Graphic.ly scores $1.2 million

TechStars startup closes Series A ground, ready to grow

Graphic.ly, a startup which provides a social experience and marketplace around digital comics and associated merchandise, has received $1.2 million in Series A funding, according to TechCrunch.  DFJ Mercury led the round.  Other investors included Starz Media LLC, Northstar Equity, David Cohen, Chris Sacca, Jake Nickell, Paige Craig and Dave McClure.

The Boulder, CO-based company provides a digital content delivery system and community platform for the publishing world.  The concept originated from founder Kevin Mann's frustration with, "the inability of his local comic shop to have the comics he wanted."  It's first product focuses on comic publishers and aims to create a marketplace around digital comics and merchandise.  Graphic.ly also announced a partnership with Marvel comics which will let users read digital versions of its comics on the go.

Looking into the future, Graphic.ly plans to use the funds to expand its platform to become the de facto solution for print media.

The startup came out of the 2009 TechStars program where it received $18k in funding.  Today's announcement also marks a re-branding for the startup: it was previously called Take Comics.  

The product is currently in private beta mode.  I haven't gotten my hands on it just yet but it looks like iPhone and Android apps are on the way along with a Web-based version.