Rebellion Publishing Agree Deal with Universal for Direct Market Distribution
In a new non-exclusive deal covering North America and Canada, Rebellion Publishing, the home of both 2000AD and The Treasury of British Comics, are partnering with Universal Distribution to distribute publications to the comic book Direct Market.
Working together, Universal will be offering Rebellion’s extensive back-catalogue of modern and classic comics across North America.
Universal Distribution is a leading distributor of comics, games, collectibles, and specialty entertainment products across North America.
Speaking on the news, Tim Lenaghan, Vice President Purchasing and Publisher Relations for Universal, said “Universal is thrilled to be adding 2000AD to our growing list of client publishers in the United States and Canada. Their long history of creating cutting edge stories that are simultaneously prescient and topical make 2000AD an essential part of the industry landscape. We look forward to distributing their line to comic and game stores across North America!”
As regular downthetubes readers know, Rebellion are the publishers of 2000AD, The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic, which features internationally-loved characters including Judge Dredd, Judge Death, and Rogue Trooper. Through the partnership with Universal, retailers will now be able to add titles from Rebellion’s backlist, including the six-volume Best of 2000AD aimed at new readers; original graphic novels like Big-Ass Sword by Andreas Butzbach; the Eisner-Winning book I Am The Law: How Judge Dredd Predicted The Future by Michael Molcher, and new graphic novel collections for Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, and Rogue Trooper, amongst others.
Owen Johnson, Trade and Specialist Sales Manager for Rebellion, says of the partnership “We’re thrilled to continue expanding Rebellion’s presence in the North American direct market with Universal.
“Canada has long-standing and special ties with 2000AD, so it’s wonderful to know Canadian stores and readers can access this wealth of quality material like never before. Those new to discovering 2000AD are vital to our future and securing this distribution will only help in that mission.
Rebellion titles will first become available through Universal in October, featuring frontlist and backlist titles releasing in December 2026 including the weekly 2000 AD, the monthly Judge Dredd Megazine, and graphic novel collections like The Complete Zenith Colour Omnibus.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
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 MagazineandOverkill 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.
- Rebellion Publishing Agree Deal with Universal for Direct Market Distribution
- Tube Surfing: A Comic That Never Was, Corgi Comic Cars, UK Kickstarters and a Bendy Dalek!
- Splundig vur Thrigg! Milestone 2000AD 2500 crashes in this week!
- This Week’s UK Graphic Novel Releases – 14th September 2026
- Crowdfunding Spotlight: Entry Wounds by Paul Goodenough and Ian Stopforth
