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Furthermore, the crisis could have significant financial repercussions. Publishers are generally bound by fixed MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) encoded into barcodes and ISBNs. As production costs rise due to supply chain issues, margins could diminish unless publishers raise prices — a maneuver that might further alienate consumers.
Broader Industry Trends and Concerns
The supply chain disruptions are not isolated to comics. Manga publishers report similar issues with printer shortages and logistical delays, which threaten Japanese manga's global distribution. The tabletop gaming industry, as highlighted by recent reports from ICv2, faces the prospect of an "extinction level event," with shortages impacting stores, manufacturers, and consumers alike.