Amazon.com is making a big push into the digital comic book arena, announcing today that it has acquired New York-based comiXology in deal of undisclosed size. Founded seven years ago, comiXology distributes digital comics on behalf of more than 75 publishers, including giants Marvel and DC Comics.
Readers purchase comics through the company’s digital storefront, and then read the comic books online via a Web browser or through the company’s mobile apps. ComiXology is known for its immersive “Guided View” technology, which allows readers to more easily read titles.
“Amazon and comiXology share a passion for reinventing reading in a digital world,” said David Naggar, Amazon Vice President, Content Acquisition and Independent Publishing, in a statement. “We’ve long admired the passion comiXology brings to changing the way we buy and read comics and graphic novels. We look forward to investing in the business, growing the team, and together, bringing comics and graphic novels to even more readers.”
The company will retain its operations in New York.
Here’s the letter to readers that co-founder and CEO David Steinberger posted:
Dearest readers,
I’m very excited to share some big news with you: we have just announced that comiXology is becoming a part of the Amazon family!
More than seven years ago, John D. Roberts, Peter Jaffe, and I set out to connect people to comic books and graphic novels they’d love, and we’re so excited about how far we’ve come. Thanks to the books we are privileged to present and the platform we created, there’s access to more diverse content than ever, allowing all readers to enter the amazing world of comics.
We have long had the goal of making every person on the planet a comics fan. With Amazon’s help, this crazy goal is more possible than ever before. With the Kindle, Amazon has shown a passion for reinventing the reading experience, just like comiXology has shown for comics and graphic novels.
ComiXology will retain its identity as an Amazon subsidiary and we’re not anywhere near done “taking comics further.” We are confident that – with Amazon by our side, who shares our desire for innovation and a relentless focus on customers – we’ve only just begun.
We wouldn’t be here without you, our customers. Thank you. The best is yet to come!
