Do films boost comics sales? In an article that can't resist the requisite "Kapow! Splat! Blam!!" lead, the Lakeland (Fla.) Ledger wonders whether the success of comic-book films helps the sales of actual comic books. While folks like Comic Buyer's Guide's John Jackson Miller and Marvel's Dan Buckley contend the movies will give the industry a shot in the arm, some local retailers aren't so sure:
 
"The Fantasy Factory has sold comic books in Lakeland for 18 years. Were it not for comic book alternatives, such as DVDs, video games and toys, manager John Hatfield says, the store wouldn't have survived.
 
"Unlike many comic book stores nationally, The Fantasy Fantasy hasn't benefited from Spider-Man casting his web on the big screen. The fan base remains the same, regardless of popular movies, Hatfield says."