In response to retailer concerns, Tokyopop is making changes to its manga Website exclusive program (see 'New Tokyopop Website Offers Exclusive Manga').  The first change is that Tokyopop has decided to make Dragon Head, King City, and Heaven! available to the trade rather than exclusively through its Website as it had planned.  Dragon Head was the most popular of the ongoing titles it had moved to Website exclusive status; King City and Heaven! are new titles. 

In addition, Tokyopop is also moving toward a preorder system for comic stores for the titles available as Web exclusives.  'Please note that details are still being worked out,' Tokyopop publisher Mike Kiley told us, 'but in early 07 we hope to provide stores the opportunity to purchase online exclusives during the same limited pre-order window offered to consumers.' 

The announcement of the Web exclusive titles received substantial criticism from direct market retailers, along with requests to make them available in some way.  According to Kiley, 'We value our relationships with retailers and have demonstrated that again by taking their suggestions to heart.'