Late breaking news and it’s yet another ouch for any retailers who were still relying on Diamond for their Udon Entertainment and Manga Classics shipments. Udon announced they were adding Lunar back in February, and Simon & Shuster back in April, but now they are ceasing shipments to Diamond. Retailers should consider “outstanding orders for new, upcoming, or even existing products should consider those orders cancelled.”
Comics shops can order via Lunar moving forward….but also Universal….”in future.” This is the first tentative confirmation we have that Universal will be setting up to distribute comics in the US.
“With the current state of uncertainty and lack of communication from the new owners to both retailers as well as many publishers, we have to do what is best to serve our customers,” said UDON Chief of Operations Erik Ko in a statement. “We realize this is a deep inconvenience for many retailers, but we’re trying to do our best to serve our partners and fans, while minimizing risk and moving forward in an uncertain time.”
Udon provided the following information for retailers:
For “Direct Market” retailers (i.e. Comic Shops):
All Diamond Comics Distribution pre-orders for previously solicited titles releasing in May-August 2025 can be ordered instead through Lunar Distribution.
One key title affected will be the forthcoming Mega Man Timelines #1, which will receive a new release date of June 25, 2025. 20% of UDON’s initial orders on the title came from Diamond Comics accounts. To cover new orders from any former Diamond customers switching over to Lunar, UDON will be producing a 25% overprint on all direct market editions of Mega Man Timelines #1 (ordering info below).
Also to retailers, please update your distribution information. For comic book products, retailers can find UDON’s monthly comics offered through Lunar and Universal (in future). For Graphic Novels, Manga, Art books, and Manga Classics titles, please order through our new distribution partner Simon and Schuster.
A message to UDON’s Fans:
We’re sorry for all of the uncertainty and stress that the ongoing Diamond bankruptcy situation is causing you! We hope to continue to make our comics and books available to you with little-to-no interruption. The best thing you can do is remind your local comic shop that you want our comics, and that they are available through Lunar Distribution and Simon & Schuster!
UDON also sent along some information and covers for Megaman Timeliens pre-orders.
Mega Man Timelines #1
By Tavis Maiden (Tenko King, Binwin’s Minnions) & Kenny Ruiz (Team Phoenix, Star Wars: Path of the Lightsaber)
NEW RELEASE DATE: JUNE 25th, 2025
The Blue Bomber is back! MEGA MAN returns in five connected 1-shot comics spanning five different eras of robotic heroes! In this first issue, the original Mega Man squares off against two explosive and fiery Robot Masters bent on city-wide destruction! Fight, Mega Man! For everlasting peace!
Cover A – $4.99
Lunar: 0325UE616
Cover B – Jon Sommariva Variant
Lunar: 0325UE618
Price: $4.99
Cover C – Blank Sketch Variant
Lunar: 0325UE618
Price: $6.99
Cover D – Andrew Dickman Wrap-Around Incentive Cover
Lunar: 0325UE619
Price: Ask Your Retailer