Part 6/10:
The delays and shortages are pushing retailers and publishers into a complex balancing act. Many comic shops heavily rely on back-issue sales to stay afloat — an advantage fostered by supply constraints limiting new product availability. Additionally, some creators are shifting toward digital platforms like Substack, offering exclusive or early content to audiences willing to pay a premium for digital versions.
Interestingly, DC appears to be delaying the release of digital editions of certain titles, possibly to protect brick-and-mortar sales. This strategy might be a response to criticism about digital sales cannibalizing brick-and-mortar stores. Still, the overall impact is likely to diminish the volume of fresh content available to consumers during a critical retail period.