Green Arrow #1 Sold Out and Back to Press

“We’re going back to press!” was the enthusiastic cry from Patricia Jeres, DC’s Director of Marketing Communications, on the announcement that Green Arrow #1, the first of Kevin Smith’s run, completely sold out even before it hit the stands.

Though DC doesn’t confirm print run counts, the rumored six figures is almost unprecedented. “But the great reception for Green Arrow was anticipated as soon as we started seeing the advance material,” Jeres explains. “That’s why it was generously overprinted. The initial orders were strong and only seem conservative in retrospect of the quick sell-out.”

From the set of “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” Smith said, “I guess they’re doing 15,000 overprint copies that have already sold out. I’ve got my complimentary box of 25. I’m hanging on to ‘em.”

And he wouldn’t be wrong to do just that. According to Jeres, retailers have reacted “with great enthusiasm for the series and support for DC’s reorder policy and willingness to go back to press to meet their needs.” It should be noted that DC’s retailer support is unparalleled in the comics industry, providing hands on reorder assistance from the in-house Direct Sales staff.

Green Arrow isn’t just a flashy book that everyone wants; the story itself is something to see. “This success couldn’t happen to a more deserving creative team and project,”Bob Schreck, DC Group Editor and Green Arrow editor says, “We’re all very excited by the initial response to the work and grateful to retailers for their early confidence and support. This issue is one for the vault; it’s aesthetically sound as well as commercially viable; it’s not just a book it’s a book-and-a-half! Since I know what happens well into the series, I can guarantee it’s only going to snowball from here.”

Jeres is looking forward to continued success. “Knowing where the story is going, seeing the upcoming art and covers,” she said, “I have every confidence we’ve got a hit on our hands!”

Smith is hanging on to his hit. Holding a copy of his own book, he leaps to the rescue in the L.A. drizzle: “Put that back in the bag! Don’t let that get wet!