MY SHARPER IMAGE: UNBELIEVABLE

[MattBrady]

by Mike San Giacomo

One quick bit of Phantom Jack business before our regularly scheduled column.

Image got a sweet deal to have PJ published in Korea, but the clinker is that the release date had to be pushed back a few days. So, look for Phantom Jack #1 in stores on March 10, instead of March 3.

Mark your calendars and reschedule vacations accordingly.

Now, on with the column.

Sometimes things happen in the comics industry I just can't understand. I have written columns about comic shop owners who seem bound and determined to do everything to discourage customers from walking through the door, even when they know it's wrong. Now this is a little weird because it concerns my comic, but I'll soldier on and tell the story because it could apply to anyone.

I got an email from a buddy of mine in Norristown, Pa., who said he called a local, well-stocked, comic shop to order Phantom Jack #1 and was told "No." Excuse me? I said he must be mistaken, so I called the shop myself. I shouldn't name the shop...Hell, I should name it, it's Comics And More in King of Prussia. If I don't name it, other good shops in the area may be tarred with the same brush.

I talked first to a clerk and asked if they were stocking Phantom Jack. Silence. I said "Hello?" He said he would get the manager. The manager comes on; I introduce myself as the writer of Phantom Jack from Image. "Yes, I'm familiar with the book," he said. Good, maybe this was a misunderstanding. I ask if he is stocking the comic. "No, we're not," he said. "We have gotten several calls from people who wanted to pre-order it, but we're not going to stock it." Why?

"I don't know," he said. "It's the owner's call." I told him that the local newspaper, the Times-Herald in Norristown, just interviewed me. They are running a nice feature story about me and the comic, with all its Norristown connections. And Diamond gave it nice play in Previews and in the retailer's Diamond Dialogue magazine. "That's nice," he said. But you won't carry it? "No," he said.

Okay, I said, help me out here. You have "several" let's say, three, people call and specifically ask you to order a comic. You're told the local newspaper is going to run an article about the comic, but you refuse to order it? (Actually, I know it's more than three because another friend ordered eight copies himself.) Fat Jack's Comics in downtown Philadelphia ordered "double digits" and said there was a "buzz about the comic because of the controversy with Marvel." I called a few shops in the area so I could tell my family and friends where to pick up the comic and all the other shops planned to carry it.

So I asked the manager if would at least order copies for the people who request it? Especially since all agreed to put down a down payment or pay in advance. "No, we won't," he said. "It's not me, it's the owner and he does not want to carry it" So, what am I missing here? Barring personal animosity - I don't think I ever killed this guy's cat - why would a comic shop not order a comic that people are asking for? This is found money. If I ran a pizza shop and someone ordered a pizza, I'd sell him a pizza. Why would a comic shop refuse business?

I should mention that I'm from Norristown, where I have lots of family and friends, all of whom plan to buy the comic. If this guy had played his cards right, and they liked his store and what they read, they might buy more comics. My God, he could even have created REGULAR CUSTOMERS. But that won't happen because...I don't know why. Stubbornness? Fear of new things? I went the extra mile and called back and asked to speak to the owner. I was told he was not in at all that week and was not expected back until sometime next week, long after the orders for PJ #1 were due at Diamond.

"Besides, he won't have an answer for you," the manager said. "You'll just be frustrated."

Okay, I was determined to see just how screwed up this situation is. I said I wanted to order five copies of the comic. I would give him my credit card number right now to pay for them. They could sell them and keep the double profits. I just wanted to be sure that anyone walking in wanting to buy the comic could do so.

"No," the manager said. I hung up, shaking my head. And we wonder why comic book shops go under.

Updated 2:30 pm, 1.26.04

I just had a talk with the owner of Comics And More and I'm happy to say that we straightened a few things out.

Owner Jay Roden said he would be happy to order Phantom Jack for anyone, he would order an extra 15 copies for the store, but said that he was pissed at me. Personally.

This came as a shock, since I did not think I ever spoke to him.

