Amazon bought comiXology today, the highest grossing non-game iPad app in 2012 and 2013.  The terms of the deal were not disclosed but Amazon Vice President of Content Acquisition and Independent Publishing David Naggar said “Amazon and comiXology share a passion for reinventing reading in a digital world.”  He added “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.”
ComiXology is a digital marketplace for for buying comic books and graphic novels.  They provide content from over 75 publishers, including DC Comics and independent authors.  The app also offers the Guided View system, which feels like flipping through the scenes of a motion comic at your own pace.  The co-founder and CEO of comiXology David Steinberger said “ComiXology’s mission is to spread the love of comics and graphic novels in all forms.  There is no better home for comiXology than Amazon to see this vision through. Working together, we look to accelerate a new age for comic books and graphic novels.”
Amazon has been a pioneer of digital reading experiences since introducing the Kindle in 2007.  When movies like Man of Steel (2013) pull in $668,045,518 at the box office worldwide, it makes sense that Amazon made this move now.  With the fluid controls of the Guided View technology and Amazon’s already vast  ereader viewership, comics books and graphic novels could reach a larger audience than ever before.
Source: comiXology, NY Times, CNN Money, Box Office Mojo
