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Category: Collector’s Corner
Digital Death Part I: Illegally Downloading Comic Books
As a comic book fan and as a fan of the comic book industry, nothing scares me more about the future of the industry than hearing about people downloading digital comics. This post begins a series which will continue over the coming weeks about why you should be nervous about digital comics as well. This first article covers the how illegally downloading comic books really hurts the comic book industry.
The death of the comic book industry will be caused by digitally downloading comic books.
Marvel and DC Comics and Illegally Downloading Comic Books
The Big 2 will be the first to cry about illegally downloading comic books. They argue about how their bottom line is harmed by people plugging into torrent and other file sharing sites. One day, they might join with music and movie companies and try to stamp out all illegal downloads. In the end, even with people illegally downloading comics, both Marvel and DC have huge companies behind them in Disney and Warner Bros. They will have the money to pull out of this pit.
The 5%ers and Illegally Downloading Comic Books
The companies such as Image, Dark Horse, and IDW will have a much harder time battling people who are illegally downloading comic books. They do not have the money holding them up that the Big 2 do. I can easily see a day in which these companies, and their titles, could become a thing of the past because of people who would rather steel a digital copy of a comic than spend $2.99 on it. Their bottom lines are hurt more than those at Marvel or DC.
The Independents and Illegally Downloading Comic Books
The first companies which would succumb to the digital death of the comic book industry would be the smaller independent publishers. While the argument might be made that a downloader might be more willing to download a Marvel title than one by Big Dog Ink might work in some circumstances, it would not work in end. Again, Marvel and DC have more money holding them up and a company which holds 1% of the market or less needs every sale to make the company work. In the grand scheme of the market, illegally downloading one or two comics from an independent company could have the same impact as downloading tens of thousands of comics from Marvel or DC.
The Creators and Illegally Downloading Comic Books
WHEN the smaller companies succumb to the digital death of comics, what will happen to all of the creators? Artists, inkers, colorists, writers, and editors will all have to look for work. With less smaller companies out there, there will be more creators looking for work. More of a supply or workers and less of a demand for creators will eventually equal out to creators making less money and finding it hard to support their families. See what type of hell “just a few downloads” could equal?
The Distributors and Illegally Downloading Comic Books
As the market shifts more towards digital comics, there becomes less of a need for distributors. By illegally downloading comic books, you are putting the jobs of workers at Diamond and other distributors at risk. You are taking a few links out of the supply chain when visiting a torrent site. Is someone downloading a few comics really setting someone up for losing a job?
The Comic Book Stores and Illegally Downloading Comic Books
The next time you are in a comic book store, look at the workers for a moment. As you are looking around the room, think about the conversations you have started up with them in the past. Did one of them suggest a comic you ended up loving? Did one ever help you find a rare comic or point out a sale you might have missed? Illegally downloading comic books will put these people out of a job. They will ultimately be the first people to succumb to the digital death of the industry.
The cute girl who everyone thinks they might have a chance with
The guy who could tell you everything you need to know about a particular character
The girl who can tell you about all of the hot new comics coming out next week
The guy who always reminds you about how much you love comic books
They would all be out of a job due to illegally downloading comic books.
What You Can Do About People Illegally Downloading Comic Books
First off, don’t illegally download comic books. Every copy you put on your computer gives a chance of someone ultimately losing a job. What you might think is a few dollars here and there adds up with the few dollars other people are stealing.
If you have a friend who is illegally downloading comic books, point out how OUR favorite industry will shrink and eventually die by their actions. If you can help to discourage the downloading of comics, these scenarios could be overcome and become alternative histories which could have happened instead of marks in history which did happen.
Pulp Collecting: How Ebay Killed the Market
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Free Comic Book Day – Not Just a Day For Free Comic Books
As of this writing, Free Comic Book Day is still about nine weeks away, but comic book stores across the country are eagerly awaiting the day in which free comic books take center stage. I wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of Free Comic Book Day and remind you that it is not simply a day in which you just get free comic books. There is much more importance of the day than you might have thought of.
Free Comic Book Day
The Reasons Behind Free Comic Book Day
Telling fans that there is a day in which they can get free comic books will bring them out in droves. The goal behind Free Comic Book Day is to reward long-term readers, bring former readers back into the fold, and to encourage new readers. A strong focus is placed on children because if comic book collecting is going to survive past our lives, we need to encourage another generation to put down the game controllers and pick up the printed pages.