He reminded me that I spoke to him briefly a week or so ago after my sister told me she tried to order the book from him and he said he could not find it in the Diamond Preview catalog. I didn't know he was the owner. I called and introduced myself and went right into it, asking why he could not find it. Turns out he was looking in the December book, not the January.

I thought the conversation was normal, but Jay said I came off rather angry. At one point in that conversation, when we straightened out the month discrepancy, I asked if he wanted to call my sister back and confirm the order, he said she should call him. I said I would handle it.

"You didn't say 'Hello, how are you, you just got right into it. I'm too old to be talked to that way,' Roden said. "So I decided we would not order any copies of the book other than those ordered by people who put down half the amount as a deposit."

I'll take a whack at myself here and admit I could have been more pleasant, I was busy and rushed. So, that part was my fault. I've learned from it and so should you all. BE NICE.

Roden said his manager was just plain wrong when he would not let me order the comic and pay for it. He said the manager was wrong when he said that NO pre-orders for the comic had been accepted. He said another guy had ordered 8 copies of issue one and Roden said he would get them in.

"I'm not crazy," he said. "If someone wants to spend money, I'll take it."

I SHOULD ADD that I know of at least two people (me for one and a friend in Norristown for another) whose orders were flat-out refused by the manager. So there is a problem down there with communication between owner and manager.

That settles the most nagging part of the whole situation. It did not make sense and I'm glad to hear that it has been resolved.

[skip]

I m not surprised, none of us should be. That is the store owners perogative. Silly, naive, dumb, but his or her choice. Try buying a variety of comics in the middle of Wisconsin. We unfortunately deal with ignorance and power triping owners each week. I just try to deal!
This and related issues have been around for a long time. Buying comics is a risk and many shops don't take many. Yes you and maybe even a half dozen people ask for a book but if the owner knows Wolverine will sell that's what they order. It does not make sence I know but getting angry doesn't help. Open your own shop!

[matthewstarnes]

That is nuts!
I have run into a few lazy shop owners who just "forgot" to order certain comics but this is crazy.
Good luck with the comic.
I miss the days where you could buy comics at a drug store too.
I like comic book stores but some stores need to step up.

[RDuarte]

I had a comic shop tell me they would never sell anything by Rob Liefeld. I took it as a joke. (HAHA, Liefeld sucks) When I asked about pre-ordering Youngblood Bloodsport (yes, I know, but I was curious), they told me, "Didn't we tell you we weren't selling Liefeld's stuff?"

I know the comic hasn't come out even though it was due in 2002. And I know Liefeld has a dubious reputation at best. But I was more interested in what Mark Millar would do with the title than anything else. I liked his stuff, and figured I would try it. This was a guaranteed sale. And I know other people might have thought the same thing and may have wanted to try it.

Looking back at it now, I can shrug it off. Hey, the comic never came out, so I guess I saved a few bucks. But why would a store refuse to sell something a customer was asking for?

[Cartoon Jay]

I love my local comic shop (Harrison's in Salem, MA, USA), but I've had so many similar experiences in various shops around the country. Most of the time, I prefer to buy trades and I prefer to buy them at Borders or B&N to avoid such perplexing unprofessionalism.

If the industry is going to grow, publishers are going to have to deal with this issue, either by changing their distribution methods to favor specialty stores less, by opening their own stores (I don't know how viable that would be), or by sending out sales reps to work with comic shop employees. It's entertainment, it's a hobby, but it's also a business and should be treated that way.

[Blind Assassin]

That is just insanity, but it does happen alot, and not just in comic stores.

Recently, the film 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' released a soundtrack (it has been out of print for about 30 years). I was so excited, and realising it was an import CD, I called a couple of music stores to make sure they stocked it.

After half a dozen 'I have no clue what you are talking about' calls, I finally spoke to a girl who checked her list, and told me that yes, it was released, but that her store didn't order any copies.

I asked her "Can I give you my credit card and information, and you can order it for me, and I will come in and pick it up when it arrives?"

