The comics publisher Zenescope has raised over $10,000 for independent comic shops via its “Retailer Livestreams” program (see “Zenescope Launching Retailer Livestreams”).

Starting in February, Zenescope has done a livestream from a different retailer at least once a month while offering a 50% discount on collectible covers and graphic novels from their catalog. The purchases are shipped directly from Zenescope’s warehouse so there is no cost to the retailer. The program grew out of the monthly VirtualCon livestreams Zenescope has been holding since the pandemic closed down stores and conventions last March.

Zenescope president Joe Brusha said the company has also joined the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) Survive to Thrive program (see “Binc Now Accepting Retailer Grant Applications”), which has a goal of raising $2 million in donations. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to independent bookstores and comic shops; applications for grants closed on May 10.