Disney and WEBTOON Forge Alliance to Reimagine Iconic Comics for Mobile Readers
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A groundbreaking partnership between WEBTOON Entertainment and Disney will bring approximately 100 beloved comic titles from Disney, Marvel, 20th Century Studios, and Star Wars to WEBTOON’s popular vertical-scroll platform, expanding access to these stories for a new generation of fans.
WEBTOON has rapidly become a dominant force in the digital comics landscape,and this collaboration represents a significant expansion of its content library. The move underscores a broader trend of established entertainment giants embracing the mobile-first format that has become synonymous with WEBTOON’s success. This isn’t WEBTOON’s first foray into partnerships with major comic publishers; the platform has already collaborated with DC Comics and Dark Horse, demonstrating its growing influence within the industry.
Expanding Universes on a Digital Canvas
The collaboration extends beyond simply reformating existing comics for a mobile experience. According to a company release, original webcomic series based on Disney, Marvel, 20th century Studios, and Star Wars intellectual property are also in progress. These new stories promise to deliver “fresh adventures” for fan-favorite characters, specifically designed for the unique reading experience offered by WEBTOON.
This strategic move allows disney to tap into WEBTOON’s established audience and distribution network, while simultaneously offering a new avenue for creative storytelling. “Partnering with WEBTOON allows us to expand our universes on a top-tier digital platform, reaching a dedicated global audience while inviting new fans to experience Disney storytelling in an exciting, lasting way,” stated a senior official from disney consumer Products.
Launch Titles and Access Options
At launch, readers will have access to free episodes of several popular series, including Amazing Spider-Man (2022-present), Avengers (2012), Star Wars (2015), Alien (2021), and Disney As Old As Time: A Twisted Tale. Additional episodes will be available for purchase using WEBTOON Coins,the platform’s virtual currency.
This tiered access model allows WEBTOON to offer a taste of the content to a broad audience while also generating revenue through continued engagement. The availability of these titles worldwide within the English-language app ensures a global reach for Disney’s iconic stories.
A New Generation of Comic Fans
WEBTOON’s Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global WEBTOON, Yongsoo Kim, emphasized the long-term vision for the partnership. “This is just the start,” Kim said. “We’re introducing legendary storytelling to a new generation of mobile-native comic fans while giving longtime readers a fresh way to enjoy their favorite series.”
This sentiment highlights the core strategy behind the collaboration: to bridge the gap between traditional comic book fandom and the rapidly growing world of digital webcomics.
Why did this partnership happen? Disney sought to reach a younger, mobile-first audience and expand its storytelling reach. WEBTOON aimed to bolster its content library with well-known intellectual property.
Who is involved? The key players are WEBTOON Entertainment and Disney (including its subsidiaries Marvel, 20th Century Studios, and Star Wars). yongsoo Kim, WEBTOON’s Chief Strategy Officer, and a Disney Consumer Products official publicly commented on the deal.
What is the nature of the collaboration? Approximately 100 Disney-owned comic titles will be adapted for WEBTOON’s vertical-scroll platform. Additionally, original webcomic series based on Disney properties are being developed. Initial titles include Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers, Star Wars, Alien, and *Disney As Old As Time: A
