Distribution moves related to the Diamond Comic Distributors Chapter 11 have been rolling in this week, a reflection of overall trends in comics distro (see "Three Shows"), so we round them up here.
Ira Friedman Enterprises has announced that Craniacs Trading Cards Series 2 is being offered through Lunar Distribution, replacing distribution to comic stores handled by Diamond Comic Distributors for the first series. The new series features 100 all-new base cards, with dozens of new characters, plus artist sketch cards, foil and parallel sets, prize redemptions, and Futerra Blue Pulsar. The property is currently being developed as an animated series by Titmouse (see "Craniacs Gets Deal").
Z2 is expanding its Direct-to-Retail program, previously only available to a limited number of stores, for general access by retailers. Z2 Comics, which also remain available through Lunar Distribution and Simon & Schuster, will now be available to retailers at a 50% wholesale discount through the program. Z2's action figures, vinyl albums, and oversize deluxe editions, which are not available through distro, will also be available through the program.
Coffin Comics has changed its payment terms for wholesale preorders from payment with order to payment one week before shipment. Coffin is also developing a wholesale website, which it expects to launch in April.