Jul 25 2007
Diving into Web Comics
On July 9th, 2007 DC Comics announced their intention to launch a new imprint named Zuda Comics. Zuda will allow both amateur and professional talent to submit original web comics that they have developed. The staff of Zuda will evaluate the submissions and select 10 to compete in a monthly contest. The winner will receive a paid contract from DC Comics to produce their web comic for Zuda for a year. The web comics that appear on Zuda will be viewable for free. Registered users will have the ability to comment, tag, vote, rate and share comics.
Technorati Tags: DC Comics, UGC, User Generated Content, Web Comics
What makes the site unique is that this is the first time a publisher as large as DC is entering the world of web comics. By allowing both amateur and professionals to participate in the contest the door is open to a wide range of stories, styles and genres. “We’re not looking for a specific type of material — we’re actively looking for everything,” said Ron Perazza, the director of creative services for DC and one of Zuda’s chief architects in a NY Times article that covered the announcement (see attached).
For the past 6 months I have lead the IBM team working on the design and development of the Zuda site with the team from DC Comics. It is great working with Richard Bruning, Ron Perazza, Kwanza Johnson and Dave McCullough (not shown) from DC in that they really love the comic business and have a rich appreciation for its long history. It is that respect for comics that has allowed them to approach publishing comics on the web in a way that preserves the art form.
There has been an abundance of press and blog coverage on Zuda since the site was announced in the beginning of July. This interest will only grow with the start of the annual ComicCon convention in San Diego this week. As I write this I am on my way to the event with two colleagues who are working with me on the project. I will be sure to post pictures of the event and the Zuda launch party scheduled for later in the week.
People interested in learning more about Zuda can go to ZudaComics.com. The site covers information about the imprint, submission process as well as downloadable logos and banners. You can also register on the site so you can receive updates about Zuda through out the summer. The site is scheduled to go live in early October.
Photo credit: Richard Perry (New York Times)
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