Although barcodes are not necessary for books that are ONLY sold in comic specialty stores, they are ABSOLUTELY necessary for titles in other outlets.
This is particularly true for bookstores. If you are planning on producing graphic novels or trade peperbacks, you must have an ISBN and barcode. Otherwise you will be unable to distribute or sell your books to stores such as Barnes & Noble or Books a Million.
There are computer programs that can generate barcodes (such as Mac Barcoda from Computalabel International); but the actual numbers used must be purchased and assigned from the proper authorities.
The following links will take you directly to the sites where you may get more information, order, or download forms.
www.bowker.com (ISBN and UPC info)
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