Two days ago, Bleeding Cool reported that DC Comics had increased the price of the Action Comics #1000 hardcover, planned for April, from $30 to $50. It seems that it had not been mentioned in any DC Newsletters that had gone out to retailers after the change had been made, and that many retailers learned of this news by reading it on Bleeding Cool.

As a result, a private Facebook group in which DC Comics representatives talk directly to comic book retailers was filled with fury yesterday — with the accusation that DC Comics had tried to pull a fast one over Christmas. The price wasn't the issue as much, but different price points have different demands and retailers who had ordered at a $30 price point wouldn't be able to sell as many at a $50 price point and might have been stuck with copies if they hadn't just been informed of the change.

Then, DC Comics Senior Vice President – Sales and Trade Marketing John Cunningham appeared as if by magic, explaining to retailers that the decision to increase this price was made on December 20th, when many in the office were not around. As a result, it hadn't received the usual rigorous analysis, or been added to the DC Retailer Mailer. As a result of the complaints, the issue has been revisited and Cunningham was able to announce that the price change had been reversed and it would now be back to the $29.99 price point.

Retailers are to expect an update on just what is inside the 384-page hardcover in the first week of January, and the book on April 11th.

ACTION COMICS #1000 80 YEARS OF SUPERMAN HC

Join us for the 80th anniversary celebration of the most important comic book in American history: ACTION COMICS #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman! It's an extraordinary party as we revisit stories from across the decades, featuring the debuts of not just the Man of Tomorrow, but also Supergirl, Brainiac, the Fortress of Solitude and more! See the work of generations of top writers and artists on the original superhero! Enjoy sparkling essays from literary wizards who have won Pulitzer Prizes and hit the bestseller lists, including Jules Feiffer, who relives his memories of when ACTION COMICS #1 first hit newsstands. Plus, a historical essay by guest editor Paul Levitz, and all one thousand ACTION COMICS covers presented on a special 30″ x by 39.75″ poster! And as a bonus, don't miss a previously unpublished 1940s Superman tale believed to be written by Jerry Siegel with art by the Joe Shuster studio, salvaged fifty years ago and hidden away until now! This new hardcover serves as a companion to the ACTION COMICS #1000 comic book coming in March!

One final correction: the standardish-size Action Comics #1000 comic is also coming in April.