As we struggle and claw our way towards the end of the year, this month’s PCC looks at some of the challenges and obstacles facing the industry as we head into 2021 and beyond.

How Did the Pandemic Impact the Industry Overall?

(Forbes)

"The events of 2020 created "five years’ worth of change in a year” in the comic book industry. The pandemic accelerated dynamics already at work in the industry and forced publishers, distributors, and retailers to face weaknesses in their models."

Is This End of the Comics to Film Pipeline?

(ICV2)

The comic book industry has always found success off the printed page. Comic IP adapts from radio dramas to merchandise to video games. No other media has been as successful as film, especially since 2000. But as the pandemic cripples production in Hollywood and movie theaters inch towards oblivion, how will the IP adapt in the future?

Avoiding a Terrific Trap for Comic Creators

(Io9)

Abusive contracts are nothing new to comics. Creators have been abused since Superman. The latest poster child in this sad cycle is Terrific Productions. I offered some perspective for this article, and if you want more tips on dealing with this kind of abusive publisher, see my article on How to Reject a Bad Contract

Systemic Racial Bias in Comics

(Business Insider)

2020 didn’t just expose systemic weakness in the distribution of comics. It also reminded us of the flaws within the halls of some of the biggest companies in the industry. DC has been hit with waves of upheaval, layoffs, and changes in their business model this year, but Harvey Richards and Lateef Williams catalog years of racial discrimination. This situation isn’t unique to comics, it is only more pronounced because the people in the business love the medium and that love is often abused.

Finding The Best Marketer for Your Comic

(Comics Experience)

If you don’t find a market for your comics, there is a good chance no one will read them. There are various methods and partners you can use to find and connect with your market, but in this video, I explain why you are the best marketer for your comic and what you can do to build your audience. If you want more insight into the comic book marketing process, check out the videos I did for GlobalComix on comic book marketing.

2020 Best Year Ever for Comics on Kickstarter

(Kickstarter)

This year might have been challenging for major publishers, distributors, retailers, and freelance creators, but independent creators and publishers found success in the crowdfunding space. Between pop culture icons like Keannu Reeves, industry veterans like Scott Synder, yours truly and thousands of other creators, comics on Kickstarter alone have generated twenty-two million dollars this year. Can 2021 match those numbers? There’s no way to know. But crowdfunding can be a viable business model, as long as you build and continue to satisfy your crowd.