• In 1979 direct editions were approximately 5-6% of total print runs.
• By 1986 it was roughly a 50/50 split.
• By 1995 newsstand editions accounted for less than 10% of print runs.
• info from https://rarecomics.wordpress.com/newsstand-vs-direct-edition-comics/

I disagree that they sell quite often more than direct. Most collectors just want the book, be it direct or newsstand. I will say there are more wanting to collect newsstand than before but not a huge amount care if it’s direct or newsstand.

Newsstand & Whitman are more difficult to find in nice shape, so there doesn't have to be a huge amount of people who care.


This myth that collectors don't care was started by Overstreet so they wouldn't have to double their number of listings in their price guide.

It's perpetuated by lazy price guide admins so they don't have to increase their workload to track it.

The lack of effort to track the price differences ultimately results in the suppression of those price differences.

Collectors do care.


Mile High Comics saw the opportunity to cater to the public demand for Newsstand versions. They price Newsstand versions more accordingly.


I strongly disagree with your assertion, so we are in full agreement to disagree.

The diamond box about the price signified that the comics was sold to a wholesaler to be redistributed to a retailer. (Non-newstand retailers).Often by Western Publishing and with the Whitman imprint. Examples of non-newsstand retailers were Woolworth, McCrory, and other five and dime stores in the 1970's. (What today would be Dollar General or similar).

More than you every want to know is online here http://www.bipcomics.com/showcase/Direct/index.php


In general - there is no value difference for diamond issue. The Whitman imprint is almost always with less than the original - similar to a second print. .