So maybe you get it by now. Librarians, teachers, and other smart people that you trust tell you that comics are a great way to develop and strengthen your child’s reading skills. They also capture their imagination and work visual recognition skills and they do tons of other good things for the brain, in addition to being fun and entertaining. But maybe you’ve also heard that there are some comics that aren’t really appropriate for everyone. So what’s safe? If you’ve got an iPhone or iPad, now there’s a simple way to get great comics for your kids and teens.

Digital comics provider comiXology officially launched their newest app, Comics4Kids, yesterday. And it’s exactly what it sounds like. Almost 175 comic books from 15 comic book publishers like Archie Comics, Image Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Red 5 Comics, NBM Publishing, and more. I’m sure more will be added every week just like comiXology’s other apps. And hopefully Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, IDW, Boom! Studios, along with other publishers, will join in since they all have comic books that would fit right in.

One of my initial thoughts was similar to JK Parkin: will kids want to read something that’s so blatantly targeted to them? Most kids want to get the real thing, not the kiddie version, and one red flag is something with “kids” in the title. But seeing this targeted to parents as something they can feel comfortable handing to their children, the branding makes more sense. Time will tell, I guess. I certainly appreciate the effort, and I’m sure parents will too.

For more information, read click through for their press release:

comiXology Brings Digital Comics to the Youth Market with Launch of Comics4Kids App

Archie Comics’ Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog, Secret of Kells, Atomic Robo and dozens more in kid-friendly, parent-approved digital format for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

New York, NY / April 6th, 2011 – comiXology, the leading distributor of digital comics, announced today the availability of their Comics4Kids app for the iOS. Specifically designed for young readers, Comics4Kids features titles from acclaimed publishers including Archie Comics, Image Comics and GKids (publishers of Secret of Kells) in addition to dozens of other classic comic titles.

The comiXology Comics4Kids app offers a creative outlet for kids to develop critical reading skills while challenging their imaginations. Established to provide parents with a trusted and kid-friendly application for digital comics, Comics4Kids will offer a distinctive set of classic and modern titles including Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog, Secret of Kells and Atomic Robo.

“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.

Comics4Kids is one of the largest digital libraries of kid’s comics available on mobile devices, marking comiXology’s newest pursuit in engaging resources for child development. “Comics4Kids is specifically designed for a new generation of tech-savvy kids and teens,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “We have parents writing us all the time that they love our apps, and want to share comics with their kids, but they’re afraid they’ll pick up one of our mature titles. I couldn’t even hand my iPad off to my own young niece so I knew we needed to make an app for the kids who want to explore comics in an environment that makes their parents comfortable.”

Available for free download in the iTunes store, the app will enable kids to explore a new realm of possibilities in reading with the availability of nearly 175 comics from 15 publishers.

Publishers on board:

• Alterna Comics
• Antarctic Press
• Arcana Comics
• Archie
• Bluewater Comics
• GKids (Secret of Kells)
• Devils Due
• Dynamite
• Eigo Manga
• Image
• Keenspot
• Markosia
• NBM
• Red 5
• Shadowline

About comiXology
Since 2007 comiXology has been developing the technological infrastructure to bring comics into the digital mainstream and expose new audiences to the rich history and culture of the industry. Through partnerships with top comic book publishers including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, BOOM! Studios, Image Comics and TOKYOPOP as well as their own mobile and web apps which hosts over 7,600 digital titles, comiXology has become a leader in digital comic book proliferation. Also focused on creating strong ties with retail stores through its technology solutions, comiXology continues to transform the previously fragmented comic ecosystem into a vibrant and cohesive marketplace.