Diamond Comics Distributor Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Marvel DC Image

Diamond Comics Distributor Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Diamond, a comics distributor for companies like DC, Marvel and Image, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amidst some distribution controversies. Since the 80s, Diamond played a vital part in getting graphic novels to physical retailers for purchase by customers. However, in recent years, the company came under fire for its failure to deliver to retailers on time, leading to stores struggling to meet customer demand.

A letter sent to comics retailers and publishers this week from Diamond president Chuck Parker confirmed that the distributor was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with plans to sell off its Alliance Game Distributors arm to Universal in order to “protect the most vital aspects of our business.”

“This decision was not made lightly, and I understand that this news may be as difficult to hear as it is for me to share,” said Parker. “The Diamond leadership team and I have worked tirelessly to avoid this outcome but the financial challenges we face have left us with no other viable option.”

And there it is.

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— Ryan Higgins (@ryanhiggins.bsky.social) January 14, 2025 at 5:18 PM

Diamond was instrumental in bringing comic books to the market for decades. Established in 1982 by Stephen A. Geppi, the distributor made waves by signing distribution agreements with some of the biggest brands in the comic book world. However, recent years revealed that Diamond was struggling to keep up with delivery deadlines to retailers, which explains why some comics were unavailable or in short supply at stores.

A few weeks ago, Diamond closed its flagship centre in Plattsburgh, New York, which VP of retailer services Chris Powell said was necessary in order to address longstanding operational issues. “Ideally, changes would have been planned and tested while we continued to operate as we had been at Plattsburgh,” said Powell. “With that no longer an option, we must make changes and test them with live data and shipments while trying to minimise the impact on retailers.”

DC previously cut ties with Diamond back in 2020, opting to partner with Lunar Distribution, UCS Comic Distributors and Penguin Random House instead. In 2023, Image also parted ways with Diamond for Lunar Distribution, so there has been some friction brewing for years at this point.

Source: Ryan Higgins

Writer
Editor-in-Chief of Nexus Hub, writer at GLITCHED. Former writer at The Gaming Report and All Otaku Online. RPG addict that has wonderful nightmares of Bloodborne 2.

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