Marvel Makes Small But Significant Change To Its Digital Code Program

Anyone who’s been keeping up with comic book news lately knows that it’s been a huge week for Marvel. Not only did we get our first teaser for the enigmatic Secret Empire, but Marvel Unlimited gained a significant amount of new arrivals for the month of January.

Remaining on the topic of digital comics, the publisher has now made an alteration to its digital code program. Beginning on February 1, the code contained within each new Marvel Universe title (excluding all-ages comics) will no longer be good for a digital copy of the very issue you bought, but will instead unlock two classics on the Marvel Comics app that can be accessed on tablets, smartphones, and other newfangled devices.

David Gabriel, SVP of Sales, Marvel Publishing, had this to say about the new status quo:

“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. 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.”

Furthermore, Jim Nausedas, Sales Director, Marvel Publishing, elaborated on how they believe this to be a win for the consumer:

“Marvel will always be a brand that looks to excite our fans as well as drive traffic to our tried-and-true retailers. 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.”

Tell us, do you like the new route that Marvel is headed in? Or did you prefer being able to read your purchase in two formats? Sound off in the usual place below!