Image Comics will launch a new line of smaller, lower-priced graphic novels for Saga, one of its best-selling graphic novel series, in September. The first of the new 6″ x 9″ editions has been bargain-priced at $9.99; Volume 1 of the standard trade paperback edition also retails for $9.99. Volumes 2 and up of the 6″ x 9″ editions will likely be priced at $14.99, an Image spokesperson told ICv2. Recent volumes of the standard edition retail for $16.99.
The 6″ x 9″ format has been more commonly used for titles appropriate for younger readers in the past. For example, Image launched 6″ x 9″ editions of the Invincible collections last summer (see “New ‘Invincible’“). Marvel Comics began releasing 6″ x 9” editions of its Marvel Masterworks line back in 2021 (see “Less Pricey Masterworks Collections“).
The new Saga editions reflect a newer trend: releasing 6″ x 9″ versions of titles for older readers as a way to create a lower-priced option with different hand. DC Comics was the first we saw announce this strategy; it’s launching $9.99 digest-sized editions of titles from the adult comics line, including Watchmen, this summer (see “DC Launches Compact Comics“).
The first volume of the new Saga editions will feature a new cover by Fiona Staples.
Source: ICV2
