Before Comic-Con@Home got started Scoop reached out to a few individuals working in our hobby. Steve Houston of Torpedo Comics shared his expectations for Comic-Con this year and 2021 as well as how Torpedo is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scoop: Despite not having the live show, Comic-Con and the expected announcements from publishers and studios is still creating buzz among comic and related pop culture fans. Do you expect this to generate more sales of back issues, trades, and new titles?
SH: It may generate sales regarding exclusive variant comics, or other exclusive items that can only be purchased during the live event.

Scoop: What do you expect to see at next year’s Comic-Con since the live convention was cancelled this year?
SH: I am personally expecting the biggest and most celebrated show in years. The con has been going on without a break since 1970 and here we are in 2020, without a show. Dealers and fans alike are extremely sad. If COVID has passed as a danger, the 2021 show will be seen as a return to greatness, with fans going crazy as they realize just how much they missed Comic-Con.

Scoop: What changes would you like to see in Comic-Con?
SH: I would like to see more comic book related booths at the show. Over the last 10 years I have personally seen a major drop off of comic dealers attending the show.

Scoop: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all aspects of our industry. How has it impacted your company?
SH: COVID has forced Torpedo Comics to think outside the box and try bold new things related directly to the power of social media and the internet.

Scoop: What have you done differently during this time to generate sales?
SH: We initiated a rather aggressive Instagram “Live claim sale” for a few hours every day. This basically means that through the power of a live Instagram feed, we are able to bring new customers from around the country to our store and claim items we have for sale.

Scoop: As someone who works in the comics and collecting industry, what do you anticipate seeing in the market in the near future and long-term?
SH: I see a strong market as collectors still seem enthused to collect every variant printed by whatever company. The comic publishers seem to have worked out the perfect method to keep collectors coming back for more and more. Long-term I see more collectors coming into the hobby via exposure through the host of superhero movies and television shows that flood contemporary pop culture entertainment.