Category Archives: Technology

GlobalComix Updates its AI Content Policy Removing Fully AI Generated Works

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GlobalComix

Last week, GlobalComix announced it closed a $13 million round of funding by AI friendly investors and acquired INKR, a digital manga/comics platform with AI tools focused on translation. That news put a new spotlight on GlobalComix and its policy towards AI and comics.

At the time their policy stated:

We allow AI comics to be uploaded at this time, although that may change in the future. We also reserve the right to remove AI content at our discretion.

There are a few key things to be aware of regarding AI content, and by uploading to GlobalComix, you agree to these:

You must disclose the use of AI, whether visual(Art) or written(Story), as part of the release upload process
AI content is not eligible for monetization at this time, including but not limited to GlobalComix Gold revenue and PDF sales
The donation button is disabled in releases utilizing AI Art
We take violations of this policy very seriously. Repeat infractions, particularly around disclosure, may result in actions taken against your creator profile and GlobalComix account.

As you can imagine, the renewed highlighting of GlobalComix’s acceptance of AI and the investment and acquisition within that space raised concerns by creators whose comics are available on the digital comics platform.

GlobalComix has updated their policy this week with what feels like a 180 turn from the previous one. While it doesn’t prevent the use of AI within the creation process, it does prevent “fully AI generated works” from the platform.

TLDR;

  • GlobalComix changes policy to remove fully AI generated works
  • These works have been hidden today from the platform
  • Our content team is working through finding mislabeled/undisclosed AI contents
  • We support using AI tools supporting creator workflows, but not as fully generated

GlobalComix is, first and foremost, a home for human creativity.

We recognize that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), can be used as creative tools, but also that their use raises valid concerns about originality, respect for artists’ rights and quality.

In this policy, we wanted to:

  • Prioritize and protect human artistry
  • Protect our creators and their work
  • Enable creativity and expression across skills and use cases
  • Create forward-looking guidelines and create a stable environment for creators as tools and technologies continue to evolve
  • Set clear expectations for when and how AI-generated or AI-assisted materials can appear and be monetized on GlobalComix.

Our Principles

GlobalComix celebrates human storytelling, art, and originality.

We want creators to be able to thrive from their art and artistry.

AI tools may be used to assist creative work, but they should never fully remove the human from the workflow.

When AI Use Is Acceptable in Comics

  • The uploader has full rights and licenses to use the AI tools and any resulting outputs.
  • AI is used for supporting or enhancing a creator’s original work (for example, coloring assistance, idea exploration, background generation, effects, animation).
  • When AI tools are used as a part in the broader creative workflow in concert with human artistry.
  • The creator discloses AI involvement clearly when it forms a meaningful part of the artwork or writing (e.g., in the release description or credits).

GlobalComix may provide exceptions to our policy on the use of AI with regards to content creation when considering the guidelines above.

If GlobalComix requests material documenting licenses to characters, likenesses, intellectual property, or copyrights, it is the burden of the uploader to provide said material. When evidence is not provided in a timely manner, we will assume that these criteria have not been met.

Anyone considering uploading content utilizing generative AI should email content-violation@globalcomix.com and a member of our team will review the submission.

When AI Use Is Not Acceptable

Content that violates any of the following will not be allowed:

  • Generated AI graphics that imitate or copy another creator’s intellectual property, style, likeness, or characters without permission.
  • Works that misrepresent AI outputs as entirely human-made.
  • AI-generated content that violates GlobalComix’s broader obscenity or hate-speech rules, including depictions of sexualized minors or sexual violence.
  • Works where visuals are made fully via Gen AI prompts, instead of using AI as just one tool among many in a broader creative workflow.

If there is doubt about the origin of a work, GlobalComix may ask for supporting information (such as which AI tools were used, or documentation of rights).

Anyone considering uploading content utilizing generative AI should email content-violation@globalcomix.com and a member of our team will review the submission.

