NYCC 2024: Comixology Plans For Growth In Digital And Physical Comics
by Tom Smithyman
While comics readers may think of Amazon’s Comixology as a platform solely for digital comic books, Jeff DiBartolomeo is doing everything he can to give readers a choice.
DiBartolomeo, Comixology’s general manager and chief technology officer, announced a still-to-be-inked deal with traditional publisher Mad Cave Studios to print 10 original series, including Beneath, Boxed, and Ghostbox. That’s on top of the long-time arrangement Comixology has with Dark Horse and the deal it announced in May with Ablaze.
The platform also announced a blockbuster new spate of comics, including 50 single issues, 10 trades, and seven original graphic novels. While he is still keeping details quiet, some of the creators announced are a who’s who of comics, including Scott Snyder, John Romita Jr., and Lee Loughridge.
“This is us pushing our chips on the felt – moving forward, doing more,” DiBartolomeo said during a press briefing near New York Comic Con.
DiBartolomeo admitted to being cagey with the details, but he is clearly excited by the momentum his business is seeing.
He said the line is seeing strong year-over-year growth, driven by a mix of traditional comic book readers as well as new ones, who make up about one-third of Comixology’s business.
“It’s great to be a place where new fans are discovering and becoming hooked on comics,” DiBartolomeo said.
While the briefing had a bent toward physical comics, DiBartolomeo is optimistic that Amazon’s just-announced Kindle Colorburst will also drive readers. The new device is ideal for comic book readers who have shunned the black-and-white displays of the traditional Kindle.
