It may seem like graphic novels became popular overnight, but Koen Book Distributors, the Moorestown, N.J.—based book wholesaler, has been specializing in distributing graphic novels since 1995. Ed Evans, director of sales at Koen, said the company has been working for the last seven years to introduce the category to the book trade. In 1995, the company purchased the assets of the bankrupt wholesaler Inland Book Co. and hired Inland account manager and graphic novel specialist John Davis.
Davis helped launch the Loose Canons catalogue, a compilation of book-format comics, science fiction, fantasy and other pop culture—related titles. "There's been so much growth, we can't keep graphic novels in stock," said Evans. Now, Koen is working to get more graphic novels into more retail outlets, independent bookstores, chains and nontraditional outlets like record stores. "Independent bookstores are beginning to wake up," said Evans, who noted that Koen has about 300 independent accounts stocking graphic novels. "Record stores want to set up book sections and they want graphic novels. The backlist is all new to them," Evans said.
Koen is launching Koen Comics—Davis calls it "son of Loose Canons"—a new catalogue much more focused on book-format comics featuring more than 3,000 titles from a host of graphic novel publishers. Like other wholesalers, Evans said, Koen is seeing "explosive" sales of graphic novels led by manga (Japanese comics) titles.
Koen is making the rounds of the regional bookseller shows to promote graphic novels and inform booksellers about the wide variety of titles available. "Everyone was asking about graphic novels" at the recent New England Booksellers Association convention, Evans said. And just back from the Great Lakes Bookseller Association show in Dearborn, Mich., Davis told PW, "Booksellers want to set up graphic novel sections, and they're looking for information and support."
Evans said Koen is offering a listing of the top 100 graphic novels, including bestselling titles, rounded out with across-the-board selections ranging from superheroes to literary comics.
