ICv2.com reports that Publishers Services International Publisher Services, Incorporated, a distributor to the book and hobby markets, has sued Dabel Brothers Publishing, alleging breach of contract.
According to the lawsuit, filed last Friday, PSI began negotiations in August 2007 — around the time the Dabels split with Marvel — to become Dabel Brothers’ exclusive sales and fulfillment agent. PSI advanced the Dabel Brothers $45,500, apparently anticipating a happy conclusion to those negotiations, as well as a $50,000 payout from Marvel to the Dabels.
However, Dabel Brothers instead signed with Del Rey. According to the complaint, just $12,500 of the advance was repaid. The lawsuit seeks the remaining $30,000, plus legal costs and interest.
Dabel Brothers Vice President Les Dabel tells ICv2 his company has been making payments to PSI.
Update: 1:30 p.m. PT — The correct name for the distributor is Publisher Services, Incorporated, as I noted above.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:38 am
Oh my. This doesn’t bode well.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 am
wow, ANOTHER shady situation with the Dabels, imagine that.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:44 am
It’s very possible that the Dabel Bros. are not in the wrong here- after all, we’re only hearing one side of the story. Still, is there ANYONE who’s been happy with their dealings with the Dabels?
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Anything is possible but there seems to be a pretty obvious pattern. Lots of creators and companys seem to have similar experiences.
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
wow, someone sueing dabel brothers for flaking on a payment…next thing you will tell me is dc is going to kill off a major character and marvel will have a big summer event with 100’s of crossovers
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
huh, looks like another Pat Lee or Crossgen situation in the making…
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I wish I could find out how to get in touch with them so I could join the lawsuit. They havent paid what Im owed in 4 years and I plan on going public soon.
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Controversy seems to follow these guys.
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
i bet ya onething, this guys have more problems with the owners.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Not the first time I’ve heard of somebody associated with DBP not getting paid (or paid back, in this case).
As I’ve said before, I like the Dabels, but I really wonder how they’re still in business.