The Closure of Madefire: A Digital Comics Platform

Madefire, a startup focused on innovating the comic book experience through new formats and platforms, has ceased operations. The company successfully attracted numerous well-known artists to its vision.

Insolvency and Service Discontinuation

A notice posted on the Madefire website reveals that the company initiated an “assignment of benefit for creditors” earlier this month. This process, akin to a bankruptcy proceeding at the state level, was first reported by The Beat. Consequently, the publication of new comic books has been halted.

Users are now restricted from making further purchases. They are strongly advised to download all previously acquired content before the end of the current month to retain access.

Impact on Related Applications

The shutdown extends beyond the core Madefire platform, impacting applications built utilizing its underlying technology. Notably, the Archie Comics app has also been discontinued.

The publisher expressed regret for the unexpected closure and committed to supporting its customer base. As a gesture of goodwill, readers are being offered a complimentary one-month subscription to Comixology Unlimited.

A History of Innovation

Madefire initially debuted in 2012, during a period when publishers were actively exploring alternative comic book formats, such as motion comics. The company pioneered what it termed “motion books.”

These “motion books” sought to blend the dynamic elements of motion comics with a more conventional reading experience.

Distinguishing Motion Books from Motion Comics

Co-founder and CEO Ben Wolstenholme previously articulated a key distinction. He stated that motion comics offer a largely passive viewing experience, comparable to watching subpar animation.

In contrast, Motion Books were designed as an active reading experience, giving the reader control, much like reading a traditional book. The company’s ambition was to deliver the premier reading experience specifically for the iPad.

Notable Artist Collaborations

One of Madefire’s most significant achievements was securing collaborations with prominent artists. These included figures such as Dave Gibbons and Bill Sienkiewicz, lending considerable prestige to the platform.

Recent Partnerships and Funding

In more recent years, Madefire forged partnerships with various technology companies, including Snapchat and the augmented reality firm Magic Leap.

According to data from Crunchbase, Madefire secured $16.4 million in funding from investors. These included True Ventures, Plus Capital, Kevin Spacey, and Drake. However, reports from The Beat suggest the total funding received was actually higher.