The Price Is Right? Publishers Discuss Rising Comics Costs

As news of the economy dominates headlines, readers of comic books have their own economic woes as the price of their favorite hobby has gotten more expensive.

In recent years, most average-sized comic books were priced somewhere between $2.00 and $2.99 each, but comics retailers are selling more and more comics priced at $3.99 each.

Newsarama talked to a few publishers about what's driving the price increases, and they said it's a combination of higher costs and lower sales.

"Any time there's a recession, people are going to be spending less, but publishers still have to pay the talent and they still have to print the books," said Vince Hernandez, Editor-in-Chief of Aspen Comics. "Costs are going up because printing companies need to make their profit and everybody's tightening their belt and reacting to the economy."

Filip Sablik, publisher at Top Cow Comics, said that over time, several costs associated with publishing comics have gone up, and it all affects the bottom line. "Creative costs have increased as creator cost of living goes up. Printing costs go up due to paper costs, shipping, and technology changes. Overhead can go up as your landlord raises costs on office space. Every company is different," he said.

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Top Cow develops innovative approach to selecting content, selling comics

A period of serious change has been a long time coming for the comics industry.

New influences — from independent publishers on one end of the spectrum to Hollywood on the other — steadily have made interest in the medium both more prolific and more eclectic. Combine that growing interest with a waning economy and you have an audience that is at once demanding and discriminating. The time has come for a renaissance, and burgeoning companies like LA based Top Cow Productions eagerly are seeking ways to adapt and take advantage of the moment.

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Newsarama analyzes Comic Pricing

While news about the economy seems to get worse every week, the comics industry is starting to buzz about its own economy and the effect of rising comic book prices.

"Small talk of the economy has officially replaced 'How's the weather?', 'How much is the Death of Superman worth?', and even 'Who is that Red Hulk?' as the most talked-about subject in the comic shop," said Bret Parks, owner of Ssalefish Comics in Winston Salem, NC. "So far, most customers have not been overly sensitive to the price change [in comic books], but with more and more fan interaction online and tons of job loss, it is not taking long for the complaint and weariness to circulate."

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Top Cow's $2.99 in 2009 mentioned during FbR Episode #500

Give a listen to our buddies, Scott and Oliver, as they discuss Top Cow's $2.99 in 2009 pledge during Fanboy Radio's 500th episode with a caller. It's about mid-way through the episode.

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Another online reaction to $2.99 in 2009

Top Cow has actually done something very bold and exciting by pledging to hold all their cover prices at $2.99 through 2009. Sounds great to me! Publisher Filip Sablik has made a commitment to their current and potential (that’s me!) fans that I believe should be supported.

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