This feels like it should be being reported as a much bigger deal, but starting in January 2012, Viz Media will be making digital versions of Weekly Shonen Jump available in English two weeks after the original Japanese versions have been released, with editions being made available on all iOS platforms (the iPad, iPod and iPhone) for a month-long 99 cent rental charge, or annual $25.99 subscription fee.
Firstly: That’s a great price point. Secondly: Digital subscriptions! Considering that it looks like western comic companies aren’t quite ready for Apple Newsstand just yet, this, the Walking Dead deal and the Archie Mighty Crusaders announced earlier this week might be the best we’re going to get on that front anytime soon…
October 14th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
We (Graphicly) released 6 series–to start with–from Image and BOOM!, and will be rolling out ongoing series with publishers that want to use Apple Newsstand shortly. Given the amazing feedback we have gotten from publishers, creators and fans, I would say that western publishers are very ready for and excited about digital subscriptions.