With the ever growing debate about the state of the comics industry, including how the big two companies are owned by giant corporations, and how creator’s rights seem to be crushed every step along the way, it was time for a strong shot to be fired.

Little did we expect that the shot would be fired this week.

In a moment akin to the launch of Image Comics in the 90s, Monkeybrain Comics launched this week.  A digital only publisher, their comics are going straight to Comixology at a low price point between 99 cents and 2 dollars a piece for the first issue.  They aim to go after the market that is tired of what the big two is dishing out, or those fans who want something different, and considering the amazing talent announced for the first wave of comics, who can doubt them.

Announced for projects to come from Monkeybrain Comics are the following creators: Chris Roberson, Grace Allison, Nick Brokenshire, J. Bone, Chad Bowers, Wook-Jin Clark, Colleen Coover, Kevin Church, Dennis Culver, Matt Digges, Ming Doyle, Curt O. Franklin, Ken Garing, Chris Haley, David Hahn, Phil Hester, Joe Keatinge, D.J. Kirkbride, Adam Knave, Axel Medellin, Jennifer L. Meyer, Michael Montenat, Ananth Panagariya, Thomas Perkins, Adam Rosenlund, Chris Schweitzer, Brandon Seifert, Chris Sims, Matthew Dow Smith, Paul Tobin, J. Torres, Josh Williamson and Bill Willingham.

Not all of the titles from these creators were announced during the initial push (they intend to announce much of the forthcoming work at San Diego Comic Con next week), but the fast turnaround of the world of digital comics allowed Monkeybrain Comics to be introduced on Monday and hit Comixology later that evening, days ahead of the planned July 4th launch.

The first releases were as follows:

Amelia Cole and the Unknown World by Adam P. Knave, DJ Kirkbride and Nick Brokenshire

Aesop’s Ark by J. Torres and Jennifer L. Meyer

October Girl by Matthew Dow Smith

Edison Rex by Chris Roberson and Dennis Culver

Bandette by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover

Thus far, I’ve checked out October Girl and Edison Rex, and really enjoyed them (definitely a taste of fresh air), and really want to check out Bandette.  I have to give these guys credit - if their plan is as well thought out as it seems, this could be what digital comics needs - original, unique work at a low cost by high grade talent.

Sure, companies like Image and Oni (amongst others) are doing great work with creators, but this digital take seems to be a faster, leaner way to produce comics, but also something that separates them from the world of webcomics.  I really want this to succeed, and the fact that the creators can even take their titles to other publishers for physical trades is an option, it’s clear that Monkeybrain really is putting the creators first.

This could end up big, and I hope it does. The comics world needs this.

The first wave of Monkeybrain Comics is available on Comixology today.

Source: Bleeding Cool