The comics industry saw a seismic shift when DC decided to cut its ties with Diamond Distributors. While DC and Diamond have temporarily extended their partnership, one arm of DC has decided to cut the cord entirely. DC Direct, which sells collectibles based on DC characters, has stopped distributing through Diamond effective immediately.
"After careful consideration of the current distribution model we have determined that we need to provide a more comprehensive global solution by transitioning the distribution of DC Direct products to a new partner base," DC said in a statement.
DC Direct will be distributing through Lunar Distribution, Entertainment Earth, Sideshow Collectibles and USC Comic Distributors. DC Direct won't fulfill any orders for products scheduled to be on the market after May 1, 2020. However, they will still process and fulfill reorders of previously purchased products.
Diamond Comics Distribution and its offshoot, Diamond Select Toys, are the largest distributor of comic books and collectibles in North America. Other companies that distribute include Diamond are Marvel Comics, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse Comics and IDW Publishing. Diamond has recently resumed shipping products to stores after the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic halted orders.