Marc Bowker of Alter Ego Comics in Lima, Ohio saw the news that Marvel's Civil War books were going to be delayed (see 'Civil War Delays Rile Retailers'), and feels that this is the straw that broke the camel's back:

I completely agree with Brian Hibbs about the impact of the Civil War #4 delay.  I know that some retailers and fans feel like this is being blown out of proportion, but I think that it's the straw that broke the camel's back when it comes to late shipping books -- Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk, All-Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder, Daredevil: Father, Secret War, Daredevil: Target, Wonder Woman #2, Ultimates -- the list goes on and on.  As many others have pointed out, the comic book industry appears to be the only industry in the world where chronic lateness is acceptable.

Then, to make matters worse, Marvel editor Tom Brevoort is interviewed on Newsarama and basically brushes off any responsibility for the Civil War delay.  Frankly, I viewed that interview as an insult to comic retailers and fans everywhere. 

Finally, to Marvel and anyone else that thinks that this debacle is not going to cost retailers money, here is an excerpt from a letter that one of my customers sent to Marvel this week:

'You also need to understand I am putting my money where my mouth is.  I teach my students that if they believe something needs changed, they need to change it.  Write letters, protest, refuse to support that company/entity/individual in any way, organize a boycott, write your Representative or Senator, do whatever, but do SOMETHING.  So here's what I'm doing.  I will no longer be purchasing Marvel comics or supporting any Marvel enterprise (movies, DVDS, posters, statues,etc.) until you as a company can prove to me as a consumer and fan that you even remotely care about me and can be trusted to run your company according to the same standards by which every other company producing consumer goods is judged.  I truly hope you change, as I've been with you for 3 decades and looked forward to introducing my children to you, but as of now, I can promise you, that will NOT happen.  Maybe you really don't care...you haven't seemed to up until now, but until you can right this ship, until you change directions and stop driving this industry towards another collapse (see: the 90's), I promise you, I will NEVER again make mine Marvel IN ANY WAY.'

Comic retailers and fans need to make a stand against this disrespectful behavior by Marvel, DC and any other publisher that continues to offer lame excuses for late books.

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