Protecting Creator Rights

  • GlobalComix will not use creator-uploaded content to train Generative Visual AI models without the creator’s explicit opt-in consent if such systems are ever developed.
  • Uploading content to GlobalComix does not grant third parties permission to train AI on that work unless the creator explicitly grants permission.

Monetization of AI-Generated Work

Content that is created with human artistry, but uses AI assisted tools (examples listed in section 7) can be monetized.

GlobalComix reserves the right to decide what qualifies as acceptable content and may remove monetization from any work it determines lacks sufficient original artistry from the creator.

Review and Updates

As laws, technologies, and community standards evolve, this policy may be updated.

GlobalComix will publish updates explaining how new policies affect both human and AI-assisted creators.

Questions or concerns about AI use can be sent to content-violation@globalcomix.com.

Examples of acceptable use of AI

Clip Studio Colorize & Smooth, Tone Remove features

https://help.clip-studio.com/en-us/manual_en/390_filters/AI_Tools.htm

Reasoning: These features empower creators and work as a small part of the creative process. Subjectivity, taste and creative decision-making is used extensively while creating the end product.

Adobe Illustrator AI features

https://www.adobe.com/learn/illustrator/web/illustrator-generative-ai-introduction

Reasoning: These features empower creators and work as a small part of the creative process. Subjectivity, taste and creative decision-making is used extensively while creating the end product.

Adobe Photoshop AI features (including generative fill)

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/ai.html

Reasoning: These features empower creators and work as a small part of the creative process. Subjectivity, taste and creative decision-making is used extensively while creating the end product.

Custom Trained Visual Generation Models

Reasoning: It’s acceptable to use Generative AI to create visuals based on original and owned artwork. Original character design and world building is required to train the model, and the output needs to be composed to a final comic product with artistry and creative decision-making.

Retouching AI features

Reasoning: Using software and tools that edit original artwork (e.g. changing colors, up-scaling, smoothing, changing select details) is allowed as they work as a single step in a larger workflow that requires subjectivity and creative decision-making.

GlobalComix Closes a $13 million round and Acquires INKR raising Questions about its future and AI

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GlobalComix

On Thursday, GlobalComix in an interview with Rob Salkowitz at Forbes announced that it had received $13 million in new capital in a round led by SBI US Gateway Fund and Point72 Ventures. It had previously raised $6.5 million in 2023. They also announced the acquisition of digital manga platform INKR adding over 200,000 volumes of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean comics as well new technology the company brings, including AI translation lettering. Finally, Henrik Rydberg has been named CEO after having joined the company as a board member in January 2025.

We’ve been digging into the venture funding in the comic industry, a rather difficult task with just glimpses of information from various sources. Thankfully a release like this makes things a bit easier to dive in to examine a rather large investment in the industry.

The reality is, today’s venture capital and investment is quite different than a decade ago. AI funding has sucked up investments and focus with over 61% of global venture capital investment going towards it in 2025 (though some put the number at 50% or more). That’s up from an estimated 27.5% of funding in 2023. In other words, unless there’s some AI hook in your tech company, it’s much more difficult to get funding resulting in fewer investments and smaller amounts in non-AI related tech. It’s an issue that has been raised regularly in 2025 and 2026 by tech firms both in and out of the comic industry.

In total GlobalComix has received $19.7 million in total funding with $13 million of that coming this March. Point72 ventures was part of the Series A funding for the platform in 2023 along with another investor not listed by Crunchbase, a platform that tracks this information. That funding round involved $6.5 million. What’s intriguing is Crunchbase has its “Heat Score” and “Growth Score” both trending down for the digital comics platform.

Sensor Tower estimates GlobalComix with an install range on Android between 500,000 and 1 million, ranked #17 in “comics downloads” in the US. Apple’s install range isn’t listed but it’s estimated to be 30,000 downloads last month, ranked #19 in “Magazines & Newspapers – Downloads” and between the two Sensor Tower estimates a revenue of about $90,000 in the previous month. Add in a reported 2.2 million monthly web visits by Crunchbase and we get an idea of where the platform stands, though the data is questionable and flimsy. Marvel Unlimited, VIZ Manga, Tapas, K Manga, Crunchyroll, Shonen Jump, MANGA Plus, and Webtoon are examples of apps that rank higher for Google Play. Trends are really what matters here, not the snapshot.

