Retailing & Marketing

The last time Marvel did a "Comics for Comics" program, they rather slyly offered a Marvel variant edition for the covers of some DC BLACKEST NIGHT tie-ins. And they are at it again, the cheeky devils at Marvel are offering a variant edition of FEAR ITSELF #6 to retailers who strip off the covers of a bunch of Flashpoint tie-ins. It's kind of a variation on the old "collecting scalps/heads of our enemies" routine. In the PR Marvel claims that tens of thousands of covers were sent in in past versions of the program...considering the print runs of some of these books, that would be a significant chunk of the runs.

Seven amazing comics retailers were nominated for the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer award, including stores from all over the United States. We have personal knowledge of many of these retailers and can testify that they all exemplify the passion and love of comics that is the heartbeat of the industry The winner will be announced tonight at the Eisner Awards.

A new Tilting at Windmills is up and this time, retailer Brian Hibbs talks about the backlist -- perennial books that sell and sell.

After a period of beta testing, Diamond is ready to roll out their digital comics sales this September. As there is not much else happening that month, maybe this will perk things up. More seriously, about 30 publishers are participating in the venture, which is run through iVerse and involves participating retailers generating codes for sale. The program will begin more advanced beta testing in stores in August. Interested retailers can sign up here.

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE A SPONSOR AND PARTICIPANT IN THIS EVENT! HYPE ALERT! That said we wouldn't be involved if we didn't feel it is an excellent line-up and the conference is sure to make a lot of headlines.

With DC's New 52 changing the face of comics, and getting mostly positive reviews from retailers, it was time for Marvel to announce their OWN new initiative which is aimed at people who want to open new stores. Marvel will provide deep discounts and free trade paperbacks and access to Marvel's Retailer Resource Center. The promotion also applies to existing accounts who want to open a new store. It almost goes without saying that in a challenged retailing environment, opening new stores is of vital importance.

In answer to all the questions that retailers -- and a few readers and certainly Beat readers have -- DC has sent out an FAQ on the relaunch/reboot/September to their retailer accounts, with a cover letter by Bob Wayne. It shows great insight into what people are squawking about and gives a good fact sheet on returnability, pricing, digital, and so on. Well be back later with analysis of all this.

Dunkin Donuts and Captain America are teaming up for a plastic cup. And also a remarkably red slushee called a Cherry Coolata. This charming, imaginative spot for the drink -- and the movie -- may just sell more tickets to CAPTAIN AMERICA than the regular trailers. Captain America opens July 22nd nationwide.

A story from the Boston Globe captures the mood of comics retailers who are sitting on the porch sipping an iced tea while the digital tornado comes right for them. Some sip their cool drink knowing that no matter what happens, they had a good run:

Bay Area comics retailer/distributor Bud Plant, one the first first retailers to specialize in independent comics and related art books has announced his retirement after 41 years in the business, according to a letter to his mailing list: