Fans and retailers can anticipate a return to norm as DC Comics opts to realign its comic book release schedule to Wednesdays, starting in the heart of summer.
A recent announcement on DC Comics’ website disclosed the impending shift back to Wednesday releases for their weekly periodical issues, commencing July 3. Tuesdays will remain the release day for the publisher’s new collected editions and graphic novels. This update is part of a comprehensive notice detailing DC’s future publishing projects, including the advent of the Absolute Power event and the newly instituted DC Finest collection series.
Addressing the reason behind this change, DC cited “feedback from retailers and readers” as a significant driver. The publisher had adopted a Tuesday release itinerary in 2020 due to supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. DC is now looking forward to realigning with the rest of the comic book industry’s standard release day, reestablishing Wednesday as the coveted New Comic Book Day eagerly awaited by enthusiasts.
An Era Concludes: DC’s Brief Diversion to Tuesday Releases
The year 2020 marked a turning point in the distribution methods within the comic book realm. The COVID-19 situation led to DC severing its partnership with Diamond Comic Distributors amidst a temporary shutdown by the latter.
Throughout Diamond’s hiatus (from April to May 2020), DC dispatched its weekly comics via Lunar Distribution and UCS Comic Distributors on what appeared as a provisional basis at first.
Nevertheless, when Diamond resumed operations, DC persisted with its new distributors, altering its release day to Tuesdays, thus separating its timing from other major publishers. Simultaneously, DC’s collected editions and graphic novels were conveyed to bookstores through Penguin Random House.
DC wasn’t alone in distancing from Diamond, with Marvel Comics and IDW Publishing eventually redirecting their distribution channels, although they maintained their Wednesday slots for periodicals. Unlike DC’s complete departure, these publishers permitted retailers to continue utilizing Diamond as a secondary supply route.
FAQs About DC Comics’ Return to Wednesday Releases
Q: When will DC Comics start releasing its weekly comics on Wednesdays?
A: DC Comics will begin releasing its weekly comics on Wednesdays starting July 3.
Q: Will all DC Comics products release on Wednesdays?
A: No, only the weekly periodical issues will release on Wednesdays. New collected editions and graphic novels will continue to release on Tuesdays.
Q: Why did DC originally switch to Tuesday releases?
A: DC moved to Tuesday releases in 2020 due to disruptions in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: Will Marvel and IDW also release their comics on Tuesdays?
A: No, Marvel and IDW have continued to release their weekly periodicals on Wednesdays.
Conclusion
As the season heats up, so does the anticipation for DC Comics’ return to its traditional Wednesday release schedule. While the sojourn on Tuesdays for four years marked a significant period of adaptation for both the publisher and its audience, it’s clear from DC’s recent announcement that it values the routine and tradition embraced by the comics’ community. Fans can now look forward to enjoying their favorite DC titles alongside other major comic book releases every Wednesday starting this July.