(often called '''Diamond Comics''', '''DCD''', or casually '''Diamond''') is the largest
Comic Book Distributor serving North America. They transport comic books from both big and small comic book makers, or suppliers, to the
Retail ers. Diamond dominates the
Direct Market in the United States, and has special arrangements with most major U.S. comics publishers, including
Dark Horse Comics ,
DC Comics ,
Image Comics , and
Marvel Comics . Diamond is also the parent company of Diamond Select Toys, Diamond International Galleries, Geppi's Memorabilia Roadshow, Hake's Americana & Collectibles, Morphy's Auctions, Alliance Game Distributors, Baltimore Magazine, Diamond Book Distributors, E. Gerber Products,
Gemstone Publishing , and
Geppi's Entertainment Museum . Diamond publishes ''Previews'' and ''Previews Adult'', monthly catalogs showcasing upcoming comic books and related items throughout the industry. These publications are available to both comic merchants and consumers.
Diamond has what it calls an "open-door policy" to new suppliers. This means that anyone who makes a comic book can send samples of it to Diamond for review. If the comic book has sufficient sales potential, Diamond might distribute the comic book to retail stores for the comic book creator.
In the Summer of 1997, the
U.S. Department Of Justice launched an
Antitrust investigation into the comics industry and the alleged
Monopoly of Diamond Comics. The investigation was closed in November 2000, with no further action deemed necessary
{Link without Title} on the basis that, although Diamond enjoyed a monopoly in the North American comic book direct market distribution, they did not enjoy a monopoly on book distribution (books including non-comic books), and therefore had competitors.
