Penguin Random House Publisher Services has told its customers that it will no longer distribute comics through Diamond as a sub-distributor, and provided a schedule for the transition.  The move affects Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, BOOM! Studios, and potentially others.  It’s unclear whether the move affects PRH book distribution clients, including Kodansha Comics.

The Final Order Cutoff date for products from affected publishers through Diamond will be May 26, with June 25 on-sale.  This change cuts off Diamond mid-Previews cycle, meaning that some retailers will have to transfer orders originally placed through Diamond to PRH.

PRH gave Diamond a goodbye kiss on the way out. “Penguin Random House would like to thank Diamond for their partnership and contributions to the marketplace,” they wrote in their message to retailers. 

The move comes as Ad Populum, the new owner of Diamond’s comic distribution operations, has not communicated with retailers on its plans for the future.