ComicBookAlliance.com is reporting today that MARVEL will be offering free digital download codes on every issue of their Ultimates line beginning in 2012. However, the experiment has already begun, as this weeks issue of Avenging Spiderman #1 came packaged inside a poly-bag with the code printed on the inside cover.
While most comic book readers will see this simply as an added perk to buying the print copy, one has to wonder, is this a ploy to draw print comic book readers to digital? Or, is it a ploy to draw digital comic book readers to print? According to Peter Phillips, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Marvel Digital Media Group, It's both.
"we're definitely introducing print comics readers to the digital part of our business, and we're also doing the reverse, so that...everybody kinda realizes there's a lot more ways to consume content."
There is however a twist to this deal. The digital download codes must be used exclusively on MARVEL's apps for iPhone, Android, and Chrome. Unfortunately for users of Comixology, these digital comics will not sync up to the Comics by Comixology app. Which is odd and unfortunate, considering that the MARVEL proprietary apps are essentially using Comixology's technology.
Digital download codes will be packaged inside issues of all MARVEL Ultimates Comics beginning in January of 2012. If MARVEL deems the experiment a success they may expand the offer to more if not all of their titles.
-Admiral Duke
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