LPC Group, which distributes comic and manga trade paperbacks and hardcovers to the book trade,has outsourced its logistics to Client Distribution Services (CDS) and is closing its Chicago warehouse.

Just as Marvel has moved its bookstore distribution from LPC to Diamond, ICv2 has learned that Dark Horse is moving from Penguin to LPC for its exclusive bookstore distribution. Though no press release has been issued as of yet, we've been told that the switch will take effect on July 27, 2001. With its extensive backlist of comic trade paperback titles (only DC's is bigger) Dark Horse is a comic industry leader in bookstore sales.

The American Booksellers Association has settled its lawsuit against Barnes & Noble and Borders for $4.7 million. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of independent bookstore owners who felt that the big chains received illegal discounts and promotional subsidies from publishers. The paltry settlement from Borders and Barnes & Noble does not even begin to pay the legal fees for the suit against the chains.

Company profile on Dark Horse Comics, Inc.

Breathed will write and direct a cartoon version of Bloom County featuring Opus the Penguin, one of the funniest comic strip talking animal creations since Charles M. Schulz's Snoopy.