Brian Hibbs looks at Fantagraphics’ new Diamond-exclusive contract and… well, worries:
Diamond’s lock on Direct Market distribution is basically now complete, and while I think that Diamond is mechanically a fine partner (in terms of pick and pull, accuracy in fulfillment, and fixing problems), I’m always concerned with continuing to concentrate more power into one set of hands, and the more remote this makes any chance of wider distribution choices in the future.
It largely seems to me that the remaining significant publishers (among them Drawn & Quarterly, Slave Labor, Avatar, and Top Shelf) really should be looking closely at exclusivity themselves at this point, if only to ensure parity with FBI, and to ensure that their inventory is actually available when retailers want it.
And that kills me to type, honestly.
