Marvel (MVL) launched a new web site today, that features a bunch of its older comics, and can be accessed for a low fee of $4.99 a month if you sign up for a year, or $9.99 if you want to go on a month-by-month basis.
If you want to try it out before paying, they do offer an opportunity to browse through 250 comics to see if it is what you think it will be.
While some will be turned off some by only being able to view the comics in a browser (they can't be downloaded), it's still a good move for fans. Most will just be glad to have the opportunity to see old comics and read them without having to pay the huge amounts for the originals.
For fans that demand the originals, it won't take anything away from the market prices in my opinion, although it may make a slight difference for those that want to get the original story, but aren't adamant collectors.
At the beginning, there will be about 2,500 comics available to read on the site. The company says they'll add about 20 a week as things progress.
For new comics, they won't be put on the site until after a six-month period. I wonder if after the company builds this subscription model out, if they'll start offering comics for sale online and downloadable - at or near when they're offered at physical stores? I could see that being a good moneymaker and creator of good will also.
Comment Preview