Writer/artist Terry Moore and managing editor Robyn Moore discuss "Rachel Rising" and other books from Abstract Studio at the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting in Dallas.

DALLAS — The ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting for 2012 has closed, and many attendees touched on the importance of stability.   After the tumult of the past few years, retailers seem to be refocused on improving their stores and maintaining profitability.   While some stores are looking at expansion, it seemed that the plans for some publishers’ lines were becoming tighter and more focused.

Consistency was seen as key to success; Terry Moore attributed much of his success in “Strangers in Paradise,” “Echo” and “Rachel Rising” to putting out a comic every six weeks on a consistent schedule.  The gathered retailers were extremely receptive to Moore and excited to continue working with him.

Among the reasons retailers believe the DC “New 52″ has been such a success is the consistent shipping schedule.  DC announced the vast majority of the books shipped on time, with only two slipping from their planned date (including the most recent and an upcoming issue of “Justice League”).   Those could have shipped on time, but would have involved shipping part of the story arc out of order, and it was determined by DC that pushing the books a week each would be less harmful to sales.

Image’s Eric Stephenson gave a great speech celebrating creativity and independence.

“Creativity starts with people,” Stephenson said.  “The reckless spirits who can’t stand still, the fearless minds who refuse to play it safe.  At Image Comics, we believe in creative people.  For 20 years, we’ve made a home for them. A place where they can be creative – on their own terms.”

He said Image’s safe harbor for creativity on its own terms should resonate with the direct market, where each independent store celebrates creativity on its own terms as well.

Diamond Comics reported that the direct market was up overall 1.8 percent in 2011, and 1.2 percent in the comics category.

The event was again incredibly well-run and organized; kudos to the ComicsPRO board of directors and executive director Amanda Emmert.

Short takes

- DC plans to work with retailers to market “Before Watchmen” using some of the same tools that were used with great success on “The New 52.”

- Dynamite plans an extensive sales push for “The Shadow,” including hand-drawn variants by Jae Lee (1:200) and Alex Ross (1:250).

- Avatar plans to market “C-Day” on March 14, with a reissue of “Crossed” #0 called “Get Infected.”

- DC’s Vertigo plans a free preview comic of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” graphic novel, which should be in stores in time for Free Comic Book Day.  The graphic novel will go on sale in April 2012.

- Image’s recent string of successes could very well continue in the upcoming “Glory” and “Hell, Yeah” from Joe Keatinge.   Pages from Brian K. Vaughan also looked very impressive.

- Distributor Baker and Taylor will continue its web hosting program and is rolling out an additional stocking program for ComicsPRO members.

- Boom! Studios again entertained retailers after-hours in the Boom! RV, and showed retailers art from its upcoming “Fanboys vs. Zombies” at its Saturday breakfast presentation.

- Diamond reported that the number of Free Comic Book Day comics ordered has increased in 2012, from 2.77 million in 2011 to 3.34 million so far in 2012 (with some time still available for advance reorders).

- Valiant Comics has extensive marketing plans for “X-O Manowar” No. 1, including what looks like a very cool and interactive store poster using a QR code.

- Marvel was pleased with the response for the “Avengers vs. X-Men” parties and reiterated that comic will have huge interest to Marvel fans.

- Papercutz reported that the “Ninjago” LEGO tie-in graphic novels have more than 200,000 copies in print and have been a huge phenomenon for the publisher.

- IDW reported that 2011 showed the largest sales in the company’s history. Upcoming for the publisher include a second “Rocketeer Adventures” anthology and a Steve Niles/Bernie Wrightson “Frankenstein” project.   IDW also plans an upscale Artists Edition of “Daredevil: Born Again.”

- First Second showed a copy of its upcoming “Baby’s In Black” graphic novel, which tells the story of Stu Sutcliffe and the Beatles.

- Graphitti plans an Animal Man shirt that will tie directly into the comic book, as one of the characters is wearing the shirt in an upcoming issue.

- Bonfire Agency continues to develop possible plans for retailers and national brands to interact.

- Studio 407 showed previews of its upcoming projects, including “Heroes Unlimited,” the first issue of which is slated to cost just $1.

- BioWorld showed retailers upcoming products and designs in apparel and accessories, including a TMNT backpack.

- Archaia showed off previews of its impressive hardcover line and talked about the upcoming Archaia FCBD hardcover edition.   This edition is Archaia’s highest-ever ordered FCBD comic.

- Matt Price
Click past the cut for more images from the meeting.

DC's Bob Wayne at the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting in 2012, with the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award. Photo by Annette Price, for The Oklahoman

DALLAS — Bob Wayne, DC Entertainment’s Senior Vice President of Sales, was honored with the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award in an afternoon ceremony.

The crowd of retailers, publishers and industry figures stood for an extended standing ovation as Wayne was named the recipient of the award, which is intended to honor those who help bring comic books to market.

“I would venture to say that no one in this room knows more about comics or the comics industry than Bob Wayne,” said ComicsPRO president Joe Field in his introduction of Wayne.   Given that executives from most of the larger comics publishers and more than 100 comic retail operations were in the room, that’s a nice compliment.

“With his 25 years at DC Comics, now DC Entertainment, we’ve seen tremendous things happen, in large part because of what Bob Wayne’s been instrumental in making happen for us,” Field said.

The other nominees for the award were Cindy Fournier of Diamond; David Gabriel of Marvel; Robert Kirkman of Image and Eric Stephenson of Image.

The 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Memorial Award was awarded to the late Phil Seuling, who founded the direct-market method of comic-book sales.  Bill Schanes of Diamond Comics Distributors, a former customer of Seuling, accepted the award on his behalf.  Julius Schwartz of DC Comics was the other nominee in this category.

Wayne was classy, funny and at times emotional in his acceptance of the award, which is voted on by the comic book retailers who are members of ComicsPRO, the national comics retail organization.

“I’d like to thank all of the members of ComicsPRO for your continued support,” Wayne said in accepting the award. “Many of you are friends, and, I think, extended family.”

Wayne graciously thanked his bosses and co-workers through his years at DC.

He recounted his years in the industry, including starting to sell comics in 1973 at comic-book conventions.

“Yes, I know that was before some of you were born,” he said. “There’s no need to come up later and point that out to me.”

Wayne opened a comic-book store in 1980, which he ran for seven years.   He joined DC Comics in August of 1987.

“The people who placed bets 25 years ago as to how many weeks or months I’d last in corporate America … no one asked me for odds.”

In closing, Wayne gave recognition to a special family member.

“When you work in a comic shop, when you work in comics, you hear a lot of people say, ‘Oh, they still make comics?  My mother threw mine out.’  And my mother did not throw mine out.”

- Matt Price

DALLAS — Thomas Gaul of Corner Store Comics and Beach Ball Comics in Anaheim, Calif., has been elected to the board of directors of ComicsPRO, the national comic-book retailer organization.

Gaul will replace Brian Hibbs of Comix Experience in San Francisco, a founding member of the board.

ComicsPRO president Joe Field announced the election at Friday’s breakfast at the ComicsPRO annual members’ meeting.

- Matt Price

DALLAS — DC Entertainment executives at the annual ComicsPRO meeting spoke of wanting to maintain momentum from The New 52 relaunch in 2012, as those products are released in graphic novel format. The publisher also plans for big things in 2012 from the “Watchmen” prequel and graphic novels tied to the release of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

The publisher will release six new titles as part of the “Second Wave” of The New 52, replacing six cancelled titles. Four of those titles will be released on 5/2/2012, which is a tie-in of sorts to the “52″ number.

The Free Comic Book Day 2012 book from DC will include new content tied to the New 52, including a four-page spread by Jim Lee, which was shown briefly onscreen at the meeting.

DC’s Bob Wayne said he expected “Batman, Incorporated” to be the biggest launch of the second wave, but heaped praise on another title, “Dial H,” written by novelist China Miéville.

