HASTINGS BANKRUPTCY: HOW WILL IT AFFECT VALIANT?

[ErikG]

As I don't live in the USA, I have no idea what kind of weight Hastings had with regard to monthly comic book sales. I'm aware that Hastings brought out several VEI exclusive variant covers, which seems to indicate that the chain must have been an important outlet for VEI.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how Valiant will be affected by the banruptcy?

[jmatt]

Yikes.

[Burrito Boy]

Crud! Hastings is where I originally discovered Valiant back in the day.

[slack]

I didn't know Hastings existed in the 1990's.

[Chiclo]

I don't think Hastings sells all that many comics.

The corporate headquarters for Hastings is in Amarillo, TX. Amarillo has three Hastings and the bankruptcy is a local news story.

I do remember going to Hastings when we moved to the big city (Amarillo) in '89.

[sonicdan]

Our local Hastings closed 6 months ago. We miss picking up our Valiant books every Wednesday.
I'm bummed to hear the chain is filing for bankruptcy. I imagine they will likely liquidate and close all stores.
Hastings has been a big supporter of Valiant.
Most locations carried their books on the shelves. Recent back issues were marked down to $.99 or $1.99 which may
have helped some readers give them a shot. As mentioned they had done retailer exclusives, the more recent being FCBD 2016.
They hosted and streamed the Craft of Comics and Comics College, in several locations, that featured Valiant creators showcasing how Valiant comics were made.
Reportedly they were Diamonds biggest account, severing approximately 150 locations.
I consider it a blow to the industry and will certainly affect Valiant's numbers in some way.

[Aram]

If those numbers are correct then I predict a small market decline across all publishers an that dcbs will see a slight upsurge.

[Joshua]

They do sell a lot of comics. And owing Diamond $1.5 million is a pretty big debt for them. I know that there are towns that don't have local shops but have a Hastings. If they go under, are those comic buyers going somewhere else or are they out? I guess we'll find out.

[Psiot X]

I never heard of Hastings until now...

[Elveen]

I never heard of Hastings until now...

Battle of Hastings?

[Burrito Boy]

I never heard of Hastings until now...

Battle of Hastings?

Everything they sell costs $10.66.

[mkb28]

Just got the "Going Out of Business" email at all store locations. 30% off ticketed items. Looks like it is official with no buyers coming in for a rescue.

Mkb28

[jshelton2001]

Its really nice since I just received Hasting's Batman & Superman #50 Tyler Kirkham Colored & BW Variants autographed by Tyler.

[Sunlight on Snow]

They hosted and streamed the Craft of Comics and Comics College, in several locations, that featured Valiant creators showcasing how Valiant comics were made.

...and here's the youtube videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... 2B+valiant" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

WEEK ONE – WRITING: James Asmus (Writer, Quantum and Woody)
WEEK TWO – PENCILING: Clayton Henry (Artist, Archer & Armstrong)
WEEK THREE – INKING: Ryan Winn (Inker, Divinity)
WEEK FOUR – COLORING: David Baron (Colorist, Bloodshot Reborn)

Also, the original post...
http://valiantuniverse.com/2015/09/02/h ... ationwide/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[X-O HoboJoe]

I never heard of Hastings until now...

Battle of Hastings?

Everything they sell costs $10.66.

[buff-beardo]

I've never seen a Hastings nor do I know anything about it other than this topic. Southern, Central, or West Coast US store chain I assume. However, I'm sorry to hear that Hastings is closing as some posts have stated it was their only local source for VEI comics/trades. I suggest dcbs.com. I've been very satisfied with their service since I started with them about 2 years ago and the discounts of 35%-60% off cover price allows me to get almost twice as many new comics per month on the same budget I had at my local shop. That being said, it's a drag to only get new comics once a month (unless you're willing to pay more for shipping), your always a month behind the direct market, and you miss out on that comic store experience. However, I still visit my LCS for back issues, bargain bins, and discounted trades.

[TheeBaldMoose]

... I suggest dcbs.com.

should be dcbservice.com

teamwork

[jshelton2001]

Against my better judgement, Im going to suggest AtomicEmpire.com. Hear me out. They are a LCS out of Durham NC, but they run a great online subscription service. I live in MS, & the closest store I have is in Memphis 90 miles away. Ive used them for almost two years now. I love them. The only reason I was hesitant to suggest them is that I am one of their biggest Valiant readers. They have a bidding process on incentive covers & I regurlarly land 1:20's for 5 bucks. However, they've been so good to me that I would hate to not help them. You can set shipping for weekly or monthly.. However youd like.. I currently receive 25% off covers at my tier. Your amount of books determines the discount.

[jshelton2001]

I lived in Texas a few years ago chasing oil work & visited Hastings. You could see the writing on the wall, because it was really a nostalgic experience. It reminded me of an FYE or Disc Jockey w comic books & such. I was like "nobody buys CDs anymore."

[mkb28]

If you have a Hastings store near you, it might be worth your while to stop by and check it out. Today and tomorrow they are discounting the comics and graphic novels by 60% with an additional 20% off at checkout. There were tons of VEI back issues plus several trades that I saw in St. Joseph, MO. I also scooped up several Marvel, DC, VEI, and Image trades and HC's.

Happy hunting!

Michael
Mkb28

[TheeBaldMoose]

I'm currently in Idaho, and am gonna check one out

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[TheeBaldMoose]

Well, if you're looking for back fill in your comic book reading, Hastings has comic books @ 60% off. Just went and got most of the Bloodshot (2012) series and most of the Reborn series as well. 30+ books for less than $15!

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[jmatt]

Well, if you're looking for back fill in your comic book reading, Hastings has comic books @ 60% off. Just went and got most of the Bloodshot (2012) series and most of the Reborn series as well. 30+ books for less than $15!

That's quite a steal. I expect that whatever is left over will find its way to other local shops.

[slack]

There's a Hastings exclusive cover of the Faith tpb.

It basically came out at a discount. Everybody go grab yours today, before they're all sticky and bent.

[mkb28]

There's a Hastings exclusive cover of the Faith tpb.

It basically came out at a discount. Everybody go grab yours today, before they're all sticky and bent.

Yep, I paid $3.20 for my copy.

Mkb28