Diamond Comic Distributors has announced TCGplayer as its presenting sponsor for Free Comic Book Day 2023.
TCGplayer is the leading technology platform for the collectibles industry and operator of the largest online marketplace for trading card games. The Company connects thousands of hobby gaming businesses with collectors across the globe, recently expanding its platform to enable the trading of comic books and trade paperbacks.
Launched in 2002, Free Comic Book Day is one the comic book industry’s most anticipated annual events, with participating local comic shops around the world giving away free comics to all their patrons as a way to promote local comic shops and their unique places within their communities. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, with over 2,000 comic shops expected to participate.
Diamond Book Distributors has announced that it has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with Abstract Studio to exclusively distribute their books to North American and international book markets, as well as libraries. Distribution to the comic book specialty market is handled exclusively by Diamond Comic Distributors.
Under the banner of Abstract Studio, Terry Moore has been publishing his groundbreaking comics and graphic novels for almost thirty years. His seminal work, Strangers In Paradise, carved out a unique space for him in the world of American comics. Originally published in 1993, when The Death of Superman and other superhero titles were dominating comic book sales, Moore set out to explore a different narrative with Strangers in Paradise, one that would eventually be termed “slice-of-life dramedy.” The story centers around the lives of Francine and Katchoo, a pair of twenty-something best friends who eventually fall in love. The fan-favorite series features romance, action, intrigue, and Moore’s signature humor.
Strangers In Paradise was in publication for fourteen years, during which time it received great critical and commercial acclaim, including wins for an Eisner Award, a Reuben Award, and a GLADD Award for Best Comic. Terry would follow it up with Echo, Rachael Rising, Motor Girls, Serial, and the more recent Parker Girls. With consistent, thoughtful, and innovative storytelling, Moore has built a devoted following in comic shops.
Strangers In Paradise Volume 1 will be published with a new format and cover in June 2023, with Volume 2 releasing in October 2023.
It’s new comic book day! What do you plan on getting? What stands out? Sound off in the comments below. While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and a review from around the web to start the day.
Diamond Book Distributors has announced that it has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with Black Panel Press to exclusively distribute their products to North American and international book markets. Distribution to the comic book specialty market is handled exclusively by Diamond Comic Distributors.
Black Panel Press is an indie comic book and graphic novel publisher founded by Andrew Benteau in 2017 with the goal of bringing exceptional foreign language graphic novels to North American readers. In 2016, Benteau met José Jover, editor of French publication Tartamudo Editions. The two quickly established a partnership to import European graphic novel titles to the United States and Canada. Black Panel Press is committed to a “stories first” approach, allowing creators to craft the narratives they want to tell and retain complete control of their stories.
Black Panel Press boasts an ever-growing library of works, with comic books and graphic novels ranging from anthologies and nonfiction, to science fiction, slice of life, action/adventure, and everything in between. A slice of life drama, Queer in Asia is portrait of a Chinese youth in search of love and meaning. Inhuman Trials is a science fiction graphic novel that explores the fallout of a third world war, focusing on the human experience through the eyes of a Swedish scientist desperate to reconstruct the human genome. The Man in the Painter’s Room is a nonfiction graphic novel about the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh following his release from the Saint-Paul asylum in 1890, as told through the eyes of Adeline Ravoux, an innkeeper’s daughter with whom Vincent shared a special bond. In a case of mistaken identity, The Mad Tsar followers a ruler who is mistaken as a peasant with a resemblance to the ruler, and ultimately used a leverage to carryout sinister acts against the Tsar. Hanging on By a Threadis a graphic autobiography of Noémie, an 18 year-old art student who is diagnosed with cancer against the backdrop of multicultural Beirut. My First Pandemic is a collection of drawings, thoughts, poems, and comics reflecting on a difficult period in history.
This Sentinel with Wolverine is the latest in Funko’s line of Marvel characters. Featuring a small figure of fan favorite mutant Wolverine locked in battle against the 10″ mutant-fighting Sentinel robot, this PREVIEWS Exclusive Jumbo Pop! set is a must-have for X-Men collectors and comes packaged in Funko’s signature collector-friendly window box. Also available is a glow-in-the-dark chase variant. Chase Figures are packed randomly and cannot be guaranteed with purchase.
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Diamond Comic Distributors has revealed the commemorative artwork for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) 2023. Fan-favorite artist Laura Braga has created a one-of-a-kind design emphasizing the power, imagination, and friendship that come from exploring the pages of a comic book. The design will serve as the commemorative t-shirt and poster for FCBD 2023.
