Marvel Comics Shifts to New Distributor in Industry-Rattling Move
Less than a year after DC Comics' shocked the industry by cutting ties with Diamond Comics Distributors, Marvel Comics is making a similar transition. Marvel announced plans to shift its direct market distribution to Penguin Random House as part of "a multi-year partnership."
Starting on October 1, Penguin Random House will begin distributing Marvel's monthly comics and graphic novels to comic shops. Hachette Book Group will continue to handle distribution to the bookstore market.
“Marvel’s entire history is built on telling great stories. And as we’ve seen for decades, those stories go hand in hand with equipping the comic shops who share them. Marvel and Penguin Random House stand by that vision, and we are excited to build and expand those opportunities for our talent, retailers, and fans,” said Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley in a press release. “Comics are the core of the Marvel Universe, and we are confident this new partnership will continue to grow and evolve this resilient industry. We look forward to advancing our capabilities with PRHPS to serve our fans and the Direct Market. We thank Diamond for their many years of support and partnership as we continue our relationship with them in other areas.”
IGN reached out to Marvel, and the company confirms there are no immediate changes expected in terms of cover prices or Marvel's digital comics distribution. Marvel is also sticking to the traditional Wednesday release schedule for new comics.
There is one significant difference where retailers are concerned, however. Whereas DC cut ties with Diamond completely in 2020, Marvel is still giving store owners the option to order comics through Diamond. However, in those cases Diamond will now act as a wholesaler rather than a distributor.
That's a potential ray of light for Diamond, a company that held a near-monopoly on direct market distribution until DC's split in 2020. Diamond had been Marvel's exclusive direct market distributor since 1997, following Marvel's failed attempt at self-distribution via Heroes World. Like many companies, Diamond has struggled to deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company was forced to suspend distribution for several weeks in March 2020 and postpone Free Comic Book Day 2020. Marvel's transition toward Penguin Random House may raise new concerns about Diamond's long-term future, echoing those raised by former DC president Diane Nelson in 2020.
In response to a Facebook post from retailer Brian Hibbs, Nelson wrote, "I can say purely as a private individual that Diamond has, for a long time, been unwilling or unable to modernize and support and grow the biz as needed for a healthy direct channel. And may not even be solvent. It would be imprudent for any publisher to not have a distribution contingency plan."
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However, Diamond's chairman, president and CEO Steve Geppi downplayed the potential impact of this change in a statement.
"The change Marvel announced today represents a behind-the-scenes shift in how Diamond interacts with Marvel for certain products, but does not impact our ability to supply our customers with Marvel comics, trades, and graphic novels," Geppi wrote. "I expect the discount terms under which our retail partners order these Marvel products to change, and Diamond will communicate that information to our customers well in advance of any adjustments. While there are still details of this new arrangement to work through, my leadership team and I are committed to making this supply change as operationally seamless as possible for our retail partners and we look forward to our continued distribution of Marvel products."
Whatever long-term impact Marvel's move may have on the industry, one thing is clear. Diamond is far from the only game in town in 2021.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/01/04/what-to-expect-from-marvel-in-2021"]
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Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.
IGN reached out to Marvel, and the company confirms there are no immediate changes expected in terms of cover prices or Marvel's digital comics distribution. Marvel is also sticking to the traditional Wednesday release schedule for new comics.
There is one significant difference where retailers are concerned, however. Whereas DC cut ties with Diamond completely in 2020, Marvel is still giving store owners the option to order comics through Diamond. However, in those cases Diamond will now act as a wholesaler rather than a distributor.
That's a potential ray of light for Diamond, a company that held a near-monopoly on direct market distribution until DC's split in 2020. Diamond had been Marvel's exclusive direct market distributor since 1997, following Marvel's failed attempt at self-distribution via Heroes World. Like many companies, Diamond has struggled to deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company was forced to suspend distribution for several weeks in March 2020 and postpone Free Comic Book Day 2020. Marvel's transition toward Penguin Random House may raise new concerns about Diamond's long-term future, echoing those raised by former DC president Diane Nelson in 2020.
In response to a Facebook post from retailer Brian Hibbs, Nelson wrote, "I can say purely as a private individual that Diamond has, for a long time, been unwilling or unable to modernize and support and grow the biz as needed for a healthy direct channel. And may not even be solvent. It would be imprudent for any publisher to not have a distribution contingency plan."
