Azure #1 Free For All!

Azure issue 1 is now available for free via the DC Comics and ComiXology apps on iPhone, iPad, Itouch, and online here: ComiXology Page for Azure. The apps use an awesome technology called GuideView to move from panel to panel while masking other regions of a page. One can also view full pages, add the series to your notifications, and rate the comics that are read. Continuing issues of Azure will be published weekly and cost 99¢ (through iTunes) and knowing the folks at ComiXology, they are probably hard at work on a Android-based app.

Additionally – iTunes now has a nifty new Comics menu now.

I wish I could stress how amazing comics look on an iPad. The device is like no other. If you were ever on the fence, go into an apple store and play with one for 30 minutes…

Azure issue 1 has also come out on the PSP via the Playstation Store, and viewable using their comics menu item. It uses a similar Guide View technology to move from panel to panel, and is quite user-friendly. It is also available FREE from the Playstation Store under “Comics”.

Azure Coming to Comixology/PSP 7/14/10

That’s right! This Wednesday, the 14th, check out the comixology site for the new online home of Azure. For reading on the PSP, access the comics menu and go to DC Comics. For reading on the iPad, iPhone, or Ipod touch – go to either the DC comics app or the Comixology app, and look for Azure. The first issue will be free through Comixology, while future issues will cost 99¢ for 20 page issues.

Azure is my first foray into the comics world, and this free issue, includes the first eight pages included in the original competition on zuda. Azure issue 1 was a real learning experience for me, and my goal was always to tell the story of Emelie while attempting to bring a sense of wonder and inspiration to readers. If folks dig the first issue, I encourage you to try the 2nd and 3rd…it only gets better as I’ve learned – every page a creator makes in comics is a step forward in becoming a better storyteller.

What are folks saying about Azure?

“…the comic is very beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful of all Zuda’s offerings. My hat’s off to Dan Govar for working on Azure by his lonesome and getting every single detail to pay off visually.”
– The Webcomic Overlook

“Sexy heroine, indeed! Daniel’s art is truly excellent filled with incredible details and awe-inspiring oceanic landscapes.”
– ComixMix

“Pop up the Zuda comic Azure, put it on full-screen, and tell me you aren’t scared sh*tless when that shark shows up.”
-Tyler James

“Azure: I can’t decide which is more gorgeous, the women or the art. @saulone (Daniel on Twitter) definitely earns some massive #zudalove”
-CEdwardSellner

from the talkback comments for Azure:

“Daniel, I could sit and stare at some of these pages for days.”

“Someone mentioned popping this onto there 24 inch monitor. I was alittle ahead of the game and have been reading this on my 32 inch and man does it look good. There are loads of details that I was missing. Certainly worth the effort for those with larger monitor options.”

“This should be a movie so I can enjoy it twice as much as I do now. STILL loving this!”

 

 

Zudacomics.com & the Future of Azure

Today, DC Comics, parent company of Zuda comics, announced that it was closing it’s doors today. Many of it’s competition winners were given notice that the site will be closed and that their comics will not be continued, while others were notified that their titles would be moved to a new market- the digital one. The move was both a surprise and something many saw coming, as DC has been making strong strides into the digital arena, and Zuda’s format is perfectly suited for the delivery.

Read more about DC’s announcement.

Azure, I’m pleased to announce, is among the titles moving to this new format. Starting very soon you will be able to purchase an Azure comic on your iPad, iPhone, PSP, and online through the comixology website.

To my fellow Zudes and Zudettes whose titles are not moving to this format, I offer my sincerest condolences and I expect to see your titles online or elsewhere in the nearest future. There were some amazing talents and comics on Zuda, and whether their titles continue or if they decide to persue other interests I wish them all the best.

I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends because of Zuda: creators, editors, publishers, etc. who I’ve learned this crazy art form from. Making comics is hard work. Its also one of the most satisfying things to see a page come to fruition. Making comics is something that’s in your blood and those of zuda are born with it.

I’ve been a huge proponent of going digital with most every art form, be it sequential page art, illustration, concept art; you name it. Digital is the future of most media types. Distribution, delivery, and as is the case with Azure: creation – all digital. The big two, (Marvel & DC), have made massive strides into the digital arena, and many other publishers and comickers are following suit.

Comic lovers, keep your eye on things over the next year or so. Change is in the air…

(previously posted at DanielGovar.com)