Category Archives: Technology

The comiXology and Kindle apps are “merging” in December

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comiXology

After a generally disastrous “merging” of the web comiXology store with Amazon‘s web store, it looks like it’s take two as the comiXology app will be “merging” with the Kindle app in December.

Any comics previously purchased through comiXology are now visible in the Kindle app library and Amazon has boasted an “upgraded Kindle app experience.”

Individuals will still be able to use the comiXology app to read until December 4, 2023.

We’ve hear rumors of more changes behind the scenes and we’ll see if those pan out as well. Pour one out for comiXology, the (former) leader for digital comics. So much potential… squandered.

You can read the full email below:

Hello Comics fans,
 
We’re writing to let you know about upcoming changes to the way that you will access and read your Comixology digital comics, graphic novels, and manga titles. On December 4, 2023, we will be merging the Comixology and Kindle applications on iOS, Android, and Fire OS. Starting today, any books previously purchased on Comixology will automatically be visible in your library on the Kindle app. The upgraded Kindle app experience is available now; however, you may continue reading your books in the Comixology app until December 4, 2023. You can read more about the upcoming changes here.

We’ve been hard at work upgrading the Kindle app to deliver the great digital comics, graphic novels, and manga experience you’re accustomed to in the Comixology app, including:

Your library in the Kindle app now groups your issues, volumes, and omnibuses from the same series together.

The Kindle app now allows you to hide and unhide specific comics, graphic novels, and manga in your library. Titles you’ve already set to hide via the Comixology app will automatically be hidden in the Kindle app.

With your complete library of books now conveniently in one place, you can select ‘Comics & Manga’ from the in-app filter menu to quickly find just your comics, graphic novels, and manga titles.

Members of Comixology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited, or Amazon Prime can borrow comics, graphic novels, and manga titles directly in app. Tap the ‘Home’ button from the bottom nav, select the ‘Explore’ button in the top left directly under the search bar, then select the ‘Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels’ button listed under the ‘More categories’ label. You may also continue to browse for content on the web via http://www.amazon.com/comixology.

You may also continue to read your Comixology books on the web via read.amazon.com. If you prefer to read on your Kindle E-reader, you can go to Your Content and Devices to send individual titles to download on your e-reader.

If you encounter any issues accessing your content, or have not yet merged your Comixology account with an Amazon login, please contact Customer Service for support:

Go to https://www.amazon.com/hz/contact-us/

Go to ‘Help with Something Else’ and select ‘eBooks, Prime Videos or Music.’

Then click ‘Kindle eBooks/Digital Content/Comics’ and select the subcategory best related to your question.

We look forward to continuing to serve you,

The Comixology team

NYCC 2023: GlobalComix App has launched worldwide!

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GlobalComix has launched its flagship app, now available on iOS and Android phones and tablets. GlobalComix is designed for publishers and creators to digitally distribute their comics much faster than traditional methods, while allowing readers to discover exciting new content as part of their affordable monthly cost. The app will bring more comics to even more readers worldwide. With this, the team is paving the way for a vibrant and thriving ecosystem in which comics creators and publishers can make a sustainable living, doing exactly what they love. 

Founded by Christopher Carter, Alessio Deiana, Eric Tapper, and Robert Hoffer, the subscription service not only brings digital comics on demand to readers, but also has become the top digital hub for leading comic book publishers such as Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Valiant Entertainment, Top Cow, Humanoids, Mad Cave Studios, and more; which includes PDF downloads as well as exclusive content partnerships to highlight new titles and content packages. 

GlobalComix App Features

  • Over 45,000 releases of comics, manga, and webcomics across all genres, and growing
  • Simple search engine that helps readers find old and new favorite titles by filtering across genres, themes, art styles, formats, audiences, and more
  • Whether on tablet or phone, there’s powerful and customizable reading experience offered in vertical scroll, single or double page layouts
  • Readers can also easily comment, follow, and add comics to their list to be picked up later; or option opt-in and receive notification when there’s a new release 
  • GlobalComix is a creator-friendly platform where creators and publishers can publish for free — and the majority (65-70%) of their subscription fee is distributed among owners of the content read 

Get started by downloading the GlobalComix app from The App Store or Google Play! 

