Is our industry complicated? If someone watched the Superman and Fantastic Four movies and decided to try out this thing called comic books, would they be able to navigate the treacherous waters?
Probably not. At least not on their own.
Luckily there are many trusted comic book stores out there (mine included) who do give good advice and customer service to the newbie. But obviously, from experience, sometimes it feels like I am discussing the topic of quantum physics. My favorite part is when their eyes sort of glaze over and I know I have lost them. It is usually on the “everything you order comes out in two months”‘ part.
Do not get me wrong. It has been well documented that the direct market saved the industry because the circulation system was not working. Publishers would ship out 300,000 copies, half of which would be returned, and that was not sustainable. Financially and environmental(ly?).
Finally, why is Franka giving Barbara the low down on the industry? Read forthcoming installments of Solicitations to find out!
-Marv