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British indie comics project Comichaus gets set to launch a comics streaming app, closing in on crowdfunding goal

By John Freeman on May 30, 2017

The British indie monthly anthology Comichaus has launched a Kickstarter to create an App to help “Discover Indie Comics” – and it’s already secured 50 per cent of the backing they need.

Describing is as a “Netflix for comics” that will be streaming only, all revenue generated by subscription fees and adverts will be split 50/50 with the creators/ publishers, based on the amount of times an individual book has been read.

If the Kickstarter for funds is a success – and it has already attracted £2300 of its £4500 goal the team behind it say the App will be ready to the general public in July/August.

Work has already begun on the app and we’re told hundreds of small press creators and publishers are already on board (as well as some of the bigger indies) but if anyone is interested in getting their content onto the app, join the mailing list here, where instructions will be forthcoming.

The app is being developed by Elixel alongside the Comichaus team and integrate it into the Comichaus.com site developed with UC4. Version will be released for iOS, Android Versions: iOS 9, iOS 10.x, Android 4.4 – 7.x and will offer various layouts to view your comics – Portrait Handset, Tablet Portrait, Tablet Landscape

The subscription fee for the app will be £30 a year (Or £3 for 12 Months) but anyone can have a free one month trial to check the app out. There will also be some free comics you can unlock and download without signing up.

Given how hard it is for smaller publishers to gain traction in the digital market place, this looks like an interesting project, and the aims are nothing if not ambitious. ComiXology has of course already launched a subscription service for its US customers, but has yet to roll it out in the UK.

SEQUENTIAL also offers a wide range of indie comics on its IPad and iPhone only app.

Comichaus is nurturing the latest indie creator talent, whilst also having covers for the title commissioned by established legends such as Glenn Fabry, John McCrea, Carlos Ezquerra, Steve Yeowell, Gary Erskine and Tess Fowler – with Boo Cook, Simon Bisley, Brendan McCarthy, Darick Robertson and Mark Buckingham already delivered for future issues

Comichaus.com is a marketplace and database, where indies/small press, retailers and collectors can buy and sell their wares. The site will also be used as a backend for indie creators to submit their digital content to us for the app, and they can also claim profiles and tag themselves in projects they have been involved in.

• You can book the Kickstarter here

• More information at www.comichaus.com/comic | www.comichaus.com/app

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.