“What I said was, it was the best proposal I had seen since Neil’s proposal for ‘Sandman,’” Wayne said, referring to the best-selling comic-book series from Neil Gaiman.

DC showed a list of quotes related to the “Before Watchmen” announcement, including Alan Moore’s statement that the idea was “completely shameless.”   DC execs said the announcement was covered across a wide swath of media.

John Cunningham of DC said the publisher had an extensive marketing plan for the “Before Watchmen” titles.

“Our goal is to build the interest in order to get people in the stores on day one,” he said.

“Before Watchmen” will also have tie-in DC Direct merchandise, including 9” resin statues of the Comedian and Rorschach.

“The Dark Knight Rises,” the last film in Christopher Nolan’s Bat-trilogy, is set for summer release, and DC’s Bob Wayne reminded retailers to be sure to have related Batman graphic novels in stock, including the new printing of “The Long Halloween,” which has a Nolan quote on the cover.

Wayne also encouraged retailers to check out the upcoming “Batman vs. Bane” graphic novel and the repackaging of the “Knightfall” trades for readers interested in Bane.  He also suggested the upcoming Chip Kidd “Death by Design” and the Geoff Johns-Gary Frank “Batman: Earth One” as good tie-ins for the summer of “Dark Knight Rises.”

- Matt Price

Kyle Roberts talks to Matt Price from the ComicsPRO meeting in Dallas. Expected topics of discussion include the Image Comics resurgence, including “Thief of Thieves”; the new Smallville comic book series; and the Marvel Comics Avengers vs. X-Men comics.

DALLAS — How will the rest of the comics market strike back?

That was one of the questions being asked around tables and in small groups at an informal meet-and-greet prior to the kickoff of the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting.

Since last year’s ComicsPRO meeting, DC Comics has shaken up the sales charts with its Sept. 2011 relaunch.  In January, 5 months into the relaunch, DC Comics claimed all 10 of the top 10 comics in Diamond Comic Distributors monthly sales charts.

Because the comics market is often reactive, some retailers at the meeting openly wondered how DC’s competition might react to DC’s 2011 moves.

In early 2012, one company already seems to be shaking things up: Image Comics.  Retailers reported very strong sales for the Image title “Fatale” and also for “Thief of Thieves,” released in comic shops today.

“Thief of Thieves” is co-written by Robert Kirkman and Nick Spencer.   Kirkman is the co-creator of “The Walking Dead” comic-book series, which has had great success adapted for television on AMC.  Some have suggested there’s a “Walking Dead” spillover effect that’s helping the entire Image line, especially those properties tied to Kirkman.

There was also talk about Marvel’s upcoming “Avengers vs. X-Men” promotion, and the promotional idea allowing stores to sign up as supporting the Avengers or the X-Men.

At last year’s preview night, stores said some of the major problems facing the market were generating excitement, late-shipping books, and the still-lagging economy.  This year, many of those problems have been addressed.  While the economy overall is still recovering, DC’s relaunch helped generate excitement and prove that a major publisher could stick to a largely on-time schedule.    Retailers remain interested in DC’s upcoming plans, including those about DC Comics’ just-announced “Before Watchmen” program. Many retailers are curious about how the series will be marketed in comic-book stores.

Thursday at the meeting will be a day of programming from DC Comics; other sponsors will share their programming on Friday and Saturday, in addition to retail-focused discussion and programming.   The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund will hold the First Annual Retailer Auction, at the ComicsPRO Annual Meeting at 9 p.m. Friday.

With even more stores expected to attend the meeting than last year, it’s up to the gathered sponsors to get these decision-makers on board with their upcoming projects.  With many stores feeling on firmer footing than in 2011, they’re actively looking for the new product or title that will get more people in the door and their money in the register.

- Matt Price

The ComicsPRO Annual Members’ Meeting kicks off tonight in Dallas with a meet-and-greet involving comic-book retailers and publishers.

Joe Field, president of ComicsPRO, posted his thoughts prior to the meeting at his store blog at Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff.

“ComicsPRO promotes advocacy, education and opportunity for our members. We work with our members— all small business owners that have challenges, costs and goals,” Field writes. “By being a ComicsPRO member retailer, we are able to band together and mitigate some of those costs, overcome some of those challenges and help each other attain the goals we seek— more professional, profitable and sustainable comic shops.”

Specific items likely to be discussed include growing the print market for comic books and looking at holiday shipping options.

“This will be our 6th annual meeting and we’ll be talking with publishers, manufacturers, distributors, and our fellow retailers in an effort to increase our profitability, share our concerns and potential solutions with our industry trading partners and learn from each other in ways that expand our vision and make each of us look at businesses with fresh eyes,” Field writes at his blog.

Retailers will likely be looking for information from DC Comics on how to maximize the “Before Watchmen” project, and Marvel will likely be asked how best to capitalize on this summer’s “Avengers” movie.

Many other publishers will be in attendance, including Baker and Taylor, Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics and Papercutz, among others.

Dark Horse’s Mike Richardson will provide the meeting’s keynote address.

- Matt Price

Mike Richardson of Dark Horse.

The sixth annual ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting is set for next week in Dallas, as comic-book specialty retailers from across the country congregate to meet with vendors and suppliers, and plan objectives for the upcoming year.

The 2012 keynote speaker is Mike Richardson, president of Dark Horse Comics, president of Dark Horse Entertainment and owner of the retail store chain Things From Another World.

Richardson has written comics including “The Secret” and “Living With the Dead,” and through Dark Horse Entertainment has developed and produced projects for TV and film.

Richardson was a producer on “The Mask” and “Hellboy,” among others, and is a producer on the upcoming “R.I.P.D.,” starring Ryan Reynolds. Those three properties were based on Dark Horse comic books.

“He’s worked in the comic-book industry from almost every angle, so we’re looking forward to his speech and his thoughts on the future of the industry,” said Amanda Emmert, ComicsPRO’s executive director.

Though show sponsorship is closed, comic-book retailers can register right up to the official start of the meeting at 9 a.m. Thursday. (A Wednesday night meet-and-greet is available for preregistered retailers.) For information on registration, retailers can visit www.comicspro.org.

Joe Field, president of ComicsPRO, said he expected some breaking news to come out of this year’s meeting.

Joe Field

“As is the custom for comic conventions, publishers will make announcements about upcoming projects,” he said. “Unique to retailer-centric events, though, and particular to ComicsPRO, suppliers will talk about things that directly impact the business side of the comics industry. Will there be surprises?”

Suppliers attending include DC Comics, Baker and Taylor, Boom! Studios, Dark Horse Comics, Diamond Comic Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Marvel Comics and Papercutz, among others.

Field said the wide range of retailers and suppliers makes the meeting a great place to get the pulse of the comics market.

“More so than at any consumer comics/pop culture convention, the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting gives a great sense of how healthy the comics specialty market is,” he said.

Also expected to be in attendance are Todd McFarlane (“Spawn”), Terry Moore (“Strangers in Paradise”), and DC Comics co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee. Well-known retailer Brian Hibbs will step down from the board of directors of ComicsPRO, and a new board member will be elected.

The 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award will be presented at the meeting. This award honors those who work in comics, often behind the scenes, to smooth the process of moving comic books from creator to fan.

This year’s nominees are Cindy Fournier of Diamond Comic Distributors, David Gabriel of Marvel Comics, Robert Kirkman of Image Comics, Eric Stephenson of Image Comics and Bob Wayne of DC Comics.

The nominees for the 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Memorial Award, to honor those who have passed away but whose work left a positive mark on the comics specialty retailing, are Julius Schwartz and Phil Seuling.

Those interested can follow daily updates from the meeting at comicspro.blogspot.com and blog.newsok.com/nerdage.

- Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

The direct-market comic book retail organization ComicsPRO has announced its nominees for its annual Industry Appreciation Award.  The award goes to someone who works behind the scenes to help in the process of getting comics from creator to fan.    The nominees this year are Diamond’s Cindy Fournier, Marvel’s David Gabriel, Image’s Robert Kirkman, Image’s Eric Stephenson, and DC’s Bob Wayne.

The nominees for the memorial award were also announced: former DC editor Julius Schwartz and direct-market creator Phil Seuling.

The winners will be named at ComicsPRO’s annual membership meeting, which takes place from Feb. 8-10 in Dallas.

Click past the cut for the full release, including biographical information on each of the nominees.

- Matt Price

ComicsPRO Names Industry Award Nominees

The direct market has been crucial in developing comics’ place in pop culture and remains the way most comic-book stories get from creator to fan. ComicsPRO wants to honor those people who stand in that gap

and help smooth that process. From publishers, distributors,

marketers and more, a lot of people are involved in bringing the stories we all love to market. ComicsPRO would like to stand up and recognize those who have been simply the best at what they do, making the comic-book direct market more successful for all of us.

Our members have created the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award to honor these individuals. They created the Industry Appreciation Memorial Award to honor those who have passed away but whose work left a positive mark on the comics specialty retailing. More information available at www.comicspro.org/IAA

Members sent in nominations for the award through November 2011. The finalists were narrowed down by ComicsPRO’s board of directors and ballots were sent to ComicsPRO members in December. The winners of the 3rd annual award will be announced at the 2012 ComicsPRO Annual Membership meeting in Dallas, TX on Friday, February 10th. Information at www.comicspro.org/meet12

The nominees for the 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award are, in alphabetical order:

Cindy Fournier

David Gabriel

Robert Kirkman

Eric Stephenson

Bob Wayne

The nominees for the 2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Memorial Award are Julius Schwartz and Phil Seuling.

We would like to thank all of the nominees for the work they do (and have done) to improve the comics specialty market!

ComicsPRO is the retailer trade and advocacy group representing comic book retailers across the U.S. and Canada. The goals of ComicsPRO are to be the united voice of advocacy for direct market retailers, to provide educational and mentoring opportunities to current and future retailers, and to offer opportunities to reduce some of the mutual fixed costs retailers incur. Information and membership applications are available at www.ComicsPRO.org.

Brief biological notes that accompany the ballots for the award can be found below.

2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award Nominees

Cindy Fournier

Fournier is the VP of Operations for Diamond Comic Distributors. In the comics field since 1987, Cindy did work for the mail order division of Mile High Comics. She then went on to work for Alternate Realities distribution company, which was then acquired by Bud Plant Distribution. After Bud Plant sold to Diamond, Cindy was transferred to Hayward, CA, to run Diamond’s distribution center there. Since 1989, Cindy has been working for Diamond in its home office of Timonium, MD, where she oversees the myriad of duties related to transportation, warehouse management and operations. In a very critical role for the industry, Cindy is responsible for pulling together all the various aspects of making sure retailers get their shipments in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

David Gabriel

A native of Massachusetts, a graduate of Boston College and life long comic book fan, David Gabriel has never been too far from comics.

While working for Bernstein Investment Management & Research, Gabriel dreamed of creating a mecca for comics, a dream that came to life in

1999 as he started the New York City Comic Book Museum. Then in 2003, Gabriel joined Marvel and revolutionized their trade paperback program, quickly ascending to the position of SVP, Sales & Circulation, in 2007. From that position, Gabriel works with retailers to craft programs and incentives for the Direct Market.

Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman is one of the most public faces of comics since “The Walking Dead” has become a cable TV ratings sensation. He broke into comics in 2000, and in 2003, Kirkman and Cory Walker created “Invincible” for Image’s new superhero line. Shortly after the debut of “Invincible,” Kirkman along with artist Tony Moore launched “The Walking Dead,” a series highly influenced by George Romero’s zombie movies. In July 2008, Kirkman was made a partner at Image Comics. As an Image partner, Kirkman was involved with reaching out to specialty retailers to find ways to improve Image’s presence in Direct Market stores. Upon forming the Skybound imprint at Image Comics in 2010, Kirkman continues to focus on the best ways for publishers and creators to partner with specialty shops.

Eric Stephenson

A 20-year veteran of the comic book field, Eric Stephenson started in

1992 as Jim Valentino’s assistant during the early days of Image Comics, before becoming editor at Rob Liefeld’s Extreme Studios.

While at Extreme, Stephenson also scripted numerous comics, including “Youngblood” and “New Men.” After a brief stint as a freelance comics writer, he returned to Image in 2001 as Director of Marketing.

In 2004, he became Executive Director, championing diversity in content and spearheading the development of “Put the Book Back on the Shelf,” an anthology inspired by the songs of Belle and Sebastian. He succeeded Erik Larsen as Publisher in 2008, and has furthered Image’s efforts to partner with the Direct Market.

Bob Wayne

Wayne, a former comic book retailer in the Dallas/Fort Worth TX area, joined DC Comics in the mid ‘80s as a Direct Sales manager and has been on the forefront of the changes in the comics business ever since. Currently serving as DC’s Senior Vice President—Sales, Wayne has always maintained his loyalty to the field of comics specialty retailing and has been responsible for many of DC’s retailer-friendly best practices. Wayne is a recipient of the Inkpot Award, commemorating his years of service to the comics industry and his work with Comic-Con International.

2012 ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Memorial Award Nominees

Julius Schwartz

Schwartz started his career in 1932 as the co-publisher of “Time Traveller,” among the first science fiction fanzines. Schwartz, along with Mort Weisinger, founded the Solar Sales Service literary agency in 1934, where Schwartz represented such noted authors as Alfred Bester, Robert Bloch, Ray Bradbury, and H. P. Lovecraft. Schwartz also helped organize the first World Science Fiction Convention in 1939. In

1944 he went to work as an editor for All-American Comics, which soon merged with National Periodical Publications to form DC Comics.

Schwartz was best-known for his work at DC Comics, which reinvigorated the superhero genre in the comics industry. His updating of 1940s characters for the modern era revolutionized DC Comics. He died in February 2004 at the age of 88.

Phil Seuling

The organizer and founder of the New York Comic Art Conventions of the ‘70s, Seuling was a founder of the direct-market form of comic-book distribution. Seuling, a school teacher with a passion for comics, arranged distribution deals to buy DC and Marvel Comics direct from the publishers. In 1974, Seuling founded Seagate Distribution, which sold comics non-returnably, and the Direct Market was born. In an age when comic shops were merely second-hand collectors’ stores, Seuling saw the potential for making a direct connection between comic publishers and their most rabid fans. Comic specialty shops are possible in part because of Seuling’s foresight more than 35 years ago. Phil Seuling passed away in 1984 at the age of 50.

Kyle’s latest video has NES flair; 24-Hour Comics Day pushes artists to their limits; Brad Meltzer’s Decoded to start season 2; and it’s the largest release week of comics in more than a decade in this week’s Planet 46 Comics Podcast.

VIDEO-GAME MUSIC VIDEO!

Kyle Roberts, owner of the Oklahoma City-based film company Reckless Abandonment Pictures, directed a music video for Norman-based band ‘The Nghiems’.

The video, ‘Dum Dum Dah Dah’, features a fictional arcade game where the band members serve as the main characters.  The video is a mix of live shots at OKC-based New World Comics and stop motion animation, and will debut online Saturday, Oct. 1.

“Almost everyone remembers the magic of playing a ‘Mario’ type game where they had a journey through levels defeating bad guys to save the princess, we wanted to bring back that nostalgia in this project,” said Roberts.

24 HOUR COMICS DAY IS SATURDAY

The eighth annual 24-Hour Comics Day is Saturday, and the comic book specialty retailer group ComicsPRO is again organizing the event.

