Image Comics ditches Diamond, takes bookstore distribution to Simon & Schuster

Earlier this 12 months Image Comics introduced they had been taking their single-issue distribution to the direct market from longtime companion Diamond Comics Distributors to Lunar Distribution. At the time bookstore distribution for Image Comics collections and graphic novels remained with Diamond Books, however as of subsequent 12 months that can not be the case, at the very least within the United States. Image introduced in the present day that they’ve inked a take care of Simon & Schuster for distribution of their graphic novel catalog to U.S.-based bookstores. Diamond Books will stay Image’s bookstore distributor outdoors of the U.S.

Image’s Eric Stephenson cited the writer’s development as the necessity for a change in bookstore distribution:

“For the past 20 years we have been able to establish a foothold for our trade paperbacks and graphic novels in the book market thanks in no small part to the support and efforts of Diamond Book Distributors,” mentioned Eric Stephenson, Publisher at Image Comics. “Over time, our needs and backlist of titles have grown and our increasing footprint in the marketplace has us excited to take this next step with Simon & Schuster to build a more robust infrastructure for our titles there.”

Simon & Schuster’s Michael Perlman seconded Stephenson’s enthusiasm on the new partnership:

“We are delighted to welcome Image Comics to our family of distribution clients,” mentioned Michael Perlman, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Simon & Schuster Publisher Services. “We look forward to partnering with them to help share their graphic novels with readers throughout North America.”

It’s unclear at this level if Diamond Books will nonetheless supply Image collections and graphic novels as a wholesaler, as Diamond’s comics distribution arm has continued to do with Image’s single-issues to the direct market. The announcement from Image makes clear that this new Simon & Schuster deal doesn’t affect single-issue distribution.

The departure of Image from Diamond Books is definitely an enormous deal for the distributor, whose web site lists Image amongst their high publishers. That mentioned, Diamond Books nonetheless distributes titles to bookstores for comics publishers like Dynamite, Udon, Aftershock, Panini, and lots of extra.

Hope you’re all retaining your distribution scorecards up to date.