Indie comic book company Boom! Studios is the latest publisher embracing the ever-growing power of scrolling digital comics.
Webtoon Entertainment, the media company that arguably paved the way for the global mainstream acceptance of the mobile webcomic format, has partnered with Boom! to bring some of the publisher’s most popular franchises to the Webtoon platform.
Webtoon will become the exclusive home to vertical scrolling webcomic editions of Something Is Killing the Children, the horror title written by James Tynion IV and drawn by Werther Dell’Edera. SIKTC is Boom’s top-selling comic, with over five million copies sold across various formats. It is now poised to be discovered by a whole new readership under this deal.
Other comics in the first wave falling under this deal include fantasy Wynd, also written by Tynion, coming-of-age story Fence, and Boom’s best-selling 2010s sensation, Lumberjanes.
“Boom!’s catalog has earned recognition from fans and industry professionals alike for its inspired storytelling,” said Webtoon chief strategy officer and head of global Yongsoo Kim in a statement. “We’re excited to partner with them to bring modern classics and genre-defining series like Something Is Killing the Children to new audiences on Webtoon.”
Stated Boom! president Jen Harned, “Boom! Studios is always looking for more ways to reach new and current fans, and Webtoon’s unique platform provides a great opportunity to experience our content.”
Wynd, drawn by Michael Dialynas, follows Wynd, a young boy harboring the secret that magical blood runs in his veins. When his secret is threatened, he embarks on a dangerous adventure with his best friend.
Fence, which combines sports comics and manga style to tell the story of young fencer Nicholas Cox as he makes a name in the world of competitive fencing and lives up to his father’s reputation. C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad is the team behind the comic.
Lumberjanes was one of Boom’s early hits and was created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen and ND Stevenson. The comic told of a group of girls at a scout camp that is surrounded by supernatural occurrences and creatures. The comic won two Eisner Awards and was nominated for three GLAAD Media Awards.
Launch dates for each series will be announced at a later date.
“It’s been incredible to see how Something Is Killing the Children and Wynd have connected with fans,” stated Tynion. “I’m eager to see them in vertical scroll, and grateful for the opportunity to bring them to new readers.”
Webtoon and Boom! will be teaming up at New York Comic Con for a panel on the reformatting of the established print comics in a panel titled Legends Reborn: Iconic Comics, New Adventures on Webtoon on Oct. 10.
Webtoon has been making considerable inroads in recruiting traditional comics publishers to its platform. In the spring, it made a deal with IDW to convert acclaimed serial killer story Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, Joe Hill series Locke & Key, and a Godzilla story, among others, to scrolling reading. Other collaborations have occurred with DC Comics and Archie Comics.