After recently announcing their game changing US distribution model combined with low cost Print on Demand service for independent comic publishers, Philbo Distribution have been overwhelmed with enquires.
Now, Shane Chebsey, who runs the British independent publishing company Scratch Comics, one of the first publishers to join the Philbo project, and is organising the upcoming Comics Assemble event in Gloucester in August, has offered to help out and field any enquiries one on one with UK publishers who are looking for US direct market distribution and printing.
“This is a major opportunity and will save you a fortune,” Shane says of Philbo’s platform, who is keen UK indies reach a larger audience overseas.. “In fact, it will actually cost you nothing up front.”
If you are a qualifying independent British comic publisher – there are some specific caveats to using the service – find out how to contact Shane below.
Philbo Distribution’s new Print-On-Demand service for independent comic publishers
Philbo Distribution, a Long Island, New York-based is a comicbook distributor and creator-centric logistics partner dedicated to bridging the gap between independent publishers and the global retail market.
The company launched last year, with US publishers such as FemForce publisher AC Comics, Devil’s Due and Zenescope among its first clients. They have now announced the expansion of their distribution services to include onsite Print-On-Demand (POD) production.
This new collaboration between distribution and printing is designed to give independent publishers and retailers access to high-quality printing with the flexibility and cost efficiency of print on demand.
Through this venture, Philbo Distribution plans to offer onsite printing at offset-comparable pricing, eliminating many of the common challenges of overseas production such as shipping costs, freight delays, and late book arrivals.
Philbo say publishers will benefit from US domestic production, predictable release schedules, and premium print quality without the logistical risks of international printing.
“This endeavour fundamentally changes the economics for independent publishers, that will trickle down to the retailer incentives,” says Phillip Russertt, Founder of Philbo Distribution. “By printing onsite, we’re eliminating two of the biggest obstacles creators face – shipping costs and delays – while still delivering the quality and pricing traditionally associated with large-scale offset printing.”
Expanded Services for Publishers and Retailers
In addition to onsite print-on-demand production, Philbo Distribution will now offer expanded services including: Retailer returns, reducing risk for comic shops; tiered retailer discounts of up to 50 percent; reliable release schedules regardless of print run size; crowdfunding fulfilment services; convention banners and marketing materials for creators; a printed catalogue of Philbo solicits; and, interestingly, a new comic book news and entertainment magazine.
“Print on demand with rates that provide healthier profit margins for publishers and create the ability to provide retailers with better incentives,” Russertt, who has been overwhelmed by responses to their announcement, says. “Philbo P.O.D. allows us to offer professional-grade printing at scale, without requiring publishers to commit to large upfront print runs or international logistics.”
The expanded offerings position Philbo Distribution as a more comprehensive distribution partner for independent publishers seeking flexibility, affordability, and dependable delivery to retailers – while offering terms and conditions that promote greater retailer profit margins.
“This is just the beginning,” said Russertt. “We see this expansion as the foundation for a more resilient distribution model that supports growth for both retailers and publishers alike, encourages experimentation, and ensures long-term sustainability.”
Philbo Distribution expects the new onsite print-on-demand services to roll out in the coming months, with additional enhancements planned as demand increases.
• Learn more at philbodistribution.com – where American independent publishers should contact them on how to sign onboard
British Independent Publisher Contact Information
Shane Chebsey is Editor and Publisher at Scratch Comics, publishers of titles such as Claudia Christian’s Dark Legacies, Dinosaurs vs. Cowboys and Peter Hogan’s Black Forests. He is also organising the indie focused event Comics Assemble in Gloucester in August, and has set up ComicUnity, a social media platform just for comics people.
Contact Shane at scratchcomics22@gmail.com if you’d like a breakdown of how Philbo Distribution works with prices and logistics etc.
Important caveat: Only professional standard books ready for US retail distribution can be considered. You must have an ISSN, or ISBN and a barcode on your books. These are very easy to sort out though. It is not an obstacle, just a procedure to follow.
• Comics Assemble is a full day celebrating comic creators, their work, and the community that supports them. It will take place on 15th August 2026 at Gloucester Leisure Centre | Official Website: comicsassemble.net
- About the Author
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comics, Creating Comics, Digital Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, International Comic News, US Comics
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