2000 AD and Treasury of British Comics expand North American reach through Universal

British publisher Rebellion has signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Montreal-based Universal Distribution to supply comic shops and hobby stores across North America and Canada. The arrangement covers modern releases and backlist print stock from 2000 AD and The Treasury of British Comics, with retailer solicitations opening in October ahead of December 2026 arrivals.

The agreement focuses on physical print distribution for the comic book direct market. Readers following Rebellion’s wider entertainment slate should note this arrangement does not include film or television rights, leaving director Duncan Jones‘s upcoming animated Rogue Trooper feature film still seeking a screen distribution partner. Instead, the deal gives local comic shops access to periodical single issues, collected trade editions, and hardcovers.

Rebellion’s initial catalogue through Universal includes the weekly 2000 AD anthology and the monthly Judge Dredd Megazine, alongside collections such as The Complete Zenith Colour Omnibus. Retailers will also be able to stock introductory releases such as the six-volume Best of 2000 AD run, Michael Molcher‘s Eisner-winning examination I Am The Law: How Judge Dredd Predicted The Future, and standalone graphic novels including Big-Ass Sword by Andreas Butzbach.

Tim Lenaghan, Vice President Purchasing and Publisher Relations at Universal, said in a statement:

Universal is thrilled to be adding 2000 AD 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 2000 AD an essential part of the industry landscape. We look forward to distributing their line to comic and game stores across North America!”

The partnership builds upon Rebellion’s existing direct market footprint across the United States and Canada. Expanding into Universal’s regional infrastructure allows comic shops and hobby stockists to tap directly into Canadian logistics, addressing long-standing border and supply delays that have disrupted weekly British comic anthologies for transatlantic readers.

Owen Johnson, Trade and Specialist Sales Manager at Rebellion, added

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 2000 AD, so it’s wonderful to know Canadian stores and readers can access this wealth of quality material like never before. Those new to discovering 2000 AD are vital to our future and securing this distribution will only help in that mission.”

Universal will make Rebellion’s initial solicitation slate available to retail accounts in October 2026.