View Full Version : Is Marvel ruining the back issue market?
Rolltideguy77
11-14-2007, 08:28 AM
Today Marvel launches their online back issues. Are they killing off the back issue market doing this? With Spidey's OMD possibly retconning decades of stories is this contributing? How about cd-rom back issues sold in entire collections? Just wondering other peoples thoughts.
Hulkamaniac
11-14-2007, 08:31 AM
I still buy real comics. I can't really see myself switching to the CD-ROMs or online comics.
Shellhead
11-14-2007, 08:39 AM
If cost and space weren't an issue, I would prefer the actual comic books. But I had to massively downsize my large silver age collection in 1991, at a significant loss. Now I'm approaching the point where I may need to downsize again within a year or two. From here on out, I will be buying the CD-ROM collections instead of trades or comics for all my back issues.
The Sword Is Drawn
11-14-2007, 08:40 AM
I see Marvel's online comic venture as more of offering a service than an alternative to actually buying comics. I still buy comics, I still collect. That won't change. But what it will allow me to do is if I find a story reference in a current issue, which I have not read, I will be able to go to the archive and read the two or three issues I need to. Would I have honestly gone to the effort of tracking down the issues otherwise? Probably not, to be honest. I tend to only keep books I genuinely enjoyed.
Lord S
11-14-2007, 08:41 AM
What's wrong with providing people with a better alternative to buying old, (oft. smelly), beatup back-issues?
Trades are great...the CDs require a little getting used to, but still good, and providing issues online is a great thing as well.
I can see why retailers of back-issues would be upset...a lot of them enjoy gouging us.
Expletive Deleted
11-14-2007, 08:42 AM
Essential volumes, Archive volumes, Omnibus volumes, CD-ROM collections . . . if all the other alternatives haven't already killed the back issue market, Marvel's online program isn't going to suddenly ruin everything.
The Sword Is Drawn
11-14-2007, 08:47 AM
Essential volumes, Archive volumes, Omnibus volumes, CD-ROM collections . . . if all the other alternatives haven't already killed the back issue market, Marvel's online program isn't going to suddenly ruin everything.
Couldn't have put it better, myself.
Your Imaginary Pal
11-14-2007, 08:57 AM
Essential volumes, Archive volumes, Omnibus volumes, CD-ROM collections . . . if all the other alternatives haven't already killed the back issue market, Marvel's online program isn't going to suddenly ruin everything.
quoted because I was about to say the same thing.
collectors will always collect, buyers will buy, and readers will read.
plus a press release said they were trying to attract young readers with the online catalog, they don't have deep pockets for back issues.
Spamotron
11-14-2007, 09:02 AM
I figured that the back issue market was already dying from the fact that an estimated 70-80% of all Marvel and DC comics are available illegally online.
Crimson
11-14-2007, 09:31 AM
I still buy real comics. I can't really see myself switching to the CD-ROMs or online comics.
As long as rare stuff is still printed in TPBs and stores still sell back issues I'm there... I'll always choose to have sometihing in my hand if I can find it and afford it.
Rolltideguy77
11-14-2007, 10:00 AM
Well I am not saying I dislike what they are doing. I dont really care for the online digital comics but the cd-rom's are a nice idea. I like paying $30 for the entire series run of a comic including annuals. I have bought Uncanny X-Men, Ult X-Men, Hulk, Captain America, Amazing Spider-Man, FF and Ghost Rider. There would be no way for me to have every issue from all these series so the cd-roms are great for instantly looking up a particular event or issue number. I am trying to figure why anyone would pay for online digital comics per a monthly subscription fee when you can just buy the cd-roms with every issue for a set price. I will admit though, I will never stop collecting comics, nothing beats rummaging through back issue bins and finding that one elusive issue you had been wanting to just hold in your hands for so long, even if it is yellow and smelly :)
Enigmanaut
11-14-2007, 10:16 AM
Essential volumes, Archive volumes, Omnibus volumes, CD-ROM collections . . . if all the other alternatives haven't already killed the back issue market, Marvel's online program isn't going to suddenly ruin everything.
The very essence of truth and wisdom, ED.
