DC Comics announced a two-pronged digital strategy today. The plan allows for classic DC Comics material including Batman: Hush, Green Lantern: Rebirth, Fables Legends in Exile, and Planetary: All Over the World to be distributed through both comiXology and the PlayStation Network, which will share a tiered pricing program with digital comics priced from $.99 to $2.99 per issue. In addition, the Justice League: Generation Lost miniseries will be available through both platforms day and date with each issue’s print edition on-sale date, with both print and digital editions priced at $2.99.
DC’s partnership with comiXology also includes a Retailer Affiliate Program, which will collect a portion of digital revenues that will be invested back to and on behalf of comic book retailers in a variety of as yet unspecified initiatives.
A DC Comics App for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch is now available providing consumers with easy access to DC Comics digital content. ComiXology will start off with over 100 issues of DC Comics, Vertigo, and Wildstorm comics including the first issue of All-Star Superman. Beginning with the launch a new issue of Neil Gaiman’s classic Sandman series will be available through the comiXology program each month.
The PlayStation Network program will debut with over 80 comics from DC’s various imprints including the first 25 issues of Superman/Batman. Quite naturally the PlayStation platform will be the venue of choice of comics based on videogame properties such as Free Realms, God of War, and Resistance. More than 50 additional titles will be made available on the PlayStation Network every month, priced from $.99 to $2.99 per issue.
DC is hoping to use its digital launch to attract new consumers. Several comics will be available for free at launch including the first issue of the ZUDA series Bayou, and select stories from Batman: Black & White. In addition DC is offering a 10-page preview of the 700th issue of Superman, a prelude to J. Michael Straczynski and Eddie Barrow’s highly anticipated “Grounded” storyline, which will be available for free on both digital platforms.
