Rippaverse Publishing is getting a major retail boost.
Hachette Book Group announced Wednesday that Rippaverse Publishing will join its third-party sales and distribution slate on July 6, 2026, giving Eric July’s independent graphic novel company worldwide sales and distribution support across retail, wholesale, bookstores, libraries, and international markets.
The deal marks a big step for Rippaverse, which launched in 2022 and built its business largely through direct-to-consumer sales.
Hachette Will Handle Worldwide Sales And Distribution
Under the new world-rights agreement, Hachette Book Group will manage sales and distribution for Rippaverse titles worldwide.
That means Rippaverse books will now be sold through Hachette across retail and wholesale accounts in all territories.
“Rippaverse Publishing is a modern, independent publisher creating original graphic novels with a strong emphasis on collectability and fan engagement,” said Russell Evans, Director of Business Development, Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK.
Hachette said the move is part of its ongoing third-party publisher expansion strategy. Rippaverse joins a roster that includes Abrams, Chronicle Books, Yen Press, Lonely Planet, Nosy Crow, and others.
Eric July Says Rippaverse Is Not Changing Direction
Rippaverse founder and CEO Eric July called the Hachette deal a “significant evolution” for the company, while making it clear the company is not changing ownership or direction.
“From day one, our mission has been getting our books into the hands of readers, and this partnership expands that reach across both our flagship Rippaverse titles and our RippaSend imprint into retail and wholesale accounts throughout the U.S. and Canada and the rest of the world,” July said.
July added that Hachette is “the right partner” to help Rippaverse grow “without losing what makes Rippaverse, Rippaverse.”
In a video posted with the announcement, July said he remains the sole owner of Rippaverse Publishing and that the company’s direct-to-consumer operation through Rippaverse.com will continue as before. He described the Hachette deal as “addition, not subtraction,” with retail and wholesale distribution being added on top of what Rippaverse already built.
Rippaverse Books Head To Bookstores, Libraries, And More
July said the deal opens the door beyond comic shops and into the larger trade publishing market.
That includes bookstores, big box retailers, wholesalers, public libraries, school libraries, and international retailers.
July also pointed to libraries as a major part of the deal, especially as Rippaverse expands with its children’s book division. He said libraries are where many young readers first discover books, making access to that market a major milestone for the company.
Comic shops will also gain new ways to carry Rippaverse books through traditional distribution channels, while shops that already order directly from Rippaverse can continue doing so.
Alpha Core #3 Release Date Being Adjusted
July also confirmed that some release dates will see small adjustments as Rippaverse prepares for the wider rollout.
He specifically mentioned Alpha Core #3, which will be pushed back slightly so the company can better maximize its store launch.
Most other titles are expected to keep their current dates, with July saying the company will be transparent about any changes as they are finalized.
Rippaverse Continues To Grow
Rippaverse launched with Isom #1 in 2022. July said the book has moved more than 100,000 units to date, helping turn the project into a full publishing operation.
Since then, Rippaverse has expanded its catalog, added the RippaSend imprint for creator-owned titles, and moved toward a more structured release schedule.
July said both Rippaverse and RippaSend are included in the Hachette agreement.
He also said the deal could open future doors for international editions, including translated versions for markets in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, though he noted that will take time and is not happening immediately.
Hachette Says Rippaverse Titles Are Coming To The Trade For The First Time
Evans said Hachette is looking forward to bringing Rippaverse titles into the trade market.
“We’re delighted to welcome Eric and the team into the Hachette Book Group sales and distribution family and look forward to bringing Rippaverse titles into the trade for the first time and reaching even more new readers together,” Evans said.
The deal officially takes effect July 6, 2026.
