A Few Thoughts on Tough Times…
March 16, 2009 by Jim Salicrup
Filed under Papercutz Blog
This is just a quick message to let you know that all of us at Papercutz are painfully aware of the current state of the world’s economy. Even though I will continue to let you know about all the latest Papercutz developments here and on the “Watch Out For Papercutz” page in the back of all our graphic novels, we know that for many of our fans these are very difficult times.
That’s why I want to mention to everyone that most of our Papercutz graphic novels are available at most public libraries, as well as at many school libraries. As much as we want our line of graphic novels to be as successful as possible, we understand that at times like these, families are faced with tough choices – and food and shelter must always come way before spending hard-earned dollars on movies, video games, or graphic novels. So, if you, or your family, are struggling to make ends meet, keep in mind that you can always go to your local library and check out DVDs and many graphic novels for free.
And for you fortunate folks not hit by hard times, checking out Papercutz titles from your local library is a great risk-free way to sample Papercutz graphic novels that you may not have tried yet.
Of course, if you’ve picked-up HARDY BOYS Graphic Novel #16 “Shhhhhh!” by Scott Lobdell, writer, and Paulo Henrique, artist, you already know that Papercutz is a big supporter of libraries. Not only do we see that Frank and Joe’s mom, Laura Hardy, is a librarian, but we also see her introduce President Barack Obama, in a surprise cameo appearance, and include a snippet from his real-life pre-presidential speech to librarians. We included a link to the speech in question, but unfortunately that link has expired. To read an article by then-Senator Barack Obama based on that speech, go to:
http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/resources/selectedarticles/obama05.cfm
In the meantime, everyone here at Papercutz is working extra hard to ensure that we’re delivering the best value we possibly can in every comicbook and graphic novel we produce. We also wish everyone the strength, confidence, and courage to get through the many difficult days ahead.
Cool! When you mentioned guest stars in your last post, I wondered if one of them was Obama…I didn’t think it would be so soon, though. Is ”Shhhhhh!” out? Amazon says it doesn’t come out until April.
BTW, Papercutz’ MySpace page shows a new cover for “Shhhhhh!”, could you post a bigger version of this? I can’t see what the caption says.
http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o454/mikepetranek/HB16-1.jpg
Spencer, I don’t want to give the wrong impression about President Barack Obama’s cameo appearance in HARDY BOYS Graphic Novel #16 “Shhhhhh!” — he’s just in one panel, giving a speech on the importance of libraries. It’s not like he’s in action, side-by-side with Frank and Joe Hardy! That would be silly! But there’s certainly lots of thrills, chills, and all-out fun in set in a very unlikely place — the National Library of Education in Washington DC!
HARDY BOYS Graphic Novel #16 “Shhhhhh!” Shhhhhhhould, er, I mean, should be on sale today everywhere.
We’ll try to post a new bigger cover pic soon, but so you don’t go crazy waiting, the caption on the cover says:
SPECIAL EXCERPT:
DEPRIVATION HOUSE
THE NEW HARDY BOYS THRILLER!
It’s a special bonus excerpt from the Simon & Schuster Hardy Boys novel, presented to give readers of just the Papercutz graphic novels an idea of what they’re missing in the action-packed prose paperbacks!
Please let us know what you think of HB #16. Love it, hate it — we want to know!
Great post Jim! It’s great that you’re tapping into libraries to reach your audience. We need more publishers like Papercutz willing to invest in introducing comics to kids. Best of luck!
Thanks, Brian! Librarians from all over have been telling us that it’s hard to keep Papercutz graphic novels on the shelves. Just as soon as one is returned, it’s quickly being checked out again! And, Brian, don’t forget that Papercutz graphic novels are for all-ages — not just kids!