In a Press Release dated today, DC Comics announced the creation of Zudacomics.com, a new web comics imprint.
According to the release:
| Quote: |
| The site is scheduled to launch this October and will feature multiple ongoing web comics. Following the site’s launch, the majority of the web comics will be selected by Zudacomics.com’ s visitors, who will vote on new web comics presented to them in periodic competitions. Winners of the competitions will receive commissions to create a year’s worth of their web comics for the site, and will have their work published in print formats as well. |
The comics blogsphere, as well as the media in general, has been quick to react. Calling it everything from a "virtual slushpile" to a "webcomics reality show."
It appears that the model is aspiring webcomics creators can submit 8 panel webcomic ideas, and each month, starting in October, DC editorial will pick 10 entries and award them with a one-year contract to produce a full webcomic.
Many are viewing this as a way for DC to acquire intellectual properties, and answers to questions posed to DC to date have been vague in terms of IP ownership.