In a move that’s sure to rock the comic book industry, DC Comics is finally making the greatest universe of superheroes available on multiple digital platforms starting today. The biggest news, though, is that DC will offer day and date editions of current and ongoing titles across all platforms for $2.99. To kick things off, the Justice League: Generation Lost mini-series will be the first day and date title. DC is not only partnering with ComiXology and Sony PlayStation but they’re also releasing their very own app for the iPhone and iPad.
“At DC Comics, it has been a top priority that DC forges a meaningful, forward-looking digital strategy,” said Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Comics. “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.”
(More on Techland: Superman: All the Anniversaries)
Before we get to our Q&A with DC’s Co-publisher Jim Lee and DC Entertainment EVP of Sales and Marketing John Rood there are a few things you need to know about this monstrous deal.
Pricing for all platforms (DC Comics app, ComiXology Apple app, DC Comics-branded storefront on the web at ComiXology and eventually at dccomics.com later this year) will range from $0.99 to $2.99 and includes titles from DC Comics, Vertigo and Wildstorm. Free issues of Zuda’s Bayou and “select stories” from Batman: Black & White will be available at launch. If that weren’t enough, DC will release a free 10-page preview of Superman’s 700th issue today for both platforms. “The 10 page story is a prelude to writer J. Michael Straczynski and artist Eddy Barrows’ highly anticipated “Grounded” storyline that will be published in Superman which will examine how Superman sees America, and how America sees Superman.”
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of both deals.
DC’s ComiXology store front will launch with over 100 issues (and 100 new issues each month) from DC Comics, Vertigo and WildStorm that happens to include All Star Superman #1. Each week starting with launch will include one issue of Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series that’s digitall exclusive to ComiXology.
(More on Techland: Talking Digital Comics With Comixology’s David Steinberger)
The PlayStation Network will launch with over 80 issues (50 additional titles each month) from DC, Vertigo and WildStorm that includes the first 25 issues of Superman/Batman. Because of its tie-in with Sony, comic books based on videogames (Free Realms, God of War and Resistance) will be made digitally exclusive to the PSP platform.
One other thing to note in the press release is that DC Comics is working with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution on deals with Apple, Microsoft and other online distributors. Does this mean we’ll see comics on the Xbox?
And now onto our Q&A with Jim Lee and John Rood.
*Gallery after the Q&A*