DC Comics turns to the web

DC Comics is to start publishing material from unknown writers selected via an internet portal. 

The comics giant, which owns franchises such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, is setting up a site where aspiring artists can send in their comics for evaluation. The best will be published online and the artists will receive royalties.

"There is an explosion of creativity in web comics," said DC Comics president Paul Levitz.

"We want to build a great stage for this new generation of creators, a solid system for their work to reach audiences online and in print, and for the creators to share in the profits their creations can generate.

"In this time of rapid technological and cultural change, DC wants to be a good publisher for the evolving and growing community of online comic creators, so that we can be their partner for showcasing new work to entertain future generations."

The Zudacomics.com portal will launch in October and submissions will be reviewed by DC staff.

Every other month the team will announce the publication of new comics and the chosen artists will be paid for their output, which will be not less than 52 issues.

A teaser site will go live in July to coincide with the ComicCon International festival in San Diego and users will be able to register before the launch.

"Zuda Comics will be a transparent publishing operation, and we are asking the community and the creators to participate in the growth of a new business," said Ron Perazza, the site's online director.

"They need to have access to every bit of information we can provide, so we are going to roll out our submissions process, contracts and agreements throughout the summer, well before our October content launch."

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