Classics Illustrated, the comics Cliff Notes series that has been around in various iterations for over 60 years, making the line a classic in and of itself—they’ve just gone digital with ebook publisher Trajectory. Over 120 titles will be launched from both iTunes and the iBook store, selling for $4.99 each. These look to be the ’50s original Classics Illustrated, celebrated in rhyme and song.
In print, both Papercutz and Jack Lake Productions have been producing titles under the classic yellow box—in the case of Papercutz, using modern-style European comics. But bringing them to the ebook market is certainly a smart move. PR below.
Trajectory, Inc. announced today that the iconic Classics Illustrated comic and graphic novel series are now available in the Apple iTunes eBook marketplace. The series consists of over 120 digital graphic novels presented in a comic book format with robust color illustrations that introduce great literature to readers of all ages. Trajectory is collaborating with Apple, Inc., the leading provider of smartphones and tablets to deliver the series on IOS iPad™, iPhone™, and iPod Touch™.
Comic book lovers worldwide get ready; the Classics Illustrated digital graphic novels published by Trajectory are now available for purchase in the iTunes Store, and iBooks Store. The digital comics series features the world’s greatest stories by the worlds greatest authors including: “The Last of the Mohicans,” “War of the Worlds,” “The Pearl Princess,” “Treasure Island,” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Robin Hood,” “Snow White”, “Jane Eyre”, “The Three Musketeers”, and hundreds more.
“Trajectory, Inc.’s Classics Illustrated has diversified and strengthened its already solid reputation as a thoughtful, intelligent publisher of canonical, traditional titles” said Dr. Katie Monnin, Professor of Literacy, University of North Florida. “From the perspective of an educator I foresee limitless potential in bringing Classics Illustrated into the classroom. Probably well known to teachers, parents, and librarians the Classics Illustrated titles are sure to be engaging and exciting comic book stories for an entirely new generation of readers. An A+ idea and comic book execution eBook format, I highly recommend these titles make their way into your child or student’s hands.”
Novelist Anne Rice states, “I remember reading Jane Eyre in the Classics comics and how much I loved the details and seeing the madwoman in the attic in those little panels and seeing the whole novel play out. What always drew me were very detailed, representational drawings, rather than something abstract. I wanted to see a lot of richness and a lot of depth.” Classics Illustrated graphic novels, she said, “Have a freedom that is all their own to create an entire universe in detail fairly inexpensively, compared to a film.”
“Making the Classics available in digital form brings these brilliant works to where people live now, on their mobiles. The iPad and iPhone are great for interacting with one of the most beloved comics and graphic novel series of all time.” said Jim Bryant, Trajectory CEO.
Smart move indeed. Imagine, older, out of print comic books restored (?) and available in digital format.
Now, imagine other companies doing the same thing.
Now imagine they don’t cost friggin’ $4.99 @ ! I’d like someone to explain how that is not just greed. What are their costs?
The first comic I ever read is still in my possession, my father’s copy of the Classics Illustrated Last of the Mohicans.
I’ve liked what Papercutz has done with the line, and am glad to see it finding ways to infect new readers still.
Still shocked that Waterbabies has never been done before though…
#35 – “The Last Days of Pompeii” has art by Mr. J. Kirby.
Also available for the Nook (and thus iOS) for a few months now…
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s?FMT=KA&PN=trajectory&store=EBOOK&view=grid&keyword=classics+illustrated
Papercutz reprints European classic adaptations under the “Deluxe” format (since these were originally produced as albums) and the First/Berkeley titles as “Classics Illustrated” (shrinking the original squarebound comics). Papercutz does not yet offer these titles electronically.
“Now imagine they don’t cost friggin’ $4.99 @ ! I’d like someone to explain how that is not just greed. What are their costs?”
The costs of providing a product for which there is little demand. The five dollar price tag signifies to me that they do not expect to move a lot of units at all. They are offering a product boutique within a niche market. The fact that this will appeal to a small fraction of comic book buyers, many of whom are well-educated, probably justifies the $4.99 price tag.
“Now imagine they don’t cost friggin’ $4.99 @ ! I’d like someone to explain how that is not just greed. What are their costs?”
The costs of providing a product for which there is little demand. The five dollar price tag signifies to me that they do not expect to move a lot of units at all. They are offering what one could objectively describe as a niche product within a niche market, effectively making the Classics Illustrated e-books in question, boutique products. The fact that this will appeal to a small fraction of comic book buyers, many of whom are well-educated, probably justifies the $4.99 price tag.
I looked under Trajectory in iBooks store and not all of them are $5, some are $2 (Classic Illustrated Junior) and it seems to be over 100 of them. I would like to have an option to get all in a package for a discount price. Great memories.