The publication Comic Shop News, a free weekly newsletter distributed to patrons of comic book specialty stores, began its long-standing run in 1987. Founded by Cliff Biggers and Ward Batty, who were also the co-owners of a comic shop in Marietta, Georgia, the newsletter was born out of a perceived need for a focused, industry-specific publication. At the time, major comic publishers like DC and Marvel distributed their own newsletters, but Biggers and Batty saw a niche for a publication that was upbeat and directly focused on new products available for pre-order. This model proved successful, as the newsletter was sold to comic shops in bundles, serving as both a sales tool and a means to reward regular customers. The publication’s strategic distribution method allowed it to become a widely circulated weekly within the comic book industry, reportedly selling over 130 million copies over its history.

Originally a modest four-page, black-and-white fanzine, Comic Shop News evolved over the decades to better serve its audience. The newsletter expanded to eight pages and eventually adopted a full-color format, reflecting the changing landscape of both publishing and the comic industry itself. Its content is primarily dedicated to news, providing a comprehensive resource for fans looking to stay informed. Core features include a complete monthly checklist of new comics with order numbers, exclusive hot picks, and a section dedicated to noteworthy first issues. This practical and informative approach helped solidify its reputation as a valuable source of insider perspectives and news.

Beyond its role as a news publication, Comic Shop News has also featured unique, original content. A notable example is a series of original preview strips for the acclaimed comic book series Powers, created by Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming. These strips were colored and lettered by Bendis himself, serving as a companion piece to the upcoming series and later collected in the first volume of the Powers hardcover collection. The newsletter’s influence also extended into other media, with a mock version of the publication appearing in the opening credits of Kevin Smith’s 1997 film, Chasing Amy, a nod to its significance within the comic book culture of the time.

In a significant change to its long history, the publication was sold in late 2022 to CSN Press, LLC, with David Witting taking over as editor. This transition marked a new chapter for the newsletter, which refreshed its logo and layout. The new ownership also expanded the editorial focus to include the broader range of products found in modern comic book stores, such as games and other pop culture merchandise. Despite these changes, it has remained a consistent weekly print publication, continuing its mission of highlighting the best new products and providing a central hub for industry news for over 35 years.

The Phantom has been featured in multiple editions, both on the front cover and within its pages. Among these editions as featured below, they include: number 85 (published in 1989), number 1129 (published in 2009), number 1197 (published in 2010) and number 1499 (published in 2016).

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