Tag: Comic Collecting

Beyond Diamond Previews: Tracking Comic Releases in a Split Distribution World

Tracking Comic Releases is really hard these days for those readers with a broad range of tastes. What we offer here is a guide in how to navigate this now complex world.

Tracking Comic ReleasesNow that the dust has settled after Diamond Comic Distributors filed for bankruptcy last year, tracking comic releases, especially for new material, has become a challenge. To cut costs, they have trimmed their once-massive catalog and moved it entirely to digital.

Flipping through hundreds of pages of ads and solicits was never perfect, but at least it was centralized. Then came the Great Comic Distributor Breakup: DC left Diamond for Lunar Distribution, Marvel teamed up with Penguin Random House Comics, and several indie publishers found new homes elsewhere. Now, tracking releases feels like trying to collect all the Infinity Stones.

I’m not about to miss anything tied to Disney’s Stitch and Gargoyles, kaiju rampages, or Cthulhu’s tentacled reach. Even the occasional DC or Marvel hook can pull me in. Thankfully, I’m on a few key retailer mailing lists. For the rest, I’ve developed a system to keep tabs on what’s coming out and where to order it—one worth sharing.

Publisher Solicits & Calendars

The New Distributor Map

Diamond isn’t gone — it’s just not the only player anymore:

Comic Book Row

Retailer Tools Are Your New Best Friends For Tracking Comic Releases

Want to see what’s shipping this week — from everyone? These sites have you covered:

Social Media Sleuthing

Creators love to tease upcoming projects when you go talk to them at conventions. Next is X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, and TikTok. Sometimes these hints drop months before official solicits and when certain talents do the tour, although they can’t disclose specific details, one can at least learn when these titles will tentatively drop.

Don’t Forget the Digital Shelves

Platforms like ComiXology, GlobalComix, and crowdfunding hubs like Zoop aren’t just for buying comics. They can also tip you off to what’s headed for print in the future. We’ve covered a platform launch, like Crunchyroll’s. Even Manga Mavericks has their own service planned.

[Victoria, BC] Quick Takes on Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby and Toy Fair Return!

[Victoria, BC] Quick Takes at Victoria's Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair

Day one at Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby and Toy Fair shows this city was certainly anxious for its return. I saw a small lineup at the door when I arrived around 10:30am. I’m sure everyone wanted to find something cool to take home. I saw happy youths with nerf guns and adults with other nifty goods leaving as I was waiting to get inside.

I had only two goals in mind: see if I can pick up any LEGO Ninjago product (the selection was super slim) and if I can find that one elusive comic book to finish my Marvel’s ROM (Sorry, IDW) collection. I wondered if I could nail the Doctor Fate Series Three and Four. Mail order makes it too easy, but the thrill of the hunt is what makes attending shows like this fun. And quite often, I end up buying something else instead….

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