Everyone I know loves comic shops. Everyone I know who makes comics, especially creator-owned comics, is hurting, financially. EVERYONE is bleeding, its a bad time. So to what extent does digital as a publishing format represent an additional revenue stream, one on top of print sales through…
If you’ve been paying attention to the battle between the retail market and the digital market at all in the past week over Dark Horse’s announcement, you should read Brian Wood’s thoughts on the matter. (My friend David did a piece on it as well that I think is worth reading.) It’s a bit heartbreaking, really, to see Brian cut to the core of the issue like this from his perspective — but then again, if he didn’t do that on a consistent basis in his writing, I probably wouldn’t be as drawn to his comics to the extent that I am.
Which is a long way of saying: check out Brian’s stuff, people. If you’re a retailer, get it in stock ASAP. If you’re a consumer, seek it out — DMZ, Northlanders, Demo, the New York Four/Five, Channel Zero, Pounded, Supermarket, DV8, Couriers, Couscous Express… anything you can get your hands on. Pre-order his Wolverine and Conan books. Check out Dark Horse Presents for the preview of the Massive, and pre-order that when it comes out. Find his work, read it, love it, and share it with others.
Comics are a wonderful place, and they’re full of fantastic and creative works by honestly talented and humble folk, and Brian is one of the best. I would hate for the day to come when I’m not able to read a comic by Brian because everyone is too busy squabbling about print vs. digital and what superhero fucking another superhero is selling better than the one where they just punch each other. That helps nobody; it accomplishes nothing.
If Dark Horse wants to take a chance with the digital mark, Dark Horse should be allowed to take that chance without fear of retailers boycotting their product, because that’s just unfair. Their creators shouldn’t have to fear for their titles. Where would we be without some of the greats Dark Horse has published? Where would we be without creator owned books like Hellboy, Sin City, Fear Agent, or Milk and Cheese? Or even their licensed Buffy and Star Wars comics? How about all those people who hadn’t heard of but are now able to enjoy Axe Cop and Dr. McNinja — two comics previously offered entirely for free online that can now be (and are) bought in stores?
If we can buy a single song from an album on iTunes for 99 cents the day the CD is out, with the music industry still finding ways to thrive in both the direct and digital markets, why can’t a comic company try to do the same thing without a riot?
I have quite a few friends in the comic industry now, and I feel for all of them. It may not be the best economy to be an indie creator, but they deserve your love and support just as much as any other. Whether you support the digital market or frequent shops religiously, whether you read strictly capes and tights or venture out into the unknown wilds, just please do your part and support the creators and medium. Don’t draw lines in the sand and please don’t encourage others to do so. We’re all in this together, even if we don’t all like the same things.