But, when it comes to venture investment, one thing is always clear, they’re looking for return on their investment.

In the interview, Rydberg states that “growth continues to accelerate.”

GlobalComix, the company has seen month-over-month increases of 20% after adding top publishers DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Kodansha and Seven Seas to its lineup, and augmenting its subscription-based pricing model with a la carte sales.

The AI Question

When it comes to AI on the platform where does GlobalComix stand? Directly from their Support FAQ:

We allow AI comics to be uploaded at this time, although that may change in the future. We also reserve the right to remove AI content at our discretion.

There are a few key things to be aware of regarding AI content, and by uploading to GlobalComix, you agree to these:

You must disclose the use of AI, whether visual(Art) or written(Story), as part of the release upload process
AI content is not eligible for monetization at this time, including but not limited to GlobalComix Gold revenue and PDF sales
The donation button is disabled in releases utilizing AI Art
We take violations of this policy very seriously. Repeat infractions, particularly around disclosure, may result in actions taken against your creator profile and GlobalComix account.

GlobalComix already was friendly towards the use of AI in the creation of the comics on its platform, but with the acquisition of INKR, the company is diving further into the controversial technology:

Rydberg says the addition of INKR enables GlobalComix to implement a suite of technologies that he characterized as “Figma for comics”: collaborative, AI-assisted tools for translating, formatting and distributing IP globally, overcoming some of the cost and timing issues related to localization.

“AI as a technology gets a lot of attention,” said Rydberg. “We see creators as the very heart of storytelling. But the same way we use computers and software to paint, we want to extend tools to creators and translators to amplify what they’re doing, to make their lives easier and more efficient. We are not in the business of creating foundational models.”

Figma is a “collaborative interface design tool” described as a “web-based graphics editor software” and has dived into app development.

In the article, Rydberg leans into INKR as a “tool” to enable translators to replace text on the “page directly in the balloons and captions, without needing the artist involved.”

There’s been a lot of discussion of the use of AI for translation services, often rejected by fans and readers, receiving a very negative response. Like many industries, the implementation of AI in translation services is costing jobs and driving down salaries. Netflix has said it would use AI for subtitles resulting in boycotts. While this doesn’t sound like a complete replacement for manual labor, any mention of AI brings caution and skepticism in the creative field.

With the acquisition of INKR it’s clear that GlobalComix is focused on that global part not only expanding its offerings but leaning into AI to allow “simpler” translations of the comics hosted on its platform.

SBI US Gateway Fund and Point72 Ventures

Point72 Ventures isn’t new when it comes to investing in GlobalComix having previously done so. Point72 Ventures invests in artificial intelligence, enterprise software, financial services, and FinTech. Crunchbase reports 249 investments with a wide range of values in investment. AI music platforms, technology for the Department of War, video games, and more. Their investments have recently been AI heavy, but diverse in industries and technology focus.

SBI US Gateway Fund is described as a “venture fund that provides funding through investment to early-stage start-ups in US.” Their history is far shorting with just 6 investments beginning in 2023. Their $13 million in GlobalComix is in range with previous investment which range from $3.8 million to a high of $18 million. Their focus is all over with their earliest in Kite AI but from there expanding into IT consulting and healthcare.

While Point72 Ventures has history with GlobalComix, the addition of SBI is interesting as a recent newcomer.

Henrik Rydberg, the new CEO

In the announcement, Rydberg is named the new CEO with co-founder Christopher Carter remaining with the company leading innovation and technology development.

Rydberg has served on the board since January 2025 coming from a the world of startups such as Date Like Goblins, a spin on the dating app, as well as venture investment like Mach49. But, he does have experience in “user experience” as part of Shapeways that can help GlobalComix. A platform whose two top priorities are content and the user experience to consume it and post it, that experience and background could be handy.

