Who are The Warriors of Jarvath? An Interview with Nate Simpson (Part 1)

With issue #1 selling out across the country comiXology is proud to present the latest hit from Image Comics; Nate Simpson’s Nonplayer. With gorgeous art and masterful storytelling, Nonplayer is quickly becoming one of the most talked about independent comics of 2011. In addition to offering the first issue through the image app, comics app and web store this week, we were also given the chance to ask Nate a few questions about the book and it’s creation. Check out the interview below (the second part of which will be posted soon) than go download the first issue.

comiXology: Thanks for your time Nate, So Nonplayer has been making waves across the internet as issue #1 continues to sell out in local comic book shops across the country. In your own words can you tell us what this series is about?

Nate Simpson: Sure. Nonplayer follows the not-so-spectacular life of Dana Stevens, a tamale delivery girl in the future who spends most of her time inside a full-immersion MMO called “Warriors of Jarvath.” In the real world, she’s a college dropout who still lives with her mom, but inside Jarvath she’s an elite assassin. Unbeknownst to her, the non-player characters within the game have recently achieved sentience, and they’ve realized they don’t like being hunted for sport. When she kills the wife of celebrity game character King Heremoth, she ends up on the receiving end of a major blood vendetta that may or may not be confined to the game.

comiXology: What do you make of all the buzz around this first issue? any chance you could tell us what the past few weeks have been like?

NS: It’s been a wonderful surprise — as you may have guessed from the size of the first print run, we were far from certain it would be well received! I’m especially glad that it seems to have struck a chord with some folks who don’t normally read comics. The medium has limitless potential, but I think there’s been a tendency for publishers to push what’s done well in the past, which in the West usually means men in tights or mopey autobiographical comics. So it’s nice that something that doesn’t fit neatly into either category has found a little audience. I’m very excited to see how comiXology readers respond to the book.

Of course, it’s a whole new challenge to focus on the second issue with so much hype flying around. It’s so tempting to start buying into it, but you still have to go to your studio every morning and face that blank page and ask your muse to come out, which can be tricky with all this commotion going on. I’m having to exercise some pretty extreme internet discipline.

comiXology: Much of the progress and development of Nonplayer #1 was charted online long before the issue hit store. What made you want to share your experience with the internet?

NS: Mostly, I needed to feel like I wasn’t making the whole thing in a vacuum. When you’ve spent your whole life working for other people, it can be a little strange to find yourself boss-less. I sort of turned my blog into a manager — I often found myself apologizing online when I took too long to finish a page, for example. I don’t think anybody who read the blog really cared, but I had to make believe that somebody out there was waiting for each post.

Of course, the blog later proved to have some educational value, as I learned new tricks from commenters who had more experience with digital art-making. And then at some point, after I’d posted the first few finished pages, the blog began to serve a promotional purpose, as well. It ultimately connected me with the people at Image.

comiXology: Now you worked in the gaming prior to dipping your toes into the comic world. What made you want to try your hand at comics in the first place?

NS: I’ve been attempting comics since I was a kid — I’ve tried several times to climb that mountain, but I’ve never had either the preparation or the stamina to make it over the top. This time around, it was a collection of storyboards for Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaa that got me fantasizing about storytelling again. And there were lots of other factors that made it easier to finally get through a project. Having a wife who was willing to support me both emotionally and financially was crucial — this just wouldn’t have happened without her. And I’d also saved up some money from my video game days, which kept us afloat when things got especially tight.

Working in games is great, but I think a lot of game artists wonder what they might accomplish if they didn’t have all of those technical, budgetary, and managerial constraints on their work. The medium of comics allows you to explore the outermost boundaries of your imagination. That’s pretty hard to beat.

comiXology: What was your biggest influence in creating the world of Nonplayer?

NS: Besides Miyazaki, my four biggest art heroes are Moebius, Geof Darrow, William Stout, and Arthur Rackham. Moebius, Rackham, and Stout all do incredible things with visual flow — the way foreground and background elements relate to each other, and the way the eye circulates naturally around a page. There are no dead ends in their drawings. And then there’s the Where’s Waldo-ness of Darrow’s work, which I’ve always loved. I’m nowhere close to any of these guys, but I’m sure they’ve had an effect on the way I think about illustrating a story.

