Diamond Book Distributors has announced that it has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with Difference Engine to exclusively distribute their graphic novels, books, and comics to North American and international markets. This agreement also sees Difference Engine products distributed to the comic book specialty market exclusively through Diamond Comic Distributors.
Difference Engine is an independent comics publishing house based in Singapore. They tell stories that make a difference. The company focuses on narratives from the vibrant and growing Southeast Asian comics community that detail joys and sorrows, worries and celebrations, and other lived experiences and inspirations. They work with people whose stories are birthed from the center and the margins so that their voices, histories, and perspectives are amplified. Difference Engine collaborates closely with a diverse group of Southeast Asian creators, both new and experienced, with diverse, genuine, and thought-provoking ideas to share. Difference Engine is part of the Potato Productions group of companies.
Difference Engine boasts an ever-growing library of comic books and graphic novels that feature a variety of genres including fantasy, action/adventure, slice-of-life, personal narratives, and more. Work-Life Balance: Malevolent Managers and Folkloric Freelancers weaves Asian mythology with the dread of corporate life in a work that is equal parts prose and comics. Amazing Ash & Superhero Ah Ma is an action-meets-slice-of-life trilogy that captures the adventures of a grandma-grandchild superhero duo while dealing with life changes brought about by ageing and dementia. SOUND: A Comics Anthology challenges Southeast Asian writers and illustrators to answer the question “what does sound look like to you?” by pushing the boundaries of visuals and words to depict the unseen. Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm is a young adult fantasy graphic novel about a sister determined to save her brother, and the help she gets from a spirit-turned-love interest from the next realm over. Two Tails explores what happens when Rara, who dislikes animals, has an accident that turns her into a two-tailed cat with only one opportunity to regain her human form. A Drip. A Drop. A Deluge: A Period Tragicomedy is inspired by the true experiences of Asian women as they navigate their menstrual cycle at various points in their lives and its impact on those around them.
Diamond Comic Distributors has announced the upcoming release of their 2024 Free Comic Book Day (FCBD)PREVIEWS Exclusive (PX) collectible merchandise available during the event on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at participating local comic shops.
Funko headlines this year’s FCBD merchandise with two exclusive collectibles. The PX Invincible: “Think, Mark” Moment POP! Vinyl Figure (FEB239237; SRP $39.99) depicts the bloodied and battered father-son duo of Omni-Man and Mark Grayson as stylized POP! figures on a rocky base. This figure is limited to 25,000 pieces. Also available from Funko on FCBD 2024 is the PX Marvel: X-Men #1 Gambit Comic and Vinyl Figure (DEC228657; SRP $29.99). The POP! Gambit figure stands over 4″ tall and features comic-accurate detailing with a backdrop of Jim Lee’s gatefold cover for 1991’s X-Men #1. Limited to only 12,500 pieces and comes packaged in a special 11” tall, sealed, hard display case.
Bleacher Creatures is offering two exclusive plush collectibles for FCBD 2024. The PX Marvel: Doop Kuricha Plush (JUL239544; SRP $19.99) is an 8” inch, hand-sewn plush toy captured every detail of the powerful mutant; limited to 1,500 pieces. Also available from Bleacher Creatures is the PX Marvel: X-Men: Sentinel Under Attack Plush (SEP238882; SRP $39.99). This 24” plush toy is crafted with durable super-soft fabric and features X-Men Wolverine, Marvel Girl, Cyclops, Rouge, Beast and Storm taking on the gigantic Sentinel. Limited to 1,500 pieces.
GreenLight Collectibles, a premier manufacturer of authentic die-cast vehicle replicas, is partnering with Diamond to create a one-of-a-kind PX Die-Cast Comic Book Delivery Van SEP238587; SRP $8.99), featuring the FCBD 2024 logo! This 1/64-scale vehicle figure is limited to 3,000 pieces. Additionally, the van design is featured in the first-ever FCBD collectible vinyl sticker.
Diamond Select Toys’ PX Star Wars: Shadow Trooper 1/2-Scale Bust (DEC230047; SRP $200.00) features a black-armored Imperial Stormtrooper, made of resin and measuring approximately 10 inches tall. It comes packaged with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity and is limited to only 1,000 pieces.
