DC Comics Go Digital in Deals with comiXology and Playstation

Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash and more have gone digital as DC Comics Wednesday (June 23) announced the launch of a partnership with comiXology and PlayStation Network for two separate digital comics distribution deals.

In a press release issued from New York and Burbank, Calif. by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, DC Comics Co-Publisher  (and superstar artist) Jim Lee said, "It has been a top priority that DC forges a meaningful, forward-looking digital strategy. 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.”

Initial offerings from both distribution networks will include titles from DC Comics, Vertigo and WildStorm, including acclaimed series such as Batman: Hush, Green Lantern: Rebirth,  Fables: Legends in Exiles and Planetary: All Over the World and Other Stories.

The digital comics will be available through a free DC Comics app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch; a DC Comics-branded storefront, located in the Comics by comiXology app for the same trio of devices and also via a DC Comics-branded storefront on the web at Comics.comiXology.com.

The prices depend on the title and range from $.99 to $2.99 per issue. For example current mini-series, "Justice League: Generation Lost," will be available via both platforms with each issue’s print edition on-sale date,  both the digital and print editions priced at $2.99. Several comics will be available for free at launch, including the first installment of the ZUDA series "Bayou" and select stories from Batman: Black and White.

DC Comics is offering a free 10-page preview of the 700th issue of Superman  available through both platforms,  According to the comic company, the story is a prelude to writer J. Michael Straczynski (Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Thor, Brave and the Bold, Superman: Earth One) and artist Eddy Barrows’ “Grounded” story arc,  which will, "examine how Superman sees America, and how America sees Superman." DC  Co-Publisher Dan DiDio calls it "a major turning point in the history of Superman,"  with "the potential to generate national headlines and bring new readers the series.”

The comiXology program will launch with more 100 issues, from DC Comics, Vertigo and WildStorm, including the first issue of All Star Superman.  One issue of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed Sandman will be available as a digital exclusive. Look for over 100 additional issues from the company’s imprints w each month. 

For comic shops that might wonder how this will impact their business, there's a "Retailer Affiliate Program," which will collect a portion of digital revenues to be invested back to and on behalf of comic book retailers in a variety of initiatives. But what those initiatives are to support shops nationwide is not yet clear.

The PlayStation program will launch with more than 80 DC, Vertigo and WildStorm issues including the alread-historic first 25 issues of Superman/Batman, featuring story arcs such as "Public Enemies" and "Supergirl," the former inspiring the DC/Warner Premiere DVD and Blu-ray releases.  Comic book titles based on videogame properties, including Free Realms, God of War and Resistance, will be made available digitally exclusively on the PlayStation Store for the PSP system. Over 50 additional issues will be offered each month, priced from $.99 to $2.99 each via the PlayStation Network.

Major Comics companies Marvel, Dark Horse and Image Comics are also availble for the iPad as well, while other publishers on the Digital Reader service, which launched in December 2009, include Marvel, Disney, IDW and 2000AD.