Diamond Comic Distributors has established a new tag for mid-tier comic publishers, “Deluxe,” for which it will eliminate reorder charges and provide other benefits in deals tied to exclusive distribution agreements, the company announced. The program launched with four publishers: AfterShock Comics, Titan Comics, ABLAZE Publishing, and Frank Miller Presents. Diamond announced an exclusive relationship with new publisher Frank Miller Presents earlier this year (see “Frank Miller Presents Signs with Diamond“).
The ranks of Diamond’s “Premier” publishers, which have preferred positioning in Diamond’s monthly Previews catalog and PreviewsWorld website, have been shrinking, with DC Comics’ move to Lunar Distribution and Universal for the U.S. and Canada, respectively, and Marvel Comics and IDW Publishing’s moves to PRH Publisher Services (see, most recently, “IDW Moves Direct Market Distribution to PRH“). In a change for Premier publishers as well as for Deluxe publishers, Diamond is eliminating reorder charges on products from Premier publishers Dynamite Entertainment and BOOM! Studios and from the newly tagged Deluxe publishers. Diamond had previously eliminated reorder charges on products from its two other Premier publishers, Image Comics and Dark Horse Comics.
Diamond is adding a section to its catalog and website for the new Deluxe tier beginning in September.
Geppi Family Enterprises Chief Purchasing Officer Tim Lenaghan alluded to a size factor in establishing the tier. “This change recognizes the current and projected market share of AfterShock, Titan, ABLAZE, and FMP,” he said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
Source: ICV2
