Neon Ichiban Brings Indie Comic Creators Into the Fold with Massive Platform Update

Updated (2:20pm CST) - The gap between physical and digital comic issues just got a little smaller.

Indie comic creators will soon be able to generate revenue from signatures and custom sketches on digital books (aka Remarques) sold through Neon Ichiban via its new Creator Hub program. In other words, fans can bring their iPad to conventions to get their specific copy personalized like they would a print version.

The program is currently only eligible for books already featured in Neon Ichiban's store, but all creators are welcome to apply. Once verified, those creators can set their own prices – with support for online commissions coming in a future update. It's one of many new additions announced by the digital comics platform (and spiritual successor to Comixology), which emerged from beta today.

I'm oversimplifying the magnitude of how powerful this could be for the industry, but it essentially positions Neon Ichiban into the top spot among digital comics platforms. And especially against two main players in particular...

The first is GlobalComix, which has long since allowed independent comic creators to upload their work to the platform but faced scrutiny over its AI usage policy. That seems like a natural next step for Neon Ichiban's Creator Hub program. (NOTE: An earlier version of this report incorrectly stated that indie creators would be able to upload any of their books to Neon Ichiban.) It's also a well-funded company that, like most venture-backed startups, has a business strategy focused on scaling the business fast enough for investors to see a return.

The other(s) are platforms like Ko-Fi, which allow creators to sell their work, collect tips, and subscription revenue. There may even be a symbiotic relationship emerging from Kickstarter, where there are fewer single-issue comics projects being funded but far more print campaigns for collected edition projects.

An Apple Vision Pro App for Comics? Yup.

The platform update also brings with it a ton of leveling up, with a dedicated Android app beta and a rebuilt reading experience on iOS devices, including what I'm presuming to be the first serious digital comics app built for VR headsets (pictured at the top).

Those rare individuals with an Apple Vision Pro now have fresh motivation to dust it off to try out the company's new beta app version. Over a decade ago, digital comics became the sole reason for lots of people to buy a tablet. Though I don't think the same will happen with VR, anything is possible – especially because comics are now being created with growing acknowledgement that they'll get consumed across several different kinds of screens. (See also: Me reviewing White Boat #3 on a 55-inch OLED television.)

The company also added some new list features (above), allowing you to get notified about new releases, price drops, variant drops, and more. I'll be doing a deeper dive on the entire platform in a later article, but this seems like a good move that could get comic fans better acquainted with its digital resale marketplace.