It has taken a while, but mainstream comics are becoming more accessible online. Comic traditionalists needed to be convinced that online versions could match the back pocket feel of paper comic books.
One of the world’s largest comic publishers, Marvel Entertainment, has launched a new back catalogue subscription site that
“We wanted to make sure we presented a site that would set the standard in digital comics and offer readers an affordable way to experience our vast archive of content,” Marvel Publishing president Dan Buckley said.
“With Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, we believe we have built a state-of-the-art online destination that will not only engage comic book readers of all ages, but also serve as the ultimate complement to our primary comic hobby market print business through which all new Marvel Comics monthly titles will continue to be released before their availability in digital format,” Mr Buckley said.
At launch, Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited offers more than 2,500 comic books. Each week, Marvel will add at least 20 additional titles to the site that will be chosen based on editors’ picks and subscriber requests.
The initial offering includes the first 100 issues of the Amazing Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four; the initial 66-issue run of Uncanny X-Men, the first 50 issues of The Avengers, and Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men.
There are also issues with the first appearances of Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Wolverine, Thor, Daredevil, and Silver Surfer, as well as Dr. Octopus, Sandman, Lizard, Dr. Doom, and, for wardrobe fans, the first time Spider-Man's black costume is shown.
Yankee Group analyst Mike Goodman called the online archive a great idea, saying if online newspapers worked, then the model should work for comics too.
As the digital age moved completely into the mainstream, Mr Goodman said content companies “have to give consumers the flexibility to watch or listen to what they want, when they want,” from a variety of devices or formats.
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