The Ever-Increasing Price of Comics

Robin The Boy Wonder · The Ever-Increasing Price of Comics

Did you know that, despite the fact the price of an average comic book has increased over the last six months, there isn't anywhere on this forum to discuss it...?

OK, the topic has been covered in the assorted Diamond threads; however, this is one of the hot topics within the industry right now and possibly the most important one to the fans. It affects the retailers too, of course, although they're probably just as concerned, if not more so, by Diamond's efforts to increase their share of the pie.

I found this article on Newsarama:

The Price Is Right? Publishers Discuss Rising Comic Costs

It isn't that informative, although it is interesting to read the perspective (in brief) from assorted key persons within the comic book industry.

So, have a read. Discuss. Feel free to rant and rave. Justify the increase, if you can. What would you like to see the industry try and do during these difficult times? Is there anything we can do, or will this problem never be resolved? Has anyone from our older membership any advice to offer from past price increases?

There is more I would like to add on the subject myself; however, I'm at lunch at the moment and time is starting to run short... so, see ya later, guys and gals!

Batmanuel

Price hikes are not something i am fond of, and i have made my feeling felt on this subject in the past.
i welcomed the news that Diamond were putting a hold on the proposed second price increase as this could have been like a kiss of death for an already struggling high street.
coupled with increased dollar cover prices and a faltering pound, it would have been commercial suicide to increase prices to what amounts to eighty five pence to the dollar.
But... yes there is a but, in defense of the comic book i would like to draw a parallel, a comic book cost between 2-3 pounds at the moment. we are using the $2.99 / $3.99 range here as the most common price. with this in mind the average price of a pack of Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon and Magic the Gathering Card is between £2.99 / £3.49 and this is wildly considered to be a pocket money purchase.
i believe quite favorably that in comparison comics actually offer really good value for money when compared to trading cards of a similar value.
So the question is, are we living in the past? are prices realistic in comparison, or is it that parents just spend far to much money on there kids while putting the brakes on when spending on themselves.
but the point is, that in the bigger picture, comics are still in the pocket money bracket.
Graphic novels on the other hand....