DC Comics announced today a new line in their graphic novel slate: DC Compact Comics. This new line of books features a 5.5″ x 8.5″ standard book trim for trade paperback novels. Some of DC’s best “new-reader-friendly” titles from their library will be offered in this compact edition. Beginning in June 2024, titles such as Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons and All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, among others, will go on sale, retailing at $9.99 US. From DC’s press statement:
“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. “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.”
Size comparison of 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″ regular trade paperback vs. the new 5.5″ x 8.5″ compact paperback (Image Credit: DC Comics)
This new line of books will highlight DC stories across many genres, including science fiction, thrillers, horror, fantasy, adventure, and mystery. Featured among the DC Compact Comics launch titles in 2024 includes Hugo Award-winning graphic novel Far Sector by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell, along with other titles like Catwoman: Trail of the Catwoman, Batman: Hush, Batman: The Court of Owls, and more.
The initial DC Compact Comics launch in 2024 will offer the following titles at $9.99 US:
- Watchmen (9781779527325) by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons
- Batman: The Court of Owls (9781779527271) by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
- All-Star Superman (9781779527257) by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely
- Far Sector (9781779527295) by N.K. Jemisin, Jamal Campbell
- Wonder Woman: Earth One (9781779527332) by Grant Morrison, Yanick Paquette
- American Vampire Book One (9781779527349) by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, Rafael Albuquerque
- Batman: Hush (9781779527264) by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee
- Joker (9781779527318) by Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo
- Harley Quinn & the Gotham City Sirens (9781779527301) by Paul Dini, Peter Calloway, Tony Bedard, Guillem March, Andres Guinaldo
- Catwoman: Trail of the Catwoman (9781779527288) by Darwyn Cooke, Ed Brubaker
