Introduction to Comics: Where, When, How to Find Them!

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Introduction to Comics: Where, When, How to Find Them!

11/20/2023 9:00am

New to comics? Want to make sure you get each issue of a series? Here are some tips on when, where, and how to get the comics you want!

Where do I get single issue comics? Comic shops! Visit comicshoplocator.com to find a shop near you or browse websites for those that offer online orders. (This does include shops outside North America.)

Single issues are also available via digital services when Dark Horse has digital rights, including Dark Horse Digital and ComiXology.
Will there be a collection (book or graphic novel)? Yes, a trade paperback (TPB) or hardcover (HC) collection generally follows single issues, collecting several issues or the full run of a miniseries together in one volume.

Once a collection is available for pre-order, it will be listed on darkhorse.com and retailer websites (both comic shops and bookstores).
Where do I get graphic novels, art books, or manga? Both bookstores and comic shops! Books by Dark Horse typically arrive at book retailers (bookstores, Amazon, wherever books are sold--visit bookshop.org to find more local bookstores) on Tuesdays, and comic shops on Wednesdays. Digital book release dates usually match the release date at bookstores.
How do I guarantee I'll get a copy? Place a pre-order with your comic shop (or bookstore) to ensure that you get the title or cover you want! Shops base their stock on what they expect people will buy, so your pre-orders help ensure that they stock what you want. Pre-orders also help Dark Horse know how many to print!

You can also specify which cover you want when there are multiple options or variants for a comic title.

Can I subscribe to a series? Ask your comic shop to add a series to your pull list or subscription box—they'll order each issue for you to pick up when it arrives.
When do new comics come out? New comic issues are released on Wednesdays at comic shops.

Digital editions of single issues become available the same day as the print release.
How often do comics in a series come out? Single issue comics in a series are usually released once per month.

Dark Horse comics are typically grouped in shorter miniseries following one story arc, rather than one continuous, ongoing series under one title. Multiple miniseries together can form larger series featuring the same characters such as Hellboy, B.P.R.D., Black Hammer, and Beasts of Burden.
Miss an issue? Many comic shops carry some back issues, so check around for issues you missed and want to collect. And most comic shops will also special order for you, as long as a title is still available. TFAW.com carries all Dark Horse comics, and you can order directly from them.
Why can't I buy comics directly from your website? Dark Horse is not a retailer, and we can't currently sell physical items directly to customers. This is why we refer you to your local comic shop, bookstore, or TFAW.com. Find links to purchase on each comic's listing on our website.

Dark Horse does offer digital comics/books through our digital platform (digital.darkhorse.com; apps available for iOS and Android). Dark Horse Direct offers deluxe, limited-edition products directly to fans.
Will a comic be available in languages besides English? It depends on the title. International publishers can license works to be localized and published in other regions around the world and in different languages.

Dark Horse comics are available worldwide in English to comics retailers through Penguin Random House Comics and Diamond Comic Distributors. Dark Horse Books are generally available through Penguin Random House and other regional distributors like Turnaround UK to bookstores and other retailers. Wherever we have distribution rights for a title, you should be able to order it from comic shops and book retailers.
Find out about new and upcoming titles each month on Penguin Random House Comics and our website, www.darkhorse.com/All/Upcoming. We also feature new titles every week on our website and social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), and more.

Last updated November 2023

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Introduction to Comics: Where, When, How to Find Them!

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Introduction to Comics: Where, When, How to Find Them!

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