So, the sky's falling? I realize owning a comics shop must be tough. But sometimes it seems retailers are just desperate for something to harp about. Case in point: retailer Mike Boze's complaint at ICv2.com about the "superstores":

"I would like to point out an event that happened yesterday. I had two high school age males in the store yesterday looking through the Magic: The Gathering commons and uncommons. As they were preparing to leave, one of two asked me if a new Punisher was out. I informed him that Punisher was a monthly comic and was out pretty regular. His reply, and I quote, 'No that isn't what I mean, I'm not sure what they are called, but I go to Books-A-Million and read them and I was wondering when the new one was going to be out.'

"I guess after he saw my look he just paid for his cards and left. We all know this is a common practice. I guess I was just shocked that he was so bold about it. I just wish that the publishers really considered how good a policy this is (to invest so much effort into large chain stores) and how long before we really begin to see the effects of the long-term damage to the smaller comic shops."