Tokyopop is partnering with comiXology, the number one digital platform for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and the Web to release the digital editions of Hidekaz Himaruya’s manga hit Hetalia: Axis Powers at the same time as the graphic novel print version.  Hetalia’s mobile debut is a key part of Tokyopop’s simultaneous print and digital releases on all popular platforms. 

The first Hetalia tankoubon has been divided into six issues, which will be available on the Web via comiXology for ninety-nine cents each, with the first volume free, which makes the cost for a digital copy of the first volume of Hetalia: Axis Powers $4.95 compared with $10.99 for the print edition.

The release of Hetalia, which took place on Tuesday, September 21st, the same day that the print edition streeted, was the first manga ever offered by comiXology.  The manga reads from right-to-left in the authentic Japanese format, and uses comiXology’s patent-pending Guided View Technology to create a fluid reading experience for both experienced manga fans and new readers.

Tokyopop had previously made chapters of the Hetalia manga available, along with other Tokyopop titles, for downloading to computers (either Mac or PC) via Zinio (see “Tokyopop Goes With Zinio”).  The early digital release of the Hetalia manga along with the debut of Funimation’s Hetalia DVD (see “DVD Round-Up: Week of September 14th”) helped build anticipation for the property (see “Buzz Growing Around Hetaliz”).