[Editor’s note: Last week we ran a column by our long time retailer columnist Brian Hibbs that took a look at some distribution alternatives that had sprung up following Diamond’s bankruptcy. Brian wasn’t happy with some of the options. One of those indue distributors he mentioned, Power Pulp Comics, has released an open letter in response and we are running it in the interests of dialog and transparency.]
An Open Letter About Power Pulp Comics
We got name-dropped in Brian Hibbs’ Tilting at Windmills column (303, Small Press Distribution). It’s an interesting read, full of insights and fears on the growing and changing landscape of comic book distribution. It’s fun to be in the mix of this conversation. Power Pulp (powerpulpcomics.com) is new and small and to be in the thoughts of any comics retailer is great. “All press being good press.” But we feel as if we were a little misrepresented and wanted to take some time to clarify our mission.
Hibbs is quick to suggest that “most of these new businesses are trying to take pathways that are essentially antithetical to retailers actually making any profit on the sale of comics”. I can’t speak for other distribution networks, but can say this is not the case with Power Pulp.
Power Pulp retail partners receive 50% off non-returnable stock and free shipping at a $200 retail order. Which is priced competitively or better than other distributors. Retailers, we want our books in your comic shop and we want you to profit from selling our books. We also support and promote your store on social media and weekly newsletters. We are a small business trying to lift your small business.
The Power Pulp WarehouseThe goal of the founders of Power Pulp (John Coats, James Coats, Chris Anderson, and Jamie Jones) was to join together to get distribution through a Diamond or a Lunar. When Diamond folded, we pivoted, deciding to take on distribution ourselves. What began as a small collective of self-publishers, pooling our talents and resources to better support our books, has grown to 28 members (and counting). Our goal remains the same – to make it easy and affordable for comic book shops and readers to get our books.
By consolidating our books in one ordering and shipping location (powerpulpcomics.com) we save retailers and readers time and money by selling and shipping our books together. We spoke with a number of comic shop owners who want to support indie creators and the shipping price was always the biggest hang up. With razor thin margins, we know ordering books from several individual sources can make things untenable.
Like any other distributor, we have warehouse space, we do our own shipping, and we answer your emails and questions. These roles are filled by the same people who make the books. Similar to your small businesses as shop owners, we are a group of entrepreneurs. We understand the long hours and effort that go into making something unique and special. One of the best things that has happened in the six months since we launched Power Pulp is our growing relationship with comic shop owners around the country. It’s all very grass roots right now. And our mentality is to keep it that way as long as possible.
Some of the comics offered on Power PulpIf you’re a cool retailer and want to carry cool books you can’t get anywhere else, we would love to work with you! If you’re a reader who wants to try new books and new creators, we would love to introduce you to your next favorite comic. Power Pulp strives to create and deliver the best self-published, auteur-driven comic books to fans, retailers, readers, and collectors. Visit powerpulcomics.com or email us at [email protected].
COMIC BOOKS FOREVER!
-Jamie Jones, Co-Founder
English (US) · 