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Hunt Valley-based Diamond Comic Distributors has signed a multi-year deal to distribute comics and graphic novels published by Benitez Productions, including its flagship "Lady Mechanika" titles, Diamond announced Friday.
Under the agreement, Diamond will be exclusive Benitez distributor to comic book specialty stores, bookstores, libraries, mass-market chains and other specialty outlets through Diamond Book Distributors, a Diamond book market division.
"Diamond has been instrumental in our growth in the comic book market for the past several years," Benitez creator Joe Benitez said in the announcement, adding his company is expanding into the book market.
Diamond, founded in 1982 by CEO and president Steve Geppi, is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels and other pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers.
Benitez has been self-publishing some of the best-selling independent creator-owned comics in the industry since 2014, including flagship titles "Lady Mechanika," featuring a half-human, half-machine steampunk heroine, and "Wraithborn," Diamond said. Last month's Lady Mechanika release, "La Dama De La Muerte #1," ranked as the No. 5 best-selling small press title for September.
Tim Lenaghan, Diamond's executive director of purchasing, said Benitez' "unique projects," fill a void in comic and graphic novel publishing.
Customers who want to pre-order Benitez titles can find comic shops at www.comicshoplocator.com.