We’ll be back with more from Nate a little later this week as we talk video games and the future of this incredible series. In the meantime go read Nonplayer! available for download today!

comiXology Helps Comic Fans and Retailers by Making the PullList iOS App Free

Comic fans everywhere can pre-order comics for pick up from participating local stores

02.24.2011– New York, NY – comiXology’s popular PullList App for the iOS is now free to download and use, empowering comic fans everywhere to create virtual pull lists or pre-order comics for pick up from comiXology-connected local stores.

“The Pull List App was created as a great discovery tool for new comics because it provides complete transparency into what’s being pulled on a weekly basis exposing comic fans to new titles that may be of interest to them,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “From a comic retailer standpoint, it increases efficiency by giving them the ability to make informed decisions about their inventory of comics based directly on the demand of their customers.”

The comiXology PullList App empowers comic fans see what’s coming to their local comic book store on any iOS device. The app enables users to review all the covers, read creator info and get previews of comics that are scheduled to arrive that week. There is also a built-in store locator that will display the closest retailer to you so you know where you can purchase your comics.

Benefits of the PullList App include the following:
• Browse all shipping comics (Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, IDW etc.)
• Review descriptions and covers for this week, last week and next week
• Preview pages from comics coming out
• “Pull” comic books
• Discover new comic by checking out comics pulled by others
• Built-in store locator that will display the closest retailer to you.

To download the app, search for “PullList” in the Apple iTunes App Store.

Reatilers interested in the comiXology Retailer Tools should visit retailers.comixology.com

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 nearly 6,500 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.

http://www.comixology.com/

ComiXology Announces Program for Retailers to Sell Digital Comics

Industry’s first digital storefront affiliate program provides roadmap for retailers to thrive in digital marketplace

New York, NY / January 27th 2011 – comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics, announced today the industry’s first Digital Storefront Affiliate program for retailers. The program will empower comic book merchants to prosper from the sale of digital comics with a comiXology-powered store and reader. Leveraging comiXology’s technology will provide retailers the foundation for future digital initiatives as the program evolves.

The comiXology Digital Storefront Affiliate program offers retailers the opportunity to tap into comiXology’s vibrant digital marketplace with a simple integration into their existing site. These retailers will be able to offer their customers access to comiXology’s library of digital comics and integrated reader from participating publishers.  Consumers will now be able to purchase digital comics online from their local comic store’s digital storefront for the first time.  All digital purchases will also be compatible with the Comics by comiXology platform, providing fans the ability to enjoy their comics on their mobile devices and on the Web at their retailer’s websites by way of cross-platform synchronization.

“By having a comiXology-powered store and reader integrated with our existing new and back-issue comics website, we will provide our customers with even more access to the comics they love while increasing their loyalty to us,” said Chris Powell, General Manager and CRO of Lone Star Comics and mycomicshop.com.  “Having seen comiXology’s Retailer Tools and Pull List services, we trust comiXology’s technology to help us thrive in a market where customers are interested in both print and digital comics.  ComiXology will help us provide the one-stop shopping that customers are looking for.

Participating publishers will benefit from comiXology’s Digital Storefront Affiliate program through wider distribution on the Web and by strengthening the bonds between publishers, comic stores, and fans that have so successfully made comics a major force in world culture. comiXology plans to announce participating publishers in the coming weeks.

“The comiXology digital sales and reading platform embedded directly on a retailers website is a great opportunity for retailers to participate in the digital comic business,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology.  “As a result, the program will create a new marketplace online for publishers and retailers to increase revenue streams while strengthening their relationships. It also marks the beginning of new way of thinking for retailers, which will ultimately lead them to taking full ownership of their digital initiatives as we continue to roll out the stages of the program.”

ICv2 recently announced a strategic agreement with comiXology to provide customer support for all comiXology’s retail initiatives including its Retailer Tools and the Digital Storefront Affiliate program.  Milton Griepp, CEO of ICv2, Steinberger, and comiXology CTO and co-founder John Roberts will demo the Digital Storefront Affiliate program at the upcoming ComicsPRO conference in February.

“Comic retailers have built and nurtured the local communities that support the comics business, and it’s important that those retailers have a way to participate in and profit from the digital comics revolution,” said Roberts.“ Building on the success of our Retailer Tools, we look to expand our relationship with retailers by helping brand each digital storefront to the specific retailer, while hosting it at no cost.  With a plan to integrate the Retailer Tools and Pull List, comic retailers will become a one-stop shop for all comic readers needs.”

