ComiXology aims for large digital library
WORD BALLOONS
ComiXology has been one of the most successful companies in bringing digital comics to the iPhone and iPod Touch, with Marvel Comics’ “Captain America” and Image Comics’ “The Walking Dead” among the comics available via its comiXology comics app. Last week, comiXology added Rob Liefeld’s “Youngblood” to its lineup.
ComiXology President David Steinberger said he was an Image Comics fan in the early 1990s when Liefeld and other artists formed the company after splitting from industry leader Marvel Comics.
“It was quite a revolution,” Steinberger said. “Of course, there were a couple of indie publishers at the time, but none that came out with such a forthright call to action. … So, it’s very cool to think that we have one of the original Image guys now on the app.”
Steinberger said comiXology aims to have the biggest selection of comics on the iPhone.
“Our goal is just to have the biggest library, and as long as we have the resources … we’ll add anything that is of professional quality,” Steinberger said. “Of course, we lean towards the things that are going to sell well, but at the same time, because we’re comic nerds over here, we also do a lot of labors of love.”
ComiXology has about 1,100 titles available in the app, Steinberger said. Steinberger said he believes comiXology is helping to build a new audience for comic books.
“Not enough people have discovered comics and not enough people have access to … a comic book store in their area,” Steinberger said. “So, there is room for growth in the area through digital and through making people more aware of print.”
Steinberger said comiXology actively tries to push readers to brick-and-mortar stores selling print comic books, with a retail locator inside the application. Steinberger said he believes print and digital comics will co-exist in coming years.
“We’re not afraid to point people towards retail stores,” Steinberger said. “Music is fundamentally a digital good. It’s the same form no matter how you consume it. Comic books are not fundamentally a digital good.”
Steinberger said comiXology is “knee-deep” in development for Apple’s new tablet reader, the iPad.
“I think it’s going to be a great platform,” Steinberger said. “We’ll be as close to launch as possible if not at launch. It’s going to be a lot of fun to be able to buy and read on the iPad and the iPhone.”
- By Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman
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