24-Hour Comics Day is an annual challenge for cartoonists to produce a 24-page comic book written, drawn and completed in 24 consecutive hours. Comic book artists, whether professional or amateur, young or old, are invited to check out a local venue or try the challenge on their own.

ComicsPRO’s Executive Director Amanda Emmert said the all-volunteer project is free to participants.  More info at www.24hourcomicsday.com.

BRAD MELTZER’S DECODED GETS SECOND SEASON

Brad Meltzer, who wrote the comic-book series “Identity Crisis” and “Green Arrow,” is also a best-selling novelist and, TV star.  The second season of his TV show “Brad Meltzer’s Decoded,” which looks at the hidden secrets behind codes and mysteries, starts season 2 next week, and for the first time, the team will be heading overseas, as well. The show airs on HISTORY.

Review file: Superman #1, Aquaman #1, Flash #1, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #2, All-Star Western #1, I, Vampire #1, New Avengers #16.1
Comics read in 2011: 1,460.  Still to go: 551

The eighth annual 24-Hour Comics Day is Saturday, and the comic book specialty retailer group ComicsPRO is again organizing the event.

24-Hour Comics Day is an annual challenge for cartoonists to produce a 24-page comic book written, drawn and completed in 24 consecutive hours. Comic book artists, whether professional or amateur, young or old, are invited to check out a local venue or try the challenge on their own.

ComicsPRO’s Executive Director Amanda Emmert said the all-volunteer project is free to participants.

“We get to work with creators from many different countries, and the main thing they have in common is a love of comics,” she said. “Many hosts use this event as an opportunity to teach their communities about comics and about how anyone can make them. And making comics, or comic strips, or mini-comics, or Web comics, even at an amateur level, increases your understanding and appreciation of this amazing medium.”

The nearest official site to Oklahoma City is Lone Star Comics in Arlington, Texas.

But Emmert said Oklahomans are free to participate on their own and can sign up at www.24hourcomicsday.com as an individual online participant to share their work with others and be recognized.

“That means that you’re agreeing to post your pages online, as you go, so that you can show you’re creating the comic in 24 hours. You can blog or tweet your experience to keep in contact with other individual participants, too,” she said.

There are about 150 host locations around the world, in more than 20 countries.

All venues and individual participants are invited to post updates at 24hcd.blogspot.com. Some venues post live coverage to Web TV stations, as well. This year, ComicsPRO hopes to promote the event via a twitter hashtag as well.

“This year we’re asking people to use the #24HCD hashtag when tweeting about the event so that we can all follow along on Twitter, too,” she said. “It’s great because the tweets come from around the world and are in different languages. Many other volunteers aside from ComicsPRO get involved with the event, and it’s wonderful to see what they bring to the 24-Hour Comics Day idea.”

If you want a crash-course in how to tame a 24-Hour Comic, a team named Blitz Comics is giving away a Survival Kit for creators at its site, www.blitzcomics.com.

Emmert said some host sites suggest themes or provide related activities.

“An event host in Seattle is pairing his event with a local museum during an exhibition on horror movies, so they are asking participants to use the horror theme for their comics and plan to publish a collection afterward,” she said.

Overall, the love of comics and the worldwide audience is what makes 24-Hour Comics Day so rewarding, Emmert said.

“The great thing about this year, in particular, is that we’ve been handling administration of the overall event long enough that we have an opportunity to develop friendships because of it,” she said. “You get to know wonderful, creative people from Greece or Finland and around the world, or people from across the United States who you’ve never met in person, but who put on fantastic events year after year.”

Find out more about ComicsPRO at www.comicspro.org. Find out more about 24-Hour Comics Day at www.24hourcomicsday.com.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

24-Hour Comics Day is an annual challenge for cartoonists to produce a 24-page comic book written, drawn, and completed in 24 consecutive hours. ComicsPRO, the comic book specialty retailer trade group, organizes the day.  This year’s 24 Hour Comics Day, the 8th annual, is Oct. 1, and ComicsPRO invites comic book artists, whether professional or amateur, young or old, to check out a local venue or try the challenge on their own.

Host sites should register at www.24hourcomicsday.com, and those who wish to participate can go to www.24hourcomicsday.com and look for events in nearby.

I talked to ComicsPRO’s executive director Amanda Emmert about this year’s 24-Hour Comics Day.

NERDAGE: Tell me the basics of the event.

Amanda Emmert: The 24-Hour Comics Challenge is to create a 24-page comic book, from start to finish, in 24 consecutive hours. Each year, comic book stores, schools, libraries and art galleries around the world host event locations where comic creators can take the challenge–they offer a place that’s available for the full 24 hours where anyone can create their comics.

NERDAGE: How many locations are there, and in how many different places?

Amanda Emmert: There are about 150 official 24-Hour Comics Day event locations around the world. So far this year, venues have registered from about 20 different countries.

NERDAGE: And people can participate even if there isn’t a local venue, right? How does that work?

Amanda Emmert: Yes, we encourage people to take the challenge wherever they are! If you can’t participate in at an official event location, but still want to take the challenge and be recognized for it, you can register at www.24hourcomicsday.com as an Individual Online Participant. That means that you’re agreeing to post your pages online, as you go, so that you can show you’re creating the comic in 24 hours. You can blog or tweet your experience to keep in contact with other individual participants, too.

NERDAGE: What does ComicsPRO provide for the event?

Amanda Emmert: ComicsPRO runs the basic administration for the event, so we register host venues, work with national sponsors to advertise the event, and provide materials for host locations to help them run their own events. But the local details are all up to each host–the basic requirements to run an official event are pretty minimal. Host sites can each add their own promotions and details to fit their own locations.

Host sites in the U.S. who register early also receive a physical 24HCD Host Site Kit from ComicsPRO. It includes printed materials, like the tips for promoting and running an event, flyers, a customizable press release for hosts to use as well as some goodies like variant cover comics for the hosts to use as they see fit. Registration and all of the support materials are free.

ComicsPRO promotes 24-Hour Comics Day in the media around the U.S. with press releases and event notices. Retail stores who are members of ComicsPRO already get the benefit of press release support for their events, and 24-Hour Comics Day is included in that. It means that any press release that the national organization sends to a member’s local area will include their individual event information. So along with promoting the event nationally, we help promote individual, local 24-Hour Comics Day events.

NERDAGE: Can people follow along with the event online?

Amanda Emmert: Yes, there are many ways to follow 24-Hour Comics Day online! All host venues are invited to post updates to the main 24HCD blog at http://24hcd.blogspot.com and each year they post videos, pictures, and updates during the event itself. They also post flyers for their events ahead of time and wrap-up notes afterward. Last year, some venues had live coverage of their own events to different webTV stations!

This year we’re asking people to use the #24HCD hashtag when tweeting about the event so that we can all follow along on Twitter, too. It’s great because the tweets come from around the world and are in different languages. Many other volunteers aside from ComicsPRO get involved with the event, and it’s wonderful to see what they bring to the 24-Hour Comics Day idea.

This year, a team named Blitz Comics (www.blitzcomics.com) has created a Survival Kit for any creators who are trying the 24-Hour Comics Day challenge–which they’re giving away for free to everyone. They’re also hosting a 24-Hour Comics Day boot camp to prep for the event and they are tweeting random tips for creators with #24HCD. It’s a fun project!

NERDAGE: What kinds of things can people see at the venues?

Amanda Emmert: The event are varied and depend on the hosts! Some events are hosted by schools and libraries, some by artist studios, and many events happen in comic book stores. Common sights are people of all ages surrounded by paper, art materials, snacks, and large amounts of caffeine. Some events have 3 or 4 people taking the challenge, and some have dozens. I think the largest event held in the last few years had around 80 or 90 people participating at the same time.