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-best-comics-of-the-decade-2010-2019&captions=true"]
However, Diamond's chairman, president and CEO Steve Geppi downplayed the potential impact of this change in a statement.
"The change Marvel announced today represents a behind-the-scenes shift in how Diamond interacts with Marvel for certain products, but does not impact our ability to supply our customers with Marvel comics, trades, and graphic novels," Geppi wrote. "I expect the discount terms under which our retail partners order these Marvel products to change, and Diamond will communicate that information to our customers well in advance of any adjustments. While there are still details of this new arrangement to work through, my leadership team and I are committed to making this supply change as operationally seamless as possible for our retail partners and we look forward to our continued distribution of Marvel products."
Whatever long-term impact Marvel's move may have on the industry, one thing is clear. Diamond is far from the only game in town in 2021.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/01/04/what-to-expect-from-marvel-in-2021"]
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Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.Jessica Walter, Known for Arrested Development and Archer, Dies
Jessica Walter, the award-winning actress known for iconic roles such as Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development, Malory Archer in Archer, has died. Walter was 80.
Deadline reports that Walter died in her sleep last night at her home in New York City. Walter was a mainstay on television in both live-action roles and voice acting.
She earned an Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her titular role in Amy Prentiss and has been a mainstay on television for decades.
Likely her most well-known performance was for Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, the matriarch of a rich, squabbling, Southern California family. Walter’s portrayal earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Ensemble.
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In the hit animated FX series Archer, Walter voiced Malory Archer the mother of the main character and head of a private espionage agency. Other voice roles include Fran Sinclair in Dinosaurs and Granny Goodness in Harley Quinn.
Her iconic lines from Arrested Development and Archer live on online as part of the broader world of pop culture. Condolences online, including from her former cast members are appearing on social media and elsewhere.
She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth. pic.twitter.com/wJeOeJleR3
— Tony Hale (@MrTonyHale) March 25, 2021
Walter is survived by her daughter Brooke Bowman and grandson Micah Heymann. In a statement to Deadline, Bowman says, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica. A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off. While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre.” [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)Jessica Walter was a deeply talented person We first met on a pilot in ‘96 and I was instantly blown away I’m fortunate to have had a front row seat to her brilliance for 25 years My thoughts are with her daughter Brooke and grandson Micah today Farewell Jessica, you’ll be missed
— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) March 25, 2021
Jessica Walter, Known for Arrested Development and Archer, Dies
Jessica Walter, the award-winning actress known for iconic roles such as Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development, Malory Archer in Archer, has died. Walter was 80.
Deadline reports that Walter died in her sleep last night at her home in New York City. Walter was a mainstay on television in both live-action roles and voice acting.
She earned an Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her titular role in Amy Prentiss and has been a mainstay on television for decades.
Likely her most well-known performance was for Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, the matriarch of a rich, squabbling, Southern California family. Walter’s portrayal earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Ensemble.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=arrested-development-season-5-part-2-photos&captions=true"]
In the hit animated FX series Archer, Walter voiced Malory Archer the mother of the main character and head of a private espionage agency. Other voice roles include Fran Sinclair in Dinosaurs and Granny Goodness in Harley Quinn.
Her iconic lines from Arrested Development and Archer live on online as part of the broader world of pop culture. Condolences online, including from her former cast members are appearing on social media and elsewhere.
Walter is survived by her daughter Brooke Bowman and grandson Micah Heymann. In a statement to Deadline, Bowman says, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica. A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off. While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre.” [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth. pic.twitter.com/wJeOeJleR3
— Tony Hale (@MrTonyHale) March 25, 2021
How to Watch the /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Stream This Week
Microsoft and Twitch are teaming up for the first ID@Xbox and Twitch Gaming event. Officially named /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox, the stream is set to feature over 100 games from independent developers based all over the world. Alongside featuring new game announcements from developers like DrinkBox Studios and new trailers for 25 existing games like Second Extinction, there will also be news of games coming to Xbox Game Pass.
