DC Comics cuts ties with Diamond Distributors

DC Comics, one of the largest comic books companies in the world, has cut ties with Diamond Distributors, the industry’s largest distributor, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

DC sent an email to retailers Friday morning noting that all orders for DC products will now be fulfilled by Lunar Distribution and UCS Comic Distributors for periodicals, and Penguin Random House for graphic novels. This will go into effect later this June.

The email reads in part:

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.

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.

Diamond will continue fulfilling orders placed through June 1. ” 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 says.

A spokesman from DC spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the situation, saying:

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.

This is a seismic shift for the comic book industry, of which Diamond has been a pillar for years. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused Diamond to halt its shipments, the industry at-large began to rethink its almost complete reliance on a singular distributor. We are seeing the beginning of that shift in mindset now.