DC reveals new small form-factor “Compact Comics”

There’s a new, smaller lineup of classics on the way to stores next summer, from DC. Say ‘hi’ to Compact Comics.

Read ’em anywhere

With the idea that a smaller sized graphic novel could be picked up and taken with you anywhere, DC Comics has taken the wraps off of DC Compact Comics. The new line won’t be day and date releases with the racks, but will pull from DC classics, offering fans a fresh way to experience their favorite stories.

Each installment will be 5.5″ x 8.5″, which is in a pretty stark contrast to the standard graphic novel. Those are typically 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″, for your reference. As you’ll see in the gallery below too, these will all have a uniform look to them. So if you dig having a shelf of books with spines that stick to a theme, they might hit the spot.

“The DC Compact Comics price and sizing is perfect for readers of prose and manga looking to pick up a new-reader-friendly storyline in a self-contained full color graphic novel,” said Anne DePies, SVP & General Manager, DC. “This 5.5″ x 8.5″ paper cut is the most widely circulated softcover book size in the US and is popular among graphic novel aficionados in international markets. At $9.99, it’s a great price point for retailers to stock these classic titles. For readers, DC Compact Comics deliver a new graphic novel reading experience that fits in the palm of their hands, with no loss of readability.”

DC Comics press release

While the above is a pretty nice list of tales, it’s just the tip of the iceberg for Compact Comics. The new line will serve up a total of ten titles for its launch in June 2024, and not all of them will feature superheroes. Mixed in with the cape and cowl set is Scott Snyder’s American Vampire Book One, so there’s even a little something for horror fans.

Here’s what’ll be arriving in stores:

• Watchmen (9781779527325) by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons
• Batman: The Court of Owls (9781779527271) by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
• All-Star Superman (9781779527257) by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely
• Far Sector (9781779527295) by N.K. Jemisin, Jamal Campbell
• Wonder Woman: Earth One (9781779527332) by Grant Morrison, Yanick Paquette
• American Vampire Book One (9781779527349) by Scott Snyder, Stephen King, Rafael Albuquerque
• Batman: Hush (9781779527264) by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee
• Joker (9781779527318) by Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo
• Harley Quinn & the Gotham City Sirens (9781779527301) by Paul Dini, Peter Calloway, Tony Bedard, Guillem March, Andres Guinaldo
• Catwoman: Trail of the Catwoman (9781779527288) by Darwyn Cooke, Ed Brubaker

DC Comics press release