UPDATE: Diamond Comics – via Ad Poplum spokesperson Jason Blake – has released a statement:

Diamond Comic Distributors today confirmed that Penguin Random House will end its distribution arrangement with Diamond, effective June 25, 2025.

A Diamond spokesperson issued the following statement:
 
“It’s disappointing that after years of collaboration, Penguin Random House has abruptly cut off access to product for our loyal retailers and fans. We’re focused on actively working with other publishers to remedy the situation and minimize disruption.”
 
Diamond will continue to fulfill all orders from PRH through June 25, 2025.

Penguin Random House is ending the deal allowing Diamond Comics to be a subdistributor of PRH exclusive publishers, which includes Marvel, DSTLRY, IDW, Dark Horse, Boom, and more. 

The move was announced in an email to partners; given Diamond Comic Distribution’s uncertain future following its acquisition by Ad Populum, the move makes a lot of sense. 

Penguin Random House would like to thank Diamond for their partnership and contributions to the marketplace.

Going forward, all Penguin Random House sales into the US Direct Market will be handled by our in-house sales team. We are announcing the following transition plan for US Direct Market retailers serviced by Diamond Comics:

  • Diamond’s last FOC for all Penguin Random House product to US retailers will be May 26th. 
  • The last on sale date for new product shipping through Diamond to US retailers will be June 25th.

Retailers with questions about an existing Diamond order should reach out to Diamond directly.

Existing accounts can continue to order directly from Penguin Random House. Retailers interested in opening a new account can contact us at [email protected].

Best,
– Your PRH Direct Market Sales Team
PRH is one of Diamond’s biggest unsecured creditors, with $9.2 million owed to them. 
 
When PRH jumped into the direct market/comics periodical distribution business back in 2021, Diamond was allowed to subdistribute Marvel Comics as a wholesaler – a fairly typical and normal deal for PRH. Many retailers continued to order through Diamond because of the familiarity of their system, and also, PRH’s growing pains as they learned about the direct market. 
 
I’m told that publishers are already making announcements for their new order dates. Comics that went through Diamond can still be ordered in the UK via Diamond UK and in Canada via Universal.  
 
Diamond Comics declared bankruptcy on January 14th, and sold most of its remaining assets to Universal Distribution and Ad Populum, with the sale closing last week. This was followed by a wave of layoffs at Diamond with their future business plan in great doubt.  

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1 COMMENT

  1. “It’s disappointing that after years of collaboration, Penguin Random House has abruptly cut off access to product for our loyal retailers and fans.”

    I can’t believe PRH won’t let Diamond owe them $12 million instead of $9 million!!! The nerve!

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