Indy Comic Book Week is Born!
A call to action for independent comics everywhere
By Brant W. Fowler
The last week of December 2009, Diamond Comics Distributors has decided not to ship any new products, leaving the week after Christmas devoid of new content for the comic book consumers. In light of this, a group of independent artists and writers have decided to unite together and fill that void... with independent comics!
On Wednesday, December 30, 2009, what would be a new comic day, and the day many gift certificates and presented money would be cashed in for some new reading material, Indy Comic Book Week will take place. These artists and writers have begun teaming up with retailers to present a plethora of independent titles to consumers in place of their regular mainstream fix. From their site:
"Indy Comic Book Week is not only an event, but also a call to action.
Diamond Comic Distributors announced they will not ship any new comics for the last week of December. This company is the primary distributor of comic books in North America. What some would call a sad week without our favorite mainstream titles, we are calling an opportunity. This vacancy allows independent and small press comic book creators to claim this week as their own.
We challenge writers and artists to self publish new material for this week, and offer it to their local stores. We ask for retailers to take this as an opportunity to showcase local independent talent on the new release shelves. We encourage fans to break from their buying habits and try something new.
Raise your fist and proudly declare that comic books are more than an industry, more than a handful of corporations - it is a creative outlet for independent-minded artists and storytellers. This last week of 2009 belongs to you. Power to the people. Right on.
If you're on twitter, use the hashtag #indycomicbookweek when promoting your site."
This is not only an opportunity for independent creators to get their books in the hands of more and more people, but it's also a chance for comic fans and casual readers to experience new books they might not have tried before. And furthermore, it's a chance to show the industry - retailers, fans and publishers alike - that change can be a good thing.
Stay tuned for more news on this incredible event.
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