Comics Distributor Diamond Is Filing For Bankruptcy (theverge.com) 5
Diamond Comic Distributors, the world's biggest English language comic book distributor, is filing for bankruptcy and scaling its business back in order to survive. The Verge reports: In a letter sent to comics retailers and publishers today, Diamond president Chuck Parker announced that the company has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and plans to sell off its Alliance Game Distributors arm to Universal in order to "protect the most vital aspects of our business."
Founded in 1982 by Stephen A. Geppi (who still serves as CEO), Diamond became a heavyweight in the comics business by securing a number of exclusive distribution agreements with various publishing houses like DC, Marvel, and Image. For decades, Diamond -- which also publishes its Previews magazine showcasing upcoming titles -- was instrumental in bringing comics to market and played a huge role in determining a book's success because of how Previews influenced retailer orders. "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," Parker said. "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."
Founded in 1982 by Stephen A. Geppi (who still serves as CEO), Diamond became a heavyweight in the comics business by securing a number of exclusive distribution agreements with various publishing houses like DC, Marvel, and Image. For decades, Diamond -- which also publishes its Previews magazine showcasing upcoming titles -- was instrumental in bringing comics to market and played a huge role in determining a book's success because of how Previews influenced retailer orders. "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," Parker said. "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."
Know your audience. (Score:1)
Comic book consumers aren't interested in political indoctrination.
They want a good story that intrigues, excites, and motivates them.
The industry has nothing but itself to blame for this.
Re: (Score:1)
To be honest I don't think it's the content they're souring on, it's the "dead-trees" distribution method. Kids would much rather have DRM-free PDF files or something like that, something they can read on their phone... but then that puts the whole entertainment format directly in the line of fire of much more addictive offerings, like motherfucking Candy Crush Saga or whatever they're punching like a monkey punching a pleasure button for a treat these days.
Floppies are dead (Score:2)
Time to try anthologies again?
CEO Not Known for his Business Acumen (Score:2)