Posted in: Comics | Tagged: diamond, graphic novel, oni press, Simon & Schuster, Simon And Schuster

Oni Drops Diamond, Hooks Up With Simon & Schuster For Bookstore Distribution

Published Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:48:22 -0500

Last updated Thu, 19 May 2022 07:26:18 -0500

It wouldn't be a big comic convention without some major relationship drama!

Earlier this year, just before San Diego Comic Con, we learned that Sega had ended a long term relationship with Archie Comics, and was spotted just days later at the convention sharing a sexy Sonic the Hedgehog license with IDW. Following that tradition, Oni Press has dumped Diamond for bookstore distribution just days before New York Comic Con, and they've already hopped in bed with a new partner: Simon & Schuster.

Oni flaunted the news by updating its relationship status on Facebook to "it's complicated," and also by sending out a press release:

Simon & Schuster has entered into a sales and distribution agreement with Oni Press, a comic book and graphic novel publisher based in Portland, Oregon. Under the agreement, Simon & Schuster will handle sales and worldwide distribution to the book trade for Oni Press's line of bestselling, award-winning, original and licensed comic books and graphic novels.

Under the agreement, sales and distribution will commence on March 1, 2018, bringing Oni Press's wide range of publications to a larger marketplace of readers. Oni Press's catalog includes popular comic books and graphic novels based on Adult Swim's Rick and Morty™and Nickelodeon's Invader ZIM, in addition to their line of critically-acclaimed original titles including Scott Pilgrim, Princess Princess Ever After, Lucky Penny, Courtney Crumrin, The Sixth Gun, Stumptown, Wet Moon, Letter 44, The Coldest City and Kaijumax.

Rubbing things in Diamond's face, executives from Oni and Simon & Schuster engaged in a public display of affection via complimentary statements in the press release:

"We are delighted to welcome Oni Press to our family of distribution clients," said Michael Perlman, Vice President of Client Sales and Marketing, Simon & Schuster. "They have clearly found an audience of enthusiastic readers for their licensed and original titles, and we look forward to helping expand that audience world wide."

"When I first joined Joe Nozemack at Oni Press, it was clear we were doing something different. We have long known that our catalog appeals to a broader audience, so we have always worked to push the comic book medium beyond the direct market," said James Lucas Jones, Publisher, Oni Press. "Working with Simon & Schuster's incredible team, we are elated to bring our books to new readers, retailers, and libraries."

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