The move is the first time the retailer has been forced to remove books thanks to a rival's decision. B&N says it won't sell titles in-store that it cannot sell in all formats, and that remains a firm policy.
Says DC Entertainment (via WSJ):
We are disappointed that Barnes & Noble has made the decision to remove these books off their shelves and make them unavailable to their customers.
DC Entertainment will continue to make our content available to our fans and new readers through multiple distribution channels including independent bookstores, locally owned comic book retailers and other widespread means such as online through Amazon and through our apps on iOS and select Android-powered devices as well as new and exciting devices going forward.
The book company does say the novels will still be sold online, however.