UPDATE: Comic book sales are witnessing an unprecedented surge, with national sales skyrocketing by 27% in early 2025, compared to the previous year, according to industry experts at ICv2. This surge is fueled by the blockbuster success of superhero films and the growing popularity of local comic shops like Collector’s Connection in Duluth.
Staff at Collector’s Connection report a booming business as customers flood in seeking everything from classic titles like Batman to the latest Spider-Man releases. “I’ve had to keep filling this up,” said Ella Oveson, the store’s “comic captain.” With multiple iterations of popular characters available, including Batman Detective Comics and Supergirl, the demand is clearly on the rise.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, interest in related comics has never been higher. Oveson attributes much of this growth to the in-person community that comic shops foster. “Sometimes people just come grab their comics; sometimes they want to sit and talk,” she explained. This sense of community is crucial in an increasingly digital world where people crave real connections.
The appeal of comics spans generations. “Comics tend to stay pretty family-friendly, which makes it easier for everyone to get into them,” Oveson noted. With Twin Ports comic shops seeing a diverse clientele, the resurgence of interest in this medium is evident. Oveson added, “We have kids that come in here all the time.”
Despite the rise of digital platforms for reading comics, physical copies remain in high demand. Oveson remarked, “There’s just something different about having a physical copy.” Many customers prefer to browse the shelves, trusting local shops over online marketplaces, especially with concerns about online scams involving counterfeit collectibles.
Collector’s Connection stocks both mainstream titles and independent comics, including local works like the Smarg series by Duluth Art Institute’s Jesse Switters. These independent titles provide a fresh perspective and allow new voices to emerge in the comic book landscape. “The barriers for creating comics aren’t as financially daunting as other media,” Switters explained.
As global tensions rise, many are turning to comics for an escape. Kerns-Baladad, a staff member at Collector’s Connection, drew parallels between today’s stressors and the Golden Age of comics in the 1930s and 1940s, stating, “The idea of having some superhero to come and save things is kind of nice.”
With the demand for comics growing and sales projections looking optimistic, comic shops like Collector’s Connection are not just selling products; they are fostering a community of enthusiasts and providing a much-needed escape for many in challenging times.
As we watch this trend develop, it’s clear that the love for comics is not just surviving; it’s thriving. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting resurgence in the world of comics.
