BATTLEGROUND VICTORY. COM
independent publishing imprint created
by Sean Patty in 2006 for the production,
promotion and distribution of
creator-owned comics and magazines like
Patty's "Worgard: Viking Berserkir," a bold
uncompromising vision among the
current offerings of juvenile mainstream
superhero, pop culture and movie tie-in
titles available today.
Independent comics publishers and
distributors, retailers and consumers
need to support one another if this art
form is to survive. Our industry is
dominated by ONE distributor, the
monopoly Diamond Comic Distributors
(DCD), owned by President and CEO
Stephen A. Geppi. After signing
exclusivity/brokerage contracts with the
major corporate publishers, namely
Marvel and DC (plus Image and Dark
Horse), in the last ten years DCD has
assimilated all competition, becoming the
largest supplier of english-language
non-returnable comics for the American
Direct Market (DM) specialty retailer.
Artist:
"The purpose of my
work in narrative art
is the exploration of
the human condition,
examining the
seemingly
contradictory, or
dichotomous, nature
of mankind by
illustrating the
struggle between his
instinctive primal
drives and his
transgressive
endeavors... and how
these opposing
forces conflict.
I intend the
WORGARD epic to be
my magnum opus in
narrative art, a
definitive exploration
of the human
condition,
incorporating grand
nietzschean themes
with the radical
ideologies and beliefs
of my own world
view. Bold in scope,
innovative and
visionary, undiluted
and uncensored, this
series of stories will
afford me the range
and opportunity to
explore and express
my perspectives
concerning the
complicated animals
we are.
Told from an ancient
perspective, utilizing
eternal allegories,
universal symbols
and metaphors,
delving into
undeniable truths,
my work endeavors
to challenge the
reader's modern
perceptions of
ourselves and the
world we live in."
Sean Patty 2006
more apt than now.
Being reliant on one distributor is bad for all involved: vendor, retailer and
consumer. In fact, it is generally perceived as being so unhealthy for a free
market economy that in 1997-2000, the US Dept of Justice (DOJ) investigated
DCD for anti-trust violations. It was concluded that while DCD enjoyed a
monopoly in the North American comic book DM, it did not have a monopoly
over general book distribution (books other than comics) and thus had
competitors. Since then, DCD has created a book division.
The brokered publishers benefit from favored catalog placement and can
offer higher retailer discounts and special incentives. The smaller non
brokered independent publishers are forced to offer shallow discounts (plus
DCD reorder penalty fees) whereby the retailer cannot make a profit stocking
an indy book, even with an increased overall order volume. With narrow profit
margins in a contracting niche market, with one distributor manipulated by
Marvel and DC (who own 70+% of the market), retailers must be very careful
pre-ordering their inventory, especially since Diamond still offers product on a
non-returnable basis in the DM. Every other general book and magazine
distributor in America offers returnable product.
Since the early 1990's the US comics industry has decayed sharply with the
major publishers experiencing declining sales and DM retail outlets suffering
closures across the country. The adolescent audience that once fueled the
industry grew up long ago and left the field, unable to find the quality
alternative comics stories better suited to their mature sensibilities. Instead,
the bulk of American comic books and graphic novels offered by Marvel and
DC, distributed through Diamond and sold through the DM retailer are
dominated by the superhero genre, shallow-minded juvenile titles like
Superman and Spiderman which continue to clog up the shelf space of the
struggling retailer who can neither hold on to an aging customer base nor
attract new readers, let alone female readers, with such meager offerings.
This is not the case globally, though. In every developed country comics are
valued as both quality entertainment and an art form. A storytelling medium
with unlimited potential to transmit ideas, to inform and educate. Millions of
comics are produced and sold monthly throughout Europe and Asia, catering
to an intelligent, cultured audience of different age groups demanding a
variety of material: educational comics, fantasy and mystery comics, erotica
and sports, comics about business, parenthood, politicians, soldiers,
entertainers and artists, doctors, fishermen, wine and food, humor, fantastic
visions of the future and ancient historical tales.
