One of my favorite comic book publishers, ComiXology, just sent a press release that they’re introducing (or unleashing) new, exclusive creator-owned titles ahead of Comic Con San Diego 2018. The best news here is that ComiXology respects the creator and works to make sure creators are paid for what they make, from what this blogger has been told.
And if you’re saying “Hey, this is an Oakland blog, what’s up?” Well, the what is up is that Zennie62Media is credentialed to cover San Diego Comic Con 2018 and for the 10th year in a row! Meanwhile, the San Francisco Comic Con that’s in Oakland this weekend gives us no press release or credential love or emails, so there! It should be called Oakland Comic Con, anyway – and only with the permission of the original Comic Con-creators, San Diego Comic Con!
But, I digress. Here’s the news:
ComiXology announced today it is releasing creator-owned comic books and graphic novels for the first time as part of its comiXology Originals program. The premiere digital comics service announced four new comiXology Originals titles – spanning fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and superhero genres – via a livestreaming event on Twitch. Today readers can dive into the debut titles through a variety of ways: they are free to read for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, and comiXology Unlimited and are also available for purchase on Kindle and comiXology.
The new comiXology Original releases include: Savage Game created byNFL player Ryan Kalil, written by Shawn Kittelsen, and art by Chris B. Murray; Superfreaks fromwritersElsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet, with newcomer artist Margaux Saltel; Elephantmen 2261: The Death of Shorty from writer Richard Starkings, and artists Axel Medellin and Boo Cook; Ask For Mercy from writer Starkings and newcomer artist Abigail Jill Harding.
The debuts feature a host of industry firsts, including:
– All issues of the Superfreaks series are available to read now – perfect for binge reading
– In addition to digital, Savage Game is available in print exclusively through Amazon.com via Print-on-Demand
– Collections of Elephantmen and Ask for Mercy will also be available in print via Print-on-Demand, with future comiXology Originals trade collections and graphic novels also available in print
– Savage Game sees noted cover and fine artist Chris B. Murray’s interior art debut
– Superfreaks artist Margaux Saltel also makes her series debut
– Ask For Mercy artist Abigail Jill Harding makes her series debut“We’re proud to offer these creator-owned titles where creators keep their IP rights and are motivated to bring their A-game to the benefit of readers everywhere,” said Chip Mosher, comiXology’s Head of Content. “Helping bring these incredible titles to fans lets us experiment with different release strategies like a binge-style drop of a whole series, high quality print-on-demand, and day-and-date inclusion in Prime Reading, Kindle Unlimited and comiXology Unlimited.”
The new comiXology Originals titles were announced today in tandem with a livestream event on Twitch, hosted by noted esports personality Marcus “djWHEAT” Graham. During the livestream, which was screened at viewing parties at Amazon Books retail locations and Amazon Pop-Up kiosks across the United States, comiXology unveiled its “Always Original” ad campaign that spotlights the characters featured in today’s new releases. Customers attending the viewing parties were offered free print copies of the Savage Game graphic novel on a first come, first served basis.
The company also teased the next wave of comiXology Original titles to be released in the coming months, announcing an impressive list of creators, including: Tyler Crook, Kristian Donaldson, Alti Firmansyah, Sam Humphries, Megan Kearney, Kel McDonald, Hope Nicholson, Mike Norton, MK Reed, Mark Sable, Tim Seeley, C. Spike Trotman, Jen Vaughn, and Magdalene Visaggio. More details on upcoming releases will be unveiled during Comic-Con International San Diego 2018.
For more information, visit http://www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews
And as soon as I know what booth number ComiXology will have at San Diego Comic Con 2018, I will post that info, here.
Stay tuned.