Marvel has announced it is jumping on the digital-first schedule by releasing a number of comics before the print editions.
Between now and May 27th, Marvel will release new issues of Ant-Man, Ghost-Spider, Hawkeye: Freefall and more via a digital-first initiative. Unlike other initiatives, Marvel is not planning on releasing the books in print until much later this year.
Marvel Comics Release Schedule (Digital Only):
Wednesday, May 13:
- ANT-MAN #4
- AVENGERS OF THE WASTELANDS #4
- GHOST-SPIDER #9
- RAVENCROFT #4
Wednesday, May 20:
- 2020 IRONHEART #1
- MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN: THE BLACK CAT STRIKES #4
- HAWKEYE: FREEFALL #5
- STAR #4
What is interesting about this announcement is it appears these book were low sellers and going digital-first (digital-only?) may be a way of finishing a series without committing to a physical “floppy” release ahead of a trade paperback collection.
It is also interesting to note that some of the loudest opponents of DC’s digital-first announcement, appear to be very silent about Marvel’s announcement. Perhaps there is a larger bias that favors Marvel over DC from the comic book shops? Regardless, like the announcement made by Universal, I foresee a future where more “test” titles, and titles that may have lower single issue readership are going to become digital-first/only titles to help Marvel determine what books to push in the trade collection.
Marvel returns to a limited print release beginning on May 27th.
