Media release — In a tactical relocation to better position the company to take advantage of in the rapidly expanding digital marketplace and new market economic realities in print, comic book and graphic novel publisher Bluewater productions announced a new distribution partnership with Comic Flea Market. In a related move, the Vancouver-based company severed ties with distribution huge diamond Comic Distributors.
According to Bluewater, Comic Flea Market (www.comicfleamarket.com) will print all future Bluewater titles including several that diamond abruptly canceled due to their benchmark. These individual issues will be available in print as well as digital downloads for Nook, Kindle, iPad and other conventional eReaders. Bluewater’s graphic novels will still be distributed by SCB.
“Many people have tried to compete with diamond and failed, what makes Comic Flea Market unique, is a lot of main stream book publishers and DVD companies such as Warner Bros. are going print on demand on some of their titles. Comic Flea Market is doing it not only for Bluewater but the entire comic book marketplace,” said CEO Nick Sachs from Comic Flea Market. “Not only will we be dealing with the printing of the titles, we will also deal with distribution to comic book stores at the similar discounts. This dynamic will protected the place for printed material in comic book stores.”
“Obviously we are very thrilled to present our entire library of titles through Comic Flea Market,” said Bluewater president Darren G. Davis. “They are incredibly supportive of independent publishers like Bluewater and the have the vision and the channel to make certain titles get into the hands of comic book readers.”
One of the essential differentiators is CFM’s ability to print to order. As a company model, this suits Bluewater in terms of removing the requirements to overprint certain titles and deal with a costly administrative bureaucracy.
“I need to be clear. We are not abandoning comic book shops. In fact we need you much more than ever. In this new paradigm, you purchase what you need at the similar discounts. When you need much more of a certain issue, you simply purchase again,” Davis noted. “I go to my local comic book store every Wednesday to get my books, this is a ritual I have done for years because I love holding a print book in my hands.”
Davis emphasized the decision to leave diamond was predicated on being able to maximize exposure and distribution.
“My experience has shown me that if your name is not DC or Marvel, it is very challenging to get support from Diamond. As an independent producer, I felt it was time to take our titles to the next level.” Davis said.
Davis added that although the focus of new and encore titles will be digital, anybody who wants a single issue, a complete story arc or a graphic novel in conventional print will be able to purchase the books directly or through their favorite comic book shop.
Bluewater has some exciting new properties coming in thefuture such as spin offs of the popular Adam West series with Dirk Benedict, Eartha Kitt and bill Mumy. also working with the famed reality show the Beekman young boys on a new series called “PolkaSpot”. also titles with NY Times horror novelist John Saul as well as SE Hinton. Bluewater will also be continuing its biography series featuring well-known artists, celebrities and politicians.
Bluewater is currently working on making its entire library of 1,000+ titles available as digital downloads which are usually available through such avenues as Comixology, Iverse, Panelfly, Drivethru, Gumroad, Graphicly, Kindle, Nook and iTunes.
“For the better part of ten years, I’ve viewed the independent comic industry struggle. however with new technologies and marketing I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel. That light isprint-to-order, and that train is Comic Flea Market,” Davis added.
Comic book stores and other sellers wanting to purchase Bluewater titles will still receive similar wholesale discounts as they had in the past.
Titles available for purchase now:
FICTION TITLES
Dorian gray #1
Secret Lives of Julie Newmar #1
Misadventures of Adam West #4
It came from below the Sea…Again #1
Vincent Price: house of Horrors #1 & #2
JRR Tolkien – The true Lord of the Rings
Jesus E. Lee
10th Muse 800 #4
Legend of Isis: flight of Horus #1
Paparazzi #4
Rain #2
Judo girl #4
Wrath of the Titans: Revenge of Medusa #4
John Saul’s: The God project #1 and #2
Walter Koenig’s: things to come #2 and #3
John Saul’s Blackstone Chronicles #1 & #2
BIOGRAPHIES:
Cody Simpson
Katy Perry
One Direction
Nick Jonas
Bill Gates
Glee the sequel!
Demi Lovato
Cher
RuPaul
Prince Harry
Just as it has always done, each month Bluewater will release the titles available to purchase through to comic book stores and the comic book press.
About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater productions Inc. is one of the top independent pronull