It’s not always media options that make books hot and in demand. Good stories help as well and that’s exactly why we’re seeing a 5th printing apparently for the hit series DIE from Image Comics.
From Image Press for immediate Release:
Image Comics’ DIE #1 by New York Times bestselling creator Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine) and artist Stephanie Hans is being rushed back for an encore fifth printing due to overwhelming fan interest in the series and to keep up with the series’ breakneck growth.
“We felt entirely sure that the fourth printing would be the last, but with another instant sell-out means we just have to go back again,” said Gillen. “We’ll be trying to print to match this shocking and humbling demand. High fives to everyone who’s joining us on this fantasy adventure.”
Die is a pitch-black fantasy where a group of adults have to deal with the returning unearthly horror they barely survived as teenage role-players. The series is perhaps best described as “Goth Jumanji”—but that only captures a sliver of what you’ll find in this series where fantasy gets all too real.
Die #1, 5th printing (Diamond Code FEB198164) and will be available on Wednesday, April 17. The final order cutoff deadline for comic shop retailers is Monday, March 25.
If you missed out on the issues and have the desire to read, pick up the first Trade:
THE WICKED + THE DIVINE writer KIERON GILLEN teams up with artist supernova STEPHANIE HANS (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, Journey Into Mystery) for her first ongoing comic! DIE is a pitch-black fantasy where a group of forty-something adults have to deal with the returning, unearthly horror they only just survived as teenage role-players. If KIERON’s in a rush, he describes it as ‘Goth Jumanji’, but that’s only the tip of this critically acclaimed obsidian iceberg. Collects DIE #1-5.
Keep in mind that two years ago the first issue of The Fix also got five printings, and these days nobody cares about any of them.
Thats just how it goes sometimes. The Fix was a great read though.
The Fix is actually one of my favorites of the past decade!! Just hilarious!! Why can’t Nick Spencer keep a good thing going? That’s the issue with that one imo. Print delays cause people to lose interest. I’m still snagging to first prints when I see them. It would make an awesome TV show!
I agree. I would totally welcome a TV show.
Last year was regression no?
Regression premiered in 2017. The first issue got 3 printings. And it’s another title with practically no demand now.
I’m just urging caution with new series that Image seems to be pushing especially heavily. So many reprints don’t necessarily represent actual collector demand.
Remember also, demand isn’t just collectors and speculators buying them to flip. Demand is also caused by people wanting to simply read them.
Regression was around the time when it seemed every new Image book was getting new printings. Without certain evidence, we can only assume Image printed these due to more retailers ordering them. What’s in demand in one area can vary in another area as well. Initial hype of a book can also increase demand and then people lose interest after the first few issues or story arc. Image books also have a really bad track record of keeping readers tuned in on some series. Also when series are mini-series, demand dies after they’ve ended.
I’ve heard some people claimed DIE is easily available in their areas while they’re non-existent in my area, so it makes sense that my local shops are ordering the additional printings.
So yes, if you’re going to collect or speculate to end up flipping, one should always watch the market trends when buying books that have 2nd, 3rd, 4th and beyond printings.
Or just stick to the first printings. That’s my rule of thumb. If you miss out on some ASM 654 or 659, oh well.
Just grabbed 2 copies of issue 1 first print from Newbury Comics. They have a little spine damage (Nm-), but given they are first prints I should be able to flip for a small profit.