Disney to offer comics via cell phone in Japan

Walt Disney Co. will start offering digital comics this week to cell-phone users in Japan, thanks to a deal with Vodafone KK.

This is Disney's first foray into digital comics for mobile phones.

"Disney Mobile Comics" will launch Thursday with 10 titles, including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Chicken Little, The Lion King II and The Aristocats. Digital Media Asia reports that The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio and Cindarella are planned for later release.

Vodafone KK is the wireless division of Tokyo-based Softbank Corp.

According to Bloomberg News, more people in Japan access the Internet via their mobile phones than from their personal computers.