Conclusion

GlobalComix has been invested in AI for quite some time now, and at least one major funder, Point72 Ventures, isn’t new. This announcement is an interesting infusion into the company that shows signs of a focus on growth and its investors see potential for it. There’s nothing really new in the vision or goal, they’ve just doubled/tripled down on it. But, with that investment comes a reminder that they are invested in and embrace AI, a technology which has numerous detractors within the comic industry and seen rejection by consumers. It’s easy to see this investment turn sour with such a high profile clear lean into AI.

Beanstack and Comics Plus are now The Joyful Reading Company

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The Joyful Reading Company

Beanstsack and Comics Plus have announced they have merged together to form The Joyful Reading Company. It’s described as a “connected ecosystem that inspires reading, expands access, and demonstrates impact, all in one place.”

Comics Plus is a digital comics platform focused on schools and libraries serving over 3,500 of them.

Beanstsack uses competition and gamification to help grow reading communities and reading cultures. Think of it as an engine to drive and track school reading challenges.

Together as The Joyful Reading Company the two tech companies are bringing together a reading encouragement platform with a digital reader with a deep catalogue of choices.

Right now, according to the announcement, is a focus on “strengthening the connection between access and engagement.”

The Joyful Reading Company is dedicated to nurturing the love of reading through engagement, motivation, and pure fun. Beanstack keeps readers coming back with gamification, reading challenges, and community, while Comics Plus delivers engaging stories they can’t get enough of.

Together, we’re building something bigger than a platform. We’re building a movement around joyful reading — for schools, for libraries, and for communities everywhere.

We like to think of success as a kid staying up ten minutes past bedtime to finish a graphic novel. Success is a library buzzing with excitement over a community reading goal. That’s the joy we’re here to build.

Those are the kind of happy endings all of us at The Joyful Reading Company can get behind.

comici launches its new platform comici MANGA

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comici MANGA

comici Inc. has officially announced the launch of comici MANGA, a “next-generation” digital reading platform available in an initial 12 countries, bringing together multiple Japanese manga publishing brands under a single unified experience and available with a shared ID across the apps (Google Play/Apple App Store) and website. The digital platform is available in the USA, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Indonesia.

With more brands planned, manga readers overseas can enjoy titles from five magazine labels at launch through a premium subscription, as well as free and rental options. Labels include: Comic Growl (BUSHIROAD WORKS), Kimicomi (KILL TIME COMMUNICATION), COMIC Ruelle & COMIC Jardin (Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha, Ltd.), Manga-SPA! (FUSOSHA), and Ohzora Shuppan (OHZORA PUBLISHING CO.,Ltd.), providing a mix of instantly recognizable works overseas, such as The Ancient Magus’ Bride, as well as fresh titles now available in English, such as Magical Girl Inaba.

On comici MANGA, readers can experience titles from various labels in batches across genres like fantasy, BL, villainess, and romantic comedy, in the same vein as digital magazines. Batch releases enable regular excitement, delivering a sharp, direct impact to readers. With over 110,000 cumulative downloads already since its launch in January, comici MANGA is positioned to create the ideal environment for publishers to reach international audiences.

Features of comici MANGA

1. A collection of works from a variety of Japanese publishers and labels

The platform covers core genres popular overseas, such as fantasy, BL, villainess, and romantic comedy, from multiple publishers such as Bushiroad Works and Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha.

2. Seamless integration between the web and apps

Reading history and purchase information are synchronized between the web browser and the app, providing a seamless experience worldwide. This allows users to continue reading on the large screen of their PC and enjoy the rest of their reading experience on their smartphone app while on the go, all via a single ID.

3. Exporting “manga magazine culture” developed in Japan

We will deliver to manga fans around the world the joy of following a variety of serializations that magazines have always provided. We will present the fun of ongoing manga born when authors, editors, and readers come together as one. comici MANGA is a collection of magazines that reach the world, delivering the latest chapters and creating excitement about current works.

