It’s been a busy month in the digital comics space, with Comic-Con quickening the pace in an already very dynamic environment.  Columnist Rob Salkowitz reported on two of the biggest news stories, the moves by Image and Thrillbent to selling DRM-free content (see "DRM and the Economy of Trust"), and Madefire’s move to paid and licensed content (see "Madefire Takes Big Step Forward with Distribution Agreement with Four Publishers, Move to Paid Content").  Also, on the eve of the show, ICv2 announced that its analysis was that digital comics hit $70 million in 2012, nearly tripling from 2011 levels (see "Digital Comics Nearly Tripled in 2012").

But there was much more, at the show and surrounding it:

Archie Comics is working with Tapjoy, a mobile advertising and monetization platform, to release ad-supported content.  Users can interact with ads to earn points to spend on Archie comics.  While not a first (there was an attempt to sell comic PDFs with ads a few years back), this may be the most serious attempt at an ad-supported digital comics business model.

ComiXology announced that it had surpassed 180 million downloads (free and paid) on the eve of Comic-Con, a big jump from the 100 million level it announced last fall.

ComiXology announced three new content relationships, for Scholastic titles including The Baby-Sitters Club, Goosebumps Graphix, Knights of the Lunch Table, Magic Pickle, and more; for some Seven Seas titles, including Dance in the Vampire Bund, Sacred Blacksmith, Amazing Agent Luna, and others; and for UDON’s Street Fighter titles, with more to follow and an eventual day and date release program.   

Dark Horse Comics announced that its titles would be available on the iBookstore.

Kodansha Comics launched an eBook program on Apple’s iBookstore, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Google Play.  It includes Fairy Tail, Genshiken, Attack on Titan and other popular titles (but not Sailor Moon).

Uproar Comics released a new app, the DEC (Digital Experience Comic) on July 31st.  It offers 2D and 3D animation, audio, and unlockable content as additional features. 

Viz Media launched on Kobo.

--Disclosure: ICv2 has a business relationship with comiXology as a representative for its Retailer Tools; ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp also serves on the board of comiXology.