Dynamite Entertainment, the publisher behind powerhouse comics like The Boys, Red Sonja, and James Bond, has announced it is joining Neon Ichiban, the highly anticipated digital comics platform. The move will bring Dynamite’s extensive back catalogue and new same-day-as-print releases to the service, which aims to become the definitive destination for online comics and manga.
Neon Ichiban, which entered an invite-only beta last week, was co-founded by David Steinberger and Chip Mosher, the veteran duo who originally founded and built Comixology into the market leader before its controversial integration into Amazon’s Kindle service. Their new venture, Neon Ichiban, has already attracted a formidable lineup of launch publishers, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Kodansha, and Vault Comics. Dynamite’s inclusion further solidifies the platform’s ambition to be a one-stop shop for digital comic readers and collectors.
The new platform is positioned as a direct response to the shortcomings of the current digital comics landscape. As reported by Forbes and Comics Beat, Steinberger and Mosher raised over $7 million to build a platform that caters specifically to comic fans, focusing on discovery and collecting in a way they argue has been lost.
In a statement, Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.
Dynamite has always been committed to world building and delivering unforgettable stories, from redefining icons like Vampirella, ThunderCats and Red Sonja to breakout hits like The Boys and many other iconic characters. Partnering with Neon Ichiban lets us expand that legacy and bring our comics to fans worldwide on the most innovative digital platform.”
Neon Ichiban aims to merge the convenience of digital reading with the culture of physical comic collecting. The platform will offer standard editions alongside limited-edition variants and allow users to download local copies where publishers enable it. A key feature is a built-in secondary marketplace where fans can buy and sell their digital comics, with creators and publishers receiving a share of the resale revenue. The service also plans to offer unique digital collectables, such as comics with digital signatures and remarques (sketches) from creators.
David Steinberger, CEO and Co-Founder of Neon Ichiban, praised the new partnership.
Dynamite has been a perpetual gamechanger of comics and pop culture, redefining legacy franchises and launching bold new ones. Now fans everywhere can digitally dive into some of the most popular comics of the past two decades.”
His partner Chip Mosher, CCO and Co-Founder, added,
Dynamite has spent 20 years blending timeless characters with bold creator-owned titles. We’re excited to bring their incredible lineup to an even bigger global audience.”
The addition of Dynamite’s library, which also includes titles like Supernatural, The Terminator, and numerous Disney comics, is a significant win for Neon Ichiban as it prepares for its full public launch. For comic fans disillusioned by the decline of the Comixology experience, this growing coalition of major publishers under a single, fan-focused roof represents a promising new chapter for digital comics.
