Big Stuff at Baltimore

From Lying in the Gutters yesterday on Comic Book Resources:

"... Diamond have enjoyed an effective direct market monopoly on comics distribution by brokering exclusive distribution deals with the four largest "Premier" comics publishers.

But I understand that there are one or two companies interested in entering the direct market distribution system right now, who will be making themselves known at Baltimore next week. Initially they are interested in working with high profile independent publishers who don't feel best served by Diamond, first in bookstores, then into comic stores. But their interest may extend across the independent publishers and to Premier publishers whose exclusive contracts with Diamond may be up for renewal.

Could this be the beginning of the end of the Diamond monopoly? Are Diamond's upcoming announcements the sign of them fighting back?

And will Baltimore be the perfect setting for a bunch of distribution hoodlums to make a grab for Stringer Geppi's territory?"

This is HUGE! I am really glad that we made the decision, even though it was rather last-minute, to make the trek to Baltimore. This could really be interesting! Competition for Diamond and it being announced at Baltimore Comic Con, the home of Diamond's HQ. WOW! Really, WOW.

Plus Marvel & DC have been rumored to be sharing some actual news at this con. And there's a bunch of GREAT comic talent that's going to be there this year. AND we're looking forward to meeting up with a bunch of retailers we only get to see once in a great while. And there are some new friends and acquaintances we're looking forward to talking to that will be there. Maybe even a Meeley sighting?? We were planning on going to Washington DC one of the two days, but now it looks like we might not even make it there, as there is just so much going on.

We went to this convention all day on Saturday and a couple of hours on Sunday last year, and we really really enjoyed it - even though we all had to evacuate on Saturday due to a fire alarm going off because a plastic bag was caught in some vent or something. If you are in the area, I definitely recommend checking out the Baltimore Comic Con!