Spotlighting on Free Comic Book Day
You can take a look at the listing of free comic books being offered on May 4, 2013, by following this link. The comics being offered are often ones which the different publishing companies wish to spotlight. This could be to increase the masses already reading the title or (in the case of smaller companies) to wake the fans up to what else is being offered outside of the Marvel and DC banners.
Benefit to Retailers
The push for free comic books helps the retailers by getting bodies in the store. In many cases, a person might walk into a particular comic book store for the first time and be amazed by the variety of titles or other merchandise being sold. It is a time for the retailer to spotlight his or her store and to show the masses what they are missing. In many cases, comic book store owners will also add other products to their Free Comic Book Day offerings. They might use the day to clear out some of the reduced comics they have in stock or other items which need to be cleared out to make room for new stock.
Encourage You to Read
About a week ago, I spoke with two customers in the store who explained that they look forward to Free Comic Book Day each year. Both admitted they do not read most of the free comic books they take home on the special day of the year. I encourage you to read the free comic books you take home. Your eyes might be opened to something new. The worst that can happen is that you might spend twenty minutes reading something you don’t like. Twenty minutes is a small enough period to give just about anything a chance.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Free Comic Book Day. Even though the day is still a ways off, plans are being put into motion all over the country as retailers prepare for the day they share with their customers.
WWC Challenge: Read Something New
From time to time I am going to give you a WWC Challenge – and this my friends is the first. I challenge you to buy a new title you have never read over the next month. I am sure you think this is a simple WWC Challenge to start out with, but I am not making this challenge as easy as you think. There are certain qualifiers for participation in the inaugural WWC Challenge.
WWC Challenge!
Which Companies?
The new comic you read cannot be from Marvel or DC. With the market statistics it is easy to tell that Marvel and DC dominate the market and most comic book readers try to stay true to the Big 2. This WWC Challenge is secretly (ok not secretly) to get you more involved with the smaller companies and to give them a better chance in the market.
Genre
Think about the genres of comics you usually read. Are most of your titles superhero titles? Are most of your titles horror? I want the comic you choose to be outside of your typical comfort zone.
Leave a Comment About the Comic Your Read for the WWC Challenge
Between the initial posting of this WWC Challenge and March 31st, I want you to leave a comment down below about which comic you chose and what you thought about it. You don’t have to give a full book report (and please don’t), just a line or two about if you are happy you read it or if you will never return to the title again.
What Do You Get?
Sorry that there is not a solid prize for this WWC Challenge. There are prized competitions we are coming up with right now – but not for this one. The goal is to make you a more satisfied comic book reader. It will help you to become more engaged in the market and might open your eyes to a whole new world (I feel a song coming on).
Resources
There are limitless resources out there for deciding what comic you should read for your WWC Challenge. You can check out Previews, or take a look at one of the smaller publishing company’s websites. You can also ask one of us in the store. Remember, there are benefits to asking our opinions in the store. You just have to stop in to find out what those are.
Comic Book Stores are Like Casinos
I love walking into comic book stores and casinos. As a comic book reader and collector, there are very few places that give me the charge that I get when walking into a store and seeing shelves lined with comic books. Ok, walking into a casino can come close – but not close enough. A comic book store is a lot like a casino and I doubt there have ever been many people who have made the association between the two. For those who know me, you should have expected me to compare two of my favorite types of locations.
Comic book stores are like casions
Bright Colors
One of the first things you will notice when walking into a casino or a comic book store is the bright colors all around. The casino owners use the bright colors to bring your attention to the slots, the table games and to the entertainment. Comic book companies use bright colors and visually-enticing covers to draw you in in much the same way. If a slot machine looked bland and devoid of flashing lights, would you stop and play? If a comic had a bland cover, would it catch your eye?
Location of Shared Interest
Walk into a casino and listen to the conversations patrons are having. With all of my trips to Las Vegas, I have heard the full gambit of possible conversations over the years, but the majority of people are talking about gambling, particular games, or winning money. If you walk into any of the comic book stores in the world, chances are good that most of the conversations will be about reading comics, particular comics, or the shared experiences of comic book readers. Casinos and comic book stores are hubs for people who share common interests.