Laura Braga is an Italian comic book artist who began her career in 1999 as storyboard artist for Italian TV commercials. In 2002, she moved into the comic book industry, working for an Italian publisher as an inker and background assistant. In 2012, Braga broke into the American comic book scene when she caught the eye of Top Cow Studios and became the regular artist on Witchblade. Since then, she has fulfilled her dream of working in superhero comics with her work on Marvel’s Superior Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and The Punisher, as well as contributing art to other beloved characters such as Batman, Wonder Woman, and Harley Quinn. Braga’s work can also be seen in Dynamite Comics, as well as throughout the Archie Horror title, Blossoms 666. Braga brings dynamic wonder and passion to her artwork, and both qualities come through with her commemorative art piece for Free Comic Book Day 2023.
The FCBD 2023 Commemorative T-shirt will be available in adult sizes small through XXXL (MSRP: $14.99-$17.99) and in youth sizes small through large (MSRP: $11.99). The Commemorative Poster will be 22” x 28” on a white background (MSRP: $11.99). The shirt and poster, along with a complete listing of all the FCBD 2023 comic book titles and exclusive collectibles, can be found in the December issue of the PREVIEWScatalog, available in comic shops on November 23, 2022.
Diamond Comic Distributors has partnered with Surreal Entertainment to launch a line of classic lunchbox/beverage container sets called “Tin Titans.” These rectangular lunchboxes are the same footprint as the vintage lunchbox sets made famous from the 1950s through the 1990s, but with today’s safety features and molding technology. Brands from Surreal’s extensive portfolio of licenses will be featured, from superheroes to monsters, from anime to videogames. Tin Titans will be exclusively available through Diamond Comic Distributors.
Each Tin Titans set includes a sturdy 4×7.75×6.75-inch tin case with latched lid, decorated with stylized art from dozens of world-class IPs. Unlike the flat, single-plane reliefs of the original lunchboxes, these feature fully dimensional 3-D sculpted embossed highlights that truly make the images stand out. Completing the set is a classic, cylindrical 11-oz. beverage container, with a solid food-safe plastic core and printed tin wrap, topped with an eared cup colored to match the plastic handle on the top panel of the lunchbox.
The first line includes such beloved brands as Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Godzilla, and Marvel superheroes such as Spider-Man, The X-Men, Wolverine, Black Panther and more!
Diamond Comic Distributors has announced that it has established a new tier among its publishing partners. The Deluxe Tier, which includes AfterShock Comics, Titan Comics, ABLAZE Publishing, and Frank Miller Presents (FMP), features preferred coverage in the PREVIEWS catalog and expanded support on the PREVIEWS world website, along with exclusive distribution agreements.
The Deluxe Tier spotlights robust vendor support in recognition of AfterShock, Titan, ABLAZE, and FMP’s success as top tier comic book and graphic novel publishers. Diamond will continue to be the vendor’s exclusive distributor to the comic book specialty market.
The Deluxe Tier vendors represent a diverse range of the storytelling in comics today. AfterShock Comics is a creatively driven comic book publisher led by a team of life-long comics professionals, dedicated to working with some of the brightest stars in the creative community to tell original, uniquely compelling stories – through comics, graphic novels and beyond. Titan Comics offers astounding comics and graphic novels from the world’s greatest film, television and gaming licensed properties. Alongside creator-owned comic books from new and world-renowned talent, Titan’s imprints include Titan Magazines (Marvel, Star Wars and Star Trek), Hard Case Crime, Titan Manga and the soon to be launched Titan Nova for Y/A and Middle Grade as well as the Conan the Barbarian publishing program in 2023.
ABLAZE is an independent publisher of original comic books, crowdfunded titles, and art books with a focus on increasing diversity, amplifying the voices of their creators, and bringing new creators into the fold. Frank Miller Presents focuses on creating and curating a line of comics to capture Miller’s distinct visual style while also working with a range of talent, from comics veterans to rising artists.
In September, Diamond’s PREVIEWScatalog and PREVIEWS world website will showcase AfterShock, Titan, ABLAZE, and FMP’s new status as the companies move to a new “Deluxe Comics” section, highlighting their offerings to comic shop retailers and customers. Additionally, Diamond is expanding their waiver of reorder fees beyond Image Comics and Dark Horse to include all Premier Publishers, adding BOOM Studios and Dynamite Entertainment, as well as these new Deluxe publishers.
It’s the 40th anniversary of Diamond Comic Distributors, and Diamond Select Toys is celebrating with an all-new Minimates box set! And it’s a double celebration, because the box set is a retro-styled four-pack of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who leapt onto television screens 35 years ago!
In the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Minimates Retro VHS Box Set, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael each come with their trademark weapons, and sport looks inspired by the classic TMNT toys of yesteryear. Also included are four baby turtles, throwing stars, a mutagen canister and a mouser! Each 2-inch Minimate features multiple points of articulation, and all six come packaged in replica VHS packaging with a slide-out “cassette” tray and original cover art.
