The shoe has dropped. After months of rumors, Image Comics has introduced they are going to be transferring to Lunar Distribution for their direct market gross sales.
Image was beforehand at Diamond and was their greatest account after the departure of Marvel and DC.
The transfer will probably be efficient beginning in September.
UPDATE: Just to make clear a couple of issues right here, Diamond Books will stay Image’s bookstore distributor. In addition, Diamond will act as a wholesaler, buying the books from Lunar, so retailers who want to achieve this can nonetheless buy their Image comics and graphic novels from Diamond. Diamond at present acts as a wholesaler for Marvel, IDW and Dark Horse, as effectively.
Steve Geppi, Diamond founder, and Chairman, President & CEO of the Geppi Family Enterprises, despatched out his personal assertion concerning the transfer:
Over the previous 30 years, Diamond’s collaboration with Image has been a supply of inspiration and motivation. We have cherished the chance to work carefully with such a exceptional group, sharing targets, goals, and overcoming challenges collectively. While their announcement at this time marks a brand new chapter in our partnership, I’m delighted that Diamond will proceed to play an important position as a key supply for Image Comics to the Direct Market.
I would really like to categorical my gratitude to Image for the belief and assist they positioned in us all through our partnership. Our staff has labored diligently to present distinctive merchandise, service, and exceed expectations.
As all the time, we stay keen about what we do and devoted to delivering excellence for the Direct Market and our companions. Our resolve to present progressive options and distinctive service stays stronger than ever.
At Emerald City this yr, high Image execs together with writer Eric Stephenson, VP Matt Parkinson and DM gross sales director Alex Cox have been seen on the Lunar breakfast and it was no secret that that they had been assembly with Lunar head Christina Merkler’s staff.
According to insiders, a few of Image’s board had remained loyal to Diamond, despite the fact that their infrastructure was thought of sluggish to react to new market forces.
PR with feedback from the gamers under. Developing.
Image Comics is happy to announce a worldwide unique distribution take care of Lunar Distribution, efficient with September on-sale titles (which can open for order on the Lunar web site for retailers on Wednesday, June 14), for Direct Market/comedian store distribution.
Previously unique to Diamond Comic Distributors, Image Comics will be a part of DC as one in every of Lunar’s largest periodical publishers and can work in partnership with Lunar to share additional communications with the Direct Market, together with “next steps” particulars, to guarantee a seamless transition for comedian store retailers.
“First and foremost we want to thank Steve Geppi, Chuck Parker, and everyone at Diamond for their ongoing service and all that they’ve done for Image over the years. For over three decades, they have been at our side, supporting our books from the moment we founded our company back in 1992,” stated Todd McFarlane, President of Image Comics. “Every Image comic published, since our inception in ’92, has been distributed to thousands of retail outlets by Diamond, and they have played a very important role in our company’s evolution.”
“We have enjoyed our relationship with Diamond over the decades and we have made some wonderful friends there, so this decision has been a difficult one,” added Erik Larsen, Chief Financial Officer at Image Comics, who served as Publisher at Image from 2004-2008. “It was not a move that we made lightly, though, and ultimately, the change was made because of the benefits to readers and retailers who are our real customers. There are services Lunar will provide that will make it easier for stores to buy our titles, and for fans to find our books. This is a big win for them, and we hope this new partnership is as strong and long-lasting as the previous one. We wish Diamond nothing but the best as we look toward the future.”
“We leave with nothing but the deepest respect for Steve, Chuck and all of the folks at Diamond, both past and present,” stated Jim Valentino, Image’s Vice President and former Publisher at Image from 1999-2004.
“This is a big change, but we will still be working with Diamond in other capacities and look forward to maintaining those relationships with the Diamond team for years to come,” famous Eric Stephenson, the corporate’s present Publisher and Chief Creative Officer. “Lunar is an impressive new player in the Direct Market, and we are eager to work with them on the next phase of our development, as well as joining DC in leading the industry toward what we believe are positive changes for everyone.”
Christina Merkler, Co-owner at Lunar Distribution said: “We are thrilled to announce our exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Image Comics. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to expand our reach and bring exceptional content to our retail accounts around the world. This partnership will allow us to further expand our offerings and provide unparalleled access to the most exciting and sought-after titles in the industry. We look forward to working closely with Image and continuing to provide top-notch service to our Direct Market accounts.”
Lunar Distribution was first launched in 2020, when it grew to become the house distributor to DC, and supplies distribution companies to the Direct Market with an emphasis on high quality, effectivity, and buyer satisfaction. Retailers fascinated with studying extra about how to arrange an account with Lunar can go to: https://www.lunardistribution.
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