A new digital comic book service, Neon Ichiban, has been announced by U.S. publisher DSTLRY, spearheaded by former ComiXology veterans David Steinberger and Chip Mosher. The platform is set to launch this summer and will host digital works from a wide array of prominent publishers, including Kodansha, Dark Horse Comics, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Oni Press, and Vault Comics, in addition to DSTLRY’s own titles.
The service aims to be a comprehensive destination for both readers and collectors, offering new releases on their print release dates alongside an extensive backlist of titles.
Reimagining the Digital Comics Experience
Neon Ichiban is designed to be more than just a storefront; it positions itself as a platform devoted to uniting a global audience for comics and manga, blending reading with collectability. David Steinberger, CEO and Co-Founder of Neon Ichiban, stated that the venture represents “the next evolution of digital comics,” focusing on empowering fans with access, control, and engagement, while providing creators with direct connection tools. Chip Mosher, CCO and Co-Founder, emphasized reimagining what’s possible by combining cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for comics, manga, and their creators, aiming to bridge digital convenience with collectability.
Key Features for Readers and Collectors
The platform promises several innovative features intended to attract a diverse audience:
- Simultaneous Release: New comics and manga will be available on Neon Ichiban the same day they hit print.
- Extensive Catalog: Users will have access to an ever-growing backlist of fan favorites and hidden gems, alongside weekly new releases from participating publishers.
- Flexible Access: Readers can enjoy comics online or download copies to their devices, provided publishers enable this feature.
- Digital Collectibles: A significant draw for collectors, the service will offer unique digital collectibles, including limited-edition variants and sketch covers. Participating publishers will enable digital signatures and remarques from top creators, making these digital issues one-of-a-kind.
- Resale Marketplace: Crucially, Neon Ichiban will feature a marketplace where users can buy and sell previously owned digital comics and collectibles. This resale mechanism is designed to benefit both publishers and creators by ensuring they receive a share of the revenues from these transactions.
Backing and Industry Context
The creation of Neon Ichiban marks the return of David Steinberger, former CEO and co-founder of ComiXology, and Chip Mosher, who previously led content acquisition and marketing for the platform, to the digital comics marketplace. After ComiXology’s integration into Amazon, and subsequent user complaints, there has been a perceived gap in the market for a dedicated digital comics experience. Neon Ichiban aims to fill this void by focusing on a dedicated comics app experience, moving away from a stripped-down format.
DSTLRY, the parent company, itself focuses on creator-owned comic books and collectibles, and its innovative digital marketplace, which pioneered resellable digital comics, laid the groundwork for Neon Ichiban. The new venture is backed by funding from French comics publisher Delcourt, venture capital firm GFR Fund, and Kodansha.
Fans interested in the service can currently sign up for a waitlist on the Neon Ichiban website. Those who register for a free account before the official launch this summer will receive a free digital collectible comic.
