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The digital comic book market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.26 billion at a CAGR of 8.34% between 2022 and 2027. The digital comic book market is witnessing growth due to increasing demand for digital editions, driven by the success of comic book-based TV shows and movies. The popularity of characters like those from Marvel and DC Comics fuels this trend. Moreover, the expansion of mobile apps and subscription services contributes to the accessibility and convenience of digital comics, further boosting market growth.
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This report provides a detailed analysis of the market Type (Paid and Free ), Genre (Science-fiction, Manga, Superhero, Non-fiction, and Others ), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa).
The paid segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The paid segment offers features such as access to the latest comics. Also, innovative offers such as discounts for first-time subscribers are provided by this segment to increase its customer base. Due to this, this segment is expected to grow during the forecast period.
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The paid segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2017 and continued to grow until 2021. Moreover, the demand for paid comic books increased in 2022 due to the success of TV shows and movies based on comic books. The growth in the number of subscriptions has inspired some companies to expand their service offerings. For instance, in October 2022, DC Comics introduced an ultra-subscription tier for USD 100 a year, providing access to more than 5,000 comics. Factors such as these are expected to drive segment growth, which will turn the growth of the market in the forecast period.
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APAC is estimated to contribute 70% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The APAC region is shifting from printed books to digital books for comics due to the growing shift, publishers are likely to enter the market during the forecast period. The rising digitalization will drive the growth of the regional market.
Various companies in the market are offering these books in various genres, such as science fiction, manga, and superheroes. The high production and popularity of anime these factors are also driving the regional source of revenue in the market. Several series, such as One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, have created a large market for digital comic books in this region. Moreover, various events in the region, such as Comic Market 2023, Comic Market 2023, and AnimeJapan 2023, boost the sales of the market in the region during the forecast period.
The digital comic book market is undergoing a transformative surge, bolstered by endorsements from influential entities such as Indian news media company NDTV and the backing of the Union Education Minister of India for educational use. Comic book collectors flock to digital platforms drawn by the diverse offerings, including manga and Marvel titles. Major events like Comic-Con amplify the market's popularity, attracting a broad fan base across age groups. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the rising smartphone shipment volume contributes to increased accessibility. Audiobooks enrich the reading experience, catering to varied interests. As the market enters the forecast period, strategic marketing efforts capitalize on the diverse mediums of entertainment, bridging the gap between children, young adults, and adults, with iconic characters like Tintin and Spiderman continuing to captivate audiences alongside offerings from DC Comics. The growing demand, coupled with integration into movies, signals a promising future for digital comics.
The increasing demand for digital comic books is the primary driver of market growth, shaping the publishing landscape and reader behavior through advanced technologies. Publishers benefit from streamlined processes and cost savings, enabled by restructuring and flexible content publishing. The emergence of online subscription models revolutionizes content distribution, making access to multiple titles convenient for readers. Smart devices like iPads and Kindles further boost popularity, eliminating printing and distribution costs while reducing selling prices. The transition to digital formats encourages more publishing and generates demand, supported by the accessibility and affordability of digital platforms.
The primary trend in the market is the growing popularity of Indie comics, which has seen a remarkable rise in recent years and is expected to continue driving global market growth. These comics focus on unique stories and content, often challenging social norms and representing diverse points of view. Produced by small freelance publishers, they are characterized by their independence and creativity. The decentralization of publishing through internet platforms, such as Kickstarter and Patreon, has facilitated access to funding, marketing, and direct communication with fans. Innovative storytelling and exploration of new art styles contribute to their appeal, attracting readers of all types. The proliferation of Indie comics is anticipated to have a positive impact on global market growth in the forecast period.
The integration issues associated with digital comic books are the major challenge for the growth of the market. The utilization of a digital comic book platform requires a combination of various channels, such as laptops and smartphones, using applications or browsers. The implementation costs will be higher as a result. Comic retailers should be allowed to offer customers customer support for the efficient operation of integrated platforms. These factors make it difficult for sellers of comic books to sell them in digital form.
Moreover, companies offering mobile applications need to invest heavily in the development of applications. These applications must be developed in such a way that they should be compatible with various operating systems. Incompatibility issues with these applications could cause pages and errors to crash during loading, which may have an impact on the reputation of comic publishers. In addition, the operating systems providers are constantly updating their offerings so, to avoid integration issues comic book applications need to upgrade continuously to avoid integration issues. Hence, such integration issues can limit the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
The market report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.
Global Market Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product and service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
DMG Entertainment Inc. The company offers digital comic books through its subsidiary Valiant Entertainment.
The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The digital comic book market undergoes a seismic shift, marked by the embrace of digital platforms like VeVe and major events such as Comic-Con. Notably, Indian news media company NDTV reports the Union Education Minister of India's initiative to integrate comics into CBSE schools, sparking interest among educators and children alike. Comic book collectors flock to online platforms, driving sales and fostering a vibrant community. The rise in smartphone shipment volume, as reported by the International Data Corporation (IDC), underscores the growing accessibility of digital content.
From classics like Tintin to modern icons like Spiderman, the digital wave reshapes mediums of entertainment, capturing the imagination of adults and young adults worldwide. Collaborations between content creators, distributors, and marketers amplify visibility and engagement across OTT platforms, websites, and live streams. While digital dominance prevails, the allure of traditional print endures, offering a tactile reading experience cherished by enthusiasts. As the market evolves, blending e-books, audiobooks, and tablet PCs, it reflects a dynamic landscape fueled by evolving interests, affordability, and supply and demand dynamics.
The market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027.
Digital Comic Book Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
159 |
Base year |
2022 |
Historic period |
2017-2021 |
Forecast period |
2023-2027 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 8.34% |
Market growth 2023-2027 |
USD 2.26 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2022-2023(%) |
8.17 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 70% |
Key countries |
US, Japan, South Korea, China, and France |
Competitive landscape |
Leading companies, Market Positioning of companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
AfterShock Media, Archie Comics Publications Inc., Boom Entertainment Inc., DMG Entertainment Inc., Dynamic Forces Inc., Embracer Group AB, Fantagraphics, Humanoids Inc., Idea and Design Works LLC, Image Comics Inc., Kodansha Ltd., Mad Cave Studios Inc., Oni Press, Red 5 Comics, Shogakukan Co. Ltd., The Walt Disney Co., Top Cow Productions Inc., Warner Bros Discovery Inc., WEBTOON Entertainment Inc., and Zenescope Entertainment Inc. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market Forecasting, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements.
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Type
7 Market Segmentation by Genre
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
11 Vendor Landscape
12 Vendor Analysis
13 Appendix
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