Diamond Comics announced in a letter to retailers that the company has struck a deal with Marvel Comics so that Diamond will continue to offer Marvel comic books, graphic novels and trade collections to direct market retailers.
Earlier today, Marvel Comics announced that the company had struck an exclusive distribution agreement with Penguin Random House, after 27 years of Marvel being exclusive to Diamond. It was unclear what that meant for Marvel's relationship with Diamond, but now we know that there will still be a business relationship.
Here is the letter Steve Geppi sent retailers...
A Letter to Retailers from Geppi Family Enterprises Chairman Steve Geppi
Today, Marvel announced a new arrangement for comics, trades, and graphic novels going to the Direct Market. Starting with product on-sale October 1, Diamond will purchase these Marvel products from Penguin Random House (PRH) as a wholesaler rather than distributing them directly from Marvel.
This change represents a behind-the-scenes shift in how we obtain these Marvel products for distribution, but it does not impact our ability to supply you with Marvel comics, trades, and graphic novels. While there are still details of this new arrangement to work through, including discount terms, we are committed to communicating any changes well in advance and making this as operationally seamless as possible. Marvel has been and remains an incredible partner. We are very pleased that we will continue selling Marvel product to the Direct Market.
As you know, Diamond has been in the business of comic distribution for almost 40-years. Many of you have been right there with us. We take our job seriously and cherish our relationship with you even more. We value the trust and confidence you put in us to carefully pick, pack and consistently deliver the collectible-quality merchandise you order. Our value-added programs and services including the Comic Shop Locator Service, Free Comic Book Day, ComicSuite, PREVIEWS catalog, Shopify store builder and PULLBOX have helped shape the industry and support your business.
Diamond is the industry’s largest single-source of comics, games, collectibles, supplies and more. We offer products from hundreds of vendors each month with more than 200 print publishers alone. This allows you to spend less time placing orders, and more time serving your community of fans. Diamond has always been highly focused on the specialized needs of comic retailers and we are dedicated to the Direct Market. We will continue to work hard to earn your business each and every day.
My team and I look forward to continuing as your primary source for Marvel comics, trades and graphic novels, providing industry-leading selection, service and support now and in the years to come. As mentioned before, there are still details of this new arrangement to work through and my leadership team is working as quickly as possible to be able to share additional information with you in the coming weeks and months.
In the meantime, be well and thank you for your continued support.
As the letter notes, it is unclear what the discount levels will be for Marvel at direct market retailers, but comic book stores at least have the option of still receiving comic books from Diamond if they so choose.
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