BLENDJET’s TMNT portable blender will have you breaking out smoothies like a ninja

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BLENDJET’s TMNT portable blender

Licensed products hold a curious place in nerdom, specifically because they act as flags that signal our love of something. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is perhaps one of the most treasured licenses for this. Their toys, movies, and countless other products have become a staple of childhood memories. One way or another, you’ll grow up with something bearing the TMNT name.

Blendjet is the latest company to further that mission with their new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Blendjet 2 portable blender. It’s a light, easy to carry, and USB-rechargeable blender that lets you make smoothies on the go. It’s a powerful machine (retailing as of the time of this writing at $49.99) that can crush ice, mix it in with fruit and liquids, and produce a drink in some 20 seconds, give or take. One charge should yield 15+ blends.

The blender functions as advertised. I’ve squeezed some 16-19 blends per charge and have tested all manner of frozen fruits to see how it holds up. Cleanup consists of adding water and soap and then pushing the button to let it, essentially, clean itself. Sometimes you still have to carefully clean the blades yourself to remove any leftover pieces of fruit, but for the most part it really does do the job on its own.

BLENDJET’s TMNT portable blender

Of course, what TMNT fans will be eager to know is if it looks cool enough to add to the collection. I’m happy to say it does, and it’s mostly owed to the careful approach to design. The blender comes in two styles: “Colorful Ninjas” and “Shredder’s Mind.” For what I consider to be obvious reasons, I went with Shredder’s Mind.

There really wasn’t much competition considering the machine’s sharp and powerful blades can easily remind users of the equally sharp and dangerously pointy baddie that’s been after the Turtles since the beginning. In essence, this portable blender is like having a small Shredder in your backpack ready to rip and tear through fruit for your smoothie drinking delight.

As stated earlier, it’s the care that went into designing the package that really stands out. The blender features a wraparound illustration of the Turtles with April O’Neil, Splinter, and Shredder hovering behind everyone set to a soft purple background that brings back memories of the 1980’s animated TMNT cartoon. It keeps things from feeling exclusively tied to the release of the Mutant Mayhem animation currently in theaters, feeding the nostalgia factor driving the product’s appeal.

BLENDJET’s TMNT portable blender

The circular lid is especially attractive. On its very top is an illustration of a classic pepperoni pizza pie, crisp enough to make it feel like a collectible all of its own. The lid itself is purple as well, keeping with the Shredder theme. It’s a nice detail that accentuates the TMNT spirit of the design. Blendjet truly put together a blender that wouldn’t look out of place in either the Turtles’ or Shredder’s costumes. It’s battle ready.

Fans of TMNT have good reason to get one of these if only for the sake of adding it to their collection. Knowing it’s also a beautifully put together machine that can blend a mean smoothie, though, is truly what makes it special. It captures the child-like excitement associated with the license and it looks sleek. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, but it begs to be taken out into the streets for a blend while on the move, or while jumping over rooftops. I hope the line expands to include styles specific to characters like April O’Neil and Casey Jones, but the two we have available are more than enough to warrant attention. Shredder himself would be proud.

Disclaimer: Graphic Policy was sent the product for FREE for review

Marvel reveals the 2023 Marvel Unlimited Plus Member Kit

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2023 Marvel Unlimited Plus Member Kit

Marvel Unlimited has revealed the content of the 2023 Marvel Unlimited Plus Member Kit, a celebration of 10 incredible years of our Marvel Unlimited Annual Plus program, available exclusively for MU Plus members.

The Marvel Unlimited team is proud to present an ever-growing universe of comics, so this year’s Annual Plus kit represents limitless discovery. Cosmic Marvel stretches from Asgard to Xandar, Earth to Knowhere, plus spans the Kree and Skrull and Shi’ar empires. Its storytelling encompasses the Nova Corps, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Silver Surfer, and even Thor: God of Thunder. And, in the vastness of Marvel space, great powers have arisen, from Thanos and the planet devouring Galactus, to the living embodiment of Eternity! But its Nova: Richard Rider who takes center stage on our Marvel Cosmic kit, also containing items that celebrate the latest stories from Marvel Comics.

