To many people, comic books are a fun hobby; you read a few and talk about it with your friends. For others, comic books are a passion; they a way of life, or a career. No matter what side of the comic book spectrum you’re on, you’ll be disappointed with what is happening to our beloved comics. There are no new comic books.
With all the chaos that has come with COVID-19, many comic shops have been sunk into the red. They don’t have enough money to pay their distributors, workers, or even their rent. And this creates a cycle. In the case of Diamond Comic Distributors, who distributes almost all comics worldwide, they can’t receive money from the comic shops that usually buy books from them. Without money from comic sales, Diamond can’t pay publishers, who are in turn, unable to pay artists, writers, and other workers. And without a paycheck, workers can barely afford to buy necessities, much less spend money on comic books.
Image via The Ithacan
Now, Steve Geppi, head of Diamond, has stated that “Product distributed by Diamond and slated for an on-sale date of 1 April or later will not be shipped to retailers until further notice.” So, what is going to happen to comics? We really don’t know. Comic books, and comic shops, are integral parts of many lives, and it is extremely sad to see them struggle. But we have to look on the bright side. Through these trying times, publishers and shop owners are banding together. In an act of solidarity, publishers are not putting comics online for purchase. Allowing online purchases would cut comic shop owners out of the equation, leaving them alone and in debt. Publishers know that; we know that, and we should respect the decision.
Also, large publishers like Marvel and DC are providing relief where they can. According to The Guardian, DC has donated $250,000 to bookshops. They have also, for the first time since the 1970s, allowed shop owners to return unsold books. Marvel is doing its part by sending workers home but continuing to provide them with work benefits (i.e. health insurance) and is offering discounts to retailers.
Image via YouTube
We all know that more can be done. Ron Hill, a comic retailer, says it best; retailers need more than discounts, they need debt relief and recognition. Comic books will only survive if these things are taken into account.
And for those who still want to purchase comics and art, artists and writers have been auctioning off books and illustrations on eBay, as a way to benefit shops.
Image via The Guardian
Feature Image via Scroll.in
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