Since the early 20th century, hundreds of comic books have been published, some containing collections of noted comic strips, others consisting of new material. Some deal with contemporary American life; some are condensations of literary classics; still others are adventure stories. They appear periodically or as special issues.
Demand.
Demand for comics have kept steady, even with inflation. Generally, the demand increases whenever a new series starts, or a writer or artist comes on board and radically changes the comic. Comic books do have elasticity of demand. Comics have many substitutes. Any form of entertainment can be applied as a substitute, from television to magazines. On percentage of budget, people who buy at stores will stop buying for a few issues if the price increases. Subscribers, however, are different people. They are the ones who will pay any price for their comics. Over time, readers will adjust to an increase in prices.
Supply.
The supply of comics is elastic. At higher prices, more comics are produced. Likewise, at lower prices, fewer comics are produced. However, at higher prices, it usually means the comic is of better quality and material. On the price effect, new methods are constantly changing production costs, most of the time improving the book, but at a higher price. Comics seem to become popular when some other form of media is involved. When the X-Men film opened in the summer of 2000, the supply and demand increased for Marvel Comics. On expectations, although comic book manufacturers cant hold a comic and release it later, comic shops can, and do. If a popular comic that the demand is high for arrives, the store will only put out a few copies and sell the others when the collectibility is higher. Likewise, comic book manufacturers ration popular comics, so they can do a reprint and make more money off an already released book.
Consumers & Advertising.
