A New Era Begins for Image Comics

1 week ago 7

Image Comics is giving comic book stores a big leg up when it comes to the release of Image trade paperback collections and original graphic novels. Starting this December, Image Comics will be making all of its new trade collections and graphic novels exclusive to comic book stores for a month before they are put on sale at other bookselling agents, like traditional bookstores and Amazon.

This is due to Image Comics having a problem with its supply chain in the bookstore market due to Image (like many other companies) trying to adjust its way of doing business after the United States government introduced so many new tariffs on imports. There would be a delay on the release of trades and graphic novels, and rather than have that delay apply across the board, Image has turned lemons into lemonade by turning the situation into a nice exclusivity window for comic book stores.

What was the actual letter that Image Comics sent to comic book retailers?

Image via Image Comics

Here is the letter Image sent to retailers...

Dear Direct Market Retailers,

We’re excited to share some news that we believe will give you a meaningful edge in the evolving retail landscape, and is a decision made in recognition of your ongoing loyalty and support of our books.

Beginning with December 24, 2025 on-sale titles, Direct Market retailers will have a 27-day exclusivity window to sell all Image Comics collected editions and original graphic novels before those same titles go on sale at Book Market retailers and digital vendors.

This means that for nearly a full month, your stores will be the only place fans can find those new Image collections and OGNs—giving you valuable lead time to hand-sell them to your customers and further strengthen your community connection.

This shift comes in response to new logistical supply-chain requirements that have called for a longer receiving window on book shipments in the Book Market. Rather than let these changes dictate our release schedule, we see it as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to you—the retailers who have been champions of our creators and their stories from the very beginning and continue to drive discoverability for our books.

Your role in the success of Image Comics cannot be overstated. You’ve built the foundation of our readership, introduced audiences to countless new titles, and fostered the passionate fanbase that makes Image thrive in this industry. We’re grateful for your support, your trust, your hustle, and your investment in creator-owned comics.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership.

The Image Comics team

What are the first Image trade collections and graphic novels to be affected by these new terms?

The first trade collections affected by this new announcement are the collection of the miniseries, This Ends Tonight (by Jae Lee, Gerry Duggan, Kelvin Mao, Robert Windom, and June Chung), and the 8th volume of Greg Rucka and Michael Lark's Lazarus (specifically collecting the Lazarus: Fallen miniseries).

Two weeks later, the third volume of the Spawn: The Vault Collection, is due out..