One for the Next Mayo Report

[CoolBreeze]

Hey John and Bob,

I recently glanced at the July comic sales numbers at ICv2's site. I have to say I'm disappointed that DC has not seen the bump from retailer orders for Flashpoint event/new 52 DCnU announcements. After thinking about it a little, I'm speculating that it'll be a while before we'll really know the impacts for he initiatives DC's been undertaking. I think most potential new readers are on the side lines taking a 'wait and see' approach. Sales / orders are likely to be made over a series of months - not just in July or August.

In my opinion, the Flashpoint series has been highly entertaining and very interesting from a 'can't wait to see what happens next' perspective. I think DC deserves the increased sales for giving readers stories that are unconventional and novel - something that comics pudits write about quite frequently that reader covet.

Anyhow, I hope you both will speak to this in the next Mayo report. I'm learning a lot from the Mayo Report discussions. Not just about the sales numbers and percentages, but a little bit about the habits and mindset of comics readers. Fascinating stuff. I'll be listening for your take on this.

[BobBretall]

I don't think the DC 2.0 relaunch will succeed solely on basis of sales to existing fans in comics shops & as such, you're likely never to see any success, if it has it, reflected in the Diamond sales #s John has to report on.

Digital & enticing "civilians" to try out some comics is where it's going to win the day (if it in fact does succeed).

I believe Marvel has too strong a lock on the hearts & minds of too large a segment of the insular direct Market (which is unfortunate).

Even most people who like DC that I have heard from are dipping their toe into the waters & sampling only a few of the new 52 titles. Given the current sales, having the customer pool we're working with that visit comics shops tentatively sampling a few books here & there is not going to save the day.

It's fine for any 1 person to read a handful of books, but you need to have a LOT more people reading a handful than just the ones that are currently getting comics in the LCS.

Enter digital.

If a LOT more people try these out & a decent # stick around, then this relaunch can take wing.

[BobBretall]

Anyhow, I hope you both will speak to this in the next Mayo report. I'm learning a lot from the Mayo Report discussions. Not just about the sales numbers and percentages, but a little bit about the habits and mindset of comics readers. Fascinating stuff. I'll be listening for your take on this.

BTW, we recorded the Mayo report last Saturday, so hopefully we hit some notes that will resonate......no chance now to specifically address your post in the next episode......

[JohnMayo]

Anyhow, I hope you both will speak to this in the next Mayo report. I'm learning a lot from the Mayo Report discussions. Not just about the sales numbers and percentages, but a little bit about the habits and mindset of comics readers. Fascinating stuff. I'll be listening for your take on this.

BTW, we recorded the Mayo report last Saturday, so hopefully we hit some notes that will resonate......no chance now to specifically address your post in the next episode......

Quick point of clarification: the episode we recorded Saturday was for the June 2011 data and will go up on Friday. We have not yet record about the July data.

[CoolBreeze]

Man.. I'm glad you guys are so forgiving on the horrible grammar in my earlier posts. Hope it's not too offensive.

I don't think the DC 2.0 relaunch will succeed solely on basis of sales to existing fans in comics shops & as such, you're likely never to see any success, if it has it, reflected in the Diamond sales #s John has to report on.

Great point. What you've pointed out is one of the more 'negative' aspects of a good portion of potential comic readers. I've often suspected that potential new readers don't try DC titles because of the perception of DC as being "second tier" from consistenly hearing / seeing the publisher trailing in Diamond sales numbers. I wish this were different, but I fear it's true.

I believe Marvel has too strong a lock on the hearts & minds of too large a segment of the insular direct Market (which is unfortunate).

You nailed it. Totally agree.

Enter digital.
If a LOT more people try these out & a decent # stick around, then this relaunch can take wing.

I'm sure all the publishers are keeping those numbers to themselves. If that's the case, we may never know if DC's improving or not.
[/quote]

[CoolBreeze]

Anyhow, I hope you both will speak to this in the next Mayo report. I'm learning a lot from the Mayo Report discussions. Not just about the sales numbers and percentages, but a little bit about the habits and mindset of comics readers. Fascinating stuff. I'll be listening for your take on this.

BTW, we recorded the Mayo report last Saturday, so hopefully we hit some notes that will resonate......no chance now to specifically address your post in the next episode......

Quick point of clarification: the episode we recorded Saturday was for the June 2011 data and will go up on Friday. We have not yet record about the July data.

Not to worry.. I'm not looking for the mention on the show. I've been a listener and fan of the discussions that come from the number trends. I've come to value your perspectives. Just keep doing what you're doing. I'm just insanely curious to see how DC's leadership with the initiatives are translating to it's brand perception.

[BobBretall]

I'm just insanely curious to see how DC's leadership with the initiatives are translating to it's brand perception.

I'm curious too. I think we'll have a better idea on that in a few months time.

I'm still skeptical about results that will be realized in comics shops (& thus in the Diamond numbers), but I hope I'm proven wrong & the relaunch does well in the comics shops