Estimated quantities for initial orders on graphic novels shipping in December 2002 from pop culture stores ordering from Diamond US.

Estimated quantities for initial orders on comics shipping in December 2002 from pop culture stores ordering from Diamond US.

IGN Filmforce has reported that the Conan movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which was to be scripted by John Milius and produced by the Wachowski brothers ( Matrix ) has fallen apart.

In a weak finish to a strong year, initial December dollar orders on comics and graphic novels from comic stores to Diamond U.S. were down 7% vs. a strong 2001, with comics down 6% and graphic novels down 13% vs. the year-ago periods.

Finishing out a softer fourth quarter, comic store orders for the top comics were weaker in December, with over twice as many titles dropping (sixteen) as increased (seven) in the top 25.

Jim Brocius of Cosmic Comics in Las Vegas, Nevada took a look at Marvel's no-reprint policy from the point of view of its stockholders.

Brian Hibbs of Comix Experience in San Francisco, California saw Timothy Davis' plea for more comics for kids and saw this fly in the ointment.

Jerry Ringi of Amazing Fantasy in Chesapeake, Virginia saw new retailer Noah Broessel's comments on Marvel's policies and had this to say.

Rich Lukes of Comic Collector in Riverside, Illinois has been watching the ongoing discussion of comics for kids and want's to know what's next.

At the kickoff of the 2002 holiday season, we talked to distributors that sell to pop culture stores in four major categories -- toys, games, anime, and comics/graphic novels.