What's Happening?
Bud Plant, a prominent figure in the comic book retail industry, has sold his company, Bud's Art Books, to Bill Schanes and Sasha Fera-Schanes. The transaction, completed on January 15, transfers ownership of the Grass Valley, California-based online
mail order business known for its collection of comic books, fantasy art, and horror materials. Bud Plant, who has been in the business for over 50 years, decided to step back to enjoy more personal time, although he will continue to run a separate business selling old books and comics. Bill Schanes, a former publisher of Pacific Comics and vice president at Diamond Comic Distributors, plans to expand the company's offerings and maintain its reputation for integrity and insight into comics and art books.
Why It's Important?
The sale of Bud's Art Books signifies a major shift in the comic book retail industry, as a well-respected business changes hands. Bill Schanes aims to diversify the company's offerings, potentially impacting the availability of independent creators' works. This transition could influence the comic book market by introducing new products and maintaining the company's established customer base. The reputation of Bud Plant, known for his integrity and deep knowledge of comics, is a valuable asset that Schanes hopes to preserve and build upon, ensuring the company's continued success in the evolving pop culture landscape.
What's Next?
Under new ownership, Bud's Art Books is expected to expand its product range and include more independent creators. Bill Schanes plans to hire Marty Grosser to replace Bud Plant as the voice of the company's catalogue, aiming to maintain the personal touch that customers appreciate. The company will likely focus on diversifying its offerings while continuing to serve its existing customer base. This strategic direction could lead to increased visibility for lesser-known artists and creators, potentially reshaping the comic book retail market.
