Comixology will release creator-owned digital comic books and graphic novels as part of its expanded Comixology Originals program, the company announced today via a Twitch livestream.
The digital comic book service's initial offerings are four new titles that span the fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and superhero genres. However, the twist is that the comic books will be released in an unconventional manner.
New Comixology Originals releases include: Savage Game created by NFL player Ryan Kalil, written by Shawn Kittelsen, and art by Chris B. Murray; Superfreaks from writers Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet, with newcomer artist Margaux Saltel; Elephantmen 2261: The Death of Shorty from writer Richard Starkings, and artists Axel Medellin and Boo Cook; and Ask For Mercy from writer Starkings and newcomer artist Abigail Jill Harding.
The titles feature a couple of intriguing takes on the comic book publishing model. Taking a cue from Netflix Originals, Superfreaks' entire five-issue run drops all at once, and is available right now for $2.99 per issue. That breaks from the traditional monthly comic book release schedule, and makes Superfreaks a book that's perfect for binge reading.
In addition, Savage Game is available now in print exclusively through Amazon.com as a Print-on-Demand title. Elephantmen and Ask for Mercy will also be available in print via Print-on-Demand at a later time.
Readers can explore these new books in a variety of ways. The digital comics are free to read for Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, and Comixology Unlimited members, and are also available for purchase on Kindle and Comixology.
"We're proud to offer these creator-owned titles where creators keep their IP rights and are motivated to bring their A-game to the benefit of readers everywhere," said Chip Mosher, Comixology's Head of Content. "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."
The new books were announced today in tandem with a Twitch livestream event, hosted by esports personality Marcus "djWHEAT" Graham. During the livestream, which was screened at viewing parties at Amazon Books retail locations and Amazon Pop-Up kiosks across the US, customers received free print copies of the Savage Game graphic novel on a first-come, first-served basis.
The company also teased its next wave of Comixology Originals titles to be released in the coming months. The creative names on those books include Tyler Crook, Kristian Donaldson, Alti Firmansyah, Sam Humphries, Megan Kearney, Kel McDonald, Hope Nicholson, Mike Norton, MK Reed, Mark Sable, Tim Seeley, C. Spike Trotman, Jen Vaughn, and Magdalene Visaggio. More details regarding these upcoming Comixology Originals releases will be unveiled during Comic-Con International San Diego 2018.
For more on the digital comics space, check out Everything You Need to Know About Digital Comics. For PCMag's monthly comics recommendations, please visit 10 Digital Comic Books You Need to Read Right Now.