Digital comics have taken a huge stride forward with DC launching ZudaComics.com, which they describe as “an all-new line of Web Comics”.  These are comics specifically developed for the web that will have a 4:3 aspect ratio.  Why a 4:3 aspect ratio?

Because it makes it easier to read on a computer:

Unlike a traditional comic book page (which traditionally measures 6 5/8″ X 10 1/4″), a Zuda web comic will consist of a series of 4:3 aspect ratio screens, so that users will be able to read a web comic installment without opening an additional window in their browser or excessive scrolling.

DC is promising that this will be a “community based” effort.  Meaning the users select which comics to publish and also submit comics at the same time. 

Ron Perazza will be heading up the site, Dave McCullough will oversee the online group, Kwanza Johnson will be the editor, Nika Denoyelle will be the assistant editor and coordinator, and Richard Bruning will be the SVP. 

The site will launch in October, is being developed by IBM and will have a very Web 2.o feel to it:

DC Comics has chosen IBM Global Business Services to design and build the new Zudacomics.com site. The site will embrace leading Web 2.0 technologies such as blogging, commenting, rating and tagging to encourage maximum community participation and feedback on artists’ submissions. The DC Comics creative and technical teams are working side by side with consultants, visual designers, information architects and developers from IBM’s Media & Entertainment practice to design everything from the technology architecture to the look and feel and overall user experience for the site. Through the use of open source technologies, the new site will enable collaboration and innovation as well as flexibility to allow DC Comics to continue to enhance the site with industry leading functionality over time.

So this is great.  One of the big two is serious about digital comics and digital distribution.  This might work as a scouting ground for new talent for DC.