Mike Boze of HawgHead on MarvelA Lost CustomerNovember 7, 2002
The prolific Mike Boze of HawgHead Comics in Fort Smith, Arkansas responded again to Bill Jemas' Open Letter to Retailers (see'Marvel's Bill Jemas 'Tells the Truth about Over-Production'') and Marvel's quick scheduling of a Must Have for The Truth (see 'Marvel Prints on Spec!') with this anecdote illustrating the impact of sell-outs on key books:
I would like to give a personal example of how the 'no overprint' hurts. I had a customer come in on Tuesday. He and his son had purchased the Spider-Man DVD and after watching the movie enjoyed the special features which included the segment on the creators and thought how nice it would be to read the Amazing Spider-Man issue that dealt with the Twin Towers. I had to tell the customer, dare I say potential new customer, that due to current Marvel practices there is no way I can get him that issue. I tried in vain to interest him in 'other' Spider-Man issues or even a TPB. The problem was that he came to get a specific item which I could not provide. Here is an example of where Marvel took the time to brag on what they are doing on a DVD and it worked. A new customer was created. He took the time to drive to a comic book shop to buy a 'comic'. The sad part is he left empty handed and I would wager that he will never be back. A new customer created and lost all in one day. Thanks Marvel.
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