It’s no secret that the Coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on the comic book industry. Early in the lockdown phase, Diamond Comics Distribution announced that it would be no longer collecting or shipping stock, effectively bringing an end to all sales.
After a number of weeks, DC Comics took the unprecedented move to pause its deal with Diamond and strike out on its own with two independent companies. Now the publisher has formally ended its deal with Diamond.
Going forward, all weekly DC product will be distributed through Lunar Distribution and UCS Comic Distributor. Penguin Random House will take over the supply chain for graphic novels and collected trade paperbacks. The news was announced to retailers in an email from DC on Friday.
“We recognize that, to many of you, this may seem like a momentous decision,” said a DC spokesperson. “However, we can assure you that this change in DC’s distribution plans has not been made lightly and follows a long period of thought and consideration. The change of direction is in line with DC’s overall strategic vision intended to improve the health of, and strengthen, the Direct Market as well as grow the number of fans who read comics worldwide.”
The email continued, “In the near term, Diamond will only be fulfilling orders placed through June 1 Final Order Cut-Off and will not solicit the sale of new DC titles further. To ensure a smooth transition for retailers, DC will suspend Final Order Cut-Off for June 8, making those books available to order on Final Order Cut-Off on June 15.”
The news was confirmed by a DC spokesperson in a follow-up statement to THR: “After 25 years, DC and Diamond Comic Distributors are ending their long-standing relationship. Moving forward, comic book retailers can obtain their DC books from Penguin Random House, or their books and periodicals through Lunar or UCS comic book distributors. DC continues to be committed to providing the Direct Market with best in class service and the fans with the world’s greatest comic books.”
DC continues to release new comics throughout the week under their current, pandemic model.
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