NERDAGE: What are the rewards of putting on an event like this, both as an organization, as ComicsPRO, or as a member store?

Amanda Emmert: This really is a fun event to be involved with. It’s an all-volunteer project, completely free, and it takes place around the world. We get to work with creators from many different countries and the main thing they have in common is a love of comics. Many hosts use this event as an opportunity to teach their communities about comics and about how anyone can make them. And making comics, or comic strips, or mini-comics, or web comics, even at an amateur level, increases your understanding and appreciation of this amazing medium.

NERDAGE: What kind of stories have you heard from participating stores?

Amanda Emmert: The people who host 24-Hour Comics Day events are just as creative as the artists who are taking the challenge! Some put a lot into the events, organizing different activities at different times of the night. It’s difficult to keep up for the full 24 hours so we hear many stories of the valiant efforts made by creators to keep going. Some hosts suggest themes for all the participants. An event host in Seattle is pairing his event with a local museum during an exhibition on horror movies, so they are asking participants to use the horror theme for their comics and plan to publish a collection afterward. I’m always impressed by the people who host events each year.

NERDAGE: What’s been most rewarding about setting up this year’s event?

Amanda Emmert: Each year, the most rewarding part of being involved in this event is getting to work with comics enthusiasts from around the world. The great thing about this year, in particular, is that we’ve been handling administration of the overall event long enough that we have an opportunity to develop friendships because of it. You get to know wonderful, creative people from Greece or Finland and around the world, or people from across the United States who you’ve never met in person, but who put on fantastic events year after year. The most rewarding part of this and of any of ComicsPRO’s other projects is getting to work with people who love comics.

- Matt Price

In retailer news from this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, direct-market retailer organization ComicsPRO has announced that its Annual Membership Meeting will be held February 9-11, 2012, in Dallas, Texas.

This is the second year for the meeting to be held in Dallas; previous locations include Las Vegas, Nev.  and Memphis, Tenn.   This will be the sixth Annual Membership Meeting of the organization.

ComicsPRO is the only trade organization for direct-market comic book retailers. ComicsPRO’s goals are to promote advocacy, education, and opportunity for its members.

ComicsPRO has a full line of retailer programs set for Friday at Comic-Con.  Click past the cut for the full schedule.

- Matt Price

9:30–10:20 Room 19
ComicsPRO “Fresh Start” – Your day at Comic-Con gets off to a friendly and professional start with ComicsPRO, the retailer trade association. Retailers, publishers and distributors are welcome to kick off their convention day with colleagues, coffee, bagels and conversation. Bring your business card!

10:30–11:20 Room 18
The State of the Industry – It’s the midway point of 2011. So what are the sales trends since we last met in San Diego? And more importantly, what’s the outlook near and long term for the business of comics? Join ComicsPRO President Joe Field and Executive Director Amanda Emmert as they discuss the state of comic book retail with the industry’s top publishing companies, including Bob Wayne (DC Comics Senior VP – Sales), David Gabriel (Marvel Comics Senior VP of Sales), Eric Stephenson (Publisher of Image Comics), Jeremy Atkins (Dark Horse Director of Public Relations), Ted Adams (CEO of IDW Publishing) and Roger Fletcher (Diamond Comic Distributors Vice President of Sales & Marketing).

11:30-12:15 Room 18
Direct Conversation — Join executives from DC Comics for a special chat and Q&A session on September’s The New 52 launch, spotlighting sales incentives, marketing and publicity push, and much more.

2:30–4:00 Room 18
Eisner Spirit Award Video Viewing — The Will Eisner “Spirit of Comics” Retailer Award is the industry’s “Hall of Fame” for progressive retailers, sort of a Legion of Super-Retailers. Spirit Award facilitator and award recipient Joe Ferrara (Atlantis Fantasyworld, Santa Cruz, CA) presents the videos for this year’s award finalists, with discussion about each nominated retailer, the store’s display techniques, and other unique features every attending retailer can learn from. Hey, retailers! This is a great place for getting new ideas!

4:00–5:30 Room 32AB
So You Want To Be a Comic Book Retailer? – Presented by ComicsPRO’s Retailer Mentoring Forum. This Comic-Con tradition is always a lively and fun discussion, where your dreams of owning your own comic book specialty store take flight! Your career in comics’ retail starts here! You have questions? Our panel of experienced retailers has answers! Hosted by Joe Field (ComicsPRO President, Flying Colors Comics, Concord CA) with Portyln Polston (Brave New World, Newhall CA), Jennifer Haines (The Dragon, Guelph ON), Chris Brady (4 Color Fantasies, Rancho Cucamonga CA) and Diamond Comic Distributors Outside Sales manager Dave Hawksworth.

CHRIS HEMSWORTH STARS IN THOR, READIES FOR THE AVENGERS

“Thor” star Chris Hemsworth talks getting ready for the Avengers and a possible Thor sequel.

Chris Hemsworth (AP)

“I had such an amazing time … can’t wait for Avengers, and the idea of doing more of them is incredibly exciting. I really do love the character, and I’m excited to see what other directions we could take it,” Hemsworth said in a phone interview.”I’ve hung out with Chris Evans a few times, and talked about the film and how excited we are, and the same with Downey, I’ve bumped into him at a couple of events,” he said. “We’ve all seen these characters come to life individually, and now to mesh it all together is going to be a fun ride.”

NEW GREEN LANTERN TRAILER

Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for “Green Lantern,” opening June 17 and starring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, chosen to be a Green Lantern, a member of an intergalactic peacekeeping force. Warner Bros. seems to be upping the epic feel for this one, as you get a sense of Hal Jordan as the newest member of this awesome peacekeeping force.

Speaking of Green Lantern, he’ll have a comic book featured in Saturday’s

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

For the 10th year, comic book shops and participating locations around the world will give away comics to customers and visitors. This Saturday marks the 10th celebration of Free Comic Book Day. Characters such as Spider-Man, Thor, Green Lantern and the Smurfs star in special comics, sold at low cost to stores, to be given away free on this special day.

Free Comic Book Day was created by Concord, Calif., comic book retailer Joe Field, ComicsPRO trade organization president and owner of Flying Colors Comics and Other Cool Stuff.

Field said about 2.7 million comics will be available for giveaway Saturday. Retailers have given away more than 25 million comics since the first giveaway in 2002. More than a dozen stores in the Oklahoma City area are participating.

REVIEW FILE: Axe Cop 3, Fear Itself 2.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 594  Still to go: 1417

From Marvel:

Marvel in collaboration with ComicsPRO, one of the leading comics retailer organizations in North America, has created a stunning new variant for the biggest comics event of 2011 – Fear Itself! The Fear Itself #1 ComicsPRO Variant, by superstar series artist Stuart Immonen, showcases the biggest heroes of the Marvel Universe as they prepare to go face to face against their greatest threat yet! This April, the Marvel Universe is rocked to its core as the mega star creative team of Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen unleash an unstoppable tide of terror that even the mightiest of Avengers can not stop alone.

“I’d like to thank Marvel for their support of ComicsPRO and their encouragement of new and existing members with this special Fear Itself variant,” said Amanda Emmert, Executive Director of ComicsPRO. “This is just one of the great benefits of being a ComicsPRO member and there’s more to come!”

Enter a waking nightmare this April when the God of Fear is unleashed upon the Marvel Universe and only Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the rest of Earth’s mightiest heroes can answer the call in Fear Itself #1!

ComicsPRO retailers and sponsors at Lone Star Comics.

DALLAS — Improving comic stores and growing the market were the themes at this year’s ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting. Member retailers met with representatives from 23 sponsors, including publishers and distributors.

IDW’s CEO Ted Adams, the keynote speaker, and Image President Todd McFarlane each talked about ideas for marketing and metrics to improve efficiency in comic book store sales.

