An ICv2 Release. ICv2 is presenting a year-long series of articles, video interviews, panels, and other features exploring and celebrating the history, development, and future of the comics Direct Market, which will mark its 50th anniversary in Fall 2023.
It all began at the San Diego Comic-Con in Summer 1973, when Phil Seuling and Jonni Levas met with DC Comics’ Sol Harrison, reached an agreement, and began shipping DC comics to comic stores that fall, with Marvels following soon after. Comic stores and the communities they nurtured grew rapidly over the following decades, leading directly to today’s world in which comics are the dominant force in film, TV, video games, and every other aspect of pop culture. The Direct Market also exploded the medium and art form, making possible new kinds of stories appealing to a much broader audience.
“This 50-year milestone deserves a celebration,” ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp. “We plan not only to continue and build on the work of documenting this important event and the years that followed, but also to look at where the Direct Market is today and where it’s headed. We’re hoping that everyone in the business of making and selling comics will join us in this industry-wide celebration and appreciation.”
What is the comics Direct Market? It’s the unique distribution system that allows comic retailers to take reservations for new comics from fans, place orders with a Direct Distributor based on those reservations and estimates of additional copies they can sell, and receive the comics they’ve ordered a few weeks later. This was a revolutionary change from the multi-tier distribution system that had existed in the past (hence the terms Direct Market and Direct Distributor), and it allowed fans to read and collect the comics they wanted, something that hadn’t been reliably possible before it existed.
In addition to ICv2, this event is supported by Co-Sponsor Diamond Comic Distributors, Sponsor IDW Publishing, and Contributing Sponsor Dark Horse Comics.
Announcements:
Diamond Signs on as Co-Sponsor of ICv2’s Direct Market 50th Anniversary Event
ICv2 Announces Direct Market 50th Anniversary Event
Articles:
Phil Seuling: The Man Who Invented the Direct Market
About ICv2:
ICv2 is the #1 industry source on the business of geek culture, including comics and graphic novels, manga, hobby games, and merch, on its Website, www.ICv2.com, and in its magazine, Internal Correspondence. For the people on the front lines of the geek culture business, staying ahead of the trends isn’t something that can be left to chance – it’s a basic necessity for being successful. Created from Internal Correspondence, published by Capital City Distribution from 1982 through 1996, ICv2 has been tracking the news and numbers of the comics business since 2001.
About Diamond Comic Distributors:
Celebrating 40 years of service, Diamond Comic Distributors is a leader in the worldwide distribution of comics, games, toys, collectibles and preservation supplies. With an unparalleled distribution network, Diamond’s mission is to support and serve our customers and partners with all their pop culture needs. Diamond is part of Geppi Family Enterprises, the largest producers and distributors of English-language comics, toys, collectibles, games, and preservation supplies worldwide.
About IDW Publishing:
IDW is a leading media company providing uniquely compelling stories and characters in various genres for global audiences across all entertainment platforms. The award-winning IDW Publishing and IDW Entertainment divisions holistically evaluate and acquire IP for franchise development across comics and graphic novels, television, theatrical, merchandise, and other entertainment platforms, in addition to bringing world-renowned storytelling to life with our creative partners.
About Dark Horse Comics:
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics is an excellent example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing exciting new creative talent throughout all of its divisions, and has also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books.
Source: ICV2
