DC Comics Ends Contract with Diamond Comic Distributors

DC

DC has informed retailers that they have officially cut ties with Diamond Comic Distributors.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, DC sent out an email letting retailers know that the 25 year relationship with Diamond was over, with orders now being fulfilled by Lunar Distribution and UCS Comic Distributors for periodical releases and Penguin Random House for graphic novels and collected editions.

“We recognize that, to many of you, this may seem like a momentous decision. 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 message 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.”

A spokesperson from DC added, “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.”

Diamond founder Steve Geppi revealed that DC gave them 60 days notice as per their contract. “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. 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.”

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MattComics
MattComics
June 7, 2020 7:09 am

Diamond has held the entire industry by the b@11s for a very long time and it seems like no one was really willing to really call them out on their monopoly.