In a move that expands the size and reach of its original graphic novel publishing program, Comixology, Amazon’s digital comics marketplace, is releasing a slate of original digital titles that will also be available simultaneously in POD print editions for the first time.
The new series are available for sale via Comixology Originals, Comixology’s digital comics publishing imprint, but they are also available to read for free by members of Amazon Prime, and via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited subscription services.
Announced on the last day of BookExpo, Comixology Originals will release Savage Game by NFL players Ryan Kalil, Shawn Kittlesen and Chris B. Murray, a 60-page graphic novel about a rogue technology-enhanced gladiator-style fighting competition; and Superfreaks by Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet and Margaux Saltel, a series in which the world’s superheroes have disappeared and their teenage sidekicks team up to find them. In addition, there are two new graphic novels set in the universe of creator/writer Richard Starkings’ Elephantmen sci-fi series: Elephantmen 2261: The Death of Shorty (with Axel Medellin and Boo Cook) and Ask for Mercy (with Abigail Jill Harding).
Savage Game and both works from the Elephantmen series will be available in POD print editions. Superfreaks will be available only in a digital edition.
Originally launched in 2016 under the direction of Comixology head of content Chip Mosher, the Comixology Originals imprint releases new works in digital editions that can be purchased via the Amazon and Comixology digital content retail sites. The imprint has released a number of original works including Marley’s Ghost in 2016, a reconstruction of a never completed graphic novel adaptation of Charles Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol originally designed by comics editor/artist Harvey Kurtzman in the 1950s.
Comixology Original's new list of titles was announced via Twitch, Amazon’s livestreaming e-sports and videogame platform. Details of Comixology Originals forthcoming titles will be announced at the San Diego Comic-Con International in July. The imprint will announce a host of new works by such as artists and writers as Hope Nicholson, M.K. Reed, Spike Trotman, Kel McDonald, Magdeline Visaggio and others
Twitch attracts about 15 million fans each day. In an interview with PW, Mosher said Comixology made use of the Amazon’s Twitch platform to reach a broader audience. “Twitch fans are comics fans. It’s a fantastic platform that reaches new audiences and will get more people to read comics," he said.
Mosher said, “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.”
