Image Comics switches to Lunar for direct-to-market distribution

The shoe fell. After months of rumors, Picture Comics introduced that it will be switching to Lunar Distribution for its direct market gross sales.

Picture was beforehand at Diamond and was their greatest account following Marvel and DC’s departure.

The transfer shall be efficient from September.

Steve Geppi, The Diamond Founder and Chairman, President and CEO of Geppi Household Companies despatched his personal assertion on the transfer:

Over the previous 30 years, Diamond’s collaboration with Picture has been a supply of inspiration and motivation. We cherished the chance to work intently with such an excellent group, sharing targets, desires and overcoming challenges collectively. As their announcement right this moment marks a brand new chapter in our partnership, I’m delighted that Diamond will proceed to play an important position as a key supply for Picture Comics within the direct market.

I wish to specific my gratitude to Picture for the belief and assist they’ve given us all through our partnership. Our crew has labored diligently to supply distinctive merchandise and repair and exceed expectations.

As all the time, we stay captivated with what we do and dedicated to delivering excellence for the direct market and our companions. Our dedication to offering modern options and distinctive service stays stronger than ever.

In Emerald Metropolis this yr, Picture’s prime executives, together with Writer Eric Stephenson, VP Matt Parkinson and DM Gross sales Supervisor Alex Cox, have been seen on the Lunar Breakfast and it was a secret to nobody that that they had met the crew of lunar supervisor Christina Merkler.

In response to insiders, some Picture board members had remained loyal to Diamond, regardless that their infrastructure was seen as gradual to react to new market forces.

PR with participant feedback beneath. Improvement.

Picture Comics is happy to announce an unique worldwide distribution settlement with Lunar Distribution, efficient with the September on-sale titles (which shall be open for ordering on the Lunar web site for retailers on Wednesday, June 14), for Direct distribution Market/comedian store.

Beforehand unique to Diamond Comedian distributors, Picture Comics will be part of DC as considered one of Lunar’s largest periodical publishers and can work in partnership with Lunar to share additional communications with the direct market, together with “subsequent steps” particulars. to make sure a seamless transition for the comedian guide retailer. retailers.

“At the beginning, we wish to thank Steve Geppi, Chuck Parker and everybody at Diamond for his or her continued service and all they’ve achieved for Picture through the years. They have been by our facet for greater than three a long time, supporting our books for the reason that time we based our firm in 1992,” mentioned Todd McFarlane, President of Picture Comics. “Each Picture comedian revealed since our inception in 1992 has been distributed to hundreds of retailers by Diamond, they usually have performed an important position within the evolution of our enterprise.”

“We loved our relationship with Diamond over the a long time and made some fantastic associates there, so this choice was a troublesome one,” added Erik Larsen, chief monetary officer at Picture Comics, who served as an editor at Picture de 2004 to 2008. “It was not a choice we made frivolously, nonetheless, and in the end the change was made due to the advantages to readers and retailers who’re our true clients. Lunar will present providers that may make it simpler for shops to purchase our titles and for followers to search out our books. It is a nice victory for them, and we hope that this new partnership shall be as strong and sturdy because the earlier one. We want Diamond nothing however the perfect as we glance to the longer term.

“We go away with nothing however the deepest respect for Steve, Chuck and everybody at Diamond, previous and current,” mentioned Jim Valentino, Vice President of Picture and former Picture Editor from 1999 to 2004. .

“It is a massive change, however we are going to proceed to work with Diamond in different capacities and look ahead to sustaining this relationship with the Diamond crew for years to come back,” mentioned Eric Stephenson, present writer and artistic director of the corporate. “Lunar is a formidable new participant within the direct market, and we look ahead to working with them on the subsequent section of our improvement, in addition to becoming a member of DC in main the business in the direction of what we imagine shall be optimistic modifications for everybody. world.”

Christina Merkler, co-owner of Lunar Distribution, mentioned, “We’re thrilled to announce our unique worldwide distribution settlement with Picture Comics. We’re always searching for modern methods to develop our attain and convey distinctive content material to our retail accounts around the globe. This partnership will permit us to additional develop our choices and supply unparalleled entry to essentially the most thrilling and sought-after titles within the business. We look ahead to working intently with Picture and persevering with to supply top-notch service to our direct market accounts. »

Lunar Distribution first launched in 2020, when it grew to become DC’s native distributor, and offers distribution providers to the direct market with a give attention to high quality, effectivity, and buyer satisfaction. Retailers occupied with studying extra about creating an account with Lunar can go to: https://www.lunarddistribution.com/home/faq.