She told me "Sorry, we don't do any type of specail orders for people." I was shocked! Here you have a customer looking to buy a CD. He calls the CD store and is told the item is not there, nor do they plan on ordering any. I ask if she can order it for me, and offer to pre-pay for it. And she says 'we don't do that'.

So, I searched online and had it mailed to me.

I feel your pain. It is silly, and it is stupid. But it does happen.

[Mr Wesley]

Regarding Liefeld, I was under the impression that Diamond wasn't carrying any of his stuff (including Bloodsport, or whatever it was that he started hyping last year) because he never finished a project. If the store is only using Diamond as its sole distributor, then it may not have an option to order Bloodsport.

Regarding Phantom Jack, I don't know what to say. If the store has the requests in hand, and he orders only enough to cover those requests, then what is he risking? I can only speculate that there is some personal anymosity there, like Michael said something in one of his columns that ticked this guy off.

Like I said, that's only speculation. But I would be very surprised if customers, employees or the owner of the store didn't post on this thread to defend the store's decision by the end of the day.

[gOgIver]

Fat Jack's has always been cool with Indy stuff

[ParisCub]

Originally posted by RDuarte
I know the comic hasn't come out even though it was due in 2002. And I know Liefeld has a dubious reputation at best. But I was more interested in what Mark Millar would do with the title than anything else. I liked his stuff, and figured I would try it. This was a guaranteed sale. And I know other people might have thought the same thing and may have wanted to try it.

Looking back at it now, I can shrug it off. Hey, the comic never came out, so I guess I saved a few bucks. But why would a store refuse to sell something a customer was asking for?

Actually Issue one of Youngblood Bloodsport DID come out last year, and it was very enjoyable. Just hope they release issue two... But just to have Cyclops and Wolverine having sexual activites with members of Youngblood, with respectfully Jean Grey's Mask and Mariko's wig on their head... is a sight to behold... And Millar's script is very good indeed.

[ParisCub]

Well, I've had my share of comic book shops in the USA who didn't want to carry anything that wasn't Marvel or DC, so I'm actually not too surprised.

Lots od comic book shops don't believe in independant companies. (the trouble getting CrossGen at times...)

However, since this is an Image comic book, I'm a bit puzzled.

Maybe it has to do with Mike Sangiacomo... Could be that his comments about art in comic books may have ruffled a few feathers and that as a result, this guy doesn't want to sell his comic book...

That would be as ridiculous as refusing to make an easy buck, but we've seen more stupid attitudes...

[Erik K]

No, I will NOT order that for you. Perhaps you would care to buy this rare Mary Worth where she counsels a friend to commit suicide...

You know, the Comic Book Guy on the Simpsons seems less of an exaggeration the more often I wander into comic shops other than my base one (the marvelous Dragon's Lair in Austin, Texas).

[sullivan]

I've read Newsarama for a while, and I just have to ask how is this news? This looks more like the grinding of a personal ax and, in essence, free advertising.

Best of luck to the creator. I hope his book does well, but I don't see how this is newsworthy or more than an advertisement and self-promotion.

[WebHobbit]

This is just crazy. Comichshops have a bad enough rep anymore without silly stuff like this adding to the problem.

[blankpoint]

Just to take up the other side for a minute:

I place orders for the shop i work at in Toronto. I'm not the owner, but I have full control over the comics inventory. But it's not my money I'm playing with. It's the owner's. For the record, I'll be ordering about 10 copies of the first issue of Phantom Jack -- which is about what I sell on Birds of Prey, Robin, X-Treme X-Men, Lucifer, etc. You should know that every title is a risk, and that MANY titles are risks not worth taking. I have countless Image and Dark Horse #1 and #2 issues that were released in the past year that I ordered for the store and which did not sell even one copy. Not even one. I sold 150 copies each of the Jim Lee Batman issues, do about 100 Ultimates, 40 Y The Last Man, etc.. and not even one person wanted to buy Galactic #1... not even the one old guy who buys practically every #1 I wonder why?

