I wonder with Marvel seemingly switching to $3.99 an issue, which may be the new standard mark. Then it’s only a matter of time DC will likewise charge the same price.
I wonder, how this will effect future start up companies who want to enter the comic book market? Or more specifically how will they survive in such a market?
Already it’s no secret, across the board comic book prices have been raised, whether it be the single issue comics, or the various trade formats they later produce.
It’s also no secret comic book stores in the direct market have a limited budget on what they can afford to buy. Especially in a market with no return policy.
With pricing being raised, and sure the dealer gets a huge discount off cover price, but still they are paying more per issue. And again, they have a certain budget.
So it’s not hard to imagine if $3.99 is the new set price across the board, that smaller publishers will have their product cut back by the dealer.
I mean who are they more likely to cut out? A Marvel Comic or DC book they know has an established brand name, and more likely get a sale?
Or another publisher where the sale is more dicey to get?
I just think the raised prices, will further help to cut out any books from other companies that are not DC or are Marvel made.
Plus any new start up company will have a huge hurdle to survive in a market where $3.99 may be the new set point.
And as far as production costs involved, I really wonder if any other publisher can soon afford not to charge a similar price or more?