Surreal Entertainment offers two exclusive collectibles for FCBD 2024. The PX Deadpool Double Sided Fleece Blanket (SEP238421;SRP $26.99) measures 63″ x 45″, comes packaged in a full-color printed collector’s tin, and is limited to 2,000 pieces. Also available is the PX Tin Titans: Spider-Man 2099Lunchbox (SEP238423; SRP $24.99). Featuring a brushed metal finish, this stylish lunchbox also includes a 10-ounce retro-styled beverage container/soup cup with art of the future Marvel hero and is limited to 2,500 pieces.
From WizKids/NECA is the PX DC HeroClix: Harley Quinn Figure (SEP238431; SRP TBA) which features all-new gameplay and a brand new sculpt.
These PREVIEWS Exclusive collectibles will only be available in extremely limited quantities on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from participating Free Comic Book Day stores. Fans are encouraged to pre-order their own exclusive Free Comic Book Day merchandise at their local comic shop and through PREVIEWSworld PULLBOX.
Diamond Comic Distributors has announced the appointment of Ryan Shelkett as the Executive Director of Vendor Development focusing on toys and merchandise. In this crucial role, Shelkett will play a pivotal part in advancing Diamond’s presence in the marketplace.
Shelkett is no stranger to Diamond Comic Distributors, having been a valued member of the company from 2007 to 2016. During his initial tenure, he contributed significantly to the company’s growth. After leaving Diamond, he joined Bandai America, Inc, where he excelled in various roles, including Regional Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and ultimately, Director of Sales – Mass and Digital.
Shelkett brings with him a wealth of experience in new business development, sales growth, inventory management, and team leadership. His profound knowledge of the toys and collectibles industry further enhances his ability to drive success in his new role, “I’m truly excited to return to Diamond Comic Distributors and collaborate closely with our valued vendors to drive growth and success for all our businesses,” said Shelkett. “I’m eager to work with the talented team here and further solidify our position in the market.”
Diamond anticipates that Ryan Shelkett’s return will strengthen the organization’s strategic partnerships, expand its reach, and contribute to its continued success within the industry.
Funko and Diamond Comic Distributors have unveiled their latest collaboration in the world of collectibles with the PREVIEWS ExclusiveAngel Goku Pop! Figure. Order yours now!
Bringing to life the We Were Angels anime theme and the iconic Dragon Ball manga Finale cover, this vinyl figure is a nostalgic tribute to the beloved Dragon Ball Z franchise. Standing at 5.65″, this limited-edition PREVIEWS Exclusive vinyl figure showcases Angel Goku with his feathered wings outstretched. This figure comes packaged in Funko’s signature collector-friendly window box and is limited to just 40,000 pieces. Also available is a glow-in-the-dark chase variant. Chase Figures are packed randomly and cannot be guaranteed with purchase.
ThePREVIEWS Exclusive Pop! Animation Dragon Ball Z Angel Goku Vinyl Figure with Glow-In-The-Dark Chase (JUN229105; $14.99) is available for pre-order now at comic shops and through PREVIEWSworld PullBox, with an expected release date of September 27, 2023.
Diamond Comic Distributors has announced an expanded partnership with Zenescope Entertainment, as Zenescope moves into the Deluxe Tier of publishers.
Zenescope will be joining AfterShock Comics, Titan Comics, ABLAZE Publishing, Frank Miller Presents (FMP), Opus Comics, and Massive Publishing in Diamond Comic Distributors’ Deluxe Tier of publishers. The Deluxe Tier features preferred coverage in the PREVIEWS catalog and expanded support on the PREVIEWSworld website. Zenescope will move into the Deluxe Tier beginning in the August 2023 PREVIEWS catalog.
Zenescope Entertainment, founded in 2005 by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco, is known for top-tier fantasy, horror and sci-fi storytelling in the comic book industry. One of the top independent comic book publishers, Zenescope is best known for re-imagining public domain properties, with their flagship title Grimm Fairy Tales, which has spawned dozens of critically acclaimed “shared universe” series such as Oz, Wonderland, Robyn Hood, Van Helsing, and Neverland, in addition to being the largest female character-driven, shared universe in all of comics.
