The Walking Dead #127 Sells Out, Image Calls on Retailers To Order Bigger In the Future

The Walking Dead

#127, out yesterday, has already sold out at Diamond Comics Distributors and will had back for a second printing, prompting Image Comics to once again remind retailers to increase their orders on the best-selling title. "It's always frustrating when a bona fide hit like The Walking Dead sells out," said Eric Stephenson, Publisher at Image Comics. "When we sell out, stores can't sell the book, and readers can't get it—we all suffer. In the time it takes to reprint a book like The Walking Dead #127, we're all left waiting weeks, and it just winds up being a missed opportunity. That said, we are making it easier for retailers to restock this issue, while also making sure they don't sell out of the next one quite so quickly." On the heels of Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard's conclusion to the months-long, twice-monthly "All Out War" story arc, this issue marks a new beginning for the hit series and theoretically a jumping-on point for new readers. "This 'new beginning' was a big risk for us, and it's extremely gratifying to see how well it's been received," said Kirkman. "It's good to know that despite so many changes in the book, the devotion of its readers hasn't changed at all."

Image was quick to point out that "despite being the best-selling franchise in the industry according to Diamond Distributors, a fixture of the New York Times bestseller list for numerous consecutive weeks, and having a hit cable television show on AMC of the same name, the series remains under-ordered within the direct market a stunning 10 years and 127 issues after its debut." The issue has completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores. The digital version is currently available DRM-free on the Image Comics website, plus it can be downloaded from Comixology on the web, Android, and Google Play (iOS not supported). The second printing of The Walking Dead #127 and the first and only printing of The Walking Dead #128 will be released on June 11, according to the publisher. "We want retailers to join us in making The Walking Dead #127 the last issue we reprint for this series," noted Stephenson. "This is the beginning of the 22nd arc for one of the most successful comic series of all time, and it shouldn't be news to anyone that this is a solid seller, on an issue-to-issue basis. We're going to do our part by making this series easier than ever for retailers to support, but after that, it's up to them to make sure every issue is available to as many readers who want the book, month-in and month-out."