ComiXology Launches Comics by comiXology 3.0

Accelerated app speed and load times with redesigned user interface provides new discoverability options for comics on demand

New York, NY - August 25^th, 2011 - Comic fans everywhere now have new special powers with comiXology’s launch of Comics by comiXology 3.0 – a major upgrade of its award-winning digital Comics App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Comics by comiXology 3.0 builds on its success by empowering readers with a new sleek user interface and store, bolstered comic discoverability paths, and increased speed – getting users from opening the app to discovering comics they’ll love in record time.

Expanding its library of partners and content weekly, comiXology 3.0 gives users the ability to explore, discover and read more than 12,000 digital comic and over 600 free comics from more than 30 publishers, including Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Using Comics by comiXology 3.0, fans will now be able to leverage dedicated, weekly updated featured screens for publishers, series, genres and creators to explore and discover great comics.

Comics by comiXology 3.0 launches nearly instantaneously with access to an on-demand comic store, dramatically reducing app load times and allowing users to get directly to reading or browsing comics.

Purchasing and downloading comics through comiXology has never been easier than in 3.0.

For the first time,readers can pause and restart individual downloads to prioritize downloading. In addition, comics now continue to download in the background, allowing users to queue up comics that will complete downloading whether or not the app is open. “Purchases” now has its own tab so users can always find their comics for quick and easy download without cluttering the “My Comics” area.

“With the help of tons of user feedback from our loyal fans, we thought long and hard on how we focus our development efforts, “ said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology.  “We’ve always said we focus first on a quality reading experience, and second on discoverability of comics. Comics 3.0 is a fantastic step in how our customers can discover new comics while creating a great performance boost for earlier devices that have struggled under the weight of our 12,000 comics.”

New features and benefits of 3.0 include:

• Completely redesigned application
• Near instant launching
• Separate “Purchases” area that displays all owned comics
• New series groupings in store and “My Comics”
• Discover comics at much faster speeds
• Pause and prioritize downloads
• Background downloading
• Improved “Instant Search”

• Buy or continue reading the next issue at the end of a comic

Comics by comiXology 3.0 will also include many mainstay features that have made it an iPad Hall of Fame app, like comiXology‘s patent-pending Guided View™ Technology with a wide variety of viewing options and preferences, enabling them to set transition speeds, page orientations and much more.

Comics by comiXology 3.0 Demo from comiXology on Vimeo.

About comiXology
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 12,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

comiXology Goes Live With Over 100 Comics Stores Through Their Retailer Digital Storefronts Program

Comic Stores Can Now Prosper From the Sale of Digital Comics From Top Comic Publishers

New York, NY- August 23^th, 2011 – comiXology in partnership with ICv2, today launched over 100 online storefronts to sell digital comics as a result of its Digital Storefront program for retailers.  Participating comic retailers have gone live with their deployment of a comiXology-powered store and reader, enabling them to prosper from the sale of digital comics from top comic publishers, including DC Comics, Image, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite and many more. Also, in conjunction with DC and their Relaunch, all participating retailers will be able to sell all the same day as print comics.

Announced in January, the Digital Storefront program enables retailers the ability to sell digital comics with a simple integration into their existing site while tapping into comiXology’s vibrant digital marketplace. Any comic book fan will now be able to purchase digital comics online from their local comic store’s digital storefront with a portion of each purchase going directly to the retailer. All digital purchases will be compatible with the Comics by comiXology platform, providing fans the ability to enjoy their comics on their mobile devices (iOS and Android) and on the Web at their retailer’s websites by way of cross-platform synchronization.

“These retailers have put their trust in us from day one and we’re excited to make good on our commitment to bring them into the vibrant digital marketplace leveraging comiXology’s technology as a backbone for their success,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “We have been working hard with our retail and publishing partners to make this program a reality for the benefit of the comic industry and take pride in starting to see it come to fruition.  We look forward to continuing on this important initiative and celebrating its success with all our partners.”

comiXology’s participating publishers DC Comics, Image, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite benefit from comiXology’s Digital Storefront Affiliate program through wider distribution on the Web and by strengthening the relationships between publishers, comic stores, and fans that have so successfully made comics a major force in world culture.

