D2C Games, a download-only games publisher, has set up a new studio dedicated to bringing downloadable comics to the PSP, PC and mobiles.
The studio, dubbed D2 (squared) Comics, will take already existing print comics and turn them into what it calls “digital video comics”. The finished products will include original soundtracks, “action directed by the comics' creators” and DVD-style behind the scenes video and commentary.
Among the first to get the treatment will be The Cryptics and Strange Cases from horror comics guru Steve Niles. It must be said, SPOnG would rather have seen Niles' 30 Days of Night or Criminal Macabre, but we're glad to see the service launching with a creator of calibre.
This won't be the first time a comic has come to the PSP. Last year Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel, featuring the splendid artwork of Ashley Wood, was released on UMD as a one-off. This marks the first time, however, that the PSP has been used in an ongoing manner as a platform for comics and marks another feather in the handheld's multimedia cap.
Whether D2C will make an impact on the PC and mobiles, however, is up for grabs. Shorter webcomics are widely available on the internet, while some publishers will offer full print comics for free viewing on their websites. That's not to mention all the naughty folk that participate in the illegal file sharing of comics. As for mobiles, the size of the screen may well prove prohibitive for viewing comics.
SPOnG spoke to Jared Myland, the manager of OK Comics, Leeds, who told us, "I think it's a great idea. It's going to expose more people to comics, perhaps people who haven't picked one up for a while." Asked if he thought it could impact comic shops sales, he said, "As a retailer, no. I think it'll bring more people in in the same way that movies and games do... I actually think the PSP's a really good format for digital comics. It's something people can carry round, it's got a nice big screen and it leaves you in control of your reading experience."
The studio, dubbed D2 (squared) Comics, will take already existing print comics and turn them into what it calls “digital video comics”. The finished products will include original soundtracks, “action directed by the comics' creators” and DVD-style behind the scenes video and commentary.
Among the first to get the treatment will be The Cryptics and Strange Cases from horror comics guru Steve Niles. It must be said, SPOnG would rather have seen Niles' 30 Days of Night or Criminal Macabre, but we're glad to see the service launching with a creator of calibre.
This won't be the first time a comic has come to the PSP. Last year Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel, featuring the splendid artwork of Ashley Wood, was released on UMD as a one-off. This marks the first time, however, that the PSP has been used in an ongoing manner as a platform for comics and marks another feather in the handheld's multimedia cap.
Whether D2C will make an impact on the PC and mobiles, however, is up for grabs. Shorter webcomics are widely available on the internet, while some publishers will offer full print comics for free viewing on their websites. That's not to mention all the naughty folk that participate in the illegal file sharing of comics. As for mobiles, the size of the screen may well prove prohibitive for viewing comics.
SPOnG spoke to Jared Myland, the manager of OK Comics, Leeds, who told us, "I think it's a great idea. It's going to expose more people to comics, perhaps people who haven't picked one up for a while." Asked if he thought it could impact comic shops sales, he said, "As a retailer, no. I think it'll bring more people in in the same way that movies and games do... I actually think the PSP's a really good format for digital comics. It's something people can carry round, it's got a nice big screen and it leaves you in control of your reading experience."
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Comments
Joji 18 Jul 2007 15:11
1/1
Jeez, how long have they been doing this in japan? Good idea but one thing that could trump it is the fact that many online comics are actually free. A choice between paying for a comic and getting it for free aren't difficult, but some might bite. You'd need to have something i like.
Thanks, but I'll stick to Megatokyo (free), VG Cats (one for gamers out there) and my manga graphic novels.
With regards to file sharing in this area, sure it's not legit, but bare in mind the nature of comics. When a print run is made, they might not get another run or translation. This leaves you getting odd issues, especially frustrating when something is out of print. I had this trouble with Area 88 (the manga UN Squadron SNES game was based off of) manga. The Area 88 manga was printed in the 70's-mid eigthies, and is next to impossible to get in english now. If I could get this on my phone or PSP, I'd definitely pay for it.
When comics get the same treatment we enjoy with games on WVC, Live and PSN, then that will be a better day for all.
Thanks, but I'll stick to Megatokyo (free), VG Cats (one for gamers out there) and my manga graphic novels.
With regards to file sharing in this area, sure it's not legit, but bare in mind the nature of comics. When a print run is made, they might not get another run or translation. This leaves you getting odd issues, especially frustrating when something is out of print. I had this trouble with Area 88 (the manga UN Squadron SNES game was based off of) manga. The Area 88 manga was printed in the 70's-mid eigthies, and is next to impossible to get in english now. If I could get this on my phone or PSP, I'd definitely pay for it.
When comics get the same treatment we enjoy with games on WVC, Live and PSN, then that will be a better day for all.