GlobalComix adds Seven Seas Entertainment

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Seven Seas Global Comix

GlobalComix has announced a new partnership with Seven Seas Entertainment. The partnership brings an unparalleled volume of world-class manga, manhwa, and manhua to the platform, featuring more than 50 titles available immediately to GlobalComix Gold members and a total of over 1,000 titles available for digital purchase.

Massive Scale and Exclusive Member Value

This partnership significantly increases the value of the GlobalComix Gold membership. Members now have unlimited access to a curated library of more than 50 Seven Seas titles. Additionally, for the hundreds of titles available via the collectible comic storefront, GlobalComix Gold members will receive an exclusive discount on all Seven Seas purchases, making it easier than ever to build a digital collection.

Day and Date: Stay Current with Ongoing Hits

In a move to serve the most dedicated fans, GlobalComix will offer Day and Date digital releases for new Seven Seas volumes. This ensures that readers can access the newest chapters of active, ongoing series the same day they hit digital shelves.

Ongoing Series Spotlight:

  • Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi: Follow the latest volumes of the global xianxia phenomenon.
  • I’m in Love with the Villainess: Dive into the fan-favorite series that has redefined the “Villainess” and Yuri genres.
  • Skeleton Knight in Another World: Keep up with the high-stakes action of this premier fantasy isekai.

Spotify Partners with Bookshop to Promote Book Sales

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Spotify

It’s been a few years since Spotify launched their audiobooks selection and they are now teaming up with Bookshop to sell copies of those books.

Page Match is a new tool where readers can scan a page of a printed or e-book using their phone and then continue listing to that book where they left off. It also works in reverse where you can go to the page of the book after listening to resume reading.

Spotify is partnering Bookshop to promote the purchase of books on its app. Bookshop is a website that’s a network of independent bookstores. Spotify will then get part of the sales as an affiliate fee.

In transparency, we use Bookshop’s affiliate program and anyone can just sign up and take part. Bookshop has expanded its offerings from just physical copies to digital copies as well.

While all of that sounds great, Bookshop does sell comics and graphic novels and potential for more sales is a good thing, Spotify has come under scrutiny lately for running ads for ICE recruitment. That lead to boycotts of the platform and pressure to pull the ads. The recruitment ads had run since April 2025 and were on Amazon, YouTube, Hulu, Max, and other streaming services. The ads ended in late 2025 after the campaign ended and they ran their intended time period.

Spotify refused to take down the ads stating they didn’t violate the platform’s advertising policies.

The ads ran and ended before the recent executions of American citizens by ICE but they were regularly abusing individuals and violating Constitutionally protected rights and housing detained individuals in inhuman conditions while they were running.

Numerous musicians withdrew their music from the platform in protest.

BookWalker Announces a New Global English Store and LCP DRM Integration Launching February 2026

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BookWalker

BookWalker has announced the official launch of its brand-new reading experience. Transitioning to a dedicated English-language hub at bookwalker.com, the platform will introduce a more flexible reading ecosystem, enhanced content protection, and a streamlined interface designed specifically for international readers.

The new BookWalker experience is expected to debut this February. This move represents a “reincarnation” for the platform, focusing on user-requested features and technical modernization.

In a significant shift toward reader independence, BookWalker is moving to LCP (Lightweight Content Protection). This next-generation system fulfills BookWalker’s commitment to protecting creators while liberating readers from the “walled garden” of proprietary apps.

LCP DRM allows individuals to take their digital library with them not tying them down to a single ecosystem. Consumers download a unique license file for purchases which can then be opened in any LCP-compatible reading app.

To provide a more tailored experience, BookWalker is dividing its global operations into two separate libraries:

  • English Collection: All English-language manga and light novels will move to the new bookwalker.com website and dedicated app.
  • Japanese Collection: The existing Japanese store and original BOOK☆WALKER App will remain the home for Japanese-language titles, allowing both platforms to optimize for their respective audiences.

To ensure a smooth transition, BookWalker has outlined a comprehensive migration path for all existing users. While libraries and Points will move to the new store, users will be required to complete a simple account migration process.