Diamond Comic Distributors and Funko have unveiled the latest addition to their lineup: the PREVIEWSExclusivePop! Comics The Last Ronin Vinyl Figure, inspired by the critically acclaimed IDW comic series. Dark times have descended upon the Hamato Clan, leaving behind a single courageous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle known as The Last Ronin. But who is the hero behind the mask?
Standing at a height of approximately 3.8″ tall, this stylized collectible is limited to only 25,000 pieces, and showcases the lone Ninja warrior, armed with his fallen brothers’ weapons and taking up the ultimate battle for justice.
The PREVIEWS Exclusive Pop! Comics The Last Ronin Vinyl Figure (OCT228177; $14.99) is available for pre-order now at comic shops and through PREVIEWSworld PullBox, with an expected release date of September 27, 2023.
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Diamond Comic Distributors is offering eleven extremely limited PREVIEWS exclusive comic books for this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego, taking place July 19 through July 23. The list includes several popular Marvel titles, including X-Men, Moon Knight, and Blade, as well as an assortment of titles from Image Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Titan Comics, and Opus Comics. Comic-Con attendees can preview the items at Diamond’s PREVIEWS Booth #2401 and purchase from their local comic book specialty store.
Comic book retailers can purchase the 2023 San Diego PREVIEWS exclusives online via Diamond’s New to Order. Orders are due June 26, 2023. Retailers can sign up to receive New to Order emails and be among the first to receive exclusive announcements. Exclusives will begin shipping to stores following the convention and may be put on sale by retailers immediately upon receipt.
SDCC 2023 FISHFLIES #1
Image Comics Jeff Lemire (GIDEON FALLS, Sweet Tooth) brings you a new tale of small-town surrealist horror in this special extra-length debut issue! When a brutal and violent crime puts the life of an innocent teenage boy in the balance, it sets off a chain of events in bucolic Bell River, Ontario that will permanently change several residents’ lives. And as the manhunt heats up, a lonely girl named Franny Fox will form an unlikely friendship with a fugitive that leads them on an odyssey of discovery and redemption. (APR238459) Limited to 2,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 RADIANT PINK TP VOL 01
Image Comics
When video game streamer and secret superhero Eva is invited to the biggest charity stream event of the year, she sees her chance to use her platform for good. But when a surprise attack sends her hurtling across dimensions, Eva will have to rely on everything she has to make it home in one piece. Streaming superstar MEGHAN CAMARENA and MELISSA FLORES (THE DEAD LUCKY) are joined by third-generation comic artist EMMA KUBERT (INKBLOT) for a universe-hopping thrillride from the world of RADIANT BLACK! RADIANT PINK is a Massive-Verse series. Collects RADIANT PINK #1-5. (APR238458) Limited to 500 copies.
SDCC 2023 SWAN SONGS #1
Image Comics
W. MAXWELL PRINCE (ICE CREAM MAN, HAHA) continues his weird, winning one-shot formula with this all-new multi-artist project that explores the way things END…and also how they never really do. SWAN SONGS comprises stories about endings…The End of the World. The End of a Marriage. The End of a Sentence. The End of the End of the World! (Which I suppose one might consider the BEGINNING of a new world…) And along for the terminal ride are some of comics’ best and brightest artists! The first apocalyptic issue, “The End of the World,” is drawn by none other than THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH’s MARTIN SIMMONDS. Future artists for future endings include CASPAR WIJNGAARD (HOME SICK PILOTS), and FILIPE ANDRADE (The Many Deaths of Leila Star), with more to be announced. All things come to a close; these are the SWAN SONGS. (APR238457) Limited to 1,500 copies.