Here’s the complete rundown on this year’s cosmically cool kit:

  • Limited Edition Hasbro Marvel Legends Nova figure not available anywhere else!
  • Rocket by Skottie Young Pin
  • Loki’s Helmet Patch
  • LOKI (2023) #1 Mike McKone Variant Comic
  • CAPTAIN MARVEL: DARK TEMPEST (2023) #1 Bengal Variant Comic

Additionally, the following issues will have an accelerated release on Marvel Unlimited to coincide with MU+ kit update:

  • LOKI (2023) #1 (print variant included in this year’s MU+ kit)
  • CAPTAIN MARVEL: DARK TEMPEST #1 (print variant included in this year’s MU+ kit)
  • INCREDIBLE HULK (2023) #1
  • BLACK PANTHER (2023) #1
  • CAPTAIN AMERICA: COLD WAR OMEGA (2023) #1

Marvel’s digital comics subscription service, offers members instant access to over 30,000 comics on its award-winning app and web service, including 800+ issues from the app-exclusive, vertical Infinity Comics lineup! With new issues dropped throughout the week, Infinity Comics offer perfect-for-mobile reading, plus countless entry points for those new to comics or the Marvel Unlimited app.

Oni Press Joins Omnibus with More Than 250 Titles

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Oni Press has announce a new partnership with modern digital comic store and reader app Omnibus to bring the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic book and graphic novel publisher’s library of seminal comics and graphic novels to a brand-new frontier of the digital comics arena More than 250 of Oni Press’s most revered singles and graphic novels will be available on Omnibus at launch, including award-winning titles such as Scott Pilgrim by Eisner Award winner Bryan Lee O’Malley, The Tea Dragon Society by Eisner Award winner K. O’Neill, Sheets and Delicates by acclaimed creator Brenna Thummler, Gender Queer by Ignatz Award nominee Maia Kobabe, The Sixth Gun by Eisner Award winner Cullen Bunn and acclaimed artist Brian Hurtt, and Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty, alongside many dozens more.

Additional Oni Press titles will be released by Omnibus in the coming months. 

Omnibus is now available for iPad in the App Store.

NAVA and UVA fight to protect actors with an amendment to the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act

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NAVA

United Voice Artists (UVA) and The National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) have submitted an amendment proposal to the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), seeking to safeguard the rights and interests of voice actors in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and voice technology.

United Voice Artists is a global coalition of 35 voice acting guilds, associations and unions in Europe (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Netherlands) together with Switzerland, the United States, Turkey, Canada, Africa, Asia and Latin America representing more than 20,500 artists that have united to ensure that the use of artificial intelligence in the creative and media industry does not harm artistic heritage and human creativity and to preserve artist’s rights in relation to the use of AI, in particular in the dubbing and voice-over industry.

The UVA acknowledges the efforts of the European legislators in designing the AI Act as the first European legislation for the regulation of certain use cases of AI. However, to ensure that the AI Act does not lead to the extinction of human creativity in the entertainment industry through synthetic and cloning AI techniques and the exploitation of artists and their work by infringing their rights, both from a privacy/publicity data protection and an intellectual property rights protection perspective, we have identified the following key areas that should be urgently addressed in the upcoming trilogue negotiations:

  1. Prohibition to create or expand audio/vocal databases
  2. Extension of transparency requirements
  3. Introduction of unfair contract practices unilaterally imposed by generative AI providers

United Voice Artists and The National Association of Voice Actors have called upon policymakers and stakeholders within the European Union to carefully consider the proposed amendment, recognizing its potential to elevate the voice acting community while setting a global standard for AI legislation that respects artistic integrity and the rights of creators.

You can read the full proposal here.

Manga comes to DC Universe Infinite with Kodansha and a Manga-Style Reader

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Earlier this year, DC announced its collaboration with Japanese publisher Kodansha to release English-language, manga-style collected editions of three popular manga titles featuring DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains: Joker: One Operation Joker, Superman vs. Meshi, and Batman: Justice Buster. The titles will be available for all paid subscribers to the DC Universe Infinite (DCUI) digital subscription platform, in the form of weekly chapters; each DCUI chapter will be an excerpt from the corresponding print chapter for each title.

As a bonus for DCUI subscribers, the platform has been updated today with a brand-new feature that enables these chapters to also be read from right to left, in the traditional manga style.