Marvel Digital Comics Expands Availability to comiXology Web Store

The top-selling comics publisher expands digital offerings

New York, NY / August 10^th 2011 –comiXology announced today that they will now be selling over 3,500 of Marvel digital comics through their Web Viewer at comics.comixology.com as they continue to expand their digital presence. Comic fans can now enjoy one of the largest Marvel digital comics’ libraries online whenever they want.

comiXology’s Web Viewer empowers comic readers with the same Guided View^TM reading experience as in their iOS apps but with the added ability of being able to add comics they want to purchase into their personal shopping cart. Advantages to the web store include a feature for those readers who want to purchase comics series all at once along with “Send as a Gift,” to share a passion for comics with friends and family.

“As a lifelong comic collector and reader, partnering with Marvel to distribute their amazing comics is a dream come true,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Bringing Marvel Comics digitally to our Web Viewer builds on the success of our relationship with Marvel.”

All purchases will sync automatically with the Comics by comiXology App for iOS so that any purchases are available on the go.

“We’re excited to expand our Marvel Digital Comics offerings through comiXology,” said Peter Phillips, SVP & General Manager, Marvel Digital Media Group. “The Web Viewer offers a great reading experience and some cool features that further enhance our existing digital media offerings.”

Enjoy comiXology’s library of Marvel Digital Comics online at comics.comixology.com/marvel

About comiXology

Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 10,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

About Marvel:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.

For more information visit www.marvel.com

The Smurfs are back in new digital comic form with their own dedicated iOS App

Download The Smurfs App here http://cmxl.gy/SmurfsComics

New York, NY / July 18^th, 2011 – In celebration of the all-new Smurfs movie, Papercutz, The Smurfs graphic novel publisher since September 2010, has partnered with comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics, to launch a dedicated Smurfs App for the iOS. The Smurfs App will initially contain seven volumes and over 450 pages of Smurftastic adventures and fun for all ages!

Papercutz proudly brings these acclaimed comics to digital format for the very first time. “I grew up with these comics, they truly are classics. It’s a shame that these books, which have been in print forever everywhere else on Earth, have been out-of-print for so long in America, which is why we decided to publish them in print and digitally,” says Terry Nantier, Papercutz’s Publisher.

“Not many people realize that the Smurfs originally appeared in comics before they were adapted to animation,” continued Mr. Nantier. “Which is why we partnered with comiXology to bring the Smurfs original graphic novel adventures to our fan base in digital form with its own iOS app.”

The Smurfs, created by Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, became so popular when they first appeared in the series Johan et Pirlouit that soon they were awarded their own graphic novel series. After an animated movie in 1976, the Smurfs starred in their own blockbuster Saturday morning TV series on NBC starting in 1981. The hit series was responsible for creating Smurf-mania, and the Smurfs were suddenly everywhere – toys, bed sheets, breakfast cereals, and more. The Smurfs aired nine seasons, and still runs on Cartoon Network’s Boomerang channel and is now available on DVD.

“The Smurfs are such an iconic brand that Papercutz has done a great job revitalizing and this app is a testament to that,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Having been out of print for so long, this app will ensure that anyone who wants to enjoy Smurf comics will be able to at their convenience.”

Each Smurfs volume is full-color and in comiXology’s Guided View^TM Technology that allows you to seamlessly transition from panel to panel for only $3.99. Any Smurf comics purchased will also sync with the Comics and Comics4kids iOS apps, the Comics Android app and comics.comixology.com.

A list of all the volumes and the single issue are listed below:

• The Smurfs Vol. 1: The Purple Smurf
• The Smurfs Vol. 2: The Magic Flute
• The Smurfs Vol. 3: The Smurf King
• The Smurfs Vol. 4: Smurfette
• The Smurfs Vol. 5: The Smurfs and the Egg
• The Smurfs Vol. 6: The Smurfs and the Howlibird
• The Smurfs Vol. 7: The Astro Smurf
• The Smurfs: The Smurfnapper #1

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About comiXology

Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 10,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

About Papercutz

Papercutz is dedicated to publishing the very best comics and graphic novels for audiences of all-ages, In the spring of 2005, Papercutz launched its line of graphic novels to great success, bringing Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys into comics for the first time in many years.  Papercutz has continued to grow over the years and is also publishes popular graphic novels Bioncles, Classics Illustrated, Disney Fairies, Geronimo Stilton, and Tales from the Crypt.

The two principals of Papercutz are Terry Nantier, founder of a leading literary graphic novel publishing company and pioneer in the field, and Jim Salicrup, the fan-fave editor who built up Spider-Man while at Marvel and who was Editor-in-Chief at Topps Comics, publishing X-Files and Xena comics, among others.

