“Computer Glitch” Affects Amazon Graphic Novel Sales

By Jason Boog 

a.com_logo_RGB1.jpgAs we noted this morning, Amazon.com (AMZN) temporarily pulled the buy buttons on many graphic novels from comic book publishers like Marvel, IDW, Dark Horse, and Image Comics. The move followed a database error that listed incorrect prices for many titles handled by Diamond Book Distributors.

As of this 4:07 p.m. EST writing, the buttons had not returned. You can follow the buy-button status by checking the page for Daredevil Noir, a hardcover graphic novel collecting Alexander Irvine’s series. The Beat has more information about the costly “computer glitch” that caused problems for the online bookseller.

In the meantime, this is the perfect time to visit your local brick and mortar comic bookstore. “I don’t know that we will be too affected by that–I haven’t noticed any change today,” Alex Cox, owner of Rocketship Comics, told GalleyCat. “We rely on foot traffic–it’s more of a browsing experience for our customers. Amazon customers know what they want already, they are looking for bargains, mostly. I think that’s true for bookstores in general.”

Drop in the bucket or costly mistake? Include your thoughts in the comments.