Figures and packaging designed by Barry Bradfield! A Diamond Select Toys product! Coming this fall!
IDW Publishing‘s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin #5, the final issue of Kevin Eastman’s “future Turtles” storyline, was the best-selling comic book of April 2022 through Diamond Comic Distributors.
APRIL’S COMIC BOOKS
Marvel Comics had two titles in April’s top ten. Zeb Wells and John Romita, Jr.’s Amazing Spider-Man #1 ranked #2 for the month, and Donny Cates and Ryan Ottley’s Hulk #6 ranked #3.
Image Comics had five titles in the top ten: Gunslinger Spawn #7 (ranked #4), Christian Ward and Patric Reynolds’ Blood Stained Teeth #1 (#5), Saga #58 (#6), Spawn: The Scorched #4 (#7), and King Spawn #9 (#9).
BOOM! Studios rounded out the top ten with two titles: Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR #8 (#8), and Dan Panosian and Giorgio Spalletta’s Alice Ever After #1 (#10).
Among the premier publishers, Dynamite Entertainment‘s Immortal Red Sonja #1 was their top book at #24; and Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s We Have Demons #2 was Dark Horse Comics‘ best-seller at #31.
APRIL’S GRAPHIC NOVELS
The Ghost in You, the fourth volume in Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ noir graphic novel series Reckless from Image Comics, was April’s best-selling graphic novel through Diamond Comic Distributors.
Image Comics had two additional titles in the top ten: James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds’ The Department of Truth Volume 3 (#4) and Jonathan Hickman and Mike Huddleston’s Decorum (#8).
BOOM! Studio‘s House of Slaughter Volume 1 by James Tynion IV, Tate Brombal, Chris Shehan, and Werther Dell’Edera ranked #2 for the month.
VIZ Media had four titles in the top ten, led by Chainsaw Man Volume 10 (#3).
Dynamite‘s Thunderous, an original graphic novel by M.L. Smoker, Natalie Peeterse, and Dale Deforest, ranked #5.
Also in the top ten, UDON Entertainment‘s The Rose of Versailles Volume 5 ranked #10.
APRIL’S TOYS & GAMES
Funko’s POP! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Raphael (with Black & White Chase) Vinyl Figure, a PREVIEWS exclusive figure that features a cel-shaded design that mimics the original comics, topped the toys best-seller chart in April after ranking #4 in March.
Three addditional PREVIEWS exclusive figures from Funko placed in April’s top ten: the POP! Marvel: Spider-Man Japanese TV Vinyl Figure (#2), the POP! The Simpsons: Alien Mr. Burns Vinyl Figure (#3), and the POP! Marvel: Galactus with the Silver Surfer Blacklight Jumbo 10-Inch Vinyl Figure (#7).
1000 Toys and threezero also had PREVIEWS exclusive products in the top ten.
Diamond Select Toys’ best-selling product of April, the Marvel Gallery: PlayStation 5 Miles Morales PVC Statue ranked #9.
Marvle Comics’ Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game Playtext Rulebook, a brand-new table-top role-playing game written and illustrated by top Marvel writers and artists, was April’s best-selling game product.
Other publishers in the top ten include Green Ronin Publishing, Konami Digital Entertainment, Paizo Publishing, Wizards of the Coast, and Yen Press.
TOP 10 COMIC BOOKS BY UNITS SOLD
RANK
PRODUCT TITLE
PRICE
ITEM CODE
PUBLISHER
1
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE LAST RONIN #5 [*]
$8.99
DEC210503-M
IDW PUBLISHING
2
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1
$5.99
FEB220786-M
MARVEL COMICS
3
HULK #6
$3.99
FEB220820-M
MARVEL COMICS
4
GUNSLINGER SPAWN #7
$2.99
FEB220210-M
IMAGE COMICS
5
BLOOD STAINED TEETH #1 (MR)
$3.99
FEB220029-M
IMAGE COMICS
6
SAGA #58 (MR)
$2.99
FEB220248
IMAGE COMICS
7
SPAWN: THE SCORCHED #4
$2.99
JAN220297-M
IMAGE COMICS
8
BRZRKR #8 (MR) [*]
$3.99
JAN220777-M
BOOM! STUDIOS
9
KING SPAWN #9
$2.99
FEB220222-M
IMAGE COMICS
10
ALICE EVER AFTER #1 [*]
$3.99
FEB220692-M
BOOM! STUDIOS
TOP 10 GRAPHIC NOVELS BY UNITS SOLD
RANK
PRODUCT TITLE
PRICE
ITEM CODE
PUBLISHER
1
THE GHOST IN YOU: A RECKLESS BOOK HC (MR)
$24.99
JAN220129
IMAGE COMICS
2
HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER VOLUME 1 (DISCOVER NOW EDITION) TP