The comics industry has been disrupted at every point from creation to sales due to COVID-19. Publishers have been scrambling to figure out what to do in these uncertain times.

DC has been relatively quiet as to their plans but has announced to retailers some of their changes.

The publisher is making all periodicals and books with in-store dates between March 18, 2020 and June 24, 2020 returnable. They’re even crediting for the return shipping.

The publisher is also working through what different regional disruption means. Currently, some shops are closed completely, others are open with limited business, and others are completely open. DC is now exploring a multi-distributor model to create flexibility during this time period. They are still working with Diamond Comic Distributors to get new product out through their distribution. More details are coming as far as this plan and what it might mean for retailers.

We’ll have more coming in this developing story.

Update: The publisher has said they will continue with digital comics but will revisit that plan depending on what happens with physical distribution down the road. DC’s releases are still listed in comiXology’s upcming page for what’s being released this coming week. DC’s release page shows a full release schedule on April 1. Their studies have determined it’s two different audiences so they feel the release of digital comics will not impact the eventual sale of their physical counterparts. This is compared to Marvel whos comics are also shown on comiXology’s release page but the calendar shows only two releases.