Post by The Ghost on Jun 5, 2020 23:14:55 GMT -5
www.cbr.com/dc-ends-deal-diamond-comic-distributors/
DC Kills Decades-Long Deal with Diamond Comic Distributors
In an email sent to retailers, DC announced it has ended its partnership with Diamond Comics Distributors and will work with three new distributors.
DC Comics has ended its relationship with Diamond Comics Distributors.
The Hollywood Reporter obtained an email DC sent to retailers, which announced the publisher's orders will now be filled by Lunar Distribution, UCS Comic Distributors and Penguin Random House. Lunar and UCS will handle periodical releases, while Penguin provides graphic novels and collected editions.
"We recognize that, to many of you, this may seem like a momentous decision," the email reads. "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."
"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 email explained.
When reached for comment, a DC spokesperson told CBR, "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 has worked exclusively with Diamond for 25 years. After Diamond shut down productions in March the due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DC announced it had partnered with Lunar and UCS to put print books on retailer's shelves in the meantime. "DC, in their last contract renewal a year-and-a-half ago, asked to add a clause where they could get out of the exclusive part with 60 days notice with no reason needed. We agreed," Diamond founder Steve Geppi said shortly after the announcement. "Then the pandemic came on, and they exercised that option. They're non-exclusive, and that allowed them to sell to those others. That was that."
DC's latest move is the nail in the coffin for its working relationship with Diamond. However, Diamond will still fulfill orders placed by June 1's Final Order Cut-Off date.
DC Kills Decades-Long Deal with Diamond Comic Distributors
In an email sent to retailers, DC announced it has ended its partnership with Diamond Comics Distributors and will work with three new distributors.
DC Comics has ended its relationship with Diamond Comics Distributors.
The Hollywood Reporter obtained an email DC sent to retailers, which announced the publisher's orders will now be filled by Lunar Distribution, UCS Comic Distributors and Penguin Random House. Lunar and UCS will handle periodical releases, while Penguin provides graphic novels and collected editions.
"We recognize that, to many of you, this may seem like a momentous decision," the email reads. "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."
"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 email explained.
When reached for comment, a DC spokesperson told CBR, "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 has worked exclusively with Diamond for 25 years. After Diamond shut down productions in March the due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DC announced it had partnered with Lunar and UCS to put print books on retailer's shelves in the meantime. "DC, in their last contract renewal a year-and-a-half ago, asked to add a clause where they could get out of the exclusive part with 60 days notice with no reason needed. We agreed," Diamond founder Steve Geppi said shortly after the announcement. "Then the pandemic came on, and they exercised that option. They're non-exclusive, and that allowed them to sell to those others. That was that."
DC's latest move is the nail in the coffin for its working relationship with Diamond. However, Diamond will still fulfill orders placed by June 1's Final Order Cut-Off date.