Penguin Random House has pulled Marvel and more comics from Diamond. Doctor Strange celebrates 450 issues. Crisis On Infinite Earths gets an Absolute Edition.
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Episode Transcript:
Marvel pulled from Diamond.
Doctor Strange celebrates 450 issues.
Crisis on Infinite Earths gets an Absolute Edition.
This is Comic Book Club News for May 23, 2025.
Marvel, More Publishers, Pulled From Diamond:
The Diamond bankruptcy continues to make waves, as Marvel and more publishers have been pulled from the comics distributor.
Per The Beat, Penguin Random House is ending its sub-distribution deal with Diamond, which means the company will no longer distribute Marvel, DSTLRY, IDW, Dark Horse, BOOM!, and more publishers’ books to comic book stores. The deal is effectively terminated as of May 26, though Diamond will continue to fulfill orders made until June 25. Following those dates, comic book stores will get their comics directly from PRH, which many stores already do.
Overall, this isn’t too surprising — PRH kept with Diamond this long because they were still learning the ropes in the comic book industry. And with Diamond owing PRH $9.2 million, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for them to continue to do business with the soon-to-be-absorbed company.
Still, Diamond was displeased. In a statement, they said, “It’s disappointing that after years of collaboration, Penguin Random House has abruptly cut off access to product for our loyal retailers and fans. We’re focused on actively working with other publishers to remedy the situation and minimize disruption.”
Doctor Strange Celebrates 450 Issues:
Doctor Strange is the latest character to get the legacy numbering treatment, as Marvel has announced Doctor Strange #450.
The oversized one-shot will contain stories by Derek Landy, Roger Stern, and J. Michael Straczynski, alongside Rom Lim and Ivan Fiorelli on art. In addition, Christian Ward will make his Marvel debut both writing and drawing a story in the issue.
Said Landy, “For 62 years, Stephen Strange had guided readers through the magical realms of Marvel, steering us from one mind-bending horror to the next. As a writer, to be given the chance to turn the tables, to be a part of this milestone issue and, within it, to steer the good doctor towards the dark adventures that await him, is a thrill beyond measure.”
Doctor Strange #450 hits stores on September 3.
Crisis On Infinite Earths Gets An Absolute Edition:
Worlds will live, worlds will die, and Crisis on Infinite Earths is getting an Absolute Edition from DC Comics.
Per ICv2, the new edition of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez’s classic has been remastered from the original art by inker Jerry Ordway. The 600-page book will include all 12 issues of the series, two issues of the History of the DC Universe, essays and other bonus material.
DC previously published Crisis as two Absolute Editions about 20 years ago, but it has since gone out of print. The new edition will go on sale on February 3, 2026, for $125.
For Comic Book Club News, I’m Alex Zalben. And I’ve got 450 issues too, at least according to my therapist!
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