Simon and Schuster has announced that it will begin distributing Viz manga to the book trade effective June 1, replacing PGW. Viz is going to field its own sales force, as well as using independent rep groups. Simon & Schuster will provide logistics (including customer service) and accounts receivable services for both wholesale and retail customers.
Viz had been distributed by Publishers Group West since 1991.
Viz titles, including Rurouni Kenshin and Naruto, have been hitting the USA Today Top 150 books recently, and although not the first graphic novels to do so (the first one we found was in 1994), it's a sign that Viz is achieving new success in the specialty retail and online channels tracked by the newspaper. Rurouni Kenshin and Naruto have also been hitting the top of the Bookscan charts (see 'Rurouni Kenshin, Fruits Basket Top Manga'). Viz apparently believes that by taking closer control of its sales, and handing its logistics and collections to a larger company, it will position itself for continued growth in specialty retail, online, and undoubtedly discount store channels.
