Four-Color Faux Pas

Just when you thought comic books might get a shot in the arm...

Comic Quest, the store in Redlands which opened up at midnight Wednesday the last two weeks to celebrate DC Comics' New 52 initiative, announced Monday on its Facebook feed that they can't open at midnight this week.

The reason?

The distributor of the books said it's against their rules and regulations.

Um, OK.

I understand our need for rules in society. But in an industry trying to kick and claw to stay alive, isn't something that might bring more customers in a good thing?

Let's face it, traditional print publications are struggling to survive. As more and more companies turn online or to digital platforms, those of us who still like to have the tactile sensation of turning pages need every outlet we can get. Comic books, almost doubly so, since new readers aren't coming out of the woodwork.

So, closing down something on a technicality seems almost like sour grapes. Someone else complained that they were skirting some rule, and tattled, because they didn't think of doing it first. (And someone on that Facebook feed pretty much had the same thought.)

People have responded to Comic Quest's Facebook feed in disappointment. They enjoyed being able to go out at midnight and get their books. It was a cool vibe out there, that's for sure.

The comic industry needs every shot in the arm it can get, and to start picking petty little fights is going to lead to the death of it, and more small businesses that we keep hearing politicians tell us we need. More and more brick and mortar stores will close their doors and go digital, putting more and more people out of work.

So, I hope someone's happy that the lights will be out at Comic Quest at midnight, because there are plenty of fans who aren't. And while it probably won't keep the regulars from getting their books, it's closing a golden opportunity to market to new fans.