This article has been updated since its publication.
Image Comics have announced they are going exclusive with Lunar Distribution for supplying comic book stores, ending their prior exclusive partnership with Diamond Comic Distributors. Diamond had distributed every Image title since it was founded in 1992, and will continue to supply bookstores, as well as comic book stores with copies bought wholesale from Lunar. It marks a significant coup for Lunar, which was founded to take over the distribution of DC titles from Diamond in 2020.
Image CEO and publisher Eric Stephenson said, “This is a big change, but we will still be working with Diamond in other capacities and look forward to maintaining those relationships with the Diamond team for years to come. Lunar is an impressive new player in the Direct Market, and we are eager to work with them on the next phase of our development, as well as joining DC in leading the industry toward what we believe are positive changes for everyone.” Image co-founders Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, and Jim Valentino also thanked Diamond for their years of service, while discussing the need to move on.
Christina Merkler, co-owner of Lunar, said, “We are thrilled to announce our exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Image Comics. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to expand our reach and bring exceptional content to our retail accounts around the world. This partnership will allow us to further expand our offerings and provide unparalleled access to the most exciting and sought-after titles in the industry. We look forward to working closely with Image and continuing to provide top-notch service to our Direct Market accounts.”
Steve Geppi, Chairman, President & CEO of Diamond owner Geppi Family Enterprises, responded in a separate press release, “Over the past 30 years, Diamond’s collaboration with Image has been a source of inspiration and motivation. We have cherished the opportunity to work closely with such a remarkable group, sharing goals, dreams, and overcoming challenges together. While their announcement today marks a new chapter in our partnership, I am delighted that Diamond will continue to play a vital role as a key source for Image Comics to the Direct Market. I would like to express my gratitude to Image for the trust and support they placed in us throughout our partnership.”
The first Image titles to be distributed by Lunar will be those going on sale in September, which will be available to order on their website from June 14. At the time of writing, Diamond still distributes many single-issue comics, including Marvel titles ordered from Penguin Random House, and DC comics in the UK, as well as collections from BOOM! Studios, Oni Press, Fantagraphics, Kodansha and more for various international bookstore markets. Regardless, they have well and truly lost the monopoly they had before the COVID-19 pandemic.
