In the wake of Diamond Comics Distributors announcing it would no longer accept new product from comics publishers, one of those publishers has announced it's cutting back on its titles.
IDW Publishing posted an open letter to the comics community from its publisher, president and CCO Chris Ryall on its website Monday. In the letter, Ryall announces the steps the publisher is taking in response to Diamond's actions. Those steps include suspending its planned releases for May, reducing its publishing output through July, and accepting returns from retailers on existing orders for the next three months.
"With these measures," the letter reads, "Our hope is that we can lessen the immediate financial risk that retailers face for IDW products, and give retailers a much-needed break for their monthly budgets."
"These are first steps," the letter continues. "As the situation continues to unfold, we’re certain to initiate additional programs to help our retail partners. It’ll take insight from and coordination with shop owners, Diamond, and our publishing peers to shape a comprehensive strategy for the industry to move forward."
Earlier on Monday, Diamond announced it was indefinitely suspending all new orders to its shipping facilities. The move is in response to the current global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
IDW is the first comics publisher to announce any changes to its plans in response. The entire letter can be read here.