In a statement to retailers, DC has announced plans to pursue a “multi-distributor model” in absence of Diamond Comics’s support. DC has vowed to “get new product to stores that want or need it as soon as possible,” which could keep local game stores all over the country afloat. The comics giant is also offering customers full refunds for issues with in-store dates between March 18, 2020 and June 24, 2020.
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DC has plenty of comics slated to release in the next few days, including a new Batman issue. With the vague promise of a shipping solution “in the coming days,” there is no indication that these issues will be available in-store on their release. Fans can still expect to read new issues online though, as DC has not announced any change to their online distribution model.
First, the entire team here at DC hopes that you, your family and your employees are staying safe and healthy during this very tough and precarious time. We know that you have been waiting for DC to comment on the state-of-affairs and to address any measures we will take to help our community lighten the burden of the disruption to our business, and we’ve been working hard on a long-term, solution-focused plan. Here is how we will help:
Periodicals and books with in-store dates between March 18, 2020 and June 24, 2020 will be fully returnable. We’ll even provide credit for your separate return shipping of these items only.
Additionally, because we anticipate that continued disruption to business operations will create regional volatility, DC is exploring a multi-distributor model to provide us with the flexibility needed during this crisis to get new content to our readers on an ongoing basis. In the short-term, we continue to engage in active conversations with Diamond to help us solve the distribution issues that have arisen and hope to get new product to stores that want or need it as soon as possible. We will provide additional information about how we’ll make that happen in the coming days.
Thanks for your patience with us. DC will continue to monitor the situation, continue to speak with you directly, and continue to support you through the days ahead. You are the lifeblood of this industry.
All best,
The DC Team
These are turbulent times for the comic industry. Many writers and artists are being given “pencils-down” orders to stop working until companies can continue safely distributing new issues. With the disappointments of delays and hiatuses, fans may be eagerly looking to DC to deliver on the promise of continued distribution.
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Source: IGN
