On Friday (January 6th, 2017), Marvel Comics announced changes starting in February to the free digital codes that are included in their physical comic books. Gone are the digital codes for a free copy of the comic book that had been purchased. Instead, those that purchase their comics at a comic book retailer will receive at least two codes that will unlock single issue copies of comics that the reader may have missed. It seems that those free codes will be for comic books that kick off larger events within the Marvel Universe.
In my opinion, making the codes exclusive to comic retailers is a nice move that encourages consumers to go to their local stores to pick up their comics. The change that does not sit well is the choice to remove the free digital code for the comic that was bought and replace it with two or more codes that focus on other events or series. If you pick up multiple Marvel comics each week then it can be assumed that you would be end up with several codes for the same book. In addition, the fact that it is being advertised as jumping on points that you may have missed in the past, it feels as if these codes are more of a way to advertise for upcoming trades rather than doing it as a reward for their loyal readers.
What do you think about the changes to the free digital contents in Marvels books? Tweet us @RoguesPortal and let us know!
Original press release below:
MARVEL COMICS UPDATES ITS DIGITAL CODE PROGRAM AND INTRODUCES BONUS DIGITAL COMICS
Marvel Titles Found only in Comic Retailers will now Unlock FREE Additional Digital Comics
New York, NY—January 6, 2017— Marvel is proud to announce that, beginning February 2017, all Marvel digital redeem codes found within the pages of Marvel Universe titles will unlock two or more BONUS DIGITAL COMICS on the Marvel Comics app for iPhone®, iPad®, iPhone® and select Android devices* at no additional cost!
Starting this year with Marvel Universe titles (excluding all-ages comics), only available within your local comic shop, the Marvel digital code will be upgraded to unlock two or more additional digital Marvel comics – stretching your dollars’ worth!
“Marvel is continuing our commitment by offering our fans the best value in comics along with honoring our cornerstone of the comic book industry – the retailers,” said David Gabriel, SVP of Sales, Marvel Publishing. “Our intent in evolving our digital code program is to offer our fans more value per dollar spent. Replacing the free digital copy, our BONUS DIGITAL COMICS will offer fans free entry points for current on sale collected editions and, in turn, invite additional and repeat traffic into our trusted retailers.”
Beginning February 1st, Marvel fans that enter the doors of their local comic retailer will now be rewarded when they purchase Marvel titles with a digital code that unlocks existing moments into the Marvel Universe they may have missed in the past.
“Marvel will always be a brand that looks to excite our fans as well as drive traffic to our tried-and-true retailers,” said Jim Nausedas, Sales Director, Marvel Publishing. “One of the free BONUS DIGITAL COMICS offered in February will be Civil War II #0 in time to promote the CIVIL WAR II collection on sale that month. Then, each week, new BONUS DIGITAL COMICS codes, available only in your local comic shop, will offer fans additional pathways into the Marvel Universe, promote Marvel’s monthly trades, and create repeat retailer customers and Marvel readers for life.”
Marvel’s BONUS DIGITAL COMICS will be updated weekly with consistent in-print and social messaging so fans know which BONUS DIGITAL COMICS will be made available that week. So find your local comic shop by visiting comicshoplocator.com and get ready to experience new gateways into the Marvel Universe you may have missed in the past available through the comics you already read.
Marvel’s BONUS DIGITAL COMICS, available only in stores, are your keys to new corners of the Marvel Universe you’ve never experienced before. Prepare for the adventure!
