.
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I find that larger antique stores Have some pretty good older comics. I found some fantastic four comics over forty years old for only about five bucks each.
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-MCWestover
So. publishing companies sold their souls to Diamond? There has to be an end date to that contract and someone willing to pick up the publishing slack.
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So. publishing companies sold their souls to Diamond? There has to be an end date to that contract and someone willing to pick up the publishing slack.
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