At the beginning of this year, DC Comics debuted a new manga-inspired line called DC Compact Comicswhich prints iconic stories in a more accessible format, the size of a typical manga volume. These affordable paperback editions are flying off the shelves and the line will now be expanded in 2025 with new releases and reprints for the first wave of higher sales.
After the successful launch of the collection, the DC Compact Comics line will receive a new wave of comicswith fifteen exciting titles due for release in 2025, all listed on DC.com. This includes fan-favorite series like Batman: The Long Halloween, DC: The New Frontierand much more – plus second and third editions of comics like Superman of the Stars and Far Sector.
With a new wave of DC Compact Comics on the horizon, longtime fans of classic stories and manga readers looking for a jumping-off point into American superhero comics can look forward to checking out the upcoming releases in 2025.
DC Compact Comics successfully translates iconic stories into a manga-sized format
Fan-favorite DC comics are more accessible than ever
The success of DC Compact Comics can be attributed to its smaller finish size and $9.99 price tag. Thanks to the affordable price, these comics have become less intimidating for newcomers, as purchasing one is no different from purchasing a standard manga volume. The format of DC Compact Comics is also not the only aspect that has contributed to its surprising success in the market. Anne DePies – senior vice president and general manager of DC Comics – had the following to say about the availability of DC Compact Comics to readers:
The DC Compact Comics collection is now available at airports, libraries, select mass markets and online retailers, as well as bookstores, local comic shops and more. We want to make it as easy as possible for readers to discover more of DC’s extensive comic book library. DC Compact Comics is an accessible entry point to the DC Universe, and each title is a self-contained, easy-to-read graphic novel.
DC Compact Comics’ accessibility extends to its placement on shelves outside of comic book stores, as well as its size and price. Comics aren’t always sold in major retail outlets, so the DC Compact Comics line sold in locations that receive steady public traffic is key to its overwhelming success. Western comics have long tried to emulate the financial success of manga, and expanding to shelves where manga volumes can be found is a critical step in that direction. DC Comics’ new line appeals to manga readers in a way superhero comics never have beforeas well as sharing the appearance of the manga.
DC Compact Comics are the perfect way for manga readers to indulge in comics
New readers can jump straight into DC’s affordable lineup
Because DC Compact Comics consists of self-contained stories, readers do not need to have a deep familiarity with DC Comics’ extensive lore and continuity. One of the main detractors of Marvel and DC comics tends to be the convoluted story that gives newcomers trouble following the narrative. Fortunately, DC Compact Comics solves this problem by offering easy entry points at a low price. Manga readers accustomed to the size and accessibility of the medium can jump straight to the comics with this collection, and in 2025, the DC Compact Comics line will continue to grow and welcome new readers in DC Comics.
Source: DC.com