HepOne
11-14-2007, 10:20 AM
The back issue market is one of self-fulfillment. Marvel doesnt get any money from the back issue market so they (rightfully) dont care about it. marvel should be more interested in getting as many people as possible to read the good stories that were published that no-one can get their hands on. Online comics is probaly the best way to do this.
An example would be that I want to read some old X-men/Moon Knight/90's issues in colour but they havent been reprinted because they arent 'classics'. If I wanted to read some back issues i wouldnt be able to find them (especially in the UK) or they are being sold at extortionate prices. Why bother buying for 'average' issues if i will probaly only read them once? this new system means there may be a chance i could eventually read them.
SUPERECWFAN1
11-14-2007, 10:22 AM
It doesn't hurt anything really. If you want the real books , you'll pay for the real comics. I have the ASM DVD and it saved me from getting issues there. Its a nice thing...
pimp1911
11-14-2007, 11:03 AM
I will still purchase back issues. Something about having the comic in hand drives me to continue collecting. I am glad Marvel is triyning to take it to the next level. But for me I need bag and board, bag and board.
Rolltideguy77
11-14-2007, 11:10 AM
I think also to a certain degree its a generational thing. Most kids/teens these days are used to internet,etc. I am only 29 but growing up we never had the internet or dvds until about 10-12 years ago. We never had anything like that at school or cell phones. I think a certain age group will always want that physical comic in hand. I certainly do. But on a broader scale I think this is the future. Many newspapers and even many novels are now going paperless, just digital.
Parch
11-14-2007, 11:54 AM
It's another source of income for Marvel. Something they weren't getting from their back issues. I suppose they're hoping to attract more customers to the hobby as well. Just speaking for myself, if the only source of comics was new retail at $4 a pop, I wouldn't be reading comics.
I imagine comic shops aren't too thrilled about it. It's definately going to hurt those trying to sell old comics. That's the gamble for Marvel. Attract more customers or kill off more places selling their product. I still think it's something they had to do. Ignoring the digital market isn't going to do them any good.
GreatLakesAvengers
11-14-2007, 12:29 PM
I still enjoy reading and holding the actual comics in my hand. Plus, I usually get 'em pretty cheap at cons and quarter bins.
In addition to that, between work and play, I really don't want to be staring at a computer screen much more than I do now.
DeeSnider
11-14-2007, 12:43 PM
If it turns out to be all it's advertised as (still can't get to the site on day 2), I think it will definately cut into my buying of Essential volumes. If I'm just interested in reading the old stories, and I can read the same stuff for $10 a month in color, I'm not likely to grab the reprints. Plus, I can read them at work without worrying if I forgot to bring it that day or not.
But back issues, I don't know, I guess it depends on what selection they have up, but I tend to buy actual back issues of things I want to collect, not just read. I can definately see it cutting down on my impulse quarter bin buys at conventions, but if I'm willing to pay more than $1 for an issue, it's because I want to own an actual copy.
CyberCoyote
11-14-2007, 01:48 PM
Take a look at the 'catalog' Maybe it's not complete yet, but it's far from a threat to back issue buying or essentials as it stands. They have various issues, most not completeing a story (the first 'new FF with Hulk/Wolverine/'Rider/Spidey but not the second final issue etc)
Looking through it all made me think it was a ploy to make those old trades and essentials MORE desireable. You can read PART of the story online but not the whole thing. Charging folks to get suckered in in the first place is just icing on the cake :)
Then again, maybe the library will be more complete soon, but if not it's more of a tease to get folks to seek out those older issues and read the whole story..
Brother Zag
11-14-2007, 02:24 PM
Maybe the on-line comics will encourage collecting...
If e-books had taken off, I think there might be a case to say these will negatively impact the collector's market, but they haven't.
There's something about holding an actual book in your hands...
That, and they are easier to take with you into the bathroom...
StoneGold
11-14-2007, 02:26 PM
That, and they are easier to take with you into the bathroom...
That's only until electronic paper is perfected. And believe me, they're working on it.
CyberCoyote
11-14-2007, 02:27 PM
There's something about holding an actual book in your hands...
