As reported earlier, DC Comics has finally launched their digital publishing initiatives with a native application for Apple’s iOS4 mobile operating system (iPad, iPhone, iTouch) and two separate distribution deals with comic reader platform ComiXology and Sony’s PlayStation Network (PS3, PSP) — with plans to sell comics digitally through the DC Comics website later in the year [read DC Comics Releases iPad/iPhone App].
“As both a comic book creator and Co-Publisher, it was incredibly important that our plan includes not only creator incentive payments, but also an innovative component that supports comic shop owners. We see digital as an opportunity to grow our entire business,” stated Jim Lee in DC’s official press release.
Lee first spoke about the company’s digital comics publishing strategy at a Wonder*Con 2010 panel, which fell on the same day Apple’s iPad was released as well as Marvel Entertainment’s own native application. At the time he stressed that there was no market for digital publishing for the simple fact that no one was making money from it yet. With this new initiative, it’s looking like DC plans to change that entirely by building into its preexisting print sales.
Both distribution deals with PlayStation and ComiXology will share a tiered pricing format offering digital comics priced from $.99 to $2.99 per issue for classic titles from DC Comics, Vertigo, and WildStorm.
Also worth noting is the ComiXology integration in DC’s native iOS4 apps, which essentially make all purchases available on multiple platforms. (So if a customer buys a comic on their phone, they can also access it on their laptop, tablet computer, or any device that supports ComiXology).
This is definitely a win for consumers of digital media.
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