C2E2: SpongeBob Squarepants, Archie to join Comics4Kids app for iPad, iPhone, more by comiXology

Archie Comics on the iPad

At the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), comiXology announced a Comics4Kids app for the iPhone, iPad and other mobile devices.   Designed for children 9 and older, the app will feature titles from publishers including Archie Comics and Nicktoons.  Comics4Kids is set to launch by the end of April; Archie Comics are available now via the Comics by comiXology app.
Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog, and, for a limited time, Spongebob Squarepants will join the app.   Nearly 50 comics aimed at kids will be available via the app, as will a retail locator to help parents find more kid-friendly comics in print.

“Comics were a staple of my life growing up. I lived and breathed Archie as a kid, so I know how big of a role these books can play in children’s development. Now, as an adult, I’m doing everything I can to ensure that today’s generation of tech-oriented kids has the same opportunity through comiXology,” said Jon Goldwater, CEO of Archie Comics, in a release.

Comics4Kids is aimed at creating engaging resources to strengthen child development, according to comiXology’s news release.

“Comics have always been read by kids,” said comiXology CEO David Steinberger in the news release. “What we noticed though was the lack of appropriate digital comics made specifically for kids. Since most of the comic apps out there now are 17 and over because of the content they provide, we knew we needed to make an entirely new app for the kids who want to discover and explore comics; an app that parents could feel good about.”