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Purchasing Graphic Novels, Trade Comics and Graphic Novels
Trade Comics
Trade comics (stories collected in paperback form) and graphic novels, especially those from leading publishers, are widely available through traditional book trade channels.
1. Although some trade comics go out of print fairly quickly, many do not. Standard sources such as Books in Print or Amazon.com list hundreds of trade comics at any time.
- Of the 17 non-super-hero graphic novels recommended on this Web site, 14 of them were available through Amazon.
- A search on Amazon for Spider-Man trade paperbacks yielded more than 20 titles in stock, plus an equal number of Spider-Man novels and children's books.
2. Even when a title appears to be out-of-print, it may be available directly from the publisher. For example, "Elric Stormbringer" was not listed in either BIP or Amazon, but is was listed for sale on the publisher's (Dark Horse Comics) Web catalog.
3. Many local Graphic Novel stores stock large selections of trade comics and graphic novels, including many which are listed as out-of-print or out-of-stock from standard sources.
Subscribing to Graphic Novels (Current Issues)
1. Most Graphic Novel publishers do not offer direct subscriptions to individual titles. Among the few which do are DC, Marvel, and Archie, and only for selected titles on their list.
2. For the above-mentioned reason, few comics are available via major library subscription agents, such as Faxon or EBSCO. Nevertheless, this may be the most familiar and convenient means for large library systems.
3. Specialized Graphic Novel subscription agents and mail order services do offer subscription plans for virtually every Graphic Novel title currently in print, often offering attractive discounts. Examples include Mile-High Comics and Westfield Comics. Many of these services are more than happy to work with libraries.
4. Consider purchasing current issues from local Graphic Novel retailers, arranging to pick them up in person on a monthly (or even weekly) basis. Retailers are happy to create in-store subscriptions (called "pull lists") to meet your specifications.