The Big Gambles of Comic Book Stores
Chances are good that you might not actively think about gambling when you are in a comic book store, but you are – and others are as well. When you pick up an issue, you are taking a gamble that you are going to like it. When you purchase a variant cover for the collectability factor, you are betting on the issue increasing in value over time. In fact, I have heard more about comic book speculators in the last few months than I have about sports betting speculators.
Don’t forget that comic book companies are speculating with every title and storyline. They are betting on you buying each title they have. Sometimes they win and sometimes they lose. Owners of comic book stores are speculating when they place their orders. Sometimes they order the correct amount of a title, sometimes they get burned, and sometimes they wish they ordered more.
Leaving with Anticipation
Every time I have entered a plane leaving Las Vegas, I have anticipated my next trip to Sin City. Leaving comic book stores gives me the same feeling. I wonder about what types comics or merchandise they will have the next time I arrive and what types of conversations I will have while there. Now if I could only get free drinks in comic book stores…
What Type of Comic Book Collector Are You?
Are you a general comic book collector, a mixed collector, or a specialized comic book collector? Do you know the differences between each type of collector? After reading this article – you will.
Comic Book Storage
General Comic Book Collector
An easy way to remember what a general collector is would be to think of this type of person as a diversified collector. His or her collection will have comics from various comics from various time periods. Many comic book collectors fall into this category as the collector either collects any comics she can come across or any comics she likes.
Specialized Comics Book Collector
A specialized comic book collector will only collect certain types of comics, the comics of a particular character or team, or the comics from a particular company. If you have been collecting for a long time, chances are good that you have met someone who only collects comics focused on the X-Men or Batman or a comic book collector who would never allow comics from the Big 2 in their independent comics collection. You might have met someone who is only interested in horror comics or comics from a particular company.
Mixed Comic Book Collector
Most comic book collectors would fall into this category since they might have some specialized lines in their collections, but will still be diversified. My collection has a strong focus on the 1970s, and on particular characters such as Doctor Strange, The Phantom Stranger, and Batman – but I still have comics from many other publications and titles for various reasons ranging from liking a particular line to simply liking a particular cover to a certain issue being a key issue in a title.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A general or mixed collector will never have a “complete” collection, but a specialized collector might. It gives the specialized collector something to work towards and a goal to focus on. Essentially, this gives a specialized collector a defined maximum number of comics he or she might have. A general or mixed collector can, over time, become overwhelmed by a huge collection which needs to be liquidated to make room.
At the same time, though, a specialized collector might have to pass on particular issues outside of her collection and kick themselves later. I friend of mine only collects horror comics and once passed on purchasing Avengers #7 at a resale shop because it did not fit into his collection. He became so consumed by the idea of only buying horror comics that he did not think about purchasing the early issue of the Avengers and simply trading it in at his local comic book store or selling it for money.
A general or mixed collector is typically going to have a wider view on the comic book industry since he or she will have various types of titles in the collection. Diversification is something which drives a comic book industry which is filled with hundreds of titles to choose from. Specialized collectors, though, can also have a major impact on the market since they can help to entitle a sub-genre (such as horror, science fiction, etc.) to more attention from the publishing companies.
In the End
It comes down to what type of comic book collector you want to be. There is nothing inherently wrong with any type of comic book collector, but each type has advantages and disadvantages over the others.
What type of comic book collector are you? Why is this type of collecting right for you?
Also Read:
Comics-Forward Comic Book Convention: Differences from Other Cons
What is a comics-forward comic book convention? The fact that we even have to have this type of designation clearly shows how the shift in comic book conventions has changed over the years. The designation shows the difference between an actual comic book convention and a media convention which happens to have some comic book vendors and guests.
2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention
What a Comics-Forward Convention is Not
I would venture to say that most comic book conventions in the U.S. and Canada right now are not comics-forward comic book conventions. The evidence of this comes in how the shows are marketed and floor-planned. Instead of showing top comic book creators in their ads, actors from movies and shows which have nothing to do with comic books are headlined. While comic book creators might be at the convention, they are forced to take a back seat to soft-core porn stars or former Playboy centerfolds. Instead of every booth seat being filled by someone with a connection to comic books, autograph tables are sold to former pro-wrestlers. The creators are forced to fill tables in the back of the convention hall or in some out-of-the-way wing.
