Geppi’s response, and PRH’s majority share

A bit of shock this morning as Dark Horse introduced they might be transferring to PRH (Penguin Random House) for periodical distribution to the direct market, becoming a member of IDW and Marvel.

As quickly because the story broke, Diamond Comics president Steve Geppi launched his personal assertion, stating that Diamond would proceed to be the distributor for Dark Horse’s very in depth merchandise line, and then throwing in just a little shade about how they had been solely dropping 1% of their quantity. Oh snap!

Dark Horse has been our valued associate for near thirty years and we’re happy that Diamond stays a key supply for Dark Horse comics and graphic novels to the Direct Market domestically and internationally. We are additionally happy to keep up our function as distributor of Dark Horse merchandise worldwide. 

It is essential to notice that whereas Dark Horse is a longtime identify within the business, the anticipated influence of this alteration to Diamond’s Dark Horse direct market gross sales represents solely roughly 1% of Diamond’s high line gross sales inclusive of comics, video games, merchandise, and popular culture objects. We are a lot extra than simply comedian ebook distribution! Diamond and all of the Geppi Family Enterprises firms have labored strategically and efficiently to diversify through the years, with our most up-to-date instance being the launch of Overstreet Access, a web based subscription comedian assortment administration platform and value information.

I stay happy with the function Diamond performs within the business and steadfast in my dedication to the Direct Market. I stay up for our continued service of the Direct and ebook markets in addition to the continued progress of the GFE portfolio of firms.

In the letter to retailers, Geppi additionally inspired them to attend this October’s Diamond Retailer Summit, and that shall be attention-grabbing.

Losing Marvel, DC, and now 2 extra of the Top Five comics periodical publishers, Diamond has been retrenching for some time, placing extra emphasis on its function as a toy and recreation distributor, and persevering with to be a wholesaler for Marvel, IDW and Dark Horse. Despite worries that they might be at risk, these appear to be wise strikes aimed toward long run survival.

But as numbers cruncher John Jackson Miller identified, this has led to a little bit of a real shocker: PRH will quickly be the most important distributor to the Direct Market!

Comics distribution information: @DarkHorseComics introduced right this moment it was becoming a member of @Marvel and @IDWPublishing at @penguinrandom for single-issue comics gross sales to comics retailers. Diamond stays as a reseller, so it presents a majority of comics, whilst PRH nears 50% as a main distributor. pic.twitter.com/BbXiuz6AmI

— Comichron.com (@comichron) September 21, 2022

Lots extra fascinating information on this thread.

Nearly a 12 months in the past I common a “distributor scorecard” – time to replace!

Additions and corrections welcome within the feedback. I’ll replace after I can.

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