drupal stats

The mythology of the newstand

Yes, I'm re-purposing a forum post.  If you've already read this, I'm sorry.  More exciting and original content soon.

In a discussion about the cancellation of Pixar and Muppet comics by Boom Studios and the lackluster sales of proven commodities like Darkwing Duck and the Muppets, talk on one forum has turned to newsstand distribution, like it always does.

What makes people think that's the answer?  

Archie pays to be upfront and by the registers.  That's where it's success comes from.  How much competition between Archie, People, Teen Mother and National Enquirer is there for that prime space?  And what do you think more people are going to want to pick up?  A People magazine about the latest Lindsey Lohan scandal or an issue of Superman walking across America? 

Has anyone even checked out these fabled newstands anymore and the selection of magazines in the section of your local store?  Unless you get a prime spot on the checkout line, mostly reserved for gossip rags, most grocery and drug stores I've been too have a fairly negligible selection of magazines.  Stores don't want newstands so why would they want comics?  

Maybe we've got to accept that we're a niche market.  We're all told that print is dead or dying.  Why would we want to be part of a distribution system that's designed for newstands and mass market?

Put it this way, if there aren't enough people out there to support an Oprah magazine, what makes you think there are enough people out there to support a Muppets comic?  Or, worse, yet, an Atlas or Thor: The Mighty Avenger comic.