Per Variety, DC Comics have formed a pact with South Korean webcomics publisher Webtoon for new strips starring the venerable company’s superheroes. The companies plan to announce more specific plans in the coming weeks, but disclosed the comics will be initially released in English, before other language translations.
Hey WEBTOON fans! We're collaborating with @DCComics to bring several webcomic series set in the DC Universe! Stay tuned for series drops, local language translations, and additional deets. ✨
Read the exclusive ➡️ https://t.co/3q54JH7bJH pic.twitter.com/A5P0yb6z6e
— WEBTOON (@webtoonofficial) August 17, 2021
Launched in the US in 2014, the Webtoon site and its app have a monthly average of 72 million active users, and they also host comics from Legendary, POW! Entertainment, and Top Cow/Image. The partnership continues DC’s ongoing efforts to expand beyond the single-issue and bookstore markets, including their Walmart-exclusive books, and the digital-first comics that have debuted on platforms like comiXology and the subscription service DC Universe Infinite.
Daniel Cherry III, senior vice president and general manager of DC, said “DC is excited to introduce our iconic characters to a new generation of fans worldwide.” He added they have been “working closely with the Webtoon writers and artists to adapt our characters and stories to Webtoon’s mobile format. Our shared goal is to create fun and compelling DC stories that all readers will enjoy.”
Webtoon’s US CEO Ken Kim said the company will take “well-known [intellectual property] like DC’s to develop into content for younger generations,” indicating the comics will be aimed at their primary audience of readers aged 16-24. He added “it is going to be beneficial for DC and Webtoon.” David Lee, head of content at Webtoon, said “This collaboration is a landmark for us as we work toward a new age of digital comics in the US.”