The narrow American superhero genre is but a mere fragment of the global
comics market, which offers comics titles of varied content and format
designed to appeal to a broad range of reader from young boys and girls to
teen-agers, young adults and beyond, a rich demographic the American
retailer dreams of attracting but is not able or willing to cultivate.
Imagine a 30-year old man walking into a popular clothing store like Mervyn's
and finding it stocked only with the boys apparel they outgrew 20 years ago.
Not an adult sized garment to be found in the place. Think about it. Would you
go back? Diversity of vision, on the part of creators, publishers, distributors
and retailers, with the support of an avid and expanding consumer base of
both genders, of all ages and races, can return this American art form to
vitality.
For the future viability of this industry and art form, the battle will be waged in
the endless possibilities of content, distribution and retailing, via both the
standard brick-and-mortar markets and Internet. Success will depend on
clarifying the issues facing the industry, taking risks and challenging the
conventional thinking in favor of new approaches toward revitalization. Those
with the strength of imagination and creativity, integrity, innovation and
proactivity will prevail to forge the future. Those who cannot adapt will vanish
through basic Natural Selection as short-sighted publishing, distribution and
retailing continue to limit this unique medium's vast potential.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
CREATORS must follow their instincts and produce bold visionary work,
without self-censorship or compromise. Sequential art is the least explored of
all the art forms, well worth the effort to elevate the form, transgressing the
current lowly standards imposed by the major publishers, broadening the
reach of the medium with passionate purposeful work.
PUBLISHERS must solicit product only when it is certain that the shipping
dates can be realized. In the face of DCD cancellation or retailer apathy,
distribution must be sought directly with only proactive retailers or outside
the Direct market if necessary, offering returnable product.
DISTRIBUTORS eventually must offer returnable product, sharing the risk.
RETAILERS must capitalize on alternative avenues of distribution without fear
of reprisal from Diamond. Baker & Taylor for returnable GN's, Haven
Distribution for indy titles and small studios like BATTLEGROUND VICTORY for
direct wholesale accounts on returnable product at greater discounts than
DCD can offer, plus free shipping. Diversity of product is key to growing a
deep customer base. Adapt or perish.
CONSUMERS can support your local retailer and pre-order your comics and
graphic novels via the monthly color Diamond Previews product order catalog.
Call 1-888-266-4226 to find a comics shop near your home. If your retailer will
not order an indy title for you, then find a new store who will, or shop online.
Apathetic or lazy retailing should NOT be tolerated.
It is a struggle for survival in this highly competitive climate, economic
Darwinism at its most elemental level. Action is necessary. Risk and resolve
are required if this unique art form is to prosper into the future.
__________
Retailers and Distributors are welcome to request Free sample comics or
place orders via the Retailer page, using the Retailer or Distributor Wholesale
Order Form. Retailers, be sure to read our 100 DAY RETURN GUARANTEE.
Fans are welcome to peruse the initial offerings on the Store page. Shipping is
Free within the continental US. Comics signed by the creator if requested.
Battleground Victory is cultivating alternate forms of distribution (large or
small distros where our product might fit), unconventional sales markets,
Street teams or Cyber teams (with special incentives and rewards for helping
BV distribute or sell product to new accounts or markets), the BV SoCal
Retailer Tour 2008, fan and retail links, original content for digital distribution,
upcoming (from BV and possibly others) alternative comics and prints, mags
and zines, fine art, music and apparel, also interested in mutually beneficial
publishing partnerships, convention appearances, and a possible Los Angeles
Independent Arts Convention. All interested parties feel free to Contact BV.
Battleground Victory is a small studio with big uncompromising vision. Check
back periodically for new books, prints and posters, appearance updates, etc.
Friends, thanks for your support. The battle for revolutionary independent
creative expression rages onward... It is a Will To Power! -SP '06
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