ARCHIE TEAMS WITH RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHER SERVICES TO EXPAND WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION OF GRAPHIC NOVELS AND TRADE PAPERBACKS



Archie Comic Publications, Inc., a leading publisher of comic books in America has reached an agreement with Random House Publisher Services, a division of Random House, Inc., the world's largest English-language trade-book publisher, to exclusively handle worldwide distribution of Archie graphic novels and trade paperbacks.

The agreement with Random House Publisher Services marks the first time that all Archie paperback titles will be available from one source for both domestic and international trade bookstore distribution. Distribution of the Archie paperback line through Random House will commence on September 1, 2010. The direct comic store distribution of the Archie comics, digests and graphic novels will continue through Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc.

“As Archie expands our business globally, we are thrilled to partner with Random House Publisher Services to bring the Archie brand to the world,” said Jon Goldwater, co-CEO of Archie Comics.

“We are delighted Archie Comics will be joining the RHPS client team this September,” said RHPS President Jeff Abraham. “We have developed a strong traction in the graphic-novel category with our bookseller customers, for whom this category is among their fastest-growing. We believe they quickly will find selling the beloved Archie characters and storylines profitable and fun.”

Archie Comics continues to position itself and its brands as an international entertainment entity across multiple media platforms, with many noteworthy accomplishments over the past few quarters. The company made its entry into the world of digital comics, resulting in the most downloaded comic in iTunes history.  It also initiated a variety of crossover projects with stars of music, movies and television, and inked an entertainment representation deal with Creative Artist Agency. Most notable of all, the hit “Archie Gets Married” comic book storyline received unprecedented international press coverage and is enjoying massive worldwide sales.

The new distribution deal with Random House follows the recent announcement of Archie’s first international office in New Delhi, India.