The age of digital comic books has been both a gift and a curse. For people like me who can’t get to their local comic book shop, having instant access to comics on my phone helps me stay up to date on the stories and characters I love. Plus, it’s easier to discover new stories and creators. Speaking of the creators, they can get their products directly to the consumer without the approval of a big corporation.
And then there’s the curse. Sadly, ComiXology has a chokehold on digital comics. While the site is easily accessible, it hasn’t been the same since Amazon purchased it and the switch to the Kindle app happened. It’s been more difficult to find and purchase comics, the app isn’t as good as it was, and you can’t buy comics via the Kindle app (in their defense, you couldn't before). Then, like Thor coming from the Bifrost in Avengers: Infinity War, Neon Ichiban comes to save the day.
Recently, Comixology founders David Steinberger and Chip Mosher have come together to build something that works better for creators and fans alike. Dave Steinberger (co-founder and CEO of Neon Ichiban) said in a press release: “Neon Ichiban is more than a store, it's a platform devoted to bringing reading and collectability to a united global audience for comics and manga.” All of this is music to my comic-loving ears.
So far, Marvel, DC, DSTLRY, and Dark Horse are all notable names that have committed to Neon Ichiban. However, as this article is written, Image Comics has not. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t. But there’s one major thing to consider. Amazon owns ComiXology and Invincible - based on the Image Comics series of the same name - is streamed on Prime Video.
It's unclear whether committing to Neon Ichiban could affect the Invincible series and any other Image Comics or Skybound projects. That being said, not being a part of such an all-around comic book experience like Neon Ichiban could harm Image - or any other comic book company not involved - in the long run and go to other independent comic companies like Dark Horse, or DSTLRY.
No matter what, a service like Neon Ichiban is a good thing for the comic book industry. Another platform means more for everyone, especially the creators. Who knows, it may even begin to make exclusive titles on the platform itself one day. This would undoubtedly lead to artists and writers becoming more hopeful now that they don’t have to rely on big companies like Amazon to publish their work. The possibilities with such a platform are limitless and, in today's day and age of having content available digitally on streaming platforms, a service like this for comic book fans is a very good idea.
Overall, this is a beautiful thing that will lead to more comics for everyone. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more news of Neon Ichiban as it comes out.
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