Neon Ichiban Launches on iOS

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Neon Ichiban

Neon Ichiban has announced the launch of its iOS app, now available on iPhone and iPad. Founded by comiXology veterans David Steinberger and Chip Mosher, Neon Ichiban is a new digital destination for fans, creators, and publishers of comics and manga.

Highlights of the App include:

  • Crisp panel transitions, fluid full-page and two-page views
  • Built for both iPhone and iPad, including right-to-left navigation for manga
  • Offline reading —perfect for travel, commutes, or anytime you’re unplugged

The digital platform has leaned heavily into the “digital experience” and “digital collectibles” allowing individuals to get digital signatures and digital sketches on (some of) the comics purchased within the app. There is also a built-in secondary marketplace allows fans to buy and sell digital comics while ensuring publishers and creators benefit.

Since its launch, Neon Ichiban has grown rapidly. Fans now have access to titles from (in alphabetical order: Dark Horse, DC, DSTLRY, Dynamite, IDW Publishing, Kodansha, Legendary Comics, Mad Cave, Marvel, Oni Press, Rebellion, Titan Comics, Vault Comics, and more—with new publishers joining almost every month.

Launched in late 2025, Neon Ichiban serves readers and collectors alike not only with same-day-as-print comics, manga, collections, graphic novels, but also a host of innovative features only found at Neon Ichiban.

An Android app is coming soon.

GlobalComix Announces Marvel Mondays

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GlobalComix Marvel Mondays

GlobalComix has announced “Marvel Mondays,” a year-long program that will bring ten new Marvel Comics titles to GlobalComix Gold subscribers every Monday throughout 2026.

Starting in January, GlobalComix Gold members will receive new Marvel stories delivered weekly at no additional cost. With a library of more than 100,000 comics available for $6.99 per month or $69 per year, Marvel Mondays underscores GlobalComix Gold’s position as a leading subscription service for readers who want breadth, depth, and ongoing new releases in one place.

Marvel Mondays is designed as a thank you to the GlobalComix Gold community. Announced just before Christmas Eve, the program reflects the company’s gratitude to its members and its commitment to giving back with more content, more consistency, and more reasons to return week after week.

The first Marvel Monday on January 5, 2026 will feature the inclusion of the following comics on GlobalComix Gold:

  • Jeff the Land Shark (2025-) #1-3
  • Magik (2025) #1-5
  • Marvel Rivals (2025) #1
  • Marvel Rivals: Hellfire Gala (2025) #1

Each Monday throughout 2026, ten new Marvel books will be added directly to the GlobalComix Gold library as part of the subscription. The January slate of releases will be revealed alongside the first content drop on January 5, 2026. 

GlobalComix has Launched a Limited Holiday Bundle: New Annual Subscribers Receive 10 Premium Comics to Keep Forever

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GlobalComix Holiday Bundle

GlobalComix has announced the Limited Holiday Bundle, a seasonal promotion that gives new Gold annual subscribers 10 premium collectible comics at no additional charge. The bundle is available for a limited time and adds even more value to the Unlimited Gold plan, which already includes access to more than 100,000 comics, manga, and graphic novels.

The Holiday Bundle features titles from Dark Horse, DC, Kodansha, and Marvel. Each selection is a collectible title that becomes a permanent part of the reader’s library the moment it is claimed, which stays with the reader forever, even if they choose not to renew their subscription in the future.

Comics included in the Holiday Bundle

  • Amazing Spider-Man (2025-) #1
  • Amazing Spider-Man (2025-) #2
  • Batman (2025-) #1
  • Blue Lock 1
  • Blue Lock 2
  • Captain America (2025-) #1
  • DC K.O. (2025-) #1
  • DC K.O. (2025-) #2
  • Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 15: Brothers of the Grass
  • Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 16: Gateway into Winter

The Holiday Bundle is available exclusively to first time purchasers of the GlobalComix Gold annual plan, priced at $69 per year. Readers can explore the full selection and sign up.

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