Bum! New players in the scene: A new platform offering digital comics and comics from Neon Ichiban DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Dstlry, Kodansha, Oni Press, and Vault Comics. And it was brought to life by David Steinberger and Chip Mosher, co-publishers of DSTLRY. Of course, the people behind many of the history of Comixology. Steinberger founded Comixology, and Mosher was behind their original initiatives and many other programs.
The NY Times has a debit and reminds me that the people at DSTLRY have a Raise $7 million.
Currently, two industry veterans, David Steinberger and Chip Mosher, bet that they can beat Amazon in e-commerce by catering more intentionally to stubborn comic book fans. Next month, they plan to launch Neon Ichiban, a site that intends to become a “devoted experience for comics” after raising more than $7 million from investors in the gaming and film industry.
“There’s no longer any more understanding how comic book fans and those who should be fans want to shop, think, or view,” he said. “There’s no longer a Comixology app that lets you put all your comics in one place. It’s all part of Kindle.”
What is Neon Ichiban? First off, it’s a bite-like name! But once you get used to saying that, you’ll learn that Neon Ichiban (or NI as I’ve already called it) will offer same-day digital releases with extensive backlists from all participating publishers, numerous features including downloadable comics (for some publishers), digital signatures and remarkable possibilities, and many features including digital marketplaces. It is also the first platform to offer both Marvel and DC, except for Comixology (but not yet an image comic), and when it comes to Marvel, it is said to have debuted one of the biggest licensed digital catalogs in recent years.
You can already sign up for an account. Early Bird will receive exclusive, free digitally collectable comics at launch. As PR states, “A Neon Ichiban is more than just a reader, fans are involved in a vibrant ecosystem defined by innovation, ownership and community.”
“Neon Ichiban is more than a store. It’s a platform dedicated to bringing reading and collectivity to a unified global audience of comics and comics,” says CEO and co-founder David Steinberger. “This is the next evolution of digital comics. We are providing creators with tools that enhance access, control and engagement for our fans, and connect directly with our audiences, like never before.”
“We will rethink what is possible when we deeply respect cutting edge technology and comics, manga and their creators,” explains CCO & co-founder Chip Mosher. “Neon Ichiban bridges the convenience and collectibility of digital, giving fans true ownership while supporting creators. This is not just a comic book revolution. It sets a new standard for digital content in all media.”
The announced features include:
All-in-One Digital Platform: Neon Ichiban serves readers and collectors simultaneously, offering same-day comics, comics, collections and graphic novels. The single issue is always featured in the standard edition available, along with limited edition variations and sketch covers. Control Customer: Neon Ichiban offers seamless digital controls. Read the comic online or offline and download local copies when the publisher responds. Purchases can also unlock exclusive online perks. Signature and Sketch Collectibles: Participating publishers allow readers to turn their digital issues into a unique collection with digital signatures and remarks from top creators. These unique items can be cherished and resold as they are from their origins. Secondary Market: Fans can buy and sell digital comics and collectibles owned by participating publishers, adding tangible value to their digital purchases. Resale benefits publishers and creators.
More publishers will be added as the platform is released.
All of the above is bold, but from someone who has already done it once. The Digital Comic Marketplace is currently in a rather flat location, but innovation is always on the horizon. Comixology still exists, but most are integrated into the Kindle app, but the original program continues. GlobalComix has expanded and added publishers, including DC, but hasn’t heard much since recent times. Sweet Shop is another startup that rises from the ashes of Omnibus, but has not yet been officially launched. As mentioned before, Kindle/Comixology remains a kind of one-stop shop where you can get Marvel, DC and Images, but the once robust, bespoke comics interface is now just a flooded landing page.
Digital comics certainly deserve better than what Comixology has become. And we might be able to make Mattias de la Piedra another great guide to our digital comics, like we did for the manga the other day.
Because I’m getting busy!
While I wait for Neon Ichiban to make its debut, here are a few screenshots. With approval and attention: Individual landing pages in the series, all the issues listed are back. A very good start!
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