ComicsPRO Executive Director Amanda Emmert announced a plan for ComicsPRO to begin working on a retailer metrics program that could provide better sales and sell-through information to publishers.

DC Comics sponsored a day of programming and announced several programs and projects aimed at helping comic book retailers sell their products. Representatives, including co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee, announced a marketing initiative for this year’s “Flashpoint” event, which will launch 16 three-issue miniseries. Promotional buttons, each featuring a miniseries logo, will be available to retailers in conjunction with the event.

“Flashpoint,” written by Geoff Johns with art by Andy Kubert, features the super-speedster the Flash awakening in a world where everything has changed: loved ones are strangers; close friends are different, gone or worse. This world is on the brink of a cataclysmic war. The Flash must find the villain who has altered the time line before time runs out. “Flashpoint” No. 1 of 5 goes on sale May 11, four days after a special preview is released on Free Comic Book Day in comic book stores nationwide.

Representatives of Diamond Comics Distributors, the largest distributor of comic books in North America, said that 2010 sales were down slightly.

Attendance among sponsors and retailers at the 2011 event was up more than 20 percent from last year.

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were honored by ComicsPRO at the 2011 Annual Membership Meeting as the recipients of the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award.

ComicsPRO created The ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award to honor people who help get comic books from creator to fan via the direct market.

There are two categories for the Industry Appreciation Award, one for professionals who are still active in the business of comics and a Memorial Award for those who have died and left an indelible mark on the profession of comic book specialty retailing.

Bob Chapman of Graphitti Designs accepted the Memorial Award on behalf of the Kirby family.

Chip Mosher and Matt Gagnon of Boom! Studios accepted the active award on behalf of Stan Lee, who shared a video message with the ComicsPRO retailers. Gagnon said at age 88, Lee is still very involved with every aspect of the comics that bear his name from Boom! Studios. Mosher added it’s a professional thrill to work with Lee, and that Lee’s instincts for marketing his work haven’t dimmed.

- By Matthew Price
WORD BALLOONS
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Read more: http://newsok.com/flashpoint-buttons-reporting-metrics-discussed-at-annual-retailer-meeting/article/3541372#ixzz1EWb77EuS

DALLAS, Texas — The ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting has closed, and again this year, many retailers in attendance said they left with a renewed sense of optimism.

DC Comics brought 11 people to the meeting, including a good portion of its top executive team.  They discussed some beginning ideas about digital, but also talked a great deal about marketing print comic books.

Representatives of Diamond Comics said that last year was down slightly, but given the tumult in the rest of the economy and the bookselling market, I think that has to be considered a success.

Several retailers expressed to me that the meeting was incredibly well-organized and run, a real coup for a nearly all-volunteer organization.   Participation and attendance among sponsors and retailers was up markedly.

Keynote speaker Ted Adams and Image president Todd McFarlane both shared ideas for marketing and working with direct-market retailers as the most important marketplace for selling their comics.

Announced at near the end of the meeting was a plan for ComicsPRO to begin working on a retailer metrics program that could provide better sales and sell-through information to publishers.   This was met with rousing applause.  That’s the kind of thing that makes ComicsPRO so worthwhile – interaction between publishers and retailers that result in initiatives beyond what any one alone could create.

Short takes:

- As much-reported via twitter, Marvel’s David Gabriel promised a “death in every quarter” for the publisher.  The first is the Human Torch; the second is probably the already-announced “Death of Spider-Man” in the Ultimate Comics line.

-Todd McFarlane says with a new artist on “Spawn,” he’s way ahead on the book for the first time ever, and he plans to ship 15 issues in the next year.  McFarlane had galleys on hand for the next several issues.

- DC, who currently has the only significant co-op program in the direct market, announced some much-desired changes in the program.  Other publishers indicated interest in starting their own co-op programs.

- The Bonfire Agency, represented by Ed Catto and Steve Rotterdam, both shared some innovative ideas in comics marketing that could impact the direct market in a positive way.

- Papercutz expects a strong response to its “Geronimo Stilton” comics, the comic will be featured in the company’s Free Comic Book Day release.

-Dark Horse plans to expand its “NotAtComic-Con” event in 2011, and events will be a major focus for the publisher.

- Perhaps with the timing of the meeting being earlier in the year, I saw fewer preview comics than at previous meetings.  Perhaps not a big deal, but it’s something that has helped increase orders in the past.

- Book distributor Baker & Taylor shared several initiatives to work with direct-market retailers.

- Boom! worked in lots of face time with retailers with the Boom! RV in the parking lot.   Representatives on hand shared how excited they were at Stan Lee’s very hands-on work with the Boom! titles bearing his name.

- Titans: Games by Marv Wolfman and George Perez is “done” according to DC, and there should be no obstacles remaining to its September release.

- Kirby: Genesis from Dynamite will feature some interior painting from Alex Ross.  Dynamite is also bringing George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones to comics.

- IDW will refocus its GI Joe line to four books. GI Joe, Cobra, and Snake Eyes, along with Larry Hama’s “Real American Hero” series, which will be on its own continuity.

- IDW plans a “Transform Your Store” contest in connection with “Transformers 3.”

DALLAS, Texas — IDW Publishing CEO Ted Adams spoke at the ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting about his history in the industry and his hopes for the future.

Adams came to the meeting after visiting the set of the “Locke & Key” pilot in Pittsburgh, based on the IDW comic written by Joe Hill.

Adams suggested ideas for the direct market going forward, including the possibility of a national racking program and a combined industry co-op.

Adams suggested it’s important for the direct market to embrace diversity in the marketplace to ensure it’s continued existence and success.

“We’re going to niche ourselves into irrelevance” if the market is completely dependent on the top publishers, Adams said.

Adams discussed his past in the industry, from his early days with Eclipse, and his time with Dark Horse and Todd McFarlane.    Things have changed mightily over the years, from days when very few graphic novels were rare to today, where nearly every bookstore in the country has a graphic novel section.

“The impact of our content on pop culture is extraordinary,” Adams said.  “”There’s clearly an audience for the content we create.”

- Matt Price

Stan Lee (AP)

DALLAS, Texas — Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were honored by ComicsPRO at the 2011 Annual Membership Meeting as the recipients of the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award.

ComicsPRO created The ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award to honor the individuals who help get comic books from creator to fan via the direct market.

There are two categories for the Industry Appreciation Award, one for professionals who are still active in the business of comics and a Memorial Award one for those who have passed away and left an indelible mark on the profession of comic book specialty retailing.

More at the ComicsPRO blog.

- Matt Price

DALLAS, Texas – Boom! Studios founder Ross Richie translated several Texan phrases as he spoke to gathered retailers at the ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting.

The always-loose Boom! presentation shared translations for phrases like “that dog will hunt,” meaning “that seems possible.”

Boom! Studios is represented by Richie, director of marketing Chip Mosher and editor in chief Matt Gagnon at the ComicsPRO meeting.

Richie told retailers that they would be receiving 100 bookmarks each to promote the company’s upcoming “Hellraiser” series.

The comic, co-written by Hellraiser creator Clive Barker, is set to ship in March.   Barker will be joined by co-writer Christopher Monfette and “Hellblazer” artist Leonardo Manco. Covers are by Tim Bradstreet and Nick Percival.

- Matt Price

Joe Field, president of the board of ComicsPRO, the direct-market comic-book retail organization, encouraged the retailers gathered at the annual members meeting to stand strong and improve their stores in 2011.

Field, of Flying Colors Comics and other Cool Stuff in Concord, Calif., said while digital comics get a lot of attention, the

Joe Field

print comics market is around 700 times larger than the digital one at this time.

“There is still life in the print market, and we need to do everything we can to move that forward as well,” Field said.

Field said the market is at a critical crossroads, and ComicsPRO aims to provide a voice of advocacy for independent comic book retailers.

“We have to become retailers who can rather than those who say they can’t,” Field said.

