An ICv2 Release. Universal Distribution CEO Angelo Exarhakos will sit down with ICv2’s Milton Griepp at the ICv2 Insider Talks at New York Comic Con for a one-on-one discussion on comic distribution in the post-Diamond era and Universal’s plans for the future.
This ICv2 Insider Talks session is being offered as the bankruptcy filing of Diamond Comic Distributors and sale of its businesses has dramatically changed the landscape for comics and graphic novel distribution in North America.
Universal Distribution, which acquired Diamond’s Alliance Game Distributors division at auction, is a comic and game distributor in Canada and plans to begin offering comics in the U.S. as well. If it is successful in its plans for expanding its new U.S. distribution network to handle comics, it will be the first distributor offering the broad range of product lines currently offered by many comic and game stores, and the second comic distributor with multiple warehouses across the country.
The ICv2 Insider Talks: The New World of Comics, an industry event for business and creative professionals, will be held from 5:15-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, in the dramatic 4th Floor River Pavilion at the Javits Center, in association with New York Comic Con.
If you are a business or creative professional and would like a free invitation to the event, email Conferences@ICv2.com. You must also have a New York Comic Con badge in one of their pro categories to attend.
If you are press and would like to cover the event, email Conferences@ICv2.com.
For more on the ICv2 Insider Talks, see “ICv2 Insider Talks at New York Comic Con.”
Comic Distribution in the Post-Diamond Era (6:00-6:30 p.m.) features these two key insiders:
Angelo Exarhakos is the CEO of Universal Distribution, a leading North American distributor specializing in comic books, games, trading cards and collectibles. Under his leadership, Universal has expanded its U.S. footprint with the acquisition of Alliance Game Distributors, strengthening its commitment to supporting independent retailers and publishers across North America.
Milton Griepp is the founder and President of ICv2, since 2001 the undisputed industry authority on the business of geek culture and Eisner-nominated in 2025. He is a 45-year veteran of the geek culture business, and has managed companies that have sold over $1 billion in retail value of geek culture products as CEO of Capital City Distribution and Next Planet Over. He also served on the board of comiXology for five years until its sale to Amazon, and was Vice President and board member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
These companies make this event possible:
Co-Sponsor: GlobalComix
GlobalComix is a comics platform for the modern era, dedicated to reshaping the landscape of graphic fiction creation, distribution, and consumption on a global scale. Focused on providing tools to grow and succeed, GlobalComix is on a tireless mission to create the best platform in the world to publish, discover, and read comics. GlobalComix empowers creators with the tools they need to reach new audiences, monetize their work, and engage with fans in novel ways. For readers, GlobalComix offers a diverse, immersive, and engaging reading experience that spans genres and geographies.
Co-Sponsor: Universal Distribution
Universal Distribution is a leading North American distributor of comic books, games, trading cards and collectibles. With a strong presence in both Canada and the U.S., Universal is dedicated to supporting retailers and publishers by offering a broad catalog, and exceptional service. Through recent expansions, including the acquisition of Alliance Game Distributors, Universal continues to strengthen its role as a key partner in the hobby industry.
Sponsor: Mad Cave Studios
Mad Cave Studios, established in 2014, is an independent publisher committed to providing worldwide entertainment across an array of genres. Mad Cave’s catalog includes a captivating blend of licensed, creator-owned, and original works, masterfully created by a diverse cast of storytellers focused on cultivating impactful character-driven narratives. Mad Cave Studios is the parent company to Maverick, Nakama Press, and Papercutz, enriching the literary landscape for readers of all ages.
About ICv2
ICv2 is where the business of geek culture, including comics, graphic novels, manga, hobby games, and merch, comes together around breaking business news, executive interviews, reviews, opinion, and sales charts and trend reports on its website, ICv2.com, in its magazine, Internal Correspondence Annual, and at events like this. For the people on the front lines of the geek culture business, staying ahead of the trends isn’t something that can be left to chance – it’s a basic necessity for being successful. ICv2 is the #1 source of news and information for the thought leaders at the forefront of change.Source: ICv2
