It comes with a heavy heart that we have to share this news today, as DC Direct, a division of DC Comics, has been shut down by Warner Bros. following the current crisis of this pandemic, and the state that the world is in right now. DC Direct was supposed to be present at DC FanDome, which takes place in just under two weeks, with new product reveals, movie news, new trailers, new comic story arcs, and more, and this years show is going to have a much different outcome due to the growing impact of COVID-19.
News has broke that there have been many layoffs at DC Direct at Warner Bros. today, including every division has been hit hard. DC Comics and DC Direct was no exception to this as they too have been impacted. DC Direct has been completely shut down. DC Comics seems they are running to some capacity, but layoffs have also impacted them as well. In the restructuring, DC Universe looks to be on the way out, with content being moved to other platforms such as HBO Max and the CW.
From THR:
Also a victim of the layoffs: DC Direct, the company’s in-house merchandise and collectibles manufacturer. The division has been shuttered after 22 years, another move that was rumored when Warner Bros. Consumer Products began taking a more active role in DC merchandising.
The toy and collectible division of DC Comics has been around for some 22 years. In 2012 the division was rebranded as DC Collectibles. However, ahead of New York Toy Fair 2020, they brought back the DC Direct name that many fans were familiar with.
These are hard times for everyone, and we here at ToyHypeUSA wish our friends at DC Comics and DC Direct the best and hope that the same people are rehired once things pick up again, or find a new place soon to share their talents and inspirations.
DC Direct products are available on Entertainment Earth, BigBadToyStore, Hobby Link Japan, Things From Another World, Sideshow Collectibles (statues and busts only – they offer 2.5% back for future purchases) and Amazon.com.