Last month, Webtoon made headlines with its groundbreaking deal with Disney. The partnership aims to bring a wealth of original licensed stories, along with a collection of classic Disney comics—including titles from the Marvel Comics library—into the innovative scrolling format that’s made Webtoon a significant player in the comic industry. But today, the scope of their collaboration has expanded even further.
Webtoon Entertainment has confirmed that Disney is acquiring a 2% equity stake in the company as part of a non-binding term sheet. This agreement will also involve the development of a brand-new digital comics platform. This platform is set to showcase both current comic book runs and a treasure trove of past comics from Disney’s vast portfolio, including Marvel, Star Wars, 20th Century Studios, and more, according to a press release.
What to Expect from the New Platform
This forthcoming platform, yet to be named, aims to host over 35,000 comics and is being positioned as “an expansion upon Marvel Unlimited.” Although it remains uncertain if this new service will replace Marvel Unlimited—the digital comics platform launched in 2007—company representatives indicate that it will offer decades of iconic comics for existing Marvel Unlimited subscribers. It seems likely the two platforms will coexist, allowing even more fans to delve into storytelling from the broader Disney and Webtoon universe.
Exclusive Content for Disney+ Subscribers
In an exciting twist, subscribers to Disney+ will gain access to a curated selection of comics through this new app, thanks to the streaming service’s perks program. The platform is designed to feature a combination of vertical and traditional comic formats. Expect to see not only archived comics but also original content from both Disney and Webtoon. This aligns with Marvel Unlimited, which already includes exclusive scrolling-format series through its Infinity Comics line.
Upcoming Marvel Comics on Webtoon
This partnership follows Webtoon’s announcement last August regarding the introduction of recent Marvel Comics to its platform. Fans can look forward to upcoming releases such as the latest volume of Amazing Spider-Man, Marvel’s 2015 revival of Star Wars, and adaptations, including a new rendition of Liz Braswell’s 2016 novel As Old As Time: A Twisted Tale.
Future Implications of This Collaboration
“With this new platform, we’re combining our technical expertise with Disney’s extensive comic catalog,” shared Junkoo Kim, CEO of Webtoon Entertainment. “This collaboration offers fans all over the globe a fresh avenue to discover legendary characters and stories.” This move stands as a robust step forward for both companies, setting a solid foundation for future collaborations.
The news about this partnership comes during a crucial period for digital comics, especially following the fallout from Amazon’s management of Comixology. Many comic fans have watched as the marketplace shifted into fragmented publisher-specific services in 2023. The merger of one of the world’s largest studios and a leading digital comic platform is poised to reshape the landscape significantly.
Is Webtoon planning to revolutionize digital comics with this partnership? The answer appears to be a resounding yes.
How will Marvel Unlimited subscribers fare with this new addition? Early announcements suggest that Marvel Unlimited will continue to exist alongside the new platform, giving subscribers access to a broader range of content.
When can we expect to see this new platform launched? While specific dates have not been disclosed, the collaboration suggests that developments will roll out in the coming months.
As the digital comics landscape continues to evolve, stay tuned for updates on this exciting partnership and explore the wealth of content available at your fingertips.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of comics and stay informed about future developments, check out Moyens I/O for the latest insights and updates.