DC's compact line set to showcase classics
Word Balloons #1221: Watchmen, Batman among first titles released in new format
The first editions of “DC Compact Comics” from DC Comics have hit shelves at comic stores and other locations. The smaller versions of DC classics feature a 5.5" x 8.5" standard book trim for trade paperback novels.
The first titles released in this format were “Watchmen” and “Batman: Court of Owls,” on June 4, 2024.
According to a news release from DC, the new format pulls bestselling, new-reader-friendly titles from DC’s evergreen library retailing at $9.99 US.
“The DC Compact Comics price and sizing is perfect for readers of prose and manga looking to pick up a new-reader-friendly storyline in a self-contained full color graphic novel,” said Anne DePies, SVP & General Manager, DC, in a news release. “This 5.5" x 8.5" paper cut is the most widely circulated softcover book size in the US and is popular among graphic novel aficionados in international markets. At $9.99, it’s a great price point for retailers to stock these classic titles. For readers, DC Compact Comics deliver a new graphic novel reading experience that fits in the palm of their hands, with no loss of readability.”
The new line includes DC stories across many genres, including science fiction, thrillers, horror, fantasy, adventure, and mystery. For example, DC’s recent Hugo Award-winning sci-fi graphic novel Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell, will be featured among the launch titles.
The list of Compact Comics coming through October 2024 is as follows:
June 4, 2024
Batman: The Court of Owls (9781779527271) by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
Watchmen (9781779527325) by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons
July 2, 2024
All-Star Superman (9781779527257) by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely
Far Sector (9781779527295) by N.K. Jemisin, Jamal Campbell
August 6, 2024
Batman: Hush (9781779527264) by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee
Wonder Woman: Earth One (9781779527332) by Grant Morrison, Yanick Paquette
September 3, 2024
Harley Quinn & the Gotham City Sirens (9781779527301) by Paul Dini, Guillem March
Joker (9781779527318) by Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo
October 1, 2024
American Vampire Book One (9781779527349) by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, Rafael Albuquerque
Catwoman: Trail of the Catwoman (9781779527288) by Darwyn Cooke, Ed Brubaker
Matthew Price, matthew@matthewLprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman.
This is cool! Hadn’t known they were doing this! It’s smart!