SDCC 2023 RED SONJA 2023 #1 B&W EXC VAR
Dynamite Entertainment
Following directly from the pages of Red Sonja #0, the She-Devil finds herself on the run, framed for murder, and with an unseen force tugging at the back of her mind. Join Sonja as she races to unravel the mystery of “His Master’s Voice!” Written By Torunn Grønbekk and featuring art by Red Sonja superstar Walter Geovani (with colors by Omi Remalante, Jr.), this brand-new series dives deep into Sonja’s world, exploring the darkness of Hyboria like never before. And all this is wrapped up in an amazing series of covers: Shannon Maer, Jimmy Cheung, Alan Quah, Bryan Hitch, Joanie Brosas (Cosplay), Jenny Frison, and MANY more – including the Dynamite Debut of Bjorn Barends! (APR238514) Limited to 1,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 RED SONJA 2023 #1 EXC VAR
Dynamite Entertainment
Following directly from the pages of Red Sonja #0, the She-Devil finds herself on the run, framed for murder, and with an unseen force tugging at the back of her mind. Join Sonja as she races to unravel the mystery of “His Master’s Voice!” Written By Torunn Grønbekk and featuring art by Red Sonja superstar Walter Geovani (with colors by Omi Remalante, Jr.), this brand-new series dives deep into Sonja’s world, exploring the darkness of Hyboria like never before. And all this is wrapped up in an amazing series of covers: Shannon Maer, Jimmy Cheung, Alan Quah, Bryan Hitch, Joanie Brosas (Cosplay), Jenny Frison, and MANY more – including the Dynamite Debut of Bjorn Barends! (APR238513) Limited to 2,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 BLADE #1 ELENA CASAGRANDE VAR
Marvel
Marvel’s slickest vampire hunter returns in a brand new ongoing by Bryan Hill (KILLMONGER) and Elena Casagrande (BLACK WIDOW)! True evil is patient. And a dark, ancient power has been simmering quietly for centuries…and when Blade himself is the one to unknowingly unleash it, Marvel’s entire supernatural underworld will come out of hiding to demand he handle it. Or pay a pound of flesh for his mistakes. Bloodbaths, blackmail and Blade – you won’t want to miss the explosive first issue of this new volume! (APR238567) Limited to 3,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 FALLEN FRIEND #1 CARMEN CARNERO VAR
Marvel
THE HEART OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE HAS STOPPED BEATING. Kamala Khan died a hero’s death in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #26, saving our entire universe. Come join the other heroes of the Marvel Universe, the creators of Ms. Marvel, and comic fans everywhere in honoring and remembering one of Marvel’s brightest stars! (APR238568) Limited to 3,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 MOON KNIGHT CITY OF THE DEAD #1 VAR
Marvel
THE DEBUT OF THE NEW SCARLET SCARAB! Following the events of Moon Knight #25! When a young runaway is attacked by a gang of death cultists, he is left barely alive outside the Midnight Mission. But Marc Spector made a vow long ago to defend the travelers of the night…and as long as a spark of life remains, his mission isn’t over yet. Follow Moon Knight on his most harrowing adventure yet, as the Fist of Khonshu journeys far beyond the land of the living – and battles across the mind-bending underworld known as the City of the Dead! (APR238569) Limited to 3,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 X-MEN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST DOOMSDAY #1
Marvel
THE CATACLYSM THAT LEADS TO THE X-MEN’S DYSTOPIC FUTURE! Return to the future in a tale that reveals the events leading up to the timeless original DAYS OF FUTURE PAST story that’s inspired spin-offs, films and more! In a world where mutants are more than simply hated and feared, but not yet SLAIN and APPREHENDED, the assassination of Senator Kelly comes to pass, bringing with it the Mutant Control Act and SENTINELS on every corner. But with mutantkind on the back foot, what lengths will KATE PRYDE, WOLVERINE, COLOSSUS, STORM, BANSHEE, ANGEL, CYCLOPS, PROFESSOR X and the rest of the X-MEN go to in order to find some way to survive? And what scheme of MAGNETO will bring about their ultimate DOOMSDAY? Witness the thirty-year descent into the dystopic future, replete with the previously untold deaths of key mutant characters, as we flesh out one of the most celebrated X-MEN timelines in its own series for the first time! (APR238570) Limited to 3,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 CONAN BARBARIAN #1 EXC VAR
Titan Comics
Robert E. Howard’s Conan is back in a new tale of bravery and heroism! CONAN THE BARBARIAN FCBD EDITION LEADS INTO THE DEBUT ISSUE! Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary CONAN returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will CONAN and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders? (APR238515) Limited to 2,000 copies.
