Top Cow promotes direct-market initiatives

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik outlined several of Top Cow’s initiatives at the ComicsPRO annual meeting of direct-market retailers.  First and foremost among Sablik’s points was the company’s promise to hold the price point of its regular books at $2.99 through 2009.

The trade dress of the books has been redesigned to highlight the price.  Sablik said any book at a higher price would have more pages or extras included.

Sablik also reminded retailers of the direct-market exclusive pricing on the first volumes of the Ron Marz “Witchblade” and “Darkness: Accursed,” which retail through comic shops at just $4.99.  These each collect six issues.   Volume 2 of “Darkness: Accursed” is set for April release at $9.99.

Sablik reminded retailers to sign up for Top Cow’s “Let Us Win You Over” campaign, in which selected retailers will receive free books to give away to consumers.  It will feature 25 stores per month, and is a yearlong campaign to attract new readers.   More information is available at www.topcow.com/freecomics.

– Matt Price