MUMBAI: Digital comic book publisher DC Entertainment which is a part of US media conglomerate Time Warner has unveiled two new digital innovations that will take its comics to the next level of interactivity. DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson and co-publisher Jim Lee unveiled DC2 and DC2 Multiverse at the opening of Time Warner‘s ‘The Future of Storytelling‘ exhibition at the Time Warner Medialab in New York.
DC2 is a new initiative that layers dynamic artwork onto digital comic panels and the aim is to add a new level of dimension to digital storytelling. DC2 Multiverse technology allows readers to determine a specific story outcome by selecting individual characters, storylines and plot developments while reading the comic, meaning one chapter of a digital comic has dozens of possible story outcomes
Nelson said, "Since we made the game changing decision to go Same-Day-Digital with the launch of DC Comics - The New 52, we very strategically built our digital business to have the broadest distribution and most extensive Digital-First content line-up, and now we‘re at the forefront of innovation."
"DC2 and DC2 Multiverse leverages technology to make iconic characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Green Lantern even more relevant through highly interactive storytelling," he added.
DC2 will first appear in the new Digital-First title Batman ‘66, based on the 1960s television show, and the artwork features will bring the show‘s action and retro attitude to life for comic readers. Readers will experience an expanded storytelling canvas as each comic panel tells a multi-dimensional story through layered artwork and sequences.
Digital-First title Batman: Arkham Origins, based on the upcoming video game from Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, will be the first to showcase DC2 Multiverse. DC2 Multiverse features dynamic artwork, along with action sounds and the ability to integrate a soundtrack - all while allowing readers to determine the fate of each storyline and character, including Super Heroes and Super Villains, with multiple options and end results available in each comic chapter. Only with DC Comics‘ rogues gallery will fans be just as excited to see what happens to Black Mask as they are to follow Batman‘s adventures.
Lee said, "Digital comics have proven to be a driving force in attracting new readers; in fact, since the onset of Same-Day-Digital, our print and digital sales have both risen by double and triple digits, respectively. With Digital-First titles we‘ve created a successful formula of pairing comics with other media forms like TV shows and video games. Today‘s announcements demonstrate how we can tie innovations that organically fit and enhance comics - for example with Batman: Arkham Origins you can choose the destiny of your character by playing the game and reading the comic.
