DC Entertainment has found a new way to tell its superhero stories. The publisher has announced enhancements to its digital comic books, adding a new dimension to the artwork while also giving readers the chance to determine how the plots unfold. Consider it a choose-your-own-adventure for the new mobile generation.
While digital titles that have continued the story lines of the “Smallville” TV show have sold well, DC’s most current success story is a book based on the recently launched fighting game “Injustice: Gods Among Us” that features DC’s more iconic heroes and super villains from Superman to the Joker. Book adaptation bowed in January but generated more downloads in April, signaling its longevity.
Last year, DC saw digital sales increase by 125% over 2011, according of the company. Digital also hasn’t shown any signs of cannibalizing traditional print sales, which are also up by double digits over 2011. This year, digital grew by 35% in the first quarter, compared to the same period in 2012. Overall, more than 1 million digital comics are downloaded monthly, including back catalog, same-day-digital and digital first titles.
“This is not an insignificant business,” said DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson. “This is still a pretty nascent business for us. It was nonexistent three years ago. But the growth we’re seeing is astonishing and we haven’t looked back.” The goal now is to “look for innovation in ways that are organic to the storytelling and not gimmicky. It’s about giving the readers more control of the reading experience while letting the comics stay true to being comics.”
“Batman: Arkham Origins” will be the first title to receive the “DC2 Multiverse” update that will add action sounds and soundtrack, as well as give readers the chance to determine the fate of each storyline and character, including Batman and super-foe Black Mask, with multiple options and end results available in each chapter.
“Arkham Origins” is based on the videogame from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment of the same name. Game bows Oct. 25. DC’s inaugural digital-first title was “Batman: Arkham Unhinged,” also based on the videogame universe.
Digital-first title “Batman ‘66,” based on the popular 1960s TV show will be the first title to feature the “DC2” enhancements, with panels featuring multi-dimensional artwork and sequences like characters appearing from the sides of the screen.
DC’s digital books are available on all comiXology platforms, Amazon’s Kindle Store, Apple’s iBookstore and the Nook Store. Pricing for the new enhanced digital editions have yet to be revealed but are likely to be higher than the current 99 cents charged per issue.
