Not even the mightiest comic book superhero would have been able to defeat COVID-19 in 2020 and prevent the impact that the virus has caused throughout world. While every industry was hit with the fallout of the virus' spread and the lockdowns and quarantines that came with it, the comic book industry in particular seemed to endure one crushing blow after another.
From massive distribution disruptions, to the cancellation of major industry events, to the outpouring of support the comics world has seen as it's been left reeling from the aftermath of the virus, here are just a few of the ways COVID-19 impacted the world of comic books in 2020.
Diamond Ceases Distribution
The earliest and arguably most devastating Coronavirus-related blow to the industry came very early in the year when Diamond Comics Distributors announced it would be ceasing shipments to curtail the spread of the virus in March. The largest distributor of comic books in the world - the exclusive distributor of publishers like Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, IDW and more - simply shut down operations. Needless to say, this left the industry in a tizzy, with publishers and retailers alike wondering how books would be getting from Point A to Point B.
This unexpected announcement sent shockwaves throughout the comic book world, so much so that DC Comics actually announced that it would be severing time with its formerly exclusive distributor in June. In its announcement, DC said, "We recognize that, to many of you, this may seem like a momentous decision. However, we can assure you that this change in DC's distribution plans has not been made lightly and follows a long period of thought and consideration. The change of direction is in line with DC's overall strategic vision intended to improve the health of, and strengthen, the Direct Market as well as grow the number of fans who read comics worldwide." The publisher said that it would be turning its distribution services over to Lunar Distribution and UCS Comics Distributors instead, essentially ending the quasi-monopoly Diamond had on the comic book distribution industry.
While this was yet another shocking turn of events in the comics world, according to DC Publisher Jim Lee, it's worked in the company's favor. "Not only has [our new shipping business model] exceeded our initial expectations, but the size and strength of the business is that same level or higher than pre-COVID," Lee said of the tumultuous situation in August.
Comic Shops Kneecapped
As if the lack of fresh content hitting store shelves wasn't enough to throw a wrench into the works for comic book shops - many of which are independently-owned and already dealing with hardships in an increasingly digital age - new health guidelines and quarantine orders meant even fewer patrons coming by. This may have seemed like the final nail in the industry's coffin, especially with print media already fighting an uphill battle, but shop owners simply adapted to survive the virus' fallout.
Curbside pickup of ordered items was the obvious and first step for shop owners, but with fewer and fewer patrons coming by as the virus continued to spread, many retailers needed to get innovative with their sales tactics. The next logical step was going to strictly online sales.
"We’re basically either eBaying or putting it on our website," Ali Alleman, general manager of Arsenal Comics and Games in Ventura, CA, said in April. "We’re packing stuff. And then somebody’s dropping off loads and loads of packages at the post office every day. That’s been our bread and butter right now." Distribution has, for the most part, stabilized and customers are seemingly returning (at least somewhat) to their previous purchasing routines, however, had it not been for shops innovating and evolving their sales processes, many likely would not have been long for this world.
Conventions Cancelled
Inarguably the biggest industry event in any given year, San Diego Comic Con was forced to shutter its operations over health concerns. The convention, which was scheduled to take place in June, was officially cancelled in mid-April. This was the first time the annual event wouldn't be held since its inception in the 1970s. Announcing the cancellation, SDCC's organizers explained, "extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and while we are saddened to take this action, we know it is the right decision. We eagerly look forward to the time when we can all meet again and share in the community we all love and enjoy."
Likewise, New York Comic Con, probably the second most important comics event of the year, which was set to take place from October 8-11, was called off for the same concerns expressed by the organizers of SDCC. These cancellations left hopeful attendees, organizers and vendors all scrambling in the aftermath. An experimental, virtual attempt at a traditional convention was offered by the people behind both SDCC and NYCC, but the results were woefully underwhelming, with ListenFirst, a social media analytics firm, reporting that social media engagement for Comic-Con@Home was down a whopping 95% over previous years' in-person events.
Silver Linings
However, despite all the bad news that came with 2020, there were glimmers of hope and inspiration to be found in the industry's response to the pandemic and the showing of solidarity with those most affected. Jim Lee, who is a prolific comic book artist as well as DC Comics' head, began daily auctions of original works of art, pledging all the funds raised to help support struggling brick-and-mortar comic shops.
In April, DC and the Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group partnered with the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC) to create the Comicbook United Fund, a dedicated relief fund for comic book retailers and their employees being impacted by the pandemic. Shortly thereafter, scores of industry veterans united for the #Creators4Comics campaign, which saw even more auctions' proceeds going to BINC's efforts. In the end, more than $400,000 was raised to help businesses stay afloat.
The pandemic even birthed some amazing artwork dedicated to the brave men and women on the frontline trying to help curb the crisis. Fan comics were released celebrating the real-world heroes fighting to save lives, Marvel released the Heroes at Home series, which saw beloved comic book characters dealing with the stress and boredom of quarantine in their own signature ways, proving that even heroes were struggling to cope along with the rest of the world.
DC took to social media to remind its followers to stay safe during these trying times.
Marvel even went so far as to produce a new standalone comic, The Vitals, which told the real life stories of the medical professionals facing this pandemic head on. “At Marvel, we tell stories about heroes every day," Dan Buckley, President of Marvel Entertainment said in a press release. "But this story is special. It tells a story about our everyday heroes—the nurses and healthcare professionals working tirelessly and courageously to save lives... we are honored to help tell these stories, which we dedicate to the real heroes who are saving the world.”
Only time will tell what 2021 has in store for the comic book industry, but, frankly, it's hard to imagine things getting any more dire than they did in 2020. 2019 saw a record growth in comic book sales and hopefully this past year won't put a stop to that trend. With promises of COVID-19 vaccines on the way and countries around the world tentatively reopening, it's possible that this long, drawn out plight is nearing its end. An end that can't come soon enough for comic book readers, creators, distributors and sellers alike. Stay safe.