DC Comics today announced major changes in its DC Direct line of toys, prints, statues and comic-related memorabilia, which had been largely exclusive to direct market comic shops.  DC Direct has now become DC Collectibles and DC is expanding its online store to carry the entire DC Direct/DC Collectibles lineup, plus exclusive online offerings that won’t be available in stores.  Feeling left out, retailers?  Don’t worry, DC’s press release states "For those fans who prefer to purchase a product in-store, the Website will also provide information on the closest retail location that carries a particular DC Collectibles product."
 
Flashpoint Box Set
Of course those loyal-to-their comic shop fans won’t be able to purchase everything at their favorite store.  DC announced two exclusive online products and a new line of custom prints that will only be available via the Internet.  The May exclusives include a Flashpoint Action Figure Box Set containing figures of Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and a previously unreleased Emperor Aquaman plus a $500 Wayne Casino poker chip.  Also due in May are online exclusive Blackest Night Busts of Sinestro and Green Lantern, plus a series of 20 prints that “will represent different graphical and artistic themes, branching out beyond comic book artwork, and printed on thick archival paper that is perfect for framing.”
 
Sinestro Bust
Hank Kanalz, DC’s VP of Digital explained: "Not all of our fans have access to comic book retail locations, so by expanding our Website to offer our entire product line, we’re adding an element of convenience and the ability for fans to collect every single product they’re interested in."
 
Is this a big deal or much ado about nothing?  Retailers attending C2E2 might want to stop by the DC Collectibles panel that will be held on Friday, April 13th at 2:30 pm and voice their opinions.