Rumor: Sony might offer digital comics through the PSP

Kotaku has reported that, according to an unnamed tip, Sony is is working on a comic book service for the PSP. The rumor of the service is based on a survey sent to some PSP users that asks about a possible pricing based on a video of the service in operation (see below). Gamertell has contacted SCEE about the rumor but has yet to receive a response.

If the service were to launch, the survey questions about pricing indicate comics might be sold either individually or as part of a larger subscription (or both). The video shows a menu system for selecting comics with animations and music added to comic panels. Comics would be read using PSP controls to move through the digital panels.

According to comic news site ICv2 :

Sony has been dabbling with PSP-delivered comics for several years, beginning with a Metal Gear Solid graphic novel… and more recently with Steve Niles and Dave Roman’s The Cryptics (published by SLG).

Comic delivery via mobile devices is heating up quickly, with three companies offering iPhone apps… and another, from Comixology, due to be released soon.

Such digital delivery might help usher in a new wave of quality indie comics that would otherwise be unable to afford print editions and physical distribution.

No word yet on whether or not the service would be available for the PS3, though the cross-connection functionality between the PSP and PS3 make it a natural assumption. Sony currently offers graphics novels and manga as eBooks via its eBook Store with prices ranging from $1 to $21 each.

Here’s the Sony comic book service video:

Read [Joystiq] Via [ICv2]