Alterna will deliver their comics direct to stores
Alterna publisher Peter Simeti's announced that they'll be switching from reliance on Diamond and sell direct to customers and stores:
I think this is a great idea, since they can take the challenge of making this the path to setting up alternative mail delivery and distribution services. Which would be quite welcome, after all the harm done to the industry through poor business moves. A better path is needed, and this could be one example of the sort.
It comes at almost the same time when veteran Jim Steranko of Nick Fury fame had the following predictions to make, where comicdom is going:
Depending on circumstances involved, I don't think independent publishers should be forced to crowd-fund in all instances, but I recognize there can be advantages. All the indie creators have to do is make sure that money goes to developing an actual product, and it's all set. And as for specialty stores, they could remain and see new life breathed in, but, it would have to all be redone mainly as stores selling almost entirely in paperback/hardcover/GN format. Which would guarantee better chances of returning what hasn't sold instead of being forced to keep it around gathering dust in back issue boxes.
And most importantly from an artistic merit perspective, Marvel/DC alike will have to abandon the company wide crossovers...or close their doors, because few are going to care about a soulless crossover, which makes a poor substitute for stand-alone storytelling.
Will the future see significant differences? Perhaps. Differences that were long called for, yet only now did anybody begin to consider them.
For the time being... and perhaps indefinitely... ordering direct from Alterna will be the only way for readers and retailers to get our new comics.— Peter Simeti 💬 (@petersimeti) April 11, 2020
On a sidenote, @alternadistro product submissions for comics and graphic novels are still on track to open up in June. https://t.co/gK2uYTy3e3
I think this is a great idea, since they can take the challenge of making this the path to setting up alternative mail delivery and distribution services. Which would be quite welcome, after all the harm done to the industry through poor business moves. A better path is needed, and this could be one example of the sort.
It comes at almost the same time when veteran Jim Steranko of Nick Fury fame had the following predictions to make, where comicdom is going:
Heard that DC is distributing outside the DIAMOND SYSTEM, and that they've offered all titles FREE in digital form! That's seems to be a ploy TO BREAK DOWN RESISTANCE to DIGITAL COMIX! But kids today LIVE on line and will easily EMBRACE electronic delivery! Goodbye pamphlet!!!— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) April 20, 2020
Marvel will have to follow suit—or close its doors! I predicted that both MAJOR publishers would SHARE a common distributor, but maybe rivalry has gotten in the way in the way of smart biz! Indy publishers will be forced to CROWD FUND! Nothing will be the same!— Jim Steranko (@iamsteranko) April 20, 2020
Depending on circumstances involved, I don't think independent publishers should be forced to crowd-fund in all instances, but I recognize there can be advantages. All the indie creators have to do is make sure that money goes to developing an actual product, and it's all set. And as for specialty stores, they could remain and see new life breathed in, but, it would have to all be redone mainly as stores selling almost entirely in paperback/hardcover/GN format. Which would guarantee better chances of returning what hasn't sold instead of being forced to keep it around gathering dust in back issue boxes.
And most importantly from an artistic merit perspective, Marvel/DC alike will have to abandon the company wide crossovers...or close their doors, because few are going to care about a soulless crossover, which makes a poor substitute for stand-alone storytelling.
Will the future see significant differences? Perhaps. Differences that were long called for, yet only now did anybody begin to consider them.
Labels: indie publishers, sales, technology
