As I mentioned last week, DC Comics will be undergoing a universe-wide reboot on August 31, 2011. RPadholic smartguy mentioned that he was interested in same-day releases for digital comics so I thought I’d do some research for him. Digital versions of DC Comics will initially cost the same as their print counterparts: $2.99 for standard issues and $3.99 for over-sized issues. After four weeks, the digital prices will drop by $1.
Additionally, DC is experimenting with a combo pack for Justice League #1. A special edition for $4.99 will include a physical comic book and a code for a digital download.
The pricing scheme for DC’s digital comics seems fair. Obviously the company doesn’t want to piss off retailers, so the equal pricing was somewhat expected. Readers that can wait stand to get better deals; back issue prices normally go up, while their digital equivalents will go down.
What do you think of DC Comics’ digital prices? Are you interested buying comics digitally?
I will participate. Never did comics as a kid but will try this now. I love using my iPad as an ereader
This all seems very interesting, although I don't know about using an iPad as an e-reader. Everyone I know with an iPad would prefer a kindle for any reading purposes. However, my main uncertainty with digital comic books is that, while some rare older issues can be more accessible this way, if this is just the gateway for everything going digital only then a vital part of comic books will be missing. Although I'm not a huge comic book fan or collector, I realize that collecting is a huge part of it all. With digital copies it seems there would be a void within that industry among consumers and collectors. From my personal background I would think that would be a huge loss, despite not collecting or reading many comic books I do understand collecting. If money suddenly went all digital and we only used plastic everywhere I would feel such a void in not being able to collect pennies. I feel the same thing whenever I walk into a casino that is all electronic instead of using real decks of cards. The debate of real or synthetic is one I have had over a period of time with many different people, with opinions being all over the place depending on the specific issue. With this specific issue I feel it may be detrimental to the consumers in the long run—despite the instant convenience.
I dont have an ipad. I would get one for clmics though. I was wondering how long it was going to take DC or Marvel to include digital & print copies for one price.