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Former Amazon ComiXology execs plan to revolutionize digital comics with new platform Neon Ichiban - and Marvel and DC are already in
David Steinberger and Chip Mosher are bringing the upgrades piloted at DSTLRY to their new company, and Marvel and DC have already signed on to sell through the platform
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Comic book fans who’ve been feeling the lack of a viable digital comics platform since Amazon folded ComiXology into its wider offerings back in 2023, good news — there’s a new player in town, and it’s got Marvel, DC, and more already signed up to offer day-and-date releases. Get ready for Neon Ichiban.
Founded by former ComiXology CEO and president David Steinberger and former ComiXology head of content Chip Mosher, there’s no denying that Neon Ichiban is a digital comics platform with a significant amount of experience behind it — and the right kind of experience, as well. The platform grows out of Steinberger and Mosher’s experience not just at former digital comics leader ComiXology, but also their other start-up, publisher DSTRY, which has been quietly experimenting with the boundaries of digital comics as a format since its 2023 launch.
Amongst the features available on Neon Ichiban are variant editions of single issues — the company promises “limited-edition variants and sketch covers for collecting,” which ties in with its ability to transform digital issues into one-of-a-kind editions via digital signatures and remarries from creators. (We’ve already seen a taste of this feature via DSTLRY’s digital releases.) Additionally, customers will have the opportunity to buy and sell pre-owned digital comics in a secondary marketplace available on the platform — another innovation pioneered via DSTLRY’s digital comics.
Neon Ichiban is far more than just an expansion of DSTLRY, however; publishers who’ll be releasing work on the platform include Marvel Comics, DC, Dark Horse Comics, Kodansha, Oni Press and Vault Comics, in addition to DSTLRY (of course).
“Neon Ichiban is more than a store — it’s a platform devoted to bringing reading and collectability to a united global audience for comics and manga,” CEO and co-founder Steinberger said in a statement. “This is the next evolution of digital comics. We’re empowering fans with access, control, and engagement — and providing creators with tools to directly connect with their audience like never before.”
"We're reimagining what's possible when you combine cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for comics, manga, and their creators," added co-founder and CCO Chip Mosher. "Neon Ichiban bridges digital convenience and collectability, giving fans true ownership while supporting creators. This isn't just a revolution for comics — it's setting a new standard for digital content across all media.”
Neon Ichiban will launch soon — fans are invited to follow the company via its social media (@NeonIchiban on X, BlueSky and Facebook, @Neon_Ichiban on Instagram) — and sign up for accounts ahead of launch; those that do will receive a free digital comic when the platform officially launches.
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