It’s been a jam packed couple of weeks for comics business news, and while we covered some of this in our live skeeting at ComicsPRO, here is some NEW news, some old news, and some other stuff….that’s why they call it a round-up.
Z2 Announces Direct-to-Retail program
Z2, which publishes many music-related titles and collectibles will now ship directly to retailers. Their books will continue to be available through their distribution partnerships with Lunar for the direct market and Simon & Schuster for bookstores. However the new program will be the only way for retailers to order Z2’s line of action figures, vinyl albums, and oversize deluxe editions.
Through Z2’s D2R program, retailers will be able to order Z2 graphic novels directly from the publisher at a 50% wholesale price, and have their orders fulfilled directly from Z2’s warehouse and fulfillment center in Colorado.
Regard the motivation behind Z2’s new initiative, Thomas Dreux, Z2’s new VP of Operations and Business Development said: “Owning a comic shop is more challenging than ever, and Z2 is here to help. We’re so excited to support your local comic shop through Z2’s new D2R wholesale program, where retailers will get significant discounts and access to limited edition deluxe items that aren’t available anywhere else.”
Archie goes Lunar
That Archie was a Premiere publisher with Diamond has often been little noted, but now they’re adding Lunar to their distribution program starting on March 21, for product shipping in May.
In a letter to retailers sent this week, Archie said, “While we value our decades-long partnership with Diamond, and sincerely hope that they pull through this in time, we’ve also been fielding questions, and requests for an alternate distribution channel.”
While comic shops can continue ordering Archie products from Diamond, all Archie single issues, digests, and graphic novels will be available from Lunar, as well. Retailers who have questions about stocking Archie Comics titles can reach out at [email protected].
Rocketship joins Lunar
Rocketship Entertainment, known for its webcomic collections, is also joining Lunar, while remaining with Simon & Schuster for bookstores.
“We’re extremely excited to be working with Lunar to further extend accessibility of our graphic novels for the direct market as we expand our business to monthly comics,” said Rocketship CEO and Publisher Tom Akel. “We’ve been consulting with comic retailers on how to better serve their needs and this is the first of several new initiatives to grow reach for our creators and partners while strengthening our position as the leader in bringing webcomics and webtoons to print.”
Lunar also hired Danielle Garre as VP of Sales and Marketing. Garre was formerly VP of digital for NBC Late Night, including Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live, and SVP of digital for Comedy Central. Garre will lead sales across all channels for Rocketship, its young readers imprint Bottlerocket!, and T-Minus 10 Games.
Image announces Winter Image Select Retailer
Award
AwardAnd some good news: Four Color Fantasies in Winchester, Virginia was selected as the winner of the latest Image Select Retailer Award. The award is based on customer nominations to recognize “members of the Comic Book Direct Market retail community that are going above and beyond to serve their customers, expand readership, and grow a healthier marketplace.”
One customer gave an example of why the store was deserving:
One customer, Kate, raved: “I went in there after a family member died and asked the two men working to find me books that would make me ‘ugly cry.’ They were tripping over themselves, competing, trying to find their favorite tearjerkers. I ended up with God Country and Murder Falcon. Both were successful at making me ugly cry.”
As the winner, Four Color Fantasies will receive:
- a commemorative medallion to display with pride
- a spotlight Q&A to be featured on Image Comics’ social media platforms and Website
- the store’s choice of a gold foil exclusive variant, branded as an Image Select Retailer Award winner, with store logo (limited to 250 copies).
DC Universe Infinite adds Ultra tier; Absolute goes GO
It was a busy week in digital comics news. Dark Horse Digital shut down; Sweet Shop announced its first publisher. And DC Infinite announced a new membership level: DC Universe Infinite Ultra, which is even more infinite. DC Universe Infinite offers a large library of DC comics for $7.99 a month with comics available 6 months after they hit print. The EVEN MOAR Ultra tier is $12.99 a month and offers an expanded catalog of Vertigo, Black Label and Collected Editions with digital editions available one month after release. A yearly sub is offered for $119.99. There is also a free tier which apparently I am a member of.
Additionally, DC is adding Absolutes Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman to its DC Go vertical scrolling webtoon platform. The first issue of all three titles will be available to read for free.
Marvel Ends Marvel Insider Program
But as one tier opens, another closes and Marvel is ending its Marvel Insider program that offered points to redeem for free stuff likes comics and games. The platform used a gamified system that awarded you points for engagement, so you’d earn points for reading comics or watching ads on their website. Members of the program were peeved on Reddit, and one claims to have collected more than 500,000 points…with no place to spend it.
The program began in 2016, but the end comes after Disney shut down its Disney Movie Insider program recently, so it seems to be a big corporate shift. Marvel promises to “explore other ways to celebrate our loyal fans.”
The program is ending March 3rd, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. The last day and time to redeem for rewards will be May 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. The customer support team will remain available until June 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM ET.
However, in a separate letter, it was stressed that you will still be able to redeem digital comics codes via the Marvel Unlimited App.
DO YOU LIKE READING DIGITAL COMICS AND WRITING ABOUT THEM?
Finally, given all the above, it should be noted that Comicsbeat is still looking for a Digital Comics Reporter, to cover this very important topic. Email us if this is your burning passion, and soon you could be writing a round-up just like this.
English (US) · 