IGN is carrying the stream and as usual, this watch guide will provide you with everything you need to know to watch the show, including when it starts, a list of places you can watch it with us, and what you can expect to see at the show.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/26/idxbox-twitchgaming-showcase-livestream"]
/twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Date and Start Time
The first-ever Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox event will take place on March 26, 2021. The stream is scheduled to start at 9am PT/12pm ET/4pm GMT.How to Watch the /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Stream
IGN plans to carry the Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox showcase stream, which means we'll have it available on a variety of platforms. Here’s the full list of places you can watch the Xbox event with us:- IGN.com (homepage)
- IGN's Facebook Channel
- IGN’s Twitter
- IGN's Twitch Channel
- IGN’s Youtube Channel
- IGN's iOS App
- IGN's Android App
- IGN's PlayStation 4 App
- IGN's Xbox One App
- Roku
- IGN App for Android TV
- IGN for Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- IGN 1 on Samsung TV Plus
- Pluto TV
- Plex Live TV
What to Expect From the /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Stream
Fans can expect to see more than 100 games featured in this first collaboration between Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox, and there will be new game announcements from developers and publishers like DrinkBox Studios, Curve Digital, Devolver Digital, Dear Villagers, and others. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/26/stalker-2-dev-diary"] The showcase will also include new trailers and gameplay for more than 25 games, including:- Second Extinction
- The Ascent
- The Wild at Heart
- Voidtrain
- Exo One
- An update on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
- And many more!
How to Watch the /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Stream This Week
Microsoft and Twitch are teaming up for the first ID@Xbox and Twitch Gaming event. Officially named /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox, the stream is set to feature over 100 games from independent developers based all over the world. Alongside featuring new game announcements from developers like DrinkBox Studios and new trailers for 25 existing games like Second Extinction, there will also be news of games coming to Xbox Game Pass.
IGN is carrying the stream and as usual, this watch guide will provide you with everything you need to know to watch the show, including when it starts, a list of places you can watch it with us, and what you can expect to see at the show.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/26/idxbox-twitchgaming-showcase-livestream"]
/twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Date and Start Time
The first-ever Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox event will take place on March 26, 2021. The stream is scheduled to start at 9am PT/12pm ET/4pm GMT.How to Watch the /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Stream
IGN plans to carry the Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox showcase stream, which means we'll have it available on a variety of platforms. Here’s the full list of places you can watch the Xbox event with us:- IGN.com (homepage)
- IGN's Facebook Channel
- IGN’s Twitter
- IGN's Twitch Channel
- IGN’s Youtube Channel
- IGN's iOS App
- IGN's Android App
- IGN's PlayStation 4 App
- IGN's Xbox One App
- Roku
- IGN App for Android TV
- IGN for Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- IGN 1 on Samsung TV Plus
- Pluto TV
- Plex Live TV
What to Expect From the /twitchgaming Showcase: ID@Xbox Stream
Fans can expect to see more than 100 games featured in this first collaboration between Twitch Gaming and ID@Xbox, and there will be new game announcements from developers and publishers like DrinkBox Studios, Curve Digital, Devolver Digital, Dear Villagers, and others. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/26/stalker-2-dev-diary"] The showcase will also include new trailers and gameplay for more than 25 games, including:- Second Extinction
- The Ascent
- The Wild at Heart
- Voidtrain
- Exo One
- An update on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
- And many more!
New Edition of The Lord of the Rings Includes JRR Tolkien’s Illustrations
A new edition of The Lord of the Rings will feature 30 sketches and illustrations created by JRR Tolkien not seen in previous editions of the book.
This new release will be the first time that an edition of the Lord of the Rings will feature this art since 1954. And even then, when Tolkien originally included the art with the book's first-ever publication, it only featured two of his illustrations, as reported by The Guardian.
Those two illustrations — the Doors of Durin and the Inscription on Balin's Tomb — will be included in this new HarperCollins edition alongside 30 other sketches, illustrations, and maps.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/08/19/amazons-lord-of-the-rings-the-second-age-explained"]
"Like many young readers, I was enthralled by his charming and evocative illustrations that accompanied The Hobbit," HarperCollins deputy publishing director, Chris Smith, said. "These paintings, particularly the now-iconic image that appears on its cover, have become as beloved as the story they accompany. Yet the author himself was characteristically modest, dismissive of the obvious and rare artistic talent he possessed despite having had no formal training."
Smith said this modesty meant that little of Tolkien's art was ever seen. Tolkien created 30 pieces of art for The Lord of the Rings, but was crushed by comments from one critic that described the images as showing "no reflection of his literary talent and imagination." Tolkien seemingly took the criticism personally and agreed with the critic, according to The Guardian.
