Sunday, October 4, 2009

First digital comic on iTunes

Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson, known for his role in the blockbuster movie Transformers, has partnered with Apple to create the first digital comic, which is available on iTunes. The third installment in the Mayhem series was the first interactive, digital issue, complete with sound effects, page-turning technology, and voiceovers (including Gibson as the lead vengeance- and justice-seeking title character).

The creator might surprise people, but we all know Hollywood has grown to love comic books. Just look at the popularity of motion-picture remakes of classic comics like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Wolverine -- not to mention last month's acquisition of Marvel Entertainment (including its 5,000 comic characters) by Disney. And while the digital platform is certainly nontraditional, it's no surprise either. We live in a digital age where technology rules, accessibility is key, and new literacies are being embraced.

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