Field said the comics print market has room to grow and expand.

“I want to focus on moving the sales needle from this day forward, so that it’s a healthier industry for all of us,” Field said.

- Matt Price

DC Entertainment’s John Rood told the gathered attendees at the ComicsPRO Annual Members’ Meeting that his goal is to make sure that direct-market comic-book stores remain “the epicenter of fandom.”

With 11 staffers on hand and a full day of programming, DC showed a strong commitment to ComicsPRO, the trade association of brick-and-mortar comic-book stores.

Publishing remains the cornerstone of DC Entertainment, Rood said.  DC Entertainment is designed as a creative engine that is the driver of content across all media.

DC’s co-publisher Jim Lee spoke of DC’s focus on its core brands of DC Universe, Vertigo and MAD Magazine.

He also spoke of DC’s intention to use digital initiatives to reach a wider audience.   Part of DC’s plan going forward will include finding a way to include direct-market retailers in the digital plan.

DC co-publisher Dan DiDio said DC is working on improving scheduling in 2011, and said DC hopes to build consumer confidence with its “Holding the Line at $2.99″ program.

- Matt Price

DALLAS, Texas — Announced at the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting and at the Source blog, the Flashpoint series coming from DC Comics will feature incentives including a Flash ring and logo buttons for the 16 tie-in miniseries.

Flashpoint #1 will go on sale May 11.  The first issue will feature a black-and-white 1:25 variant and an Ivan Reis and George Perez variant.

A Flash ring will be tied to ordering “Flashpoint” #2.   Logo buttons for each of the new series logos – which feature altered versions of DC Universe characters – will be offered with the 16 3-issue miniseries.   These will be available in the direct market only.

The solicit for “Flashpoint” was also released today:

Everything You Know Will Change in a Flash!

Not a dream, not an imaginary story, not an elseworld. This is a Flash Fact: When Barry Allen wakes at his desk, he discovers the world has changed. Family is alive, loved ones are strangers, and close friends are different, gone or worse. It’s a world on the brink of a cataclysmic war – but where are Earth’s Greatest Heroes to stop it? It’s a place where America’s last hope is Cyborg, who hopes to gather the forces of the Outsider, the Secret 7, S!H!A!Z!A!M!, Citizen Cold and other new and familiar-yet-altered faces.

It’s a world that could be running out of time, if The Flash can’t find the villain who altered the time line!

Welcome to FLASHPOINT!

- Matt Price

DALLAS, Texas — DC Comics Editor in Chief Bob Harras announced a new hardcover original graphic novel from Lee Bermejo at the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting.

The artist of the graphic novel “Joker” will be the writer-artist of a Christmas-themed graphic novel, “Batman: Noel.”

This is Bermejo’s debut as a writer.

It’s “an incredibly beautiful book,” Harras said at the meeting.  “It’s kind of a take on ‘A Christmas Carol.’ … if you’ve seen his work on the ‘Joker,’ this is one step beyond that.”

The book is set to be released to comic shops in the last week of October.

- Matt Price

Joe Field, ComicsPRO president (photo by Annette Price)

DALLAS, Texas — Joe Field, ComicsPRO president, announced at this morning’s breakfast that this year’s ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting will be the most-attended in the organization’s history.

Field told me after the breakfast that attendance was up more than 20 percent for this year’s meeting.

ComicsPRO is the trade organization of direct-market comic book retailers, holding its annual meeting in Dallas, Texas this week.

- Matt Price

DALLAS, Texas – At the ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting, the ComicsPRO exclusive cover of “The Walking Dead” #81 was given to attendees.

“The Walking Dead” is the popular Image Comics series written by last year’s keynote speaker, Robert Kirkman.   It’s the basis of the AMC zombie television show starring Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes.

- Matt Price

DALLAS — Despite the abnormally frigid temperatures in Dallas today, this year’s ComicsPRO Annual Members Meeting looks to be the best-attended yet.

Prior to the preview night, several retailers met with DC executives and staffers at an unofficial dinner, where they heard retailer ideas and concerns.

ComicsPRO hosted an official meet-and-greet beginning at 6 p.m.

There was a lot of talk about diversification in 2011, whether it be into toy lines, plush or other additional lines that could draw customers and dollars from outside the traditional comic book market.

There was also a lot of discussion among attending retailers for the need for increased marketing, whether that was generated at the store or publisher level.  Some retailers praised recent initiatives by DC and Marvel to present shelf talkers and other point of purchase items.

Stores said some of the major problems facing the market were generating excitement, late-shipping books, and the still-lagging economy.

In the wake of Diamond’s announcement about a retail tie-in for digital sales, lots of retailers have questions about how that will be implemented, and what the cost breakdowns will be.  A few had questions about whether it was wise to promote digital comics in their stores at all.  While last year’s meeting focused on digital a great deal, the retailers seemed more comfortable with the concept prior to this year’s meeting.  With the Diamond/iVerse announcement already made, and with comiXology having a retail tie-in program in the works, most retailers seemed willing to hear out the possibility of making some revenue from digital sales.

As far as management of the print product was concerned, line expansion was cited as a concern by some retailers, saying the size of some lines can make attracting new readers a difficult sell.

Guarded optimism was shared about the upcoming events from Marvel and DC, “Fear Itself,” and “Flashpoint” respectively.

Chip Mosher

Boom! Studios brought back the Boom RV – and this year, it’s even bigger. In the parking lot of the hotel, retailers and vendors gathered and discussed comics and the industry.  Boom!’s Chip Mosher is one of the most innovative marketers in the industry, and he shared his thoughts on the company’s upcoming “Hellraiser” series, and some plans for the Stan Lee line of books being published by Boom!

More sponsors than ever before are scheduled to meet with the comic-book retailing members of ComicsPRO over the next three days.   Thursday is devoted exclusively to sponsored programming from DC Comics, with a mix of sponsored programming and workshops taking place Friday and Saturday.

The major panels scheduled for Friday and Saturday include sessions on growing the customer base, digital plans, Diamond Comics Distribution concerns, social media, and common issues involving the mechanics of publishing, distribution and retailing.

- Matt Price

ComicsPRO, the direct-market comic-book retail trade organization, has announced its nominees for the 2011 Industry Appreciation Award, to be given at the organization’s annual membership meeting in February.

The award is for those who have had an impact on the business of comic-book retail.   There are two categories: one for active professionals, and the Memorial Award for those who have passed away.

“ComicsPRO members are proud to highlight the achievements of the many people who have made this industry a better and more successful place to work,” said Amanda Emmert, ComicsPRO Executive Director, in a news release. “The Board of Directors has a difficult time narrowing the ballot each year.”

The 2011 nominees for the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Award are Diamond Comics Distributors’ owner and founder Steve Geppi; writer/artist/publisher Denis Kitchen; former Marvel president and chairman Stan Lee; Diamond’s Vice President for Purchasing Bill Schanes; and DC Comics’ Senior Vice President of Sales Bob Wayne.

The 2011 nominees for the ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation Memorial Award are Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Julius Schwartz and Phil Seuling.

Last year’s recipient was Paul Levitz, former president and publisher of DC Comics. The 2010 Industry Appreciation Memorial Award was presented in memory of Carol Kalish, a former Direct Sales Manager at Marvel Comics.

“The Industry Appreciation Award gives ComicsPRO members the opportunity to express gratitude to those who have contributed significantly to the business of selling comics in general and the Direct Market in particular,” said ComicsPRO Director Carr D’Angelo, co-owner of Earth-2 Comics in California, in a news release.  “It’s our ‘Hall of Fame’ for those whose efforts make the world better for retailers.”

Find out more about the nominees at http://comicspro.blogspot.com.