Contact:

Tracey Daniels

Media Masters Publicity/Papercutz

828-859-9456

tracey@mmpublicity.com

Trace Cohen

comiXology PR

516-225-7417

tcohen@ifluencepr.com

IDW Publishing Joins Forces with comiXology to Bring TRANSFORMERS comics to Android and the Web

Over 200 TRANSFORMERS Comics will battle it out starting Thursday

New York, NY 6/22/11 – comiXology and IDW Publishing today announced a partnership to bring TRANSFORMERS comics to Android and the Web as the battle for Earth between AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS rages on.

Through this strategic undertaking, comics fans everywhere will now be able to experience every metal crunching battle of more than 200 TRANSFORMERS comics using comiXology’s Guided View™ Technology, enabling the reader to transition smoothly between different comic panels, mimicking the reading experience of a traditional print comic book.

“Working with IDW, one of the largest and most esteemed comic publishers in the industry, to launch their entire TRANSFORMERS comic library on Android is truly an honor,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “IDW has really elevated TRANSFORMERS comics to a fan-favorite that our community has been waiting for.”

All of the TRANSFORMERS comics will be available on the comiXology Android and Web platforms starting Thursday, June 23^rd and will range in price from $.99 to $1.99. All purchases on the Android or Web will sync across all devices and platforms supported by comiXology.

“It’s been very important to IDW to offer our TRANSFORMERS line to digital comics fans everywhere,” stated Jeff Webber, IDW’s Director of ePublishing. “We’ve always been impressed with comiXology’s strength in offering comics across multiple platforms, including Android and the Web. David and his team have put together an awesome offering. And just wait till you see how we kick it off when the doors open Thursday! I think we’re going to make a lot of TRANSFORMERS fans happy this week.”

Today’s announcement comes just days after comiXology exceeded the one million mark of comic book downloads on the Android platform.

The TRANSFORMERS digital comics collection features all the currently available TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON movie-related comics, plus previous movie-related series, cartoon tie-ins, IDW’s own ongoing TRANFORMERS series and related titles, and even old classics from the 80s, including:

• TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation
• TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon: Rising Storm Movie Prequel
• TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon: Foundation Movie Prequel
• TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaption
• TRANSFORMERS: Movie Adaption
• TRANSFORMERS: All Hail Megatron
• TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen: Alliance Movie Prequel
• TRANSFORMERS: Classics
• TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen: Defiance Movie Prequel
• TRANSFORMERS: Heart of Darkness
• TRANSFORMERS: PRIME
• TRANSFORMERS: Spotlight

About comiXology
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 9,500 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Toho’s Godzilla; and comics and trade collections based on novels by worldwide bestselling author, James Patterson. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio; and is the print publisher for EA Comics.

IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.

Aspen Comics Joins Forces with comiXology to Enter the Digital Market

Independent Publisher Debuts First Wave of Classic and All New Titles on Leading Digital Platform

New York, NY/Los Angeles, CA – 5/25/11– Aspen Comics is proud to announce the launch of their digital line of comic books on the comiXology platform, allowing consumers worldwide the opportunity to access Aspen’s ever expanding library of original properties as well as exclusive digital content on the horizon from the publisher.

“We’re excited to finally usher our Aspen line of books into the digital marketplace, and are thrilled to be teaming up with comiXology to make this a reality,” said Frank Mastromauro, President of Aspen MLT, Inc. “This will give our fans greater access to our current catalogue of titles, while also providing potential new readers with a wide choice of different avenues to jump into the Aspen Comics universe.”

The first wave of the comiXology launch will include 15 titles, including some of Aspen’s most popular series, such as Michael Turner’s Fathom and Soulfire, the critically acclaimed series Executive Assistant: Iris and Shrugged, and several more available at launch and to be announced. Individual titles from Aspen will be priced on comiXology from $.99 to $2.99 depending on issue size, with over-sized titles priced accordingly, and every introductory zero or preview issue offered for free. Aspen and comiXology will also be offering full series sets of Aspen’s various titles for a discounted price.

“We’ve been working to get Aspen titles onto Comics by comiXology since before we even launched, “ said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “So, it gives us great pleasure to add them to the platform. We are always looking to expand our comic library to give our community more comic titles to enjoy and Aspen will be a great addition.”

