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Back when they were signing and selling licensed comics, Tokyopop put out some World of Warcraft manga-sized graphic novels. Unlike other material lost in the diaspora of the company (which is officially closing down next week) these comics are still owned by Blizzard, and are being released digitally by Cryptozoic, the newish entertainment company headed up by Cory Jones, formerly of Blizzard, and John Nee, formerly of DC. Two Warcraft GNs and one Starcraft GN are available on Cryptozoic’s app for free for right now.

In addition to games and trading cards, Cryptozoic is definitely getting into the comics game, with future releases planned on a regular basis at $5.99 for a 150-page digital book. Poking around their website a bit also turns up a page for THE LOOKOUTS, a fantasy series based on a concept by Penny Arcade’s Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins. The Lookouts will be available on the comics app…hm, webcomics + gaming + apps = the future?

In the meantime, get some free reading courtesy of those Warcraft comics:

Cryptozoic Entertainment’s motto of “fans first” has once more carried over to its newest project, as it offers fans the opportunity to read World of Warcraft® and Starcraft® manga for the first time ever in digital format! Beginning May 26, 2011, fans will be able to download their favorite manga titles on the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod Touch®. To celebrate the exclusive release of Blizzard manga on the Cryptozoic Comics app, Cryptozoic is offering a free download of the full 160-page manga, Warcraft: Legends Vol. 1, for the first week of its release (through June 2nd)!
 
The Cryptozoic Comics app will feature other critically acclaimed narratives from Blizzard’s® extensive catalogue of manga as well, beginning with: Warcraft: The Sunwell Trilogy Volume 1, Dragon Hunt and World of Warcraft: Death Night. Other popular Blizzard titles, such as StarCraft: Ghost Academy Volume 1 will also later come available.
 
Available as a free download through the Apple App Store, Cryptozoic  Comics will upload new content on a monthly basis, with manga priced at $5.99 per 150-page book. Fans will also have the option of downloading previews of their favorite manga and comic book titles free of charge.
 
Finally, fans can enjoy Blizzard’s World of Warcraft and StarCraft manga in stunning high-resolution imagery. Download the Cryptozoic Comics app and your free Warcraft: Legends Vol. 1 today!