Moment of Digression
Let’s pick on pro-wrestlers for a moment since a wrestling guest can show the difference between a comics-forward comic book convention and an average “comic book convention.” Even though they wear tights, they are not superheroes nor do they have some type of connection to superheroes. Don’t get me wrong as there are some wrestlers which have direct connections to the comic book world. I would not scoff at CM Punk being a guest at a comic book convention since he is a collector. I would also not turn my nose to Sgt. Slaughter or Hulk Hogan since they were both characters in comics in the 1980s. When it comes to [Insert name of pro-wrestler], though, he/she has no connection to comics so he/she is only there to take space away from someone you will actually give a damn about.
A Comics-Forward Comic Book Convention
Instead of booking non-comics-related media guests, a comics-forward comic book convention might schedule stars which have either worked on comics or starred in movies or TV shows which were based on comic book properties. Instead of pushing the media guests first, the comic creators and comic book vendors have primary seating around a convention hall at a comics-forward comic book convention. Some comics-forward comic book conventions don’t schedule any media guests at all.
The Focus
Simply put, most comic book conventions place the focus on washed-up media stars which have nothing to do with the industry which the convention states it is attempting to appeal to instead of putting the focus on comic book fans. I want to walk in to a convention and believe the show was built around me and not around someone else. I don’t want to get an autograph from [Insert name of pro-wrestler or floozy], I want an autograph from someone who was part of the entertainment medium I grew up with and continue to enjoy to this day.
My Favorite Example
I stared covering Detroit Fanfare for a major website when the convention began in 2010. I loved the idea of a convention which had comics for sale and comic book creators signing autographs in the front of the hall. Instead of having to search a map for where the creators could be seen, I could trip over them if I was not paying attention. There are media guests, but they are guests which have some type of connection to comics. There are panels to attend, but most have to do with comics and not with non-comics-related TV shows or movies which I am not even interested in watching. Now, I am happy to be a part of a comics-forward comic book convention where the masses are welcomed, but the show is molded for the true comic book fan.
Comic Book Dividers: Start Using Them Already
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Diamond Industry Statistics: Should You Read Them?
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Comic Book Collection Inventory: Why?
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Comic Book Convention Attendee Tips
These tips for attending comic book conventions are for people attending their first convention in the near future and for seasoned attendees as well. These tips are based on mistakes I made in the past or mistakes I have seen people make over and over again.
2010 Detroit Fanfare comic book convention
Create an Itinerary
Even small comic book conventions have dozens of activities happening during a weekend. Larger conventions might have hundreds when you consider panels, special screenings, parties, and other convention-only events. Comic book convention websites often have all of the events and activities listed well before the doors are officially opened.
Sit down a day or two before the convention and write down the information about each event you want to attend. Make sure you include the name of the event, the time, and location. Once you have all of these written down, make sure you do not have any times overlapping or events which might force you to run from one end of a convention hall to another. People carrying stacks of comics do not like people running by them. This planning might save you from fretting or missing an event.
Check the Fundage Before Leaving the House
Don’t go to a comic book convention with $25 in your pocket. You are going to have to eat, you are going to see things you want to buy, you might have to pay for tickets, and you are probably going to want a drink later on (if you are over 21 of course). Make sure you have enough money on you or readily available. You just look silly if you run out of money two hours after arriving at the show.
Pace Yourself
If a comic book convention is a few days long, do not try to do everything and see everything in the first few hours you are there. At the 2012 Detroit Fanfare, I noticed a couple which tried to see everything at the convention in the first hour the show was open. I watched them rush from booth to booth and from room to room as if they were in a race to see everything first. They were blown out a few hours into the show and dragged for the rest of the weekend and wished they had not tried to rush.
Bring Snacks
I usually attend comic book conventions with a backpack or some other type of bag full of snacks. I would much rather spend a few dollars on a box of granola bars before a convention than $2.50 for a chocolate bar at the show. Snack prices at conventions are inflated and take away from the money to be spent on comics (or drinks at the parties…oh the parties). Also, by keeping snacks handy, you can keep your energy levels high for the long-term.
Know Who Will NOT be There
Check the comic book convention’s website before you head out the door. Many conventions will post messages about guests which have cancelled. I have seen comic book convention attendees upset because their favorite writer or artist cancelled. In most cases, their disappointment at the show would have been averted by simply checking out the website.
General Walk
I take a general walk around a convention before purchasing anything. Of course, there are vendors who have specials for the first so many people to come to their booths, I plan accordingly. General walks will help give an idea of the layout of the show and help me gain an idea of what I am going to want to purchase over the next few hours or days. How many times have you purchased something from one vendor and seen the same item for less on the other end of the hall? This trick helps to prevent that experience.
