The comic book industry has been heavily affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) with the temporary shutdown of Diamond Comic Distributors, resulting in no new comics being shipped for the foreseeable future. Now, DC Publisher and superstar artist Jim Lee has announced that he will sell his sketches and give the proceeds to brick and mortar comic book stores.
Lee posted one of his sketches on Instagram, which features Nightwing standing with a spotlight on him and holding his escrima sticks. The caption reads, "Nightwing! Here’s a chance to get some original art and do something good during these unprecedented times. I’ll be drawing and posting 60 different sketches—one a day over the next two months which I will then be auctioning off with all the proceeds going to different random brick and mortar stores. High bidder of each sketch gets to pick the next DC character I draw for the very next sketch! No character to be repeated! PLEASE DO NOT BID NOW. Will start officially this Wednesday (4/1) but just wanted to give all of you who want to participate a heads up."
With the shipment of physical comic books effectively halted, it puts comic book stores in jeopardy. Publishers have either chosen to release digitally, like Archie Comics, while others are waiting for Diamond to reopen before releasing their comics, like Dynamite Entertainment, Dark Horse Comics and Marvel Comics.
The digital and physical consumers are considered two different audiences, with the comic industry adapting to these changing times. Many comic book pros have taken to social media to offer words of hope and show their support of the LCS by asking fans to buy trade paperbacks and subscribing to mail subscription services.
For more information on COVID-19, along with basic protective measures such as social distancing, please visit the World Health Organization website.