DC Comics has just announced a large investment on Flex Comix, a “newly established manga production and publishing company in Japan.” Under the new arrangement, Flex will “create original manga titles that will be distributed digitally across the web and on mobile phones, with subsequent print editions available through traditional book trade outlets throughout Japan,” and DC will be “the worldwide English language print and digital publisher of titles created by Flex.”
In March 2007, DC established DC Comics Japan, Ltd., which is the actual arm of the company making the investment and managing its interest in Flex Comix. According to DC, this marks the first time an English-language publisher has made a significant investment in an overseas manga company. “The move will complement DC’s existing manga imprint, CMX.
“Flex Comix’ publishing model provides a cutting-edge platform for manga readers to enjoy our titles in online, mobile, and print formats,” said Seiji Takakura, CEO of Flex Comix. “DC Comics and Flex Comix have forged a partnership that will bring authentic Japanese manga to the worldwide English language audience in new and exciting ways. We have many exciting plans in the works that we will be announcing in the coming months.”
DC Comics is the world’s largest English language comic book publisher. Flex Comix is comprised of a diverse consortium of investors including DC Comics, Softbank Technology, Archetype Technologies, Movida Entertainment, and T&M.