Neon Ichiban, the new digital comics platform from Comixology veterans David Steinberger and Chip Mosher, has officially launched worldwide today. The service, which has now exited its beta phase, aims to blend digital reading with collectable culture, introducing features like the resale of digital issues, downloadable PDF backups, and a novel system for digital signatures and sketches.
The platform’s standout features appear to tackle common complaints from long-time digital comic fans. Later this week, downloadable PDF backups will begin rolling out for participating publishers, giving readers offline access and a greater sense of true ownership.
A core innovation is the platform’s patent-pending Remarques technology, which allows creators to digitally sign and sketch editions for fans. Geek Native has reported on Remarques previously, noting its structure is designed to pay creators royalties on these digital enhancements.
Neon Ichiban also detailed its future roadmap. A “Commissionable Remarques” feature is planned, described as a ‘Cameo-style’ service where fans can request and pay for specific sketches from creators directly through the platform. This aims to create a new revenue stream for artists outside of the convention circuit. While the main platform is now live, an accompanying iOS reader app is set to debut shortly, and fans can sign up to test its beta version.
The platform launches with a significant catalogue. New publishers joining for the official launch include Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, and Titan Comics. They join an existing lineup that features major names like DC, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Kodansha, Oni Press, and Vault Comics. More publishers, such as Legendary Comics, Mad Cave Studios, and Rebellion, are reportedly “coming soon.”
This aggressive publisher onboarding positions Neon Ichiban as a serious contender in the digital space, competing directly with platforms like Amazon’s Comixology, subscription services like Marvel Unlimited, and independent marketplaces such as DriveThruComics.
Publishers were quick to praise the new venture, particularly its leadership. Hunter Gorinson, President & Publisher at Oni Press, commented in a statement:
This is the right platform by the right team at the right time. David Steinberger and Chip Mosher are the most experienced management team in the history of digital comics, and we’re excited to partner with them to realize a new strategic vision for what this important and innovative sector of comic publishing can be.
Damian Wassel, CEO & Publisher at Vault Comics, echoed this sentiment, focusing on the team’s history:
The comics business needs a cutting-edge digital marketplace built by people who care about comics and know how to build a platform that fans want to use… It’s hard to imagine a better team than David and Chip to get that done. After all, they already did it once.
