BOOKS — THE BAD, From the Films and Books Magazine Column BOOKS — THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLYBOOKS — THE BADhttp://www.filmsandbooks.com/books-the-bad/2007-10-15T16:46:31ZSquarespaceTHE BAD — Comic Book Companies Allow Returnshttp://www.filmsandbooks.com/books-the-bad/the-bad-comic-book-companies-allow-returns.htmlFilms and Books Magazine2007-10-15T16:45:51Z2007-10-15T16:45:51ZComic Books were the last hold outs on the tired-old book retailer condition of “full returns.” Now, with DC Comics announcing “returnable” comics, it seems Comic publishers and book publishers and heading in opposite directions, with book publishers experimenting with “Share the Risk” programs which limit the quantity of returns.
Retailers cling to out-dated and damaging “virtual consignment” relationships with wholesalers and distributors, while gobbling the largest share of book list price. Squeezed from both sides are publishers. Is it any wonder publishers focus on “sure bets” and “A list authors?”
Meanwhile large chain retailers and online giants are clobbering ailing independents.