“Digital comics can be a great tool for reaching out to new or lapsed customers, and retailers should not be afraid of this new format.  Instead, they should look for ways to make the digital format complement their existing print business,” Powell added.

To request more information about the Digital Storefront Affiliate program, retailers can visit http://retailers.comixology.com/digital_form/

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 5500 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/

comiXology Teams With ICv2 to Expand Retailer Network and Increase Brick and Mortar Growth Opportunities

ICv2 to manage customer service and support for comiXology’s retailer tools

New York, NY / January 21th – comiXology announced today a strategic agreement with ICv2, the #1 source for business information in the comic industry. ICv2, led by CEO Milton Griepp, will work closely with comiXology to further develop, manage and expand its relationships with brick and mortar comic book retailers as new programs and technologies are introduced to help retailers prosper.

The relationship will also build on comiXology’s Retailer Tools, which have been growing sales and improving the operational efficiency of local comic stores since 2009 with their online pull list management software and free cover gallery for any Website.  The Retailer Tools includes the widely used comiXology Pull List app, enabling fans to pre-order comics for pick up from their local stores through the app. ICv2 will be handling sales, marketing, and customer service for The Retailer Tools.

“From day one, we always understood that the brick-and-mortar retailers are the backbone of the comic industry community,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Making them stronger businesses creates a greater opportunity for us to collaborate and grow the comic marketplace together. Milton’s insight during his term on our board has been a huge asset to us and we are glad to partner with him to advance our retailer relations and technology.”

comiXology recently launched a new Pull List Email format, empowering retailers to attract new customers by directing consumers who aren’t already connected to a retailer towards an established comiXology retailer.

“What attracted us to comiXology was the vision of a platform for fans, retailers, and publishers that enhances sales of all comics, both physical and digital,” said Griepp. “ICv2’s long experience with the retailer community, combined with comiXology’s unique platform, offers huge opportunities to grow the business at a time of dynamic change in the industry.”

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 nearly 5000 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 ICv2

ICv2 is the industry’s source on the business of comics and graphic novels, also covering manga and anime, movie/TV products (including cool DVDs, figures, and more), and hobby games (collectible, cool board, minis, RPGs) daily on its Website, ICv2.com, and in its magazine, Internal Correspondence.  For the people on the front lines of the pop culture business, staying ahead of the trends isn’t something that can be left to chance—it’s a basic necessity for being successful.  That’s why ICv2 is the #1 source of news and information for the buyers, gatekeepers, and tastemakers on the front lines.  ICv2 is where trend-watching has become a science.

comiXology Launches Guided View™ Authoring Tools Early Adopters Program to Put Distribution Power Into Creator’s Hands

Program Empowers Publishers and Creators to Get Comics Digitally Distributed with Guided View^TM Navigation

For for social media release please visit: http://cmxl.gy/GVTools

New York, NY – It’s not x-ray vision or the ability to fly faster than a speeding bullet but comiXology, the leading digital comics distributor for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and the Web, is empowering comic publishers and creators with the next best thing with the launch of the Guided View™ Authoring Tools early adopters program.

The private, invitation-only Alpha program provides creators and publishers with a tool-set to prepare their comics for comiXology’s patent-pending Guided View™ – the industry standard navigation technology that enables readers to experience comics full screen or panel-to-panel.

The Guided View™ Authoring Tools program will help level the playing field by giving independent creators and publishers an equal chance for visibility in the digital marketplace through a standard format and ubiquitous platform.

“Creating opportunities for all publishers and independent creators is a major focus for us,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “The Guided View Authoring Tools is the first piece of a larger program that will benefit creators and publishers who either are unknown, have limited print distribution through Diamond or have an older property that won’t get the shelf space it deserves. We created these tools for ourselves — they are the actual tools we use at comiXology when creating Guided View — and realized the great opportunity for anyone to use them. The tools will give publishers and creators an equal opportunity for visibility, while creating more diverse content for our community to enjoy week after week.”

The private Alpha phase recently launched with TOKYOPOP, Devils Due, Arcana Comics, J. Chris Campbell (creator of Zig Zag) and Scott Admunson (creator of Barbarian).

