In Part 1, Plant talks about the very early days of the comics business in the 1960s, and some of the first comic stores in California.

In Part 2, Plant talks about meeting Phil Seuling, the beginnings of the direct market, and opening the first Comics & Comix store.

In Part 3, Plant talks about rapid growth in the 1980s, selling his wholesale business to Diamond, and the meaning of it all.

Eisner Award Hall of Fame nominee Bud Plant shares his thoughts on being nominated, our endorsement, and the role Phil Seuling played in the origin of the comics Direct Market.

Eisner voters, which include retailers, have the opportunity to mark the 50th anniversary of the Direct Market in a very special way.

The explanation for why the comic store channel is called the comics Direct Market is rooted in the origins of the distribution system.

ICv2 is presenting a year-long series of articles, video interviews, panels, and other features exploring and celebrating the history, development, and future of the comics Direct Market.

ICv2's complete coverage of the past, present, and future of the comics Direct Market.

Phil Seuling saved comics, invented the Direct Market, and pioneered the modern comic con. So why haven't you heard of him?

Diamond Comic Distributors has signed on as Co-Sponsor of ICv2’s year-long celebration of the comics Direct Market, which will mark its 50th anniversary in 2023.