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Image Comics is pulling all new comics from GlobalComix after 3-year partnership changes

The battle to replace ComiXology just took another turn.

Image Comics at Sweet Shop
Image credit: Sweet Shop

Image Comics has apparently broken with the would-be digital comics giant GlobalComix, ending its distribution of new comics from the publisher to that platform after three years. This comes out after some fans (myself included) noticed that while GlobalComix still has a ginormous back issue library of Image Comics, the more recent Image Comics releases — roughly those released since April 2026 — haven't been appearing on the app. 

King Spawn #55 main cover
Image credit: Harvey Tolibao (Image Comics)

That would include the recent new Spawn run, new issues of D'Orc, and the latest issues of Power Fantasy, among many others.

For those looking for where to go, new Image Comics comic books remain steadily streaming to the big 3 digital platforms of Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play. Outside of those, the emerging digital comics outfit Sweet Shop has become the de facto exclusive comics-centric digital platform as of today to read new Image Comics as they come out, from a relationship established in 2025. Sweet Shop is still in beta release, meaning its invite-only but readers can apply for early access on its website.

"Just to clarify Sweet doesn't have an exclusivity deal with Image, but we are the only *new* store right now with day and date Image releases," writes Sweet Shop CEO/co-founder Kenny Meyers on Reddit in response to a fan noticing some new Image Comics weren't appearing on the GlobalComix app. 

The Walking Dead Deluxe #137 main cover
Image credit: David Finch/Dave McCaig (Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment)

The term 'day and date' is a rather industry-insider term that effectively means that whenever a comic is released in print, it'll be released simultaneously on a digital platform.

Image Comics was one of several key comic publishers who were part of GlobalComix's worldwide launch in early 2023, alongside BOOM! Studios, Archie Comics, and TOKYOPOP. Since then, they've grown, and currently offer 'day and date' releases from DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Kodansha, Seven Seas, Dark Horse Comics, Mad Cave Studios, and IDW Publishing, among others.

But, as it appears, that's no longer the case with Image Comics. Likewise, Oni Press and BOOM! Studios quietly left GlobalComix's 'day and date' release program recently as well.

While Sweet Shop is still in beta release, it is recruiting a growing list of premium publishers in addition to Image (which it's had for roughly a year now), such as Kodansha, Dark Horse Comics, Fantagraphics, IDW Publishing, Oni Press, and Mad Cave Studios. Unlike some other services, Sweet Shop has a global license for its digital comics library, allows (and encourages!) in-app purchases, offline reading, DRM-free backups from participating comic owners, and a strong stance against the use of AI in comics and venture capital funding, unlike most others in the digital comics space.

Popverse has reached out to Image Comics and GlobalComix for comment and will update our readers with any relevant information.


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Chris Arrant

Chris Arrant: Chris Arrant is the Popverse's Editor-in-Chief. He has written about pop culture for USA Today, Life, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher's Weekly, Marvel, Newsarama, CBR, and more. He has acted as a judge for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, the Harvey Awards, and the Stan Lee Awards. (He/him)

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