Dark Horse to publish print editions of comiXology Originals titles

(Image credit: Dark Horse Comics)

Dark Horse Comics has signed a deal with comiXology to publish print editions of several of its digital-first comiXology Originals titles. 

"The comiXology Originals line is of the highest quality and diverse in its storytelling and talent," says Dark Horse publisher/CEO/co-owner Mike Richardson. "ComiXology's line of creator-owned comics sits perfectly alongside the acclaimed creator-owned graphic novels that are the bedrock of Dark Horse Comics."

The initial four titles will be collected editions of Afterlift, Breaklands, Youth, and The Black Ghost

"We were always hopeful comiXology Originals books would get into readers' hands via comics retailers and book stores, and Dark Horse is a terrific collaborator to work with to do so, with an unmatched history of supporting creator-owned projects alongside unmatched distribution expertise," says comiXology CEO/co-founder David Steinberger. "We're thrilled to be working with Dark Horse."

The deal between Dark Horse and comiXology will not include all of the comiXology Originals titles but rather titles will be selected on a case-by-case basis.  Titles unlikely to be included are comiXology Originals that are created by rival publishers - like Valiant Entertainment, Archie Comics, and Kodansha Comics - who have and may want to in the future, publish print editions themselves.

Back in 2018, the digital platform announced plans to offer print-on-demand versions of some of its comiXology Originals titles. The print-on-demand option was short-lived and has not continued with any recent releases. 

"Today's announcement is a game-changer," comiXology's head of content Chip Mosher says. "The team at Dark Horse Comics provides tremendous resources and a path for readers everywhere to discover comiXology Originals."

Chris Arrant

Chris Arrant covered comic book news for Newsarama from 2003 to 2022 (and as editor/senior editor from 2015 to 2022) and has also written for USA Today, Life, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher's Weekly, Marvel Entertainment, TOKYOPOP, AdHouse Books, Cartoon Brew, Bleeding Cool, Comic Shop News, and CBR. He is the author of the book Modern: Masters Cliff Chiang, co-authored Art of Spider-Man Classic, and contributed to Dark Horse/Bedside Press' anthology Pros and (Comic) Cons. He has acted as a judge for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, the Harvey Awards, and the Stan Lee Awards. Chris is a member of the American Library Association's Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table. (He/him)