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Despite all the negativity over the state of the comic book industry, things aren’t looking too bad. While there have definitely been some issues in the last few years, such as Diamond Comics Distributors declaring bankruptcy, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, many retailers are more optimistic than ever.
An in-depth analysis on SKTCHD takes a blunt look at the state of the comic book industry and while it admits there have been problems, the piece takes a look at how retailers are currently faring. Many retailers report that they’re finding success more than failures and credit things such as digest-sized collections and accessible reprints for new and younger readers, not to mention the strides comics retailers have made in fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
The piece does dig into the problems with Diamond, but many retailers see them more as growing pains in an industry that is adjusting fine.
Despite the Issues, Comics Retailers Are Doing Alright
The Industry is Changing, But It’s Not Dying
To say that the last few years have been challenging would be an understatement. Ever since the COVID-19 epidemic, retailers have been feeling the hurt, between supply chain issues, lagging distribution, and a general decrease in interest in comics. News of store closures isn’t uncommon right now, and many store owners have spoken frankly about the issues they’ve faced. The comic industry got a real shock in January 2025 when Diamond Comic Distributors announced that it was filing Chapter 11 after years of painful cutbacks, as well as losing its relationship with publishers such as Marvel and DC Comics.
Sktchd’s analysis also credits the energy of bold new publishing lines such as DC Comics’ Absolute line, Marvel Comics’ new Ultimate Universe, and the Energon Universe for pumping life into the comic book stores. These books do consistently top the charts, so it makes sense that most retailers would be a fan of these stories. While it’s understandable that there’s a lot of doomsaying about the state of comics, the truth is, retailers and publishers have been working really hard to bring readers into physical stores. It’s slow-going, but these efforts are making a difference to the comic industry.
Publishers and Retailers Working Together Can Keep the Industry Thriving
A Joint Effort Can Keep Readers Engaged and Want to Keep Supporting Local Comic Shops.
The truth is, as a niche business, comic book stores have always had a harder time staying open. And things don’t get easier when the market starts to change. But things have been worse and if stores could survive the speculator bubble bursting, they could survive the pains of a rapidly changing industry. What’s important is that the relationship between publishers and retailers remain strong, because they need to work together to best serve the readers.
Right now, publishers have been knocking it out of the park with new initiatives and pushes that are meant to get fans excited about reading comics. And retailers are doing their part by making sure to get the word out and keep people coming with welcoming environments and engaging events and marketing. From the outside, the comic book industry might seem like it’s in a perilous place. But retailers are confident things are looking up for comics as a whole.
Source: SKTCHD
“}]] Things aren’t looking too bad for comic books. Read More