In a stunning development, troubled comic book distributorDiamond Comics Distributorshas filed for bankruptcy. The company has been facing a lot of hurdles as of late, leading to delayed shipments and frustrated comic readers and comic store owners everywhere. But what does this development meanfor comic book storesand fans of physical comic books?
PerBusinesswire,Diamond Comic Distributors announcedthat it had filed for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code to aid in restructuring. Diamond Comics Distributors has received a $39 million dollar stalking horse bid from an affiliate of Universal Distribution for Alliance Game Distributors. Universal president and CEO Angelo Exarhakos says:
Universal Distribution is looking forward to working with the Alliance and Diamond UK teams to bring a stronger balance sheet and growth opportunities to retailers and suppliers. Both companies have deep roots in the industry, and we look forward to continuing that into the future.
JP Morgan Chase has provided Diamond with $41 million in debtor-in-possession financing to meet post-petition expenses and existing obligations to associates and suppliers. Universal Distribution has also entered a Letter of Intent to acquire Diamond UK whileDiamond is pursuing offers for its other business units.
Diamond Comics Distributors to Be Restructured After Bankruptcy
Major Changes Coming for Beleaguered Comic Distributor Company
Diamond Comics Distributors wasfounded in 1982 and quickly rose to prominence in the latter part of the decade by acquiring several other comic book distributors. By the mid-90s, Diamond was the number one distributor of comics to the point that it was even investigated by the U.S. Justice department for possibly violating antitrust laws. However, Diamond’s dominance over the direct comic book market took a hit in 2020 when several publishers such asDC Comics, Marvel, and IDW Publishing ended their relationship with Diamond for other publishers, such as Penguin Random House and Lunar Distribution. Similarly, Image Comics moved the majority of their products over to Simon & Schuster and Lunar Distribution in 2023.
Diamond’s latest woes come as little surprise to comic store regulars, especially amidst rumors of distribution center closures. Comic book store owners have been publicly expressing frustration at the numerous late shipments of books. While Diamond no longer has a relationship with publishers like Marvel or DC, it works with several smaller publishers. At time of writing,Diamond’swebsite lists Dynamite Entertainment, BOOM! Entertainment, Titan Comics, AfterShock Comics, ABLAZE Publishing, Frank Miller Presents, Opus Comics, Massive and Zenescope Entertainment as clients.
Diamond Comic Distributors' Bankruptcy Leaves Many Smaller Titles in the Lurch
But Other Distributors Could Potentially Fill the Gap
While fans don’t necessarily need to worry about bigger publishers like Marvel or DC,this could have a real effect on smaller publishers who still rely on Diamond. Smaller publishers will be rushing to find new distribution now, especially as even slight delays could lead to a drop-off in reader interest in their titles. Of course, Businesswire’s report does indicate that there are wheels in motion to acquire Diamond’s assets, but that’s no guarantee that it will return to a major market force, and even if it does, any significant gap in distribution means trouble for smaller publishers that they may not be able to ride out.
Things are tough all over in the comic book industry right now, and though Diamond had a real grip on the distribution side of things for a long time, no empire lasts forever. It’ll be interesting to see how publishers react to this development and what other distributors will fill the void left behind byDiamond.
