MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
Kids and Comics
If every kid likes comics, then why doesn't every kid read comics?
There is only one reason that somebody who enjoys something simply doesn't - they can't find it. Sure money is an issue, but that simply slows you down. If you want it, you can get it. That is our world. No comic shop nearby? Order online. Nothing to eat in the house? Call for pizza. Case in point: want a good laugh? Read Archie Comics. 
Last night hitting the supermarket for some odds and ends it was extremely nice to see an Archie Digest, in particular Archie Digest #231. You see for the past year or so several chains of super markets that used to carry comics stopped. So of course seeing this you might use the term “geeked out” as some fully-grown man blurted out: “Oh, Man! Archie comics. Awesome!” 
It was mildly embarrassing, but considering yours truly usually cleans and reorganizes bookstore magazine shelves (with Archie comics in front, of course), people staring with a bit of confusion and amusement is no biggie. Actually, a few people on the line picked the book up and flipped through. It’s possible a few people even bought a copy that might not have normally. Also, I picked up a copy of the new Disney Comic Zone. Let’s face it: we are all suckers for a good laugh. Make it easy to find and we can’t resist.
Anyway, back to the point. And there is one in here somewhere.
Ok, kids and comics. Recently doing a little homework for some custom comic proposal for good ol’ Archie an interesting fact came up. According to the latest U.S. census survey the population, of kids from 0-14 years is 20.4% (male 31,095,847/female 29,715,872) of the population. That is a huge number. The best selling comics, only a handful sells in the 100,000 plus numbers. Archie Digests and Double Digests sell over that or near that every issue across the line. It is one of the reasons that Archie is most people’s first comic reading and reading experience in general.
It is a start in getting more readers into comics. Marvel has a great program, Cover Concepts to help get kids into reading. Here is the blurb:
Cover Concepts, a division of Marvel Entertainment, has been providing FREE materials to over half the nation’s schools since 1989. Cover Concepts works in tandem with administrators and teachers to distribute sponsored materials such as book covers, educational comics, teacher’s guides, posters, bookmarks, and specialty packs to name a few.
As America’s largest resource for FREE classroom materials, Cover Concepts reaches 30 million kids in grades K-12, 1.2 million kids in daycare centers, 5 million kids in libraries and 750,000 kids in summer camps nationwide.
Check out there website: Cover Concepts.com
Archie Comics has put together a School Fundraising program you can read about from a previous column HERE
By the way if any more programs like this exist, let us know.
The other big push, mentioned a million times in a million places, is for comic shops to display the all ages material, comic, magazines, how to, manga, digests and trades near the front door. The hope is to make it easier for parents and kids to find their comics. Most kids might not ask where a comic is and might just walk out. Plus, signs “If you like this you’ll like this” would do a great job of creating awareness.
Do any stores actually do this? If so, why? If not, why? Write in it would be great to hear from the retailers. You’re guaranteed an answer.
Comics are making some progress in reclaiming a younger and broader audience. Archie Comics, DC Johnny, Marvel Adventures plus other titles, Disney Adventures, and handfuls of Manga and independent publishers are all making some waves in the kiddie end of the pool.
See you next Tuesday!
Send your thoughts and projects you’d like to see reviewed to: MikeP@SilverBulletComicbooks.com
Check out some new All Ages reads on sale this week:
OCT060228 SHOWCASE PRESENTS: BRAVE & BOLD BATMAN TEAM-UPS VOL 1 $16.99
NOV062288 AVENGERS NEXT #5 (OF 5) $2.99
NOV062380 MARVEL ADVENTURES FLIP MAGAZINE #21 $4.99
NOV062279 SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #14 $2.99
NOV063296 BETTY #162 $2.25
NOV063393 FUTURAMA COMICS #29 $2.99
NOV063301 JUGHEAD AND FRIENDS DIGEST #17 $2.49
JUL053175 OWLY VOL 3 FLYING LESSONS TP $10.00
NOV063395 SIMPSONS CLASSICS #11 $3.99
NOV063305 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #171 $2.25
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
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