Starting in April, DC has announced that it would be raising the prices for 15 of their monthly “Rebirth” series. Issues currently cost $2.99, but will be raised to $3.99. At first glance this might enrage those that commended DC on moving their main titles down to $2.99 after Rebirth started. However, they’re amping up the value by adding in a free digital copy for each issue.
This move seems almost a response to Marvel’s announcement in early January that they’d be changing (functionally discontinuing) their free digital copy program. They still intend to give customers free digital comics with the purchase of a physical “floppy”, but now it won’t be the comic you actually purchased. They’ll fill the void with First Issues of other comic books that are already in circulation, ostensibly “stretching” customers’ dollar by giving them a chance to experience a comic they might’ve missed.
https://twitter.com/SageTerrence/status/821488840745635841
Marvel fans were less than enthused upon reading about the new program. Some took to the internet to sign a petition, while others complained on Reddit and Twitter. They feel like this is a poor move.
Just noticed that @Marvel are stopping the free digital copy deal. That was one of the main reasons I bought a physical copy of their comics
— David (@dhauxx) January 18, 2017
https://twitter.com/SaulBishop/status/821496757339070464
With DC’s comics being at least $1 cheaper than most of Marvel’s books, customers saw equity in the value of getting that free digital comic. Additionally, there is the sentiment that this move will cut out the middleman (Local Comic Shops) as some customers, who prefer the digital incentive, buy only the digital copy online.
In my opinion, it’s a big step back for Marvel. If people wanted those No. 1 issues they’re giving way, they would’ve bought them already. Like most fans have voiced online, for me the digital code provided double the incentive to walk into a local comic shop and grab a few Marvel books. Now, I’m not so sure.
- RELATED STORY: “5 Epic Comic Book Bromances You Need To Know About”
In a world where I can buy and read a comic the day it comes out from the comforts of my couch, it makes having to go out sound more like a chore. Who am I kidding though? I’m totally going to go anyway. But that doesn’t discount that it feels like you’re paying the same but getting less, and I think that’s where Marvel has faltered. They still deliver an online monthly subscription service with Marvel Unlimited which is a great value. (DC should get on the ball with that too.) In any case, it will be interesting to see what effects these decisions produce in the near future.
