According to the announcement, Alien Books will receive distribution, marketing, sales analysis, and logistical support from IDW, while retaining creative control of editorial. Other than mentioning that IDW will essentially be the distributor for Alien via its existing relationships – PRH for both the DM and bookstores – details are scant. However it does make sense for Alien, which publishes a wide-ranging line of European and South American imports, manga, and perhaps most important to the US market, the relaunch of the Valiant Comics superhero universe. One recent release – the classic SF tale Black Star by Barriero and Giménes – is an example of the high quality material Alien produces that will benefit from being in PRH’s catalog. And of course the Valiant Beyond will play well there as well.

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Of all the new and unusual partnerships that are being announced in the wake of the Diamond Comics break-up, this is one of the more intriguing – and suggests the direction that more small but notable publishers might go in, if they can find a larger partner. Massive Indies was the quickest out of the gate, but more are sure to come.