If you're tired of missing out on key issues or finding empty shelves on New Comic Book Day, it's time to start a pull list. Here is everything you need to know about the most important tool in a collector's arsenal.
The Problem: Chaos on the Rack
Picture this: It's Wednesday. You rush to your local comic shop (LCS) after work to grab the latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man. You get there, scan the wall, and... it's gone. Sold out. Now you're hunting on eBay, paying a premium, or driving to three other stores.
The Solution: The Pull List
A pull list (or "subscription") is a service offered by comic shops and online retailers like Comic Sell. It's simple: you tell the shop which titles you want to read every month, and they "pull" those issues from the shipment before they hit the shelves, reserving them specifically for you.
Why You Need One
- Guaranteed Copies: Never miss an issue, even if it sells out instantly.
- Variant Access: Many shops give pull list members first dibs on rare incentive variants.
- Budget Control: You know exactly what you're buying each week, preventing impulse spending (mostly!).
- Condition: Pulled books are often handled less than shelf copies, meaning better grades for your collection.
How a Pull List Works (Step-by-Step)
Every shop or online retailer does things slightly differently, but the basic flow is the same.
Step 1: Choose Where You Want Your Pull List
You've got two main options:
- Local Comic Shop (LCS)
You visit in person, talk to the staff, and set up your list. They hold your books in a box or folder behind the counter. This supports local business and builds a relationship with your retailer. - Online Retailer / Comic Store Website
You create an account, browse upcoming releases, and click to "add to pull list" or "subscribe." Your books are then either shipped to you or held for combined shipping to save costs. This is often more convenient for those without a nearby shop.
For Comicsell.com, you'd typically have an account where you can manage your pulls, track upcoming issues, and adjust your list whenever your tastes evolve.
Step 2: Tell Them Which Series You Want
You don't need to know every issue number. The key is to identify:
- Title (e.g., Amazing Spider-Man)
- Volume or Year, if there are multiple modern runs (e.g., Amazing Spider-Man (2022))
- If possible, publisher (Marvel, DC, Image, etc.)
You can usually say:
"Add all new issues of Amazing Spider-Man starting from #XX to my pull list."
From then on, each new issue in that series gets pulled automatically.
Step 3: Learn When Orders Lock (FOC)
Behind the scenes, shops work with something called FOC - Final Order Cutoff.
- FOC is the last date retailers can adjust their orders with distributors and publishers.
- It's usually about 2-3 weeks before release.
If you add a new title to your pull list before FOC, you're almost guaranteed a copy. If you wait until after, you're relying on extra shelf copies that may or may not be available.
Step 4: Pick Up or Receive Your Comics Regularly
Most shops and online services expect a rhythm:
- Weekly (classic Wednesday pickup).
- Bi-weekly.
- Monthly.
You either walk into the store and say, "I'm here for my pull," or your stack ships out on your chosen schedule.
Keeping to a consistent pickup or shipping schedule is key to staying in good standing with your retailer and making sure your pull list stays active.
How to Use a Pull List to Keep Up with New Marvel Releases
Let's focus for a moment on Marvel Comics, because they're a major reason many readers start a pull list.
1. Lock In Your Core Ongoing Series
Marvel's flagship titles often include:
- Amazing Spider-Man
- X-Men and related series
- Avengers
- Fantastic Four
- Daredevil
- Wolverine, Venom, and more
Step one: decide your core Marvel pull-the must-read titles that you never want to miss.
2. Watch for Events and Crossovers
Marvel loves big summer events. When an event like Secret Wars or Blood Hunt is announced, you'll want to add the main event series to your pull list. Your retailer can often help you identify the tie-in issues if you want the full story.
Common Questions About Pull Lists
What is the difference between a pull list and a subscription?
They're similar, but not always identical. A pull list usually means your comics are pulled and held at a store for pickup. A subscription often implies your comics are mailed or shipped to you. Many modern services combine both ideas: you manage your pull list through an account and choose pickup or shipping.
Is a pull list free?
Most shops and online retailers don't charge a fee just to maintain a pull list. However, they expect you to pick up your comics regularly and not abandon large stacks of unclaimed books. Some stores might have minimums or specific policies, so it's always worth asking.
How do I add Marvel Comics to my pull list?
You simply tell your retailer which Marvel titles you want. For example: "Please add Amazing Spider-Man to my pull list" or "Add all issues of the new X-Men series starting from #1." You can also add limited series, events, and specific character minis as they're announced.
How do I keep up with new Marvel and other publisher releases?
To stay current, check monthly solicitations from Marvel and other publishers, browse "new this week" lists from retailers, follow announcement pages or newsletters, and add promising new series, events, and #1 issues to your pull list before FOC so you're guaranteed a copy.
Can I remove titles from my pull list?
Yes. Your pull list is flexible. You can tell your retailer at any time: "Remove [Title] from my pull list starting with the next issue." It's good etiquette to give them a bit of notice before a new order cycle where possible, but drops and changes are normal.
How many titles should I have on my pull list?
There's no hard rule. A simple way to decide is to set a monthly budget, estimate how many series fit within that budget, and keep your pull list focused on the series you're most excited to read. You can rotate series in and out as your tastes and budget change.
Can a pull list include indie comics too?
Absolutely. A pull list can include Marvel and DC superhero books, as well as Image, BOOM!, Dark Horse, IDW, Vault, and other indie publishers. Pre-ordering indie titles through a pull list is one of the best ways to support smaller creators and make sure you don't miss low-print-run series.
Do I need a pull list if I read digital comics?
Not necessarily, but it still helps. Many readers use a pull list for physical copies of their favorite titles or variants while reading other series digitally. You can mix both approaches depending on how you like to read and collect.
Final Thoughts: Turn the Chaos of New Releases into a Plan
The modern comics landscape-especially with Marvel's never-ending universe of heroes, events, and spin-offs-is exciting, but it's also overwhelming if you try to track everything manually.
A pull list turns that chaos into a plan:
- You never miss the Marvel and other publisher titles you love.
- You can explore new series at your own pace.
- Your collection grows in a more intentional way, instead of random impulse grabs.
Whether you're just dipping your toes into Marvel's latest relaunch or building a wall of indie trades and variant covers, a smart, regularly reviewed pull list-managed through your favorite retailer or an online store like Comicsell.com-is one of the most powerful tools you can use as a reader, fan, and collector.
Comics keep coming every week. A pull list makes sure the ones that matter most to you are always waiting in your stack, ready to read.
Ready to start your collection?
Join thousands of collectors tracking their pull lists and portfolios on Comic Sell.
Create Free Account