Image Comics has just sent a letter from a comic retailer that announced that comic retailers are setting up a 27-day window of their products for only available in comic shops. The move is in response to supply chain issues that have affected sales to bookstores, resulting in longer lay-ins than comic shops.
Image decided to create this virtue by making comic shops of comics and graphic novels exclusive for this window. This is a move to bring a wide smile to comic store owners.
I don’t know how much of this is a practical effect of the supply chain realities or a move to directly expand the market, but the outcome is almost certainly the latter.
Does the book chain respond with an alarm cry? More coming!
The letter is as follows:
Dear Direct Market Retailer,
We look forward to sharing news that we believe will give you a meaningful advantage in the evolving retail industry, and are decisions decided in recognition of our continued loyalty and support for our books.
Starting with sales titles from December 24, 2025, direct market retailers will have an exclusive 27-day window for selling all image comic collection editions and original graphic novels before the same title is sold at retailers and digital vendors in the book market.
This means that for almost a month your store will be the only place where you can find those new image collections and OGNs.
This shift will be brought about by the requirements of a new logistics supply chain that requires a longer reception window on the books in the market. Rather than letting these changes determine our release schedule, we see as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to you. The retailers who are our creator champions and who have had their stories from the start continue to promote the discoverability of our books.
Your role in the success of image comics cannot be overstated. It laid the foundation for readers, introduced countless new titles to audiences, and fostered a passionate fanbase that will thrive in the industry. We appreciate your support, your trust, your fuss and your investment in creator-owned comics.
As always, we would like to thank you for your continued partnership.
Image Comic Team
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