Dark Horse clarifies digital releases

Dark Horse Comics has addressed the confusion over its plans for same-day print and digital releases.

Its announcement last week of day-and-date digital comics caused concern among retailers after saying that its digital comics would be between $0.99 (63p) and $1.99 (£1.27).

This would make them cheaper than the $2.99 (£1.91) print editions.

Dark Horse president and founder Mike Richardson apologised for the confusion in a statement, revealing that new digital comics would also cost $2.99 before falling in price to $1.99 after the first month of their release.

"Dark Horse values our retail partners and is grateful for the 25 years of business we've done together," he said.

"We have considered the retail community in all of our digital decisions and look at direct-market shops as crucial to our continued success. With that in mind, Dark Horse will make every effort to keep our comics retailers strong in a changing market.

"We continue to value everyone who both buys and sells Dark Horse products, and thank you for your support. All of you are the reason we are here today."

The move to simultaneous digital and print releases follows closely on the heels of the same move by DC Comics and Marvel Comics' plans to roll out day-and-date digital.