Despite claiming he was too busy for illustrate The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien found himself doing just that, creating maps of Middle Earth, sketches of Orthanc, and more. Those pieces of art have been collected before, namely in Christopher Tolkien's Pictures by JRR Tolkien and Wayne G Hammond and Christina Scull's JRR Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator, as The Guardian points out, but Tolkien's own art hasn't been featured in an edition of The Lord of the Rings since the first publication back in 1954.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/24/the-lord-of-the-rings-gollum-teaser-trailer"]
The Tolkien estate has given HarperCollins the rights to publish a new edition of The Lord of the Rings that features the illustrations Tolkien always intended to accompany certain parts of the book. It will be released on October 19 and you can preorder the book now.
For more Lord of the Rings, check out this new 4K UHD boxset of the Peter Jackson trilogy and then read these new plot details for Amazon's upcoming Lord of the Rings series. Be sure to read about the upcoming video game centered on Gollum after that.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.
New Edition of The Lord of the Rings Includes JRR Tolkien’s Illustrations
A new edition of The Lord of the Rings will feature 30 sketches and illustrations created by JRR Tolkien not seen in previous editions of the book.
This new release will be the first time that an edition of the Lord of the Rings will feature this art since 1954. And even then, when Tolkien originally included the art with the book's first-ever publication, it only featured two of his illustrations, as reported by The Guardian.
Those two illustrations — the Doors of Durin and the Inscription on Balin's Tomb — will be included in this new HarperCollins edition alongside 30 other sketches, illustrations, and maps.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/08/19/amazons-lord-of-the-rings-the-second-age-explained"]
"Like many young readers, I was enthralled by his charming and evocative illustrations that accompanied The Hobbit," HarperCollins deputy publishing director, Chris Smith, said. "These paintings, particularly the now-iconic image that appears on its cover, have become as beloved as the story they accompany. Yet the author himself was characteristically modest, dismissive of the obvious and rare artistic talent he possessed despite having had no formal training."
Smith said this modesty meant that little of Tolkien's art was ever seen. Tolkien created 30 pieces of art for The Lord of the Rings, but was crushed by comments from one critic that described the images as showing "no reflection of his literary talent and imagination." Tolkien seemingly took the criticism personally and agreed with the critic, according to The Guardian.
Despite claiming he was too busy for illustrate The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien found himself doing just that, creating maps of Middle Earth, sketches of Orthanc, and more. Those pieces of art have been collected before, namely in Christopher Tolkien's Pictures by JRR Tolkien and Wayne G Hammond and Christina Scull's JRR Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator, as The Guardian points out, but Tolkien's own art hasn't been featured in an edition of The Lord of the Rings since the first publication back in 1954.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/24/the-lord-of-the-rings-gollum-teaser-trailer"]
The Tolkien estate has given HarperCollins the rights to publish a new edition of The Lord of the Rings that features the illustrations Tolkien always intended to accompany certain parts of the book. It will be released on October 19 and you can preorder the book now.
For more Lord of the Rings, check out this new 4K UHD boxset of the Peter Jackson trilogy and then read these new plot details for Amazon's upcoming Lord of the Rings series. Be sure to read about the upcoming video game centered on Gollum after that.
[poilib element="accentDivider"]
Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.
GTA Online: Claim Double Biker Work and Deadline Rewards, Free Biker Jackets, and More
This week in GTA Online, claim double salaries on Bodyguards and Associates work, Contracts and Challenges, a slew of discounts, and more.
GTA Online: Claim Double Biker Work and Deadline Rewards, Free Biker Jackets, and More
This week in GTA Online, claim double salaries on Bodyguards and Associates work, Contracts and Challenges, a slew of discounts, and more.
Apex Legends Winter Circuit Playoffs: How to Watch the Battle Royale Tournament
The Playoffs for the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS)' Winter Circuit are all set to take place on March 27 and March 28, and it will see the best teams in the world competing for a prize pool worth $503,000.
Furthermore, IGN is proud to help reveal the Apex Legends Global Series Championship that will take place from May 22 - June 13, with teams from around the world competing for a prize pool of $1 million.
From TSM to Team Liquid to Gambit, there will be 40 teams competing across NA and EMEA during the ALGS Winter Circuit Playoffs, and IGN is here to help ensure you don't miss a single match.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/15/apex-legends-review-2021"]