“We at TOKYOPOP are big fans of comiXology. They not only learn the needs of publishers and creators, but they execute solutions quickly and effectively,” said Stu Levy, founder and CEO of TOKYOPOP. “Guided View Authoring Tools allow us to scale our digital distribution in a way which meets our needs, and most importantly, the needs of our fans.”

“As a small publisher, getting your work distributed is an extremely difficult task,” said Chris Campbell, creator of Zig Zag. “The largest hurdle is achieving enough orders to even be considered by the major comic distributor. comiXology lets you reach audiences that you’d never get through any other traditional distribution means.”

Once the Alpha phase is completed, comiXology will open more spots for a limited Beta testing of the tools to more creators. The final product will be part of a comprehensive online system, allowing seamless submission for digital publishing for all comic book creators and publishers in an iTunes-like model. Creators and publishers can sign up for consideration for Beta spot at http://www.comixology.com/self_authoring_signup/.

Download the Comics by comiXology app in the iTunes App Store here, or read comics online at comics.comiXology

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, Image Comics and TOKYOPOP as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts nearly 4000 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/

Press Release: comiXology, Image Comics and Robert Kirkman Team Up to Debut Digital Comics App for Award Winning THE WALKING DEAD Series

Click here for the official press release

Zombie Lovers Everywhere Can Now Enjoy THE WALKING DEAD Series on All iOS Devices

New York, NY – To commemorate the highly anticipated AMC series premiere of The Walking Dead this Halloween, comiXology has created a dedicated digital comic app of the award-winning series for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch in collaboration with Image Comics and the comic’s creator Robert Kirkman.

The Walking Dead, which won the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series at San Diego Comic Con, recently went day-and-date with its digital version on comiXology-enabled devices and Web reader and is now giving its loyal fan base the ability to enjoy the comic in all of its gory in its own dedicated app. The Walking Dead in digital format is exclusive to the Comics by comiXology platform.

“Robert Kirkman and Image Comics have been great partners of ours and we love to see them continually pushing the envelope with The Walking Dead series,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Through this new app, zombie lovers everywhere will be getting a full dose of their favorite comic on their mobile devices all in one location. We’ve even added all the collected editions.”

The story centers around Rick Grimes, a former police officer who was shot in the line of duty and woke up from a coma after the world had succumbed to the zombie plague. Dazed from months in the hospital, and confused as to why he can’t find anyone alive, he begins his journey to find his wife and son.

“Today’s app release will provide fans of The Walking Dead, new and old alike, another way to enjoy this series,” said Robert Kirkman. “The Walking Dead app will make the series that much more accessible to the new generation that, more often than not, experiences their entertainment completely digitally. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with comiXology, on the eve of the debut of the AMC television series, to bring this series in front of a whole new generation of readers.”

The Walking Dead app can be found in the iTunes App Store here and on comics.comixology.com.

The purchases made in The Walking Dead app will also be available in the Comics by comiXology app and online at comics.comixology.com.

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, DC, BOOM! Studios and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts nearly 3000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in 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 Robert Kirkman
Robert Kirkman is a New York Times bestselling author known for being the cultural zeitgeist of the comic book industry. Following the grassroots success of the self-published Battle Pope (2000), Kirkman caught the eye of Image Comics founding partner Erik Larsen. After several short-term projects (SuperPatriot and TechJacket), he achieved superstar status in 2003 with Invincible and The Walking Dead. During a subsequent stint at Marvel Comics, he gained many new fans with the haunting and hilarious Marvel Zombies. MTV translated Kirkman’s Invincible into a motion comic — one of the first in a growing industry trend. Kirkman’s SKYBOUND imprint, under the Image Comics umbrella, is committed to fostering up-and-coming talent in the industry, and all acquisitions are hand-picked by Kirkman himself. Kirkman won the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series for The Walking Dead.

Happy Birthday Box 13!

One year ago today the Harvey award winning team of David Gallaher and Steve Ellis unveiled the secrets of Box 13 upon the world exclusively through comiXology. One year later the adventures of Dan Holiday and Olivia Mayfair continue to thrill readers and conspiracy theorists in the series’ second installment Box 13: The Pandora Process the 5th issue of which was released earlier this week!

Today however we celebrate volume #1 now available in a print and through comiXology for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Based off the old radio serial of the same name Box 13 was the first comic of it’s kind, envisioned and created to be downloaded and read on an iPhone screen.

