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.
February 13th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
“Controversy” is an understatement!”Screwed as well”, get in line! There is a lot of debris on the roadside…. Image, Devil’s Due, Red Eagle, Marvel and now this and this does not include all the creative people that they screwed. Why do people continue to do business with them?
May 13th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Shoot. Add one more to the “has not been paid by the Dabels”. Four years? Try five!