# Off Panel #541: ComicsPRO LIVE! with Heidi MacDonald and Christina Merkler

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/off-panel-a-comics-interview-podcast-1312/off-panel-541-comicspro-live-with-heidi-macdonald-and-christina-merkler.md
Podcast: [Off Panel: A Comics Interview Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/off-panel-a-comics-interview-podcast-1312)
Published: 2026-03-02T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://sktchd.libsyn.com/off-panel-541-comicspro-live-with-heidi-macdonald-and-christina-merkler
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sktchd/Heidi_MacDonald_and_Christina_Merkler.mp3?dest-id=282628
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Duration seconds: 2794

## Resource

In an episode recorded in-person at this year's annual conference for the trade organization for comic shops, ComicsPRO, The Beat's Heidi MacDonald and the head of Lunar Distribution and Discount Comic Book Service, Christina Merkler, join the podcast for a vibe check about the event and state of the industry. Up first, MacDonald joins to share her read on the event, how it compares to previous editions, what stood out, and more, before Merkler visits us to talk about how passion is fueling this moment for the direct market, the spread of new readers, blind bag management, building on this moment, creating urgency, Lunar's expansion with Viz Media and Yen Press, what has them hopeful about where comics are headed, and more.

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## Transcript

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