Kahn, Griepp join Comixology Board

comiXology, makers of the Comics by comiXology digital comic app for the iPhone, has added comic book industry icon and former president and editor-in-chief of DC Comics Jenette Kahn to its Board of Advisors.

The company has also announced the addition of Milton Griepp, president of pop culture publishing and consulting company ICv2, to the Board of Advisors and Directors.

Both are impressive additions to the company which has been adding several new strips to its iPhone catalogue lately, including David Gallaher and Steve Ellis' Box 13 (as we reported yesterday), as well as developing comiXology.com and related applications including comic book retailer tools, iPhone and Blackberry apps. Their Comics by comiXology app for iPhone and iPod touch (http://itunes.com/apps/Comics) has a much-recommended guided-view, allows for in-app purchasing, and Retailer Locator which enables users to find nearby comic book retailers.

Jenette Kahn was president and editor-in-chief of DC Comics for 27 years and during her tenure championed creators' rights, introduced the Vertigo and Milestone imprints, and published such ground-breaking titles as Ronin, The Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, V For Vendetta (which began in British anthology title, Warrior), Preacher, Fables and Y The Last Man. She is currently a movie producer and partner in Double Nickel Entertainment, whose most recent film is Gran Turino, directed and starring Clint Eastwood.

She is also holder of the accolade of "Living Legend" from the US Library of Congress, an award selected by the Library's curators and subject specialists to honour artists, writers and others who have made significant contributions to America's diverse cultural, scientific and social heritage. Other holders include Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.

Milton Griepp has over 30 years of experience in the comics business at all levels (publisher, distributor, retailer), including 15 years at the helm of one of the most successful distributors of comics, entertainment, and licensed products, with over $1 billion worth of pop culture products sold. He is currently the CEO of ICv2, the leading business publisher in the comics, anime, and hobby game businesses.

"I'm excited about comiXology's approach to the business, including its cutting edge technology and its involvement with the direct market comic store, a critical factor in the growth of comics over the last several decades," Griepp said.

"With the additions of Ms. Kahn and Mr. Griepp to our team, we now gain the unique and powerful perspectives of two people who have created value in the comics marketplace," said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. "Jenette moved comics into film and mature titles, and Milton has many years of successful industry experience and analysis he brings to the table. I couldn't be more thrilled to work with each of them."

More info: www.comixology.com