List of digital Aspen Comics to be released today:

• Executive Assistant: Iris Preview (Free)
• Executive Assistant: Iris #0 (Free)
• Executive Assistant: Iris #1
• Executive Assistant: Iris #2
• Fathom #0/Preview (Free)
• Fathom #1
• Fathom #2
• Shrugged Beginnings (Free)
• Shrugged #0 (Free)
• Shrugged #1
• Shrugged #2
• Soulfire #0 (Free)
• Soulfire #1
• Soulfire #2

About Aspen Comics

Aspen MLT, Inc. is an entertainment publishing company founded in January 2003 by superstar comic artist Michael Turner. Aspen produces the popular series Fathom, the hit fantasy series Soulfire, the smash hit Lady Mechanika, the acclaimed series Shrugged, as well as new series such as Broken Pieces, Charismagic, Dellec, Executive Assistant: Iris, Mindfield, and The Scourge in association with Valhalla Motion Pictures. As well as publishing their own line of books, Aspen MLT Inc. continually collaborates on the comic industry’s most exciting titles including Marvel’s Civil War and World War Hulk, and DC Comics’ Identity Crisis and Brightest Day events. Aspen has branched into other media forms and continues to do so. Aspen has produced original content and designs for such clients as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, NBC, American Express and more.

About comiXology
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 9,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

Archaia Entertainment Partners with comiXology to Launch Days Missing

Archaia’s Acclaimed Graphic Novel Series to Showcase on comiXology’s Digital Comics Platform

05.18.2011– LOS ANGELES, CA 5/18/11 – Archaia Entertainment’s CEO PJ Bickett, announced today that they will launch its acclaimed graphic novel series Days Missing on comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics.

From Archaia Entertainment and Roddenberry Productions, Days Missing tells the story of hidden pages from history, where a being named The Steward has shaped the course of human development through his interactions and interference with mankind. The Steward’s powers of time and intellect have allowed him to secretly remove certain critical days from the historical record. As a result, these stories have never been told or their details documented or even recalled. These are the Days Missing from our existence, and they are about to be revealed…

The two volume series features celebrated writers Ian Edginton, Phil Hester, Matz and David Hine and Illustrators Chris Burnham, Frazer Irving, David Marquez and Lee Moder.

Days Missing will make its comiXology debut on 5/18/11.

“Archaia is committed to working with the best and brightest distributors in the industry to provide our fans with the greatest access to our content. When it comes to digital distribution, comiXology ranks among the elite. I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact comiXology has had on how the entire industry views digital, especially with the largest brands. Archaia is excited to be in such great company,” said PJ Bickett, CEO of Archaia.

The digital release of Days Missing by Archaia on the comiXology platform is the beginning of a partnership to distribute more of its expansive library digitally. comiXology users will be able to enjoy a breadth of new Archaia comics digitally in the upcoming months.

“We are thrilled to forge our new alliance with Archaia, which has evolved into one of the most exciting graphic novel publishers in the industry,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Days Missing is a brand that is certain to expand its already impressive following within the comiXology platform.”

About comiXology:
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Archaia Entertainment, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 8,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

About Archaia Entertainment:
Archaia Entertainment, LLC is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 50 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, Gunnerkrigg Court, Awakening, The Killer, Days Missing, Tumor, Syndrome, Artesia, Engineer, and an entire line of The Jim Henson Company graphic novels. Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. Archaia was named Graphic Novel Publisher of the Year according to Ain’t it Cool News, Graphic Policy, and Comic Related, and was honored with nine 2011 Eisner Awards nominations. Archaia has also successfully emerged as a prolific storyteller in all facets of the entertainment industry, extending their popular brands into film, television, gaming, and branded digital media.
# # #

CONTACT:

(For Archaia Entertainment)
SSA Public Relations
David Syatt
dsyatt@ssapr.com
(818) 907-0500

(For comiXology)
Ifluence Public Relations
Trace Cohen
Tcohen@ifluencepr.com
(516) 225-7417

comiXology Announces New Gifting Feature On Web Store

Through “Gift this Comic,” comiXology users can now buy their friends a comic on the largest digital comics platform in the industry

New York NY / April 27th, 2011 – comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics, today announced “Gift This Comic” – a new feature on its Web Store comics.comixology.com, empowering its customers to share their passion for comics with anyone, anywhere at the point of purchase by simply entering the recipient’s email address.