This new feature and content will be available to all paid DCUI subscribers immediately, regardless of subscription tier. In addition to the Kodansha titles, several current manga titles available on DCUI will also be converted for compatibility with the new reader, including all three volumes of Batman: The Jiro Kuwata Batmanga and Batman and the Justice League, plus the complete Batman: Death Mask.

The first volumes of Joker: One Operation Joker, Superman vs. Meshi, and Batman: Justice Buster arrive Tuesday, September 5, at participating comic book shops, bookstores, and mass-market retailers/e-tailers.

Joker: One Operation Joker

Superman vs. Meshi

Batman: Justice Buster

Check Out What’s Coming to DC Universe Infinite in July 2023!

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DC Universe Infinite

DC Universe Infinite, the DC Community forum and the DC Shop are all ready for July! DC’s subscription service and comic reader currently has a digital library of over 32,000 comics, with new titles dropping every week! Register here for DC Universe Infinite, the primary destination for fans to discover new comics every day, all year long. For fans not currently signed up, registration is free! The World’s Finest digital comic book reading experience is just clicks away!

On July 17, DC Universe Infinite is debuting a new feature: Public Lists! All subscribers will be able to share curated lists of their favorite DC comic books via text, social media, or on DC Community. DC Universe Infinite subscribers can currently build lists for future reference and reading, but this upgrade will give you the option to make your lists publicly accessible and searchable. This will allow you to easily share lists with friends, family, and fellow fans. You will also be able to discover and explore Public Lists by searching for lists featuring your favorite titles, characters, creators, and more, and will also be able to follow and save Public Lists. DC Universe Infinite’s Public Lists empower DC comic book fans to not only share your personal picks, but also discover new books and creators you weren’t aware of before!

How to create a Public List (as of July 17):

  1. Sign up or log-in to DC UNIVERSE INFINITE
  2. Verify your email address associated with your account at https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/settings
  3. Once verified, navigate to MyDC > Lists > + New List
  4. Set the list Title, Description, and toggle ‘Public’ ON to make the list public
  5. Click ‘Share’ to generate a shareable URL
  6. Copy and share this URL to your platform of choice

And speaking of discovering new comics to love…one of the rewards that comes with a DC Universe Infinite registration is free comics to read before you subscribe. This July, DC is inviting you to enjoy summer with a selection of books perfect for reading at the beach, from a hammock, or while on the road during your vacation: DC Beach Blanket Bad Guys Summer Special #1, Dog Days Of Summer #1, DC Cybernetic Summer #1, and Harley Quinn Road Trip Special (2015-) #1.

elow are all the comics arriving on DC Universe Infinite for Ultra subscribers throughout July 2023, with collected editions, exclusively on the service for Ultra subscribers, shown bold.  

Week of July 3

  • The Flash (1959-1985) #218
  • Green Arrow (1988-1998) #32
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #5
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #5
  • Blue Beetle (1967)  #3
  • Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent (2023)        #4
  • Batman (2016-) #136
  • Dark Knights of Steel (2021-) #11
  • New Talent Showcase: The Milestone Initiative #1
  • Peacemaker Tries Hard! (2023) #2
  • Poison Ivy (2022-) #13
  • Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? (2010-) #122
  • Shazam! (2023-) #2
  • Steelworks (2023)   #1
  • The Flash (2016-) #800
  • The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing (2022-) #9
  • The Joker: Uncovered #1
  • Batman: Fortress     1
  • Fann Club: Batman Squad
  • History of the DC Universe
  • Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons

Week of July 10

  • Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU #6
  • Shazam! (1973-1978) #7
  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983)      #69
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #6
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #6
  • The Flash (1959-1985) #219
  • Superboy: The Man Of Tomorrow #4
  • Batman Incorporated (2022-) #9
  • Green Lantern (2023-) #2
  • MAD Magazine (2018-) #32
  • Spirit World (2023) #2
  • Static Team-Up: Anansi #1
  • Superman: Lost (2023-) #4
  • The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9
  • The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country – The Glass House #3
  • Waller vs. Wildstorm (2023-) #2
  • WildC.A.T.s (2022-) #8
  • Batman: Beyond the White Knight
  • Dark Crisis: Young Justice

