2000 AD Online Forum

2000 AD => Suggestions => Topic started by: matty_ae on 11 April, 2020, 10:02:02 AM

Title: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: matty_ae on 11 April, 2020, 10:02:02 AM
I know it takes 6 months of development normally
But with the success of the Action 2020 Special, I think the subscription market could sustain a second weekly for the next 6 months.
Just extend all the stories in the Special.
Maybe even do a kickstarter-esque commitment in advance to the first 1000 subscribers.

* in the last 10 years
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: IndigoPrime on 11 April, 2020, 11:46:57 AM
Subscriptions are only a smallish percentage of overall sales for most comics and magazines. There are exceptions, such as The Phoenix. But launching a new title right now would be... well, I'm not sure 'brave' is entirely the best word for it. It would be a huge risk, to say the least.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: sheridan on 11 April, 2020, 12:36:14 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 11 April, 2020, 11:46:57 AM
Subscriptions are only a smallish percentage of overall sales for most comics and magazines. There are exceptions, such as The Phoenix. But launching a new title right now would be... well, I'm not sure 'brave' is entirely the best word for it. It would be a huge risk, to say the least.

I'm thinking about al we could say is "There's never been a better time when releasing a subscription only title has been preferable to a newstand title, neither of which is a good idea."
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: GordonR on 11 April, 2020, 01:31:29 PM
In actual reality:

"With no-one knowing what the retail market will be like when things start to go back to a semblance of normal, and editorial staff currently working flat-out from home just to keep the weekly prog happening, there' s never been a worse time to even think about doing a second weekly title of anything."
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: broodblik on 11 April, 2020, 04:27:21 PM
I am just grateful that we still getting a weekly prog.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Funt Solo on 11 April, 2020, 05:43:57 PM
I assume I'm preaching to the converted on here, but still:

- Lots of bargains on the 2000 AD Shop's sale page (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/on-sale)!
- Plus the savings of the money can also be made by getting a subscription (https://shop.2000ad.com/catalogue/subscriptions)!


Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Swerty on 11 April, 2020, 10:43:20 PM
I'm hungry for some more Action too.Loved the special
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: matty_ae on 12 April, 2020, 04:13:17 PM
Just from a retail point of view American comics have had a least a 3 week gap in supply
And the Action 2020 Special + reprint just sold for £51

I'd probably be happy subscribing to weekly PDFs of 1976 Action.

So I think whilst there's a lot of bad news out there, comics have always sold in higher numbers in a depression/downturn.

I like the Lockdown tapes - be even happy to buy PDFs of say Al Ewing talking you through the Dredd's that he best enjoyed.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Art on 12 April, 2020, 04:31:14 PM
With so many fans and artists stuck inside now seems like it would be a really excellent time for starting a webzine or comic.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: IndigoPrime on 12 April, 2020, 11:04:23 PM
Who in their right mind bought a five quid special for £51?! That's just mad.

As for digital subs of old stuff, you're still talking resources for repro and set-up, for a niche publication, and a niche format (as in, digital).

Quotecomics have always sold in higher numbers in a depression/downturn.
This is no normal downturn. Production is on a knife edge. Most stores that carry the print version (which accounts for most sales, unless 2000 AD very much bucks the trend) are closed. The best thing people can do right now is sub if they don't already, and spread the word.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: CalHab on 13 April, 2020, 10:52:50 AM
Has Best of 2000AD been shelved? I don't envy Rebellion, their publishing schedule has been put into disarray. The fact they're managing to get the Prog, Meg and specials out is very impressive.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: broodblik on 13 April, 2020, 11:16:22 AM
No it has not been shelved. The release schedule has changed fro the Best of as well.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: broodblik on 13 April, 2020, 12:28:40 PM
Quote from: CalHab on 13 April, 2020, 10:52:50 AM
Has Best of 2000AD been shelved? I don't envy Rebellion, their publishing schedule has been put into disarray. The fact they're managing to get the Prog, Meg and specials out is very impressive.

Read the following post: https://downthetubes.net/?p=116464 (https://downthetubes.net/?p=116464)

A quote out of the post: "Due to the closure of Diamond's distribution network, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the publication of Best of 2000 AD #1, which was due to go on sale on 29th April. This title is postponed until further notice.:
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Rately on 13 April, 2020, 01:04:17 PM
Saw  the retailers copy of Best Of 2000AD in the Belfast branch of Forbidden Planet. Lovely comic, and a shame it is postponed, but better we are all back to some semblance of life and can pick it up in the shops!
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: IndigoPrime on 13 April, 2020, 01:59:50 PM
Given that BO2K was specifically aimed at breaking through in the US newsstands, pausing that makes sense. Horrible timing for Rebellion, but hopefully when this is all over the comic will find a space and an audience.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Bolt-01 on 13 April, 2020, 02:29:54 PM
Yeah, tis a beautiful book and deserves the chance to shine.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Rately on 14 April, 2020, 08:49:25 AM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 13 April, 2020, 02:29:54 PM
Yeah, tis a beautiful book and deserves the chance to shine.

It really is. Lovely format, and gorgeous design and colour.

When they reschedule it, I might just start going back to my local Comic Shop and subscribe to a few, select titles and graphic novels to give something back to them.

I'm sure Comixology / Amazon are making an absolute killing at the moment. 
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 April, 2020, 09:23:03 AM
Quote from: Rately on 14 April, 2020, 08:49:25 AM

I'm sure Comixology / Amazon are making an absolute killing at the moment.

On so many fronts. Where I can I've been going direct to publishers or other suppliers to spread the love... well cold hard cash... a little.
Title: Re: There's never been a *better time to release a second 'subscription only' weekly
Post by: Rately on 14 April, 2020, 09:34:24 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 14 April, 2020, 09:23:03 AM
Quote from: Rately on 14 April, 2020, 08:49:25 AM

I'm sure Comixology / Amazon are making an absolute killing at the moment.

On so many fronts. Where I can I've been going direct to publishers or other suppliers to spread the love... well cold hard cash... a little.

Been at least a good ten years since I had a pull list. I do miss it, but other concerns and things became bigger priorities than the weekly comic book collection.

Since the Kindle arrived, and the Ipad, I've been mostly digital except for the Mega Collection and Ultimate Collection, and a few odds and ends like the Hardback Summer Magic. I've also purchased a few lovely books through Kickstarter, and love the interaction and the thought that I'm helping support the wonderful, creative people in this bloody lovely community.

I'm going to try and cut down on the Digital, and, where and when money is available, purchase physical editions.

Mind you, don't tell my wife, because I take up enough bloody room in the loft with all my comics and toys.