Interesting bedfellows: Tokyopop and Diamond Comic Distributors have struck a deal making Diamond the exclusive distributor of the publisher's English-language graphic novels to the North American direct market. And this should make retailers happy:

"In addition, Diamond has elected to raise the discount it offers its retailer customers on TOKYOPOP's titles. Effective with items in the March 2004 Previews, all TOKYOPOP items will be sold to Diamond customers at an "E" discount, up to 50% off. The same discount applies to all in-stock merchandise, beginning with orders placed after March 31."