Image Comics’ Summer 2024 Image Select Retailer Award winner is: Hall of Justice Comics in Parker, Colorado. The winner was announced last night, Thursday, July 25 at the Lunar Distribution retailer event during San Diego Comic-Con.
“When Alex [Cox, Director of Direct Market Sales at Image Comics] called to let us know about the win, we were absolutely floored!” said Jon Garnett of Hall of Justice Comics & Collectibles. “We have some amazing customers, and are honored that they took the time to nominate us! Everyday our staff strives to make anyone who sets foot in the shop feel welcome and a part of the comic community. Without the support of that community and the friendships that it has fostered, we all wouldn’t be able to do what we love, and that is sell comics! A giant shout out to the folks at Image who create opportunities like this and really help to foster that community by publishing a variety of comic titles ensuring that there is something for everyone!”
The shop was in the top tier of most nominations in sheer volume from devoted customers glad to share their support for the shop.
“Amazing customer service,” said Tony Bushell, a customer of Hall of Justice Comics. “Has become a pillar of the community with things like free comic book day and signings of local creators. They make amazing recommendations based on my pull list.”
The Image Select Retailer Award is a new initiative from Image to galvanize recognition of members of the Comic Book Direct Market retail community that are going above and beyond to serve their customers, expand readership, and grow a healthier marketplace. The previous winner of the award was Nirvana Comics in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Comic shops were nominated by fans via a form submission and based on on criteria such as:
- exemplary customer service
- thoughtful and exciting hand-selling recommendations
- efforts fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
- easy-to-browse shelving
- attractive and innovative displays
- forward-thinking customer marketing and out-of-box consumer outreach
- community engagement
- robust inventory of & support for Image Comics and other creator-owned/indie comics
The Image team read and tallied thousands of glowing testimonials about stores in order to select the winner. As the first Image Comics Select Retailer award winner, Nirvana Comics will receive:
- a commemorative medallion to display with pride
- a spotlight Q&A to be featured on Image Comics’ social media platforms and Website
- the store’s choice of a gold foil exclusive variant, branded as an Image Select Retailer Award winner, with store logo (limited to 250 copies).
The Local Comic Shop is the sales backbone of the comic book industry, and sadly, the least appreciated when it comes to award recognition. The Image Select Retailer Award is a way to reward and spotlight stores that have done exemplary work expanding the audience, and evangelizing the medium to new readers. Image Comics feels that there is not enough being done to point out stores that are raising the bar, changing the marketplace, and building readership, and this award is meant as a fun way to help repair that oversight.
The next Image Select Retailer Appreciation Award nomination window will be announced soon via the official Image website, social media, and via Lunar Distribution communication, to retailers and the public for those interested in nominating their store.