SDCC 2023 FRANK FRAZETTA TALES OF SCIENCE FANTASY #2
Opus Comics
The quarterly anthology series returns, with each issue focusing on another masterpiece by the godfather of fantasy art, Frank Frazetta. In this story, inspired by the painting “Requiem for a Shark,” writer Aaron Gregory (Godzilla: Rage Across Time) and Swedish artist Henrik Jonsson (The Phantom) chronicle a family of villagers who find themselves captives on a ship
Diamond Comic Distributors is offering twenty-four extremely limited PREVIEWS exclusives collectibles for this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego, taking place July 19 through July 23. The list includes an assortment of PVC statues, busts, action figures, and lunch boxes featuring popular licenses such as Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, TMNT, Transformers, and more! Comic-Con attendees will be able to preview the items at the Diamond PREVIEWS Booth #2401 and purchase from their local comic book specialty store.
Diamond plans to announce their Comic-Con International: San Diego comic book exclusives next week.
Comic book retailers can purchase the Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusives online via New to Order. Retailers can sign up to receive New To Order emails and be among the first to receive exclusive announcements by visiting the Preferences section of their account on the Diamond Retailer Services Website and checking the box next to New To Order Bulletin under Email Preferences. Exclusives will begin shipping to stores following the convention and may be put on sale by retailers immediately upon receipt.
Diamond Comic Distributors and Diamond Book Distributors have announced a renewed multi-year distribution deal with publisher, ABLAZE, to exclusively distribute their products to North American and international book markets, as well as the comic book specialty market.
Since launching in 2019, ABLAZE has developed an acclaimed catalog featuring a celebrated range of award-winning international creators from North America, Europe, and Asia. The publisher has built a reputation for quality with critically acclaimed releases by noted creators, writers, and artists such as Mark Russell (Traveling to Mars), Michael Moreci (The Mighty Barbarians), Mirka Andolfo (Un/Sacred), Werther Dell’Edera (He Who Fights with Monsters), Maria Llovet (Porcelain, Eros/Psyche), Max Bemis (Belit & Valeria), Zerocalcare (Forget My Name, Tentacles At My Throat),and others. As well as an expanding selection of manga, manhwa and webtoon titles under the ABLAZE MANGA line, including the bestselling manhwa martial arts series, The Breaker, planned launches this summer for graphic novels based on a pair of popular Korean webtoon series, Get SchooledandTerror Man, along with Wakfu Manga, inspired by the hit Netflix anime series, the recent debut of the stylish and macabre webtoon Zombie Makeout Club, andthe announcement of the publishing rights to four classic manga by the legendary Osamu Tezuka.
ABLAZE continues to garner critical acclaim with various nominations for the 2023 Eisner Awards, including Best Limited Series (Animal Castle), Best New Series (Traveling to Mars), Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (Felix Delep, Animal Castle), and Best Writer (Mark Russell, Traveling to Mars).
Diamond Book Distributors (DBD) has announced the promotion of Emily Botica to Vice President, Publisher Relations and Marketing. In her new role, Emily will continue to spearhead innovative marketing campaigns, develop and implement effective publisher acquisition strategies, and further elevate the company’s brand awareness and reputation.
“We are thrilled to promote Emily to Vice President, Publisher Relations and Marketing. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of our industry,” said Tony Lutkus, President of Diamond Book Distributors. “Emily’s expertise and vision will play a key role in driving future growth, strengthening relationships, and further establishing DBD as a leader in the industry.”
Emily joined DBD in 2007 as sales manager working with Borders. Her dedication, drive, and passion for graphic novels led her to advance through progressively more responsible positions within the Publisher Relations and Marketing departments. In each role, Emily made significant contributions to our business, working tirelessly alongside our publishing clients to shape and direct their sales and marketing initiatives. Emily’s commitment to excellence, combined with her passion for our industry, will be instrumental in achieving our goals.
