Disney and WEBTOON
Entertainment announced on Monday a preliminary agreement for the
development of a new global digital comics platform. The service will bring
together more than 35,000 titles from across Disney's catalog,
including franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and 20th
Century Studios, in addition to original works by WEBTOON.
An
unprecedented catalogue
The app
will combine comics in vertical and traditional formats. WEBTOON will be the
company in charge of building and operating the platform, while Marvel
Unlimited will be integrated into the new service, allowing current
subscribers to access the expanded catalog.
Subscriber
Benefits
As part of
the Disney+ Perks program, Disney+ subscribers
will be able to access a selection of comics from the new platform at no
additional cost. Distribution will be global, with titles localized
specifically for WEBTOON's services in Korea and Japan.
Strategic
alliance
The
agreement also includes a plan for Disney to acquire a 2% interest in
WEBTOON Entertainment, subject to final closing conditions. This news comes
after the two companies confirmed in August a multi-year collaboration to adapt
and distribute nearly 100 Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and 20th Century Studios
comics in vertical format for the WEBTOON app.
