Arguably the biggest thing in comics right now is not an event or the over abundance of Batman appearances in comics this week: it’s Digital Comics. It’s an issue we have discussed multiple times on this site, and it’s one you’ve probably had with your friends multiple times at this point too. As we live in a world where people download more than they buy, everyone is trying to figure out a way to fit into this new world.
Now, ComiXology – the biggest name in digital comics – is giving creators and indie publishers the ability to do the same as the big companies are doing with their digital opportunities via their Guided Viewâ„¢ Authoring Tools. As the press release states, the program “benefits 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.” This is a huge step into the digital market for indy comic creators, as the best alternative I know of right now is Indy Planet which is limited to print. In a world where everyone has a story to tell and is struggling to find out how to tell it, the Authoring Tools from ComiXology is certainly a very interesting way to get your comics into iPhones across the country.
While the program is currently limited to the Alpha phase, you and any small press creators you know can sign up for the Beta Phase now. For more, check out the interview with ComiXology CEO David Steinberger at Comics Alliance.
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