I forgot to mention that all of our new issues are sold for 25% off the cover price as well, and still the books do not always sell. Nobody bought 2 copies of Galactic #1 -- that's $2 out of the owner's profits. If noone buys Phantom Jack -- that's about $20 down.. and so on.

The guy who was complaining about Youngblood -- that's Rob's own fault. He's fucked up so many times that Diamond won't solicit the crap he puts out. And with good reason -- as you said, the second issue isn't out yet. This means your store would need to put a special order in to Arcade comics, with special shipping charges and extra hassle. Frankly, the book is not worth the extra effort.

[deathmasterj]

Originally posted by Erik K
No, I will NOT order that for you. Perhaps you would care to buy this rare Mary Worth where she counsels a friend to commit suicide...

You know, the Comic Book Guy on the Simpsons seems less of an exaggeration the more often I wander into comic shops other than my base one (the marvelous Dragon's Lair in Austin, Texas).

the store nearest to me has (or maybe had... see my next point) a manager that looked and acted like comic book guy.

i was so pissed off with the crap treatment i got that i wrote into Comics International about the state of the stores around here. The letter was published, the store saw it and contacted me, they have now dealt with the staff and are also sending me free vouchers for the store as a thank you, which is wierd but i'm not complaining. Went in the shop yesterday (sunday) and there was a new guy in on his won, he was cool and friendly and.... KNEW WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT without being patronising or talking down to people. He also mentioned "the new boss.." so i presume the head store (its a chain) have finally sorted this shop out!

[WebHobbit]

Originally posted by sullivan
I've read Newsarama for a while, and I just have to ask how is this news? This looks more like the grinding of a personal ax and, in essence, free advertising.

Best of luck to the creator. I hope his book does well, but I don't see how this is newsworthy or more than an advertisement and self-promotion.

It's a feature --it's under the OP/ED section.

Like a news paper editorial section.

[Device]

We can only hope they get closed down and drive customers to shops of which owners do have some common sense and decency.

[Trevah]

Several people on the Byrne board complained about the same thing about Lab Rats. Byrne was royally p*ssed and mailed out comp copies to people who's shop wouldn't order 'em.

[gredenko]

The store owner no doubt has his reasons, but thanks to a half-written article, all anyone can do is speculate about it. Without a dialogue between Mike San Giacomo and the owner getting to the bottom of this, it's all just a silly bit of a feud playing itself out because one of the parties has a published column.

This would have been a more important issue if there were at least some other cases sited, or if this particular one was used as the springboard to talk about a larger issue, but that's not what the column was. It's just a vindictive response to a store that is obviously not buying PJ for a reason. Instead of airing dirty laundry, it would have been a lot more responsible and probably would have gotten closer to an understanding, if Mike would have spoken with the man making the call.

A store owner can refuse to stock a book for any reason as that's his perogative. Maybe he isn't ordering anything new. Maybe he is being paid NOT to carry this book by someone who's cat San Giacomo DID kill. Maybe it's all a smoke screen designed to get more people into that store? Maybe he just thinks the author is a prick and he's voting with his wallet. Who knows? Well, we as readers of the column don't, because the author never got that far. Frankly, this whole column has spoiled PJ for me, which is a shame. I'm going to be voting with my wallet too.

[Trevah]

Is this book hate-material? Is it pornography?

If not, then there's no good reason to refuse to order something your customers want. A business that isn't customer-oriented deserves to go under.

Not one reason Gredenko listed is good enough to refuse to order the book for customers who want it. Forget the creator, it's an insult to the buyer. I hope they move thier business to a better store.

[close2theedge]

I can support this article 100%. I'm familiar with the store mentioned in the article at the King of Prussia mall just outside Philadelphia and this is a perfect example of a poorly run comic store.

I'm not some comic store owner with an agenda or anything, I'm just a comic fan who tries to visit every store I can in the Philly area to give them some support.

This store had other locations in other parts of Philadelphia including a location on Cottman Ave. and the Roosevelt Blvd in Northeast Philadelphia and at the Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey that ALL WENT OUT OF BUSINESS and rightfully so.

