Ilan Strasser of Fat Moose Comics and Games in Whippany, New Jersey read Dave Brzeski's Talk Back regarding the Big Two publisher's out of control title proliferation (see "Dave Brzeski of The House on the Borderland on Avengers Titles") and had this to say.

Dave is right in simply pointing out one of the end results of what happens when the needs and wishes of the marketplace are ignored.  Marvel and DC have relentlessly continued to promote editorial marketing strategies that in the short-term create interest in their titles and their lines overall, but long-term have the effect of squeezing more and more customers out of the hobby.  In spite of entreaties from retailers and comics customers alike, the policies that have been leading to continuous attrition over the last 15 years or more continue unabated.

Last year, even with the price increases that hit in the 1st quarter, I saw a 13% drop in gross revenues.  Joe Quesada actually had the audacity to say no customers would quit over the price increases.  How long are the powers that be  going to hold on to the notion that comics people love their hobby so much there is no price increase that would stop them from indulging in their weekly purchases?  Every customer has his financial breakpoint.  I've lost customers when comics went up to 60 cents, 75 cents, and then $1, because even then, some percentage of my folks couldn't afford the books.  Dave--good luck to you and every other retailer in the world--we're all going to need it as the Big Two continue to push us into oblivion.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.