In the panel, industry veterans Paul Levitz and Jim Shooter sat down with ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp to discuss "Building the Comic Store Channel."

At the ICv2 Insider Talks at New York Comic Con last month, ICv2's Milton Griepp presented a White Paper.

This chart of the ICv2 Top 10 Graphic Novel Franchises in four categories (Superhero, Author, Kids, and Manga) reflects sales in all trade channels for Summer (May – August) 2023.

The two industry veterans discussed how the Direct Market both transformed comics and saved them.

Sales of periodical comics have barely kept up with inflation, but graphic novel sales are growing in the direct market.

The ICv2 Insider Talks at New York Comic Con will include the ICv2 White Paper, with facts and figures on North American comics and graphic novel market as the Direct Market turns 50, plus sessions on the past and future of the Direct Market.

This week, columnist Rob Salkowitz shares thoughts on the future of the Direct Market.

Live selling platform Whatnot is Co-Sponsoring the ICv2 Insider Talks: Direct Market Summit, the companies announced.

The final session at the ICv2 Insider Talks: Direct Market Summit, and Comic Industry Social Hour at New York Comic Con, will bring together a panel of industry thought leaders to mark the 50th anniversary of the Direct Market with a look ahead to its future.

ReedPop will host a full day of trade programming and events, including the ICv2 Insider Talks, at New York Comic Con on Thursday, October 12.