Week of July 17

  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983) #70
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #7
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #7
  • Blue Beetle (1967)  #4
  • Batgirls (2021-) #19
  • Batman/Superman: World’s Finest (2022-) #16
  • Batman: White Knight Presents: Generation Joker #2
  • Black Adam (2022-) #12
  • Catwoman (2018-) #56
  • Cyborg (2023) #2
  • Nightwing (2016-) #105
  • Superman (2023-)   #5
  • The Vigil (2023) #2
  • Titans (2023-) #2
  • Wonder Woman (2016-) #800
  • Batman – One Bad Day: The Riddler

Week of July 24

  • Tales of the Teen Titans (1984-1988) #76
  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983) #71
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #8
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #8
  • The Flash (1959-1985) #220
  • Action Comics (2016-) #1056
  • Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #6
  • Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2023-) #2
  • City Boy (2023) #2
  • DC/RWBY #5
  • Detective Comics (2016-) #1073
  • Fables #159
  • Green Arrow (2023) #3
  • Harley Quinn (2021-) #31
  • The Riddler: Year One (2022-) #5
  • Tim Drake: Robin (2022-) #10
  • Unstoppable Doom Patrol (2023) #4
  • Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths
  • Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League
  • Nightwing Vol. 3: The Battle for Blüdhaven’s Heart
  • Tales from Dark Crisis
  • The Flash Vol. 18: The Search For Barry Allen

Papercutz and Smurfs Team Up for FCBD 2023 and the First Ever Smurfs Augmented Reality Comic Book!

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Smurfs Free Comic Book Day 2023

65 years ago, legendary Smurfs creator Peyo drew the first Smurf. On Free Comic Book Day 2023 (May 6, 2023), the Smurfs jump off the pages with a brand new Augmented Reality comic from Papercutz. The FCBD issue, which marks the 65th anniversary of the franchise, will include three original stories by Smurfs creator Peyo, two of which have not been published in English before: “The Smurf from Outer Space,” and “Smurfs and the Robot X-XIII.” Among these classic pages, readers will be welcomed to enjoy a new dynamic reading experience with pages that activate through a virtual environment where people are increasingly spending more time.

Papercutz, which was acquired by Mad Cave Studios in 2022, is proud to present this augmented reality FCBD issue for fans to pick up at their local comic shops for free on May 6, 2023– where they’ll immediately be able to activate a digital Smurfette to pop up off the cover of the issue!

This Smurfs 65th anniversary special for Free Comic Book Day will showcase 65 years of evolution for the Smurfs franchise, and represent a major step for the brand. Combining the timelessness of the classic comic book experience with the exciting new frontier of the metaverse, this issue is an ode to the past and a vision for a smurftastic future. 

The three stories included in the book were created by Peyo himself. They include:

  • “A Kiss for Smurfette” – Gargamel has hatched another dastardly plot to put an end to the Smurfs.  This time, he practices a dangerous potion on Smurfette, turning her into a frog.  Will Gargamel’s plan work?  Or will the Smurfs find a way to stop him and return Smurfette to her natural form?  
  • “The Smurf from Outer Space” – When Lazy Smurf gets lost at night, he meets a Venutian named Brtt.  After a brief conflict with Gargamel, Brtt’s ship is destroyed! Can the Smurfs fix the ship of their new friend, or will Gargamel have the upper hand and finally get his revenge on his sworn enemies?
  • “Smurfs and the Robot X-XIII” – Brtt returns with his fiancee, chased by a robot sent from Venus because their parents don’t approve of the union.  The Smurfs try to help their friend, but Gargamel catches them!  Will Papa Smurf and the Smurfs be able to save their friend, or will Gargamel finally destroy the Smurfs once and for all?!

Mad Cave Studios joins Omnibus

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Omnibus

Mad Cave Studios has announced that they will be partnering with Omnibus to present their full catalog for digital readers everywhere! 

Omnibus is a modern digital comic store and reader app. By fans, for fans. Omnibus aims to move forward with options for discovering new things to read, and new experiences and interfaces for digital comics.

The partnership will include many amazing titles from the Mad Cave Studios catalog, such as the latest releases: A Legacy of Violence, You’ve Been Cancelled, John Tiffany, The Karman Line, and more!

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