DX News Bits: iTunes Comics, LL Cool J

iTunes announced that it will be releasing its first digital comic this past week, a move that may anticipate Apple's competition against e-book platforms such as Amazon's "Kindle". The comic, titled "Mayhem," is produced by actor/singer Tyrese Gibson, and includes more than just images and text on a computer or iPhone; the digital comic also incorporates audio and video.

Although iTunes does already have comic applications, "Mayhem" will include the actual comic, an exclusive single by Tyrese, storyboards, a making-of video, and two free comics, all for $1.99. With over 100 million iTunes accounts, Apple is hoping to make comics a staple of the company, without venturing into the realm of e-books.

In other news, LL Cool J has teamed up with producer Tricky Stewart and has taken inspiration from his upcoming role on "NCIS: Los Angeles" for his latest single, "NCIS: No Crew Is Superior." In LL's newest television role, he plays Sam Hanna, a former US Navy Seal who works for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service hunting down those who pose a threat to national security.

"This song is the musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting the NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy Seals," LL said. "It represents the collective energy in the room. I was so inspired I wrote the song on the set."

The music video, which will be released next week, will feature clips of the show, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of studio sessions. The song is available on iTunes now, while "NCIS: Los Angeles" will premiere on CBS on Sept. 22.