For years, Comixology Originals has carved out a unique corner of the comics landscape, championing bold ideas, diverse voices, and unconventional stories that might not fit neatly on the shelves of other, traditional publishers. From supernatural YA to off-the-wall genre mashups, the line has welcomed new perspectives and ideas in the name of great storytelling magic. At the center of it all is Jeff DiBartolomeo, general manager and CTO of Comixology, who helps steer both the creative and technical direction of the program.
With big announcements landing at San Diego Comic-Con a few months back, DiBartolomeo recently sat down to talk about Comixology’s latest projects and what they say about the Originals brand. Over the course of our conversation, he reflected on working with award-winning prose creators making their first foray into comics, the importance of building creative teams that truly respect the source material, and why variety is essential for the line’s continued growth.
Beyond that, he also teased what fans can expect on the New York Comic Con show floor this year, including scavenger hunts, star-studded panels, and, of course, the ongoing partnerships that bring Comixology Originals titles into print.
Building The Salvation’s Child Team
“We’re thrilled about Salvation’s Child,” DiBartolomeo said, discussing Adrian Tchaikovsky’s debut graphic novel and the first release from Paul Cornell’s new company, Cosmic Lighthouse.
That fresh approach is reflected in the creative lineup.
“First off, the story is written by Adrian (no ghostwriters) and edited by Paul Cornell, so we’re off to a very good start,” DiBartolomeo said. “When they suggested Mike Collins, we were thumbs-up, as Mike’s portfolio speaks for itself. Rounding out the team are Pippa Bowland (colors) and Simon Bowland (letters). Having a creative team that deeply respects and loves Adrian’s work shows in the final product – so far, I’ve seen the first third of the book, and I can tell you it’s special!”
Courtesy of Comixology.
Long-Gestating Stories Like The Adequates
Another upcoming highlight is The Adequates, a YA/supernatural story that Lee Loughridge has been shaping for over two decades.
“Lee is a member of the Comixology Originals family, mostly as a colorist but most recently as a writer on his first comic series MidState in 2024. When he pitched the idea, we loved it, especially the characters, which are the part that Lee locked down years ago,” DiBartolomeo said. “While a lot of our lineup is clearly geared more toward adults, we’re big fans of YA and have been pleased with the success of titles like Major Thomás. We like stories that explore the struggles that all teens feel in the context of an entertaining story. In this case, the characters acquire superpowers but need to overcome their own vulnerabilities to realize their full potential. We can all identify with that, right?”
Why Variety Matters
As mentioned, part of Comixology Originals’ strength is the eclecticism of its catalog, which spans everything from sports epics to supernatural thrillers.
“Diversity in the line-up is a priority for us,” DiBartolomeo said. “While the story is key to every pitch, the passion of the creative team or a unique approach go a long way, too. Oftentimes, creators come to me and say, ‘Jeff, what are you looking for? Horror? Romance?’ And my response is always, ‘Tell me about the story you want to tell! That’s the story I want!’”
DiBartolomeo points to several recent examples: “In the case of Medieval, Neil Kleid came with a clear vision to do something very different than his previous work. It’s over the top, but so much fun! With Exorcism Island, the story was interesting and the art in the original pitch (which you can see in issue #1 when it comes out on October 21) grabbed us with its unique approach to storytelling.”
Courtesy of Comixology.
NYCC 2025 Plans
With SDCC in the rearview, attention turns to New York Comic Con, where Comixology is set to have a major presence.
“We have a lot going on at NYCC – almost too much to list!” DiBartolomeo said. “We have a booth (#4454) on the main convention floor, in a great ‘neighborhood’ right across from DC and Mad Cave. We’re bringing the scavenger hunt that we launched at SDCC to NYCC…you search to find all the QR codes at participating publishers’ booths and creators’ Artist Alley tables to receive free digital comics, Kindle discounts, and be entered to win a Kindle Colorsoft device.”
At the booth itself, there’s even more planned.
“Visitors can collect a capsule from our ‘gumball’ machine with an exclusive pin, a QR code to scan, and a chance to instantly win a Kindle device,” DiBartolomeo said. “While you’re there, you can get a hands-on opportunity to experience your favorite comics and graphic novels on a Kindle Colorsoft device. We’ll also have giveaways, daily signings, and live drawing sessions in our booth.”
Comixology is also hosting two panels: Comixology Presents: Lights, Camera…Comix! featuring Thomas Jane, Marc Bernardin, Pornsak Pichetshote, and Marc Guggenheim; and Comixology x Kindle Colorsoft Present: The Art of Color, with Kim-Joy and Lee Loughridge.
As DiBartolomeo added, “Finally, we’re proud to be a returning sponsor of the 2025 Harvey Awards.”
Print Partnerships and Beyond
Comixology Originals titles often find life in print, too.
“We have relationships with Mad Cave Studios, Dark Horse, and Ablaze,” DiBartolomeo said. “They pick and choose which titles they’d like to print. No official news to share yet, but certainly all of these newly announced titles are in the running.”
A Lighthearted Finale
To wrap things up, DiBartolomeo gamely answered a fun hypothetical: If Comixology hosted its own haunted house in the style of The Adequates, who would be the guides?
“I mean, I have to nominate all of the Comixology Originals characters,” DiBartolomeo said.
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