“Comic fans are among the most devoted and passionate group anywhere, “ said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Now they can share their love of comics with their friends and loved ones anywhere in the world and introduce them to a new world of story telling on the iOS, Web and Android.”

With more than 8000 digital comics in the comiXology library across over 50 categories, there is a comic for everyone to enjoy.  For example, if a comiXology user is looking for birthday gift ideas for a friend who has an interest in westerns, comiXology has more than 8000 comics to choose from.  If he or she is a horror fan, comiXology users can pick from a selection of hundreds of horror-related comics, from vampires to werewolves to zombies and more.

Gift This Comic is easy to use.  Upon the purchase of a comic online at comics.comixology.com by a registered comiXology user, the recipient will receive an email informing them of the gift and will be able to enjoy the comic after signing up. Once the friend signs up and receives their gifted comic, it will sync with Comics by comiXology on all iOS and Android devices, ready to be read anywhere.

About comiXology

Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 8,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.

comiXology Joins Stan Lee and Other Comic Book Creators for Japan Benefit Graphic Novel

JAPAN NEEDS HEROES, a comic book anthology donating 100% of its profits to those affected by tragedies in Japan, is adding digital distribution to extend its reach.

Orlando, FL / April 21st, 2011 – Comic book veterans such as Stan Lee and other industry superstars have joined forces to help raise money for Japan in a book appropriately titled – JAPAN NEEDS HEROES.  Now, even the comic book distribution system has joined in this crusade.

comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics, has agreed to handle the digital distribution of the Japan Needs Heroes to both anyone who contributes as much as $5, or those who purchase the physical book as well.

Independent publisher, Red Giant Entertainment (RGE) started reaching out to the industry soon after the disasters struck, and the response by both creators and fans alike has been inspiring.

Industry icons such as Stan Lee, Peter David, Ron Marz, Mike Deodato, Larry Hama, Jimmy Palmiotti, Elaine Lee, Amanda Conner, Howard Mackie, Brandon Peterson, and dozens more are creating new comic stories of hope for inclusion in the book.  In a move of solidarity, even creators under exclusive contract have been granted the right to contribute their services to the cause by their companies, including Marvel and DC.

It’s in this spirit that comiXology has joined in.  For as little as $5, readers will gain access to this massive book which they can read on their iPhone, iPad, Android devices and the Web — with the proceeds going to help those in need.

“It was always part of the plan to allow as many people as possible to have a digital version of the book,” said Benny R. Powell, CEO of RGE.  “We quickly realized, however, that as this project began picking up steam, we weren’t equipped to try to deal with delivering the electronic versions by ourselves.  We needed help.”

“We’re so glad Benny reached out to us to be the digital partner for Japan Needs Heroes,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “The support he has garnered for the relief effort is like a real-life superhero team up and we are honored to digitally distribute the graphic novel for such an important cause.”

This project straddles more than just any one genre and more than just the print world. Webcomics have grown to become one of the largest sectors of the comic book industry with millions of readers worldwide. That is why the invitation went out to the Webcomic community as well and many of the fan favorite creators. Christian Scott Sava (Dreamland Chronicles), Tarol Hunt (Goblins), Gisele Lagace & Dave Zero1 (Eerie Cuties), Chris Crosby and Owen Gieni (Sore Thumbs), T Campbell (Penny and Aggie), David Reddick (Legend of Bill) and dozens more have already signed on to lend their creativity and characters to the book.

100% of the proceeds from JAPAN NEEDS HEROES will be donated to the Japan Society, a non-profit organization that has created a special disaster relief fund to aid victims of the Tohoku earthquake in Japan. To date they have raised over $4.5 million in this effort.  Over the years, Japan Society has partnered with several Japanese and American non-profits working on the frontlines of disaster relief and recovery. 100% of the profits for this book will go to them to directly help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.

This book is funding itself through the Kickstarter program which can be reached through www.JapanNeedsHeroes.com or in the comics section directly on Kickstarter.com.  It has already raised over fourteen thousand dollars, and hopes to achieve much more to help with the estimated $235 billion in damage these unprecedented disasters have caused.

“My wife is from Japan,” explained Powell, “and her family still lives there.  We hear daily reports of the fear and uncertainty they face. I realized we had to do something. Comics have a power to reach massive audiences and that’s a powerful thing.  As more and more creators join our cause I believe we can raise a lot of money to help. This transcends any genre, medium, or publisher. This need is bigger than anything our world has ever faced, and we truly believe that together we can make a difference.”