- Matt Price

ComicsPRO has announced that IDW’s Ted Adams will be the keynote speaker at the direct-market comic-book retailer organization’s annual meeting.  Image co-founder Todd McFarlane will also speak.   The meeting, which discusses trends, initiatives and publishing plans focused on the direct market, will be held in Dallas, Texas from Feb. 10-12, 2011.

DC Comics is once again sponsoring a full day of programming with management and senior staff. Meal sponsors include BOOM! Studios, Diamond Comics Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, and Image Comics. Scheduled to attend are Marvel Comics and Top Shelf Productions.

Click past the cut for the full release.

ComicsPRO Annual Meeting: “2011’s Most Crucial Comics Business Meeting”

February 10-12 Event In Dallas Brings Key Players Together to Energize Comics Market

When retailers convene in Dallas TX from February 10-12 for the ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting, the goal will be to spawn a number of initiatives with publishers to invigorate the comics’ specialty market.

Many major comics’ publishers are scheduled to be represented in Dallas, including DC Comics, once again sponsoring a full day of programming with management and senior staff, as well as meal sponsors BOOM! Studios, Diamond Comics Distributors, Dyanamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, and Image Comics. Scheduled to attend are Marvel Comics and Top Shelf Productions.

Now through December 31, retailers joining ComicPRO as Full Members can attend the Annual Meeting free of charge. Retailers simply sign up for membership at www.comicspro.org and the meeting registration fee will be waived for the first attendee from their companies—that’s a $100 value!

Ted Adams, the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Idea and Design Works LLC, otherwise known in comics’ circles as IDW, will deliver the meeting’s keynote address.

“I’m looking forward to the 2011 ComicsPRO meeting. I’ve spent my entire professional career working in the direct market and the ComicsPRO event provides a unique opportunity for comics’ specialty retailers to come together to actively work with their key suppliers. I plan to discuss the changes I’ve seen over the last 20 years and I’m anxious to hear what our retail partners are seeing at their cash registers,” said Adams.

“The perspective Ted Adams will bring to the ComicsPRO meeting is one that has been forged by the growth and dynamism of the comics’ market over the last couple of decades, “ said Joe Field owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord CA and the organization’s president. “Early response for the ComicsPRO event in Dallas is very encouraging. Every career-minded comics specialty retailer needs to make this meeting a #1 priority! There’s such important and urgent business to attend to for the near and long-term health of our industry. This event looks to be the single most crucial business meeting for comic specialty retailers in 2011.”

ComicsPRO is also announcing that Image Comics’ co-founder, Spawn creator and Todd McFarlane Productions owner Todd McFarlane will be an event participant.

“The reason I want to go is to try and have a meaningful conversation about the comic book industry from a business perspective. I want to emphasize the importance of our continued partnership with the retailers. Store owners are trying to make a living in a tough economy and that has its hardships at times. I want to have a conversation about what we, at Image, can do to ease this,” said McFarlane.

“I’ll be proposing ideas I think will help, but I also want to connect with the retailers for their input. It shouldn’t be a one sided conversation. Instead, it needs to be a collaborative effort so Image can improve on what we’re doing. We’ll cover the creative aspect, as well, but our business relationships will be the key focus of my appearance.”

“ComicsPRO members are looking forward to having Todd McFarlane join us in Dallas,” said Amanda Emmert, ComicsPRO’s Executive Director. “His experience in many facets of the specialty business, from comics to toy manufacturing to movie-making, is extremely valuable and we appreciate the opportunity to help him work more closely with the retailers who are on the front lines.”

With more attending suppliers to be announced in the coming weeks, ComicsPRO offers an early booking discount for attending retailers that expires on December 31, 2010. All retailers, members of ComicsPRO and non-members alike, are invited to attend.

More information can be found at http://www.comicspro.org/ or by calling ComicsPRO’s Executive Director Amanda Emmert toll-free at 877-574-8618.

ComicsPRO, the direct-market retailer organization, has announced the promotion of Amanda Emmert to Executive Director of the organization.   Emmert has been a member of the board of directors of the organization since its inception, and provided much of the critical groundwork to get the organization off the ground.

President Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, Calif., announced the promotion via a news release from the

Amanda Emmert, ComicsPRO executive director

organization.

“This is a great move forward for ComicsPRO,” Field said in the release. “In many ways, ComicsPRO would not have happened without Amanda Emmert’s vision and determination to develop a sustainable trade organization for comic book specialty retailers.”

Emmert will step down from the board of directors to take this position; the number of board members going forward will be seven.  Current board members are President Joe Field, Vice-President Gary Dills (Laughing Ogre, Fairfax VA and Columbus OH), Recording Secretary Carr D’Angelo (Earth-2 Comics, Sherman Oaks & Northridge CA), and Directors Brian Hibbs (Comix Experience, San Francisco CA), Calum Johnston (Strange Adventures, Halifax Nova Scotia), Eric Kirsammer (Chicago Comics, Chicago IL) and Rick Lowell (Casablanca Comics, Portland ME).

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help ComicsPRO continue to be a successful and lasting trade association for comic book retailers,” Emmert said. “I’m proud of the work comic book retailers are willing to do to improve our industry, and to help each other improve our profession,” Emmert added. “I appreciate being a part of this progress and for the opportunity to improve the efficiency of our operations.”

Click past the cut for the full release from ComicsPRO.

- Matt Price

ComicsPRO Promotes Amanda Emmert to Executive Director

ComicsPRO President Joe Field (Flying Colors Comics, Concord CA) has announced the promotion of Amanda Emmert (Muse Comics, Missoula MT) to the new position of Executive Director of the organization. Emmert resigns her position on the organization’s board of directors to accept this role. The move is made in conjunction with an ongoing effort to operate the not-for-profit trade association more efficiently and will coincide with a reduction in its number of board members to seven.

Remaining ComicsPRO board members are President Joe Field, Vice-President Gary Dills (Laughing Ogre, Fairfax VA and Columbus OH), Recording Secretary Carr D’Angelo (Earth-2 Comics, Sherman Oaks & Northridge CA), and Directors Brian Hibbs (Comix Experience, San Francisco CA), Calum Johnston (Strange Adventures, Halifax Nova Scotia), Eric Kirsammer (Chicago Comics, Chicago IL) and Rick Lowell (Casablanca Comics, Portland ME).

As ComicsPRO’s former Secretary/Treasurer, Emmert has been overseeing the organization’s corporate operations and finances for several years and will continue those duties in her new role. In addition, her expanded role as Executive Director will give her responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the not-for-profit organization. She will work in concert with the Board of Directors on membership outreach and fundraising. The Executive Director will also serve as the official spokesperson for ComicsPRO.

“This is a great move forward for ComicsPRO,” said Joe Field. “In many ways, ComicsPRO would not have happened without Amanda Emmert’s vision and determination to develop a sustainable trade organization for comic book specialty retailers.”

Emmert’s involvement in ComicsPRO goes back to its beginnings with her helping to incorporate the not-for-profit organization in 2004. She has served on its board of directors since then. The organization’s founding members were officially invited to join at the beginning of 2005. She was hired as the organization’s part-time Communications Coordinator in late 2007, and the position was increased to full-time in 2008 as ComicsPRO continued to increase its growth and involvement in the industry.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help ComicsPRO continue to be a successful and lasting trade association for comic book retailers,” Emmert said. “I’m proud of the work comic book retailers are willing to do to improve our industry, and to help each other improve our profession,” Emmert added. “I appreciate being a part of this progress and for the opportunity to improve the efficiency of our operations.”

ComicsPRO remains mostly a volunteer-run group, utilizing the participation of many of its retailer members all over North America. The organization provides many member benefits to help make running comic book stores more profitable. ComicsPRO also helps promote comic books and comic book stores in the mainstream media via 24 Hour Comics Day and Free Comic Book Day, as well as at many comic book conventions across the U.S.

For more information and retailer membership applications, please go to http://ComicsPRO.org.