The post-LPC comics and graphic novel distribution landscape is beginning to come into focus. Diamond Comics, the largest distributor of periodical comic books to the specialty comics market, is launching Diamond Book Distributors, a new division to distribute comics, graphic novels, manga and anime as well as toys and other pop culture product to the book trade.

Kuo-Yu Liang, formerly a marketing and licensing executive with Ballantine Books, has been named v-p of sales and marketing at the new division and will direct DBD. Liang will be responsible hiring a sales and marketing force and coming up with sales and marketing strategies. Josh Hayes, formerly a buyer at Waldenbooks, has been named sales manager and will service accounts such as Amazon.com, Borders and other chain outlets.

Although Diamond dominates the comics specialty market, some comics publishers have said that they are reluctant to be distributed by Diamond to the book trade and prefer to be represented by experienced book people. That reluctance had much to do with LPC's success at attracting a roster of significant indie comics publishers as clients. It remains to be seen how a new division staffed by experienced book professionals will be received. More tomorrow.

This article originally appeared in the June 25, 2002 issue of PW NewsLine. For more information about PW NewsLine, including a sample and subscription information, click here.