ABOUT COMIXOLOGY

Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 8,000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace. http://www.comixology.com/

ABOUT JAPAN NEEDS HEROES

Japan Needs Heroes is a comic book anthology project that will be released summer 2011, with creators from across every genre and representing every major comic book publisher. It will focus on stories of inspiration with messages of hope and promises of a better tomorrow by working with the heroes in each of us. It is expected to be between 200 to 300 pages and will be published in full color with its printing being provided at cost by the printer.

ABOUT RED GIANT ENTERTAINMENT

Red Giant Entertainment is an independent creative company that works primarily in print and Web comic book publishing, with further ties to development in film, television, games, animation and all cross-media platforms with its sister company, Red Giant Media.  They work with both in-house properties and as an outsourced resource for other production companies, creator-owned properties and publishers.

For more information or to participate, contact:

Benny R. Powell

Red Giant Entertainment

614 E Hwy 50 #235

Clermont, FL  34711

JapanNeedsHeroes.com

RedGiantEntertainment.com

RedGiantComics@aol.com

(407) 484-0002

Who are The Warriors of Jarvath? Part Two

Now that Nate Simpson’s groundbreaking comic Nonplayer is officially available on comixology, we’re bringing you part two of our exclusive interview with the man behind the magic. This time we talk, comics, video games, the future, and even video games of the future! Check it out below along with part one a little further down this page:

comiXology: So as a game designer could you explain a little more about how the game “Warriors of Jarvath” works? How different is it from the MMO’s of our time?

Nate Simpson: I get into this much more in the second issue, but the key difference is that the non-player characters are unique and mortal. No two players ever have the same experience, and if an NPC dies, he’s dead forever. It isn’t an on-rails quest structure, like you find in WoW. Instead, there’s a much more generative experience — player actions have lasting effects on the way the world of Jarvath develops.

comiXology: Just for fun could you give us your top three favorite fantasy video games?

NS: If you’ll allow me to stretch the traditional definition of “fantasy,” I’ll say Katamari Damacy, Ico, and Shadow of the Colossus. That’s in no particular order.

comiXology: What about Sci-fi adventure games?

NS: Half-Life 2 and Portal are easily my favorites. As for the third… can I just say Katamari Damacy again? It’s got space shuttles in it. That makes it sci-fi, right?

comiXology: Now that the first issue is available to readers everywhere, what are you hoping fans will take away from the story?

NS: The key goal for issue one was to show Dana’s dual existence, and how her personality changed in different contexts. I also needed to push over the first plot domino by taking Queen Fendra away from Heremoth — that’s the event that propels the rest of the story. And behind all that, I wanted to reveal as much as I could about the setting and backstory without resorting to expository dialogue. Hopefully the takeaway is that Dana’s interests, problems, and flaws are not all that different from ours, and that there are some things going on around her that will challenge her world-view and her sense of herself.

comiXology: What are your plans for the series overall? got anything you can tease us with?

NS: Hm. All I can say is that the central premise of the story has yet to be shown, though there are hints in the first issue that I have not yet heard discussed online. It’s been tough to talk about Nonplayer’s plot in public, because the core of my original elevator pitch hasn’t been revealed yet. It’ll be interesting to see how people react to the second and third issues.

comiXology: What’s it like seeing your work on comiXology? and for that matter what are your thoughts on digital distributions so far?

NS: This is huge for me. Frankly, I feel like I came to comics at the last possible moment to see my work in print. It’s great to have something physical to flip through, but I’m also very excited about the democratization, decentralization, and format flexibility that’s coming with the movement of comics into iTunes territory. And with the advent of tablets, we’ve now got the comics equivalent of the iPod, as well. As soon as digital displays cross the 300dpi threshold, I’m going all-in. I fully expect the primary thrust of my next series to be digital, with physical copies becoming the comics equivalent of LPs. For readers who are comfortable with owning ones and zeroes, the digital version should be perfect, and that will allow us to focus on a nicer presentation for the physical version — perhaps in a European format, with larger pages and hardback covers. It’s a very exciting time to be making comics, and you guys are a big part of that!

Nate Simpson’s Nonplayer #1 is available for download on the Image app, Comics app, our web store and on Android. Be sure not to miss this incredible debut from one of the best new creator’s of 2011 and don’t forget to bookmark the blog at comiXology for all the latest in exclusive creator interviews and digital comics news!