UDON Entertainment has announced a new book market distribution agreement with Simon & Schuster. The partnership took effect on 1 April 2025 and marks the end of UDON’s long-standing relationship with Diamond Book Distributors. UDON Entertainment is known for its wide range of officially licensed art books, manga, and comic books, particularly those focused on video game and anime properties, as well as classic and unique manga titles.
Under this new arrangement, Simon & Schuster will manage worldwide book trade distribution for UDON titles, including both new releases and backlist titles, subject to licensing restrictions. Retailers are now able to place orders through Simon & Schuster.
For comic book specialty retailers in the direct market, UDON titles will continue to be available through Lunar Distribution, Universal Distribution, and Diamond Comics Distribution. Customers with pre-orders through retail outlets should see no disruption during the transition.
Michael Perlman, Senior Vice President of Simon & Schuster Publishing Services, commented on the new agreement, stating:
We’re delighted to be working with UDON Entertainment to expand their reach and connect with more consumers around the world.
Erik Ko, UDON’s Chief of Operations, also shared his thoughts on the partnership:
Likewise, we are very excited to begin this next step of our publishing adventure with Simon & Schuster. With this new partnership we are aiming to enhance the availability and accessibility of our many titles, to ensure readers can easily find their favourite UDON books on bookstore shelves. We would also like to thank Diamond Book Distributors and their hardworking crew for all of the support they have offered us for the past 20 years, helping us secure a solid footing in the book market.