The Cottman location was filled with Marilyn Manson looking freaks who had MAJOR attitude problems that would have VERY inappropriate conversations with women and kids in the store. I once overheard a conversation involving a friend of a worker there beating another guy with a hammer. I honestly was trying not to pay attention to the details but this is not the kind of converation to be having with CUSTOMERS within earshot. They would also barely talk to you or look you in the eye when you were buying something or needed help.

The King of Prussia location had guys who were equally unprofessional. Once I was looking for some old Malibu titles and I asked the guy there if he had any and he literally LAUGHED AT MY FACE. In what fucking planet do you have a SALESMAN laugh at a CUSTOMER'S FACE when they are looking to SPEND MONEY AT YOUR STORE!?! He didn't even try to help me, he basically laughed and said "we don't carry that" as if what I was looking for was somehow beneath him to have.

They suck, they are everything that's wrong with comic stores and I hope they go out of business.

[mikesang]

Originally posted by gredenko
The store owner no doubt has his reasons, but thanks to a half-written article, all anyone can do is speculate about it. I'm going to be voting with my wallet too.

MIKESANG
ANd that's your right not to buy it. My whole point in writing the piece (AND REMEMBER I MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO REACH THE OWNER, AND DID TALK TO HIS MANAGER) was to point out how stupid it is for a comic shop owner to REFUSE to order a book that people are willing to pay him for.
It doesn't matter if it's my book or anyone's (even Liefeld's) if someone is willing to pay for it, the shop owner should order it. Otherwise, the customer will leave and take his business elsewhere.
It's just common sense.
Sorry if it it somehow offended you.
M

[jhartaine]

I've been to the Comics and More store in question and all the times I've been there, they have been very professional and well informed. The store is clean and well organized and very receptive to people asking for information. However, their selection is somewhat limited. They do not normally carry a wide variety of comics that haven't received a lot of buzz. I'm not sure if this is because of the limited wall space (they have a very small store in the mall) or because of an issue with the owner. The store does seem to be moving more towards RPGs and collectible card games and miniatures in the last few years.

If you are looking for an other store in the area, Try Legends at the Plymouth Meeting Mall which is actually closer to Norristown. The staff there is just as knowledgeable and they will order what ever you want. Its not the cleanest or most professional looking storefront but it does try ts best to cater to everyone, longtime collectors to newbies.

( this is my first post, so sorry in advance for any gaffes in etiquette.)

Jhartaine

[IanZL]

Originally posted by blankpoint
Just to take up the other side for a minute:

I place orders for the shop i work at in Toronto. I'm not the owner, but I have full control over the comics inventory. But it's not my money I'm playing with. It's the owner's. For the record, I'll be ordering about 10 copies of the first issue of Phantom Jack -- which is about what I sell on Birds of Prey, Robin, X-Treme X-Men, Lucifer, etc. You should know that every title is a risk, and that MANY titles are risks not worth taking. I have countless Image and Dark Horse #1 and #2 issues that were released in the past year that I ordered for the store and which did not sell even one copy. Not even one. I sold 150 copies each of the Jim Lee Batman issues, do about 100 Ultimates, 40 Y The Last Man, etc.. and not even one person wanted to buy Galactic #1... not even the one old guy who buys practically every #1 I wonder why?

I forgot to mention that all of our new issues are sold for 25% off the cover price as well, and still the books do not always sell. Nobody bought 2 copies of Galactic #1 -- that's $2 out of the owner's profits. If noone buys Phantom Jack -- that's about $20 down.. and so on.

The guy who was complaining about Youngblood -- that's Rob's own fault. He's fucked up so many times that Diamond won't solicit the crap he puts out. And with good reason -- as you said, the second issue isn't out yet. This means your store would need to put a special order in to Arcade comics, with special shipping charges and extra hassle. Frankly, the book is not worth the extra effort.

But what about when people pre-order it, with one that is ready to pre-pay as well? Isn't that a different story?

[G Dog]

Maybe the art was too cartoony.