Make Sure You Eat
I cannot count the number of times I have attended comic book conventions and seen people dragging their feet because they had not eaten. If you are going to try to pull a full day at one of the comic book conventions, make sure you eat. This is a basic necessity which people often forget about when there is excess excitement in the air.
My year revolves around comic book conventions. I have learned over the years how to make each convention better than the last for myself. Learn from my mistakes if you want to have the best convention experience possible.
Cosplayers at Comic Book Convention: Don’t Discourage
At conventions, I have heard some comic book fans discourage attendees who were simply there to cosplay. Some comic book fans believe comic-cons should only be attended by those who read and/or collect comics. Whenever I hear cosplayers being discouraged, I make sure I speak up.
Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare
Inclusive
One of the major lessons learned in the pages of comic book is inclusion. Readers should learn that characters like those found in the X-Men should teach us to respect each other despite our differences. Comic book conventions should be the same way. While the majority of guests are going to attend to see what types of deals they can find or which of their idols will be in attendance, but there are those who will attend simply to cosplay or see the celebrities in attendance. All should be allowed.
Cosplayers at 2011 Detroit Fanfare
Growth
Cosplayers have helped conventions grow over the years. Online slideshows of pretty women in superhero or other costumes can entice fans into going to particular conventions. The more people a convention can draw the more money it can make. This leads to bigger guests being invited and grander events taking place. If you want your local convention to have the chance of competing with a larger con one day, encourage the cosplayers when you see them.
Enjoyment
Even though I do not cosplay myself, I look forward to seeing cosplayers whenever I head to a convention. Many other attendees will look forward to seeing cosplayers as well. Pay attention to someone with a tremendous costume as see how many people attempt to take a picture of the costume, or with the cosplayer. You might be surprised by how much enjoyment costumed-attendees give. The more enjoyable a con, the more people will return in the future to ensure the long-term stability of the convention.
What Cosplay Can Lead To For Cosplayers
I know many cosplayers who have ended up becoming interested in comics by attending conventions. Every new fan the industry can interest makes the industry slightly stronger. Why wouldn’t you want the industry you love to grow stronger?
Bagging and Boarding Comic Books: Yes You Have To
As someone who has collected comics for over 30 years, I am often asked about bagging and boarding comic books. Yes, it can be expensive and time-consuming, but bagging and boarding your comics will give you the best chance of preserving your collection outside of having each comic slabbed.
Bagging and boarding comic books
I bag and board ever comic I purchase even if it is a freebie I picked up at an event like Free Comic Book Day. While it is a stretch, there is always a chance a new comic given out on FCBD might end up being a smash hit sometime down the road. Even through thousands of copies might have been given out for free, there is only a small percentage of collectors which will show the same concern and care for freebie comics as is shown for $50 issues.
Bags alone will help to keep moisture and insects away from your comic. Over time, though, stacking the comics or standing them up will take a toll on your collection. Stacking them will cause for pressure damage on the lowest issues in the stack and standing comics up will place pressure on the spines and cause them to buckle or separate from the binding. Bags and boards together give the best support for your collection.
People will often tell me that they do not bag or board their comics because of the price involved in keeping a collection secure. I never thought this argument made sense. A 10o pack of bags or boards can sometimes run $10 each. This is $0.02 a comic. If you are going to spend $4 on a new comic in the first place, spending an extra $0.02 to keep it secure is not a stretch. The difference can really come down the road if you go to sell you comic.
The New Mutants was one of my favorite titles when I was a teenager as the characters dealt with some of the same types of angst I was at the time. In the early part of 1991, the series was winding down and everyone knew there would only be a handful of issues left when issue #98 came out. Nobody knew that Deadpool, who was introduced in the issue, would turn out to be one of Marvel’s prime characters over the next twenty years. Anyone who spent the extra money to keep the comic they purchased for $1 back then is happy when they see copies selling at conventions for over $100.
If a comic is selling for $100 at near mint, it is not unreasonable to say one rated at 8.0 would sell for $15-$17 less. At a 7.0, the total value of the issue can drop by almost half. Isn’t the $0.02 worth keeping the value of a comic as high as possible?
Comic Book Storage: Long Boxes vs. Short Boxes
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