It is absolutely a tumultuous time, even without the influence of Covid. In the past number of years I've struggled to make purchasing decisions just as a consumer. Do I buy this as a single "floppy" issue, wait for it to be released in a trade paperback collection, or just read it through a digital subscription? If there's something I really enjoy or love I may end up doing all three! I have some books that I've bought the floppies, a nice hardcover edition for the bookshelf, and a digital version on Comixology. I feel like the movie industry is the closest analogy, as people choose between seeing a theatrical release, waiting for it to release on physical media like Blu-Ray, purchasing digital copies, or waiting to see their entertainment on streaming services.

I think just the fact that all these avenues exist shows the continuing strength and overall health of the comic industry. Local shops are probably the most under pressure, just as in any other industry that's had a strong shift to digital delivery. However I believe comic shops will survive, albeit in reduced numbers and as an even more niche market; like coin or stamp shops. There will always be passionate collectors in need of service beyond just those who read for entertainment.

Things seem largely back to "normal." I've been to my local comic shop a couple times this week already and picked up some new single issue releases and a back issue or two. I've stopped at the big chain bookstore down the street from them to pick up a hardcover collection the comic shop was sold out of. The bookstore has a full aisle of comics content nowadays and is pretty well stocked. And I placed an order through an online service, reserving new titles shipping in September. I do my best with what funds I have to support the market as broadly as possible because I think all those channels serve a need and a clientele and I'm glad they all exist.

Diamond is back up and running, with just the lingering issues of their spat with DC. I believe a handful of titles did go to digital only, similar to how some movies forego a theatrical release and go "direct to video." I think that trend will only effect the lowest selling titles in the near term and is actually a good compromise. It allows companies and creators to explore certain properties cheaply, which might never have been made at all if forced to commit to a print run. Long term, floppies could die-off. I'd be sad to see such a historic format go, but I'd understand. Ultimately I wouldn't be too upset as it's the artform and storytelling that I care about most; which would all remain intact through other means of delivery.

I feel for independent artists who relied on convention income heavily. In general though, it's probably the best time ever for independents, simply because of the advancements in crowdfunding, printing, digital distribution and marketing that allow self publishers to put out product every bit as good as the corporate players and do it on their own terms.

So overall, the industry is fragmenting. If people look specifically at the classic "direct market" system it can seem all doom and gloom. But overall I find comics to be in a very healthy place, and the material being produced now is probably the best I've ever seen in the 30ish years I've been reading.

I have kept my eye on some cool custom furniture and cabinetry... but those are dreams for times of greater financial fortune that I keep my fingers crossed for! 🤞