Casper & The Spectrals TPBMedia Release -- Diamond Book Distributors has finalized negotiations with Ardden Entertainment LLC to exclusively distribute their graphic novel titles and products to independent book stores, mass-market merchandisers, comic shops, bookstores, libraries and other outlets worldwide.

Established in 2007, Ardden Entertainment LLC is the brainchild of the creative minds of Brendan Deneen and Richard Emms. The company has grown consistently since that time, with such popular titles as Flash Gordon and Casper and the Spectrals. In 2010, the company announced a new publishing venture to bring back the Atlas Comics characters, starting with Phoenix, Grim Ghost, and Wulf. Atlas Comics are slated for a March 2011 release.

"Diamond has been an integral ingredient in Ardden’s success and we are thrilled to further expand our working relationship," commented Brendan Deneen. "With the return of both Flash Gordon and Atlas Comics over the next two months, 2011 is shaping up to be a big year for us.”

"We are pleased to welcome Ardden Entertainment to our client roster," said Diamond Vice President of Purchasing Bill Schanes. "Their publishing projects look extremely promising and offer our retailers a unique and powerful new voice. I am very excited that we will be their partner to bring their titles to comic book and graphic novel customers.

ABOUT ARDDEN ENTERTAINMENT —Brendan Deneen and Richard Emms successfully introduced Ardden Entertainment at New York Comic-Con in 2008 with their first comic property selling over 3,500 copies. Teaming up with well known comic book, TV and film veterans, Ardden Entertainment offers more than just comic book publishing services. Ardden Entertainment stands behind their ability to produce comics and graphic novels of top notch caliber. For more information, visit Ardden Entertainment on the web at http://www.ardden-entertainment.com.

ABOUT DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS (DBD)—DBD is a division of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., and is dedicated to making a wide selection of graphic novels and other pop culture merchandise available to bookstores, online retailers, libraries, schools, mass merchants and other retailers globally. DBD is the home to a number of world class publishers including Dark Horse Comics, publisher of award-winning and best-selling creators & series including Joss Whedon, Janet Evanovich, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Conan and the Star Wars franchise; IDW, publisher of Transformers & True Blood; Image Comics, publisher of Robert Kirkman’s Walking Dead; Oni Press, publisher of the Scott Pilgrim series; and many others. For more information, visit Diamond Books on the web at www.diamondbookdistributors.com.