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PanelFly Launches the First Online Wholesale Marketplace for Comic Retailers and Publishers

By John Freeman on April 23, 2025 • ( 1 )

PanelFly, a US-based revolutionary new online marketplace, is aiming to transform the comic book industry by directly connecting retailers and publishers for wholesale purchasing.

PanelFly is the first online wholesale marketplace designed specifically for comic book retailers and publishers.

The team at Austin-based PanelFly, led by Founder and CEO Amir Bahari, say this first-of-its-kind platform eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional distribution models, offering retailers flexible ordering, real-time inventory, and direct access to publishers without the high costs and delays of legacy distributors.

“Our mission is to modernise comic book distribution by making it more accessible, efficient, and profitable for all industry stakeholders,” says Amir, who is also a graphic novel writer and co-founder of the award-winning Elite Sweets with Tim Cole.

For decades, comic book retailers have been limited to a handful of major distributors, facing long wait times, high fees, and restrictive ordering policies. PanelFly is changing the game by providing a streamlined, transparent, and cost-effective alternative.

“With the comic book industry evolving, it’s time for a smarter, more flexible way for retailers to source inventory,” says Amir. “We’re putting power back in the hands of publishers and retailers, ensuring better margins, faster fulfilment, and a more diverse selection of comics.”

PanelFly has several aims including Direct Publisher Access, so retailers can order comics directly from publishers, cutting out middlemen and reducing costs; Real-Time Inventory & Ordering (No more delayed shipments or stock uncertainty); and Lower Fees & Faster Payments, a more sustainable model for both retailers and publishers.

The platform also features Marketing & Analytics Tools, helping publishers grow their audience and retailers optimise their inventory, and Flexible Ordering. Retailers can buy what they need, when they need it, without strict pre-ordering policies.

A Game-Changer for Indie Publishers and Retailers

*PanelFly, a US-based revolutionary new online marketplace*

For independent publishers, PanelFly is seeking to offer an unparalleled opportunity to reach retailers without the barriers imposed by traditional distributors. By listing their titles directly, publishers gain control over pricing, marketing, and sales, ensuring they get paid faster and retain more revenue.

Early adopters offering work on the site through its catalogue pages include California-based indie 10 Ton Press, headed up by John Hageman, Pakkins Presents, run by Gary Shipman out of Zion, Illinois, the award-winning Houston-based Red 5 Comics, and Wise Acre Comics, a black and veteran-owned and independent comic book publisher based in Goodyear, Arizona.

Retailers benefit from a dynamic and diverse catalogue, enabling them to stock the comics their customers demand without being restricted by bulk order minimums or distributor exclusivity agreements.

• PanelFly is now open for publisher and retailer sign-ups. For more information, visit PanelFly.io or contact amir@panelfly.io

• Max Hoven talks with Amir Bahari, CEO of the startup PanelFly, who breaks down the problems with the old and current industry models, which led to the bankruptcy of Diamond Comic Distributors, and how his company plans to solve those issues and bottlenecks | Interview published on YouTube 15th April 2025

With thanks to Nick Abadzis for the news tip

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.