Tokyopop Expands Trade Distribution Through IPG

Independent Publishers Group (IPG) has partnered with Tokyopop to expand its English language trade distribution including retail book and mass merchant accounts. This is in addition to Tokyopop’s deal with Diamond Distributors working directly with comic book shops, expanding within the direct market comic books channel.

“IPG is one of the leading book distribution companies, which not only boasts a rich 50 year history, but at the same time is very innovative, utilizing advanced data collection and reporting methodology,” said Tokyopop CEO Stu Levy. “We expect to expand not only our retail network, but also direct-to-consumer initiatives, digital publishing, and print-on-demand services. Coming out of 2020 and the repercussions of the global COVID pandemic, we believe 2021 is going to be an exciting year!”

Part of this distribution deal includes Tokyopop’s 2021 launches like the new Resident Evil manga, the fantasy manga set in ancient Japan Laughing Under the Clouds, and new Disney manga like an upcoming original The Nightmare Before Christmas story and a brand-new Descendants story.

“IPG is thrilled to have the opportunity to represent a long established and well-respected publisher such as Tokyopop,” said Alex Kampmann, VP, Business Development. “Through this exciting new partnership we expect to significantly increase Tokyopop’s reach in the global marketplace and that more Tokyopop books will find their way into the hands of more readers.”