Image Comics has just sent out a letter the comics retailers announcing they are instituting a 27 day window for their products to be exclusively available in comics shops. The move is a response to supply-chain issues that have affected sales to bookstores, resulting in have a longer lay-in than for comics shops.
Image has decided to make a virtue of this by making their comics and graphic novels comics shop exclusive for this window – a move which is certain to make comics store owners smile broadly.
While we’re not certain how much of this is just a practical effect of supply-chain realities or a move to shore up the direct market, the result will almost certainly be the latter.
Will bookchains react with cries of alarm? More to come!
The letter follows:
Dear Direct Market Retailers,
We’re excited to share some news that we believe will give you a meaningful edge in the evolving retail landscape, and is a decision made in recognition of your ongoing loyalty and support of our books.
Beginning with December 24, 2025 on-sale titles, Direct Market retailers will have a 27-day exclusivity window to sell all Image Comics collected editions and original graphic novels before those same titles go on sale at Book Market retailers and digital vendors.
This means that for nearly a full month, your stores will be the only place fans can find those new Image collections and OGNs—giving you valuable lead time to hand-sell them to your customers and further strengthen your community connection.
This shift comes in response to new logistical supply-chain requirements that have called for a longer receiving window on book shipments in the Book Market. Rather than let these changes dictate our release schedule, we see it as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to you—the retailers who have been champions of our creators and their stories from the very beginning and continue to drive discoverability for our books.
Your role in the success of Image Comics cannot be overstated. You’ve built the foundation of our readership, introduced audiences to countless new titles, and fostered the passionate fanbase that makes Image thrive in this industry. We’re grateful for your support, your trust, your hustle, and your investment in creator-owned comics.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership.
The Image Comics team
“Image has decided to make a virtue of this by making their comics and graphic novels comics shop exclusive for this window”
Based on Image’s press release, this may only apply to GNs and not individual comics.
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