“Box 13 has presented an amazing opportunity to experiment and discover new methods of story telling for the digital age. Working with Steve and comiXology has presented a great chance to push the boundaries of serialized storytelling. It’s been a real thrill.”  says series co-creator David Gallaher.

So today we raise our glasses high and wish a very happy birthday to Box 13. Read it for FREE! on comiXology and get ready to start thinking outside the box!

Get in on all the action with comiXology at NYCC

Jim Lee painted iPad for raffle at NYCC!

comiXology CTO and co-founder John D. Roberts Speaking Engagements:

Booth signings:

TOKYOPOP & comiXology Debut Hetalia Axis Powers in Industry’s First Simultaneous Print and Digital Manga Release

comiXology Introduces First Japanese Manga Series in Partnership with TOKYOPOP

9.22.2010 – /Los Angeles, CA/New York, NYC – In a first-ever simultaneous print and digital release for a major manga title in North America, TOKYOPOP, the leading independent manga entertainment company in the U.S., has partnered with comiXology, the number one digital comics platform for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and the Web, to release the digital editions of Hidekaz Himaruya’s hit manga Hetalia Axis Powers at the same time as the graphic novel print version.

Hetalia’s mobile debut in the U.S. is a key part of TOKYOPOP’s simultaneous print and digital releases on all popular platforms.

The first volume of Hetalia has been divided into six issues and will be available through the Comics by comiXology app and on the Web for $0.99 each. The first issue will be free.

Also coming soon is a deluxe teaser app that fans can download from the iTunes App Store, which includes a preview of the first chapter, manga trailer, and photos of elaborately dressed fans in Hetalia cosplay (short for “costume play”).

“TOKYOPOP is thrilled to have comiXology join us as a partner in bringing this phenomenal new manga to every popular platform so fans can read it whenever and wherever they want,” said Stu Levy, CEO of TOKYOPOP. “comiXology is a crucial part of our campaign to engage our fans in innovative new ways.”

The release of Hetalia represents comiXology’s first-ever manga offering. The manga reads from right to left in the authentic Japanese format, using comiXology’s patent-pending Guided View™ Technology to create a fluid experience for dedicated manga fans and new readers alike.

“TOKYOPOP has developed a first-to-market track record in bringing manga to digital,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Hetalia presents an incredible opportunity for comiXology to introduce more readers to the style and richness of manga storytelling through mobile. Working with such a pioneering publisher as TOKYOPOP is truly an honor. We look forward to bringing all of their titles to our platform.”

Hetalia Axis Powers has swept the Internet worldwide as a Webcomic, and the graphic novel has already sold more than a million units in Japan. A humorous and often politically-incorrect retelling of actual historic moments, Hetalia focuses primarily on the relationships between the Axis and Allied Powers during the World Wars. The story follows Italy, Germany, and Japan from the fall of Rome up through World War II, with each country personified by bishonen characters (archetypal Japanese “pretty boys”).

Hetalia is available through the Comics by comiXology app on the iPad, iPhone and iPod now.

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About TOKYOPOP®
Founded in 1997 by international media entrepreneur Stu Levy, TOKYOPOP established the market for manga in North America, introducing the term to the English language in the process. Over its history, TOKYOPOP has published over 3000 books, distributed anime and Asian films on home video and television, licensed merchandise to consumer goods companies, created graphic novels of major brands such as Warcraft, Star Trek, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Hannah Montana, and led the way digitally in social media, e-commerce and user-generated content.

TOKYOPOP’s brand expanded internationally with offices in Europe and Japan and a network of over 160 partners in more than 50 countries and 30 languages. Taking its Manga Revolution beyond the page, TOKYOPOP has begun producing live-action and animated film and television content based on its extensive intellectual property library, including Priest, Van Von Hunter, and another 20 projects currently in development, along with America’s Greatest Otaku, an 8-episode reality show filmed during its 2010 summer-long, 28-city national tour.

For more information, visit www.TOKYOPOP.com as well as www.twitter.com/tokyopop and www.facebook.com/tokyopop.

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, DC, BOOM! Studios and Image Comics as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts nearly 3000 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in 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/

Baltimore Comic Con 2010

We had a great time at the Baltimore Con again this year. It was great to have guests again at the Harvey Awards show, and to have a booth for the first time in Baltimore. The crowd for our panel was great, too.

Some photos: