First off, thanks to everyone for chiming in on the Dan Slott entry, I didn’t expect it to take off as it did. Following on the heels of the torrent debate is… another downloadable comics entry!

The New Yorker is known for its cutting edge and usually high brow - if you like Ziggy you’ll like this stuff - comics. It is also one of the first big companies to take a step towards an iTunes style downloadable comics/cartoon model. They’ve partnered up with RingTales and are offering animated versions of their comics to the public. Total cost: free.

Source.

RingTales itself is an interesting site. It is brought to you by the guys that made Over the Hedge and has the New Yorker’s library of comics to distribute, Mondo Media, and Ad Infuse (it appears they’re using the podcasting ability of Ad Infuse). According to their press release this works for the following reason:

“We have created a unique content niche that appeals both to the viewer and the advertiser,” explains Fry. “The viewer,” Cox adds, “gets the same free, habit-forming gift of humor they now enjoy with print cartoons, and advertisers get higher view rates than they would with normal video ads.” Fry says, “We’re testing a number of ad formats. We’re developing a high-impact video post-roll. In our experience, viewers are happy because they get immediate access to the content. Advertisers are happy because the content has a great payoff. In fact, we’re seeing people watch the clips multiple times — it’s an advertiser’s dream come true.”

Source.

Wouldn’t YOU click multiple ads if they were animated and featured quickies of your favorite Marvel/DC/Image/etc storyline?  I’d click the piss out of them.