That, and they are easier to take with you into the bathroom...
Laptop my Brutha, just don't dunk it!
Brother Zag
11-14-2007, 02:35 PM
Laptop my Brutha, just don't dunk it!
Just can't bring myself to lug my Toshiba in there...
CyberCoyote
11-14-2007, 03:20 PM
That's only until electronic paper is perfected. And believe me, they're working on it.
Dang, for a second there I thought you meant Electronic Toilet Paper. What a great way to take out your enemies. Electronic Paper is cool though :)
drwho
11-14-2007, 03:28 PM
If they are good for marvel. they have a right to sell their products. Marvel makes no money off back issues.
The Confessor
11-14-2007, 04:24 PM
What's wrong with providing people with a better alternative to buying old, (oft. smelly), beatup back-issues?
Man, the smell's part of the joy of back issue buying! You're just not getting it here.
StoneGold
11-14-2007, 04:30 PM
If they are good for marvel. they have a right to sell their products. Marvel makes no money off back issues.
Except they kind of do. Specialty shops make up at least part of their money selling back issues. This could in theory close that market to them. Which makes it so they can't afford to sell the new stuff.
HotRod_Tim
11-14-2007, 04:57 PM
Marvel isn't hurting the back issue market since there is no back issue market for them, but it might hurt their Essentials and TPB sales. Personally, along with most of the other people here, I prefer to have the actual issue (if it's something I really want to collect).
What's wrong with providing people with a better alternative to buying old, (oft. smelly), beatup back-issues?
Trades are great...the CDs require a little getting used to, but still good, and providing issues online is a great thing as well.
I can see why retailers of back-issues would be upset...a lot of them enjoy gouging us.
Smelly beaten up comics are not worth much in the first place. However, older back issues that are boarded & bagged can easily stand the test of time. The paper from the 60's-80's have an unmistakable scent to them. You can always tell the book in genuine, in part, by the comic book paper's scent.
Since the internet was not was widespread in the 80's as it has grown from the 90's to now, I prefer real comics. I just don't care to read comics on a computer screen. I remember buying comics off the spinner racks in the 80's...
Marvel needs to see about putting the spinner racks in the supermarkets & mainstream book stores too as well as covering themselves on the internet.
vtlogypj
11-14-2007, 06:31 PM
I don't think this is any more dangerous than releasing trade paperbacks. Most people don't buy back issues at dozens at a time (mostly :D ).
Crimson
11-15-2007, 07:15 AM
I don't think this is any more dangerous than releasing trade paperbacks. Most people don't buy back issues at dozens at a time (mostly :D ).
Of course, it is screwing over the stores that have supported them for years... potentially it could take a big chunk out of their income. It could lead to alot of your LCS having to close if it takes off.
Rattlehead
11-15-2007, 09:34 AM
Of course, it is screwing over the stores that have supported them for years... potentially it could take a big chunk out of their income. It could lead to alot of your LCS having to close if it takes off.
Nah. Hell, my LCS sells most of the back-issues for a buck a pop anyways unless it's something that's really valuable. If your local shop is dependant upon back-issue hunters to stay open, there isn't much hope for them anyways. Personally, I think it's a great idea. Now say if soemone sees Spider-Man 3, and wants to read a Spidey book, they can now go to Marvel.com and check it out.
Parch
11-15-2007, 02:14 PM
Of course, it is screwing over the stores that have supported them for years... potentially it could take a big chunk out of their income. I don't think there's much risk of Marvel losing profit. Anything they lose from sales, if any, will easily be made up from online subscription fees. I did a little rough number crunching just for the hell of it. For example, according to cbg numbers...
$300.6 million for comic and tpb sales for 2006. Just using the last few months for that year, Marvel had around 39% market share of that. So it adds up to about $117 million sales for Marvel.
Assuming I'm figuring right, if Marvel got around 2 million annual subscribers for their online service, they would double their dollar sales. In other words, even if Marvel never sold another hard copy, 2 million subscribers and they'd still be making the same money.
I don't see how the online service is much risk at all, in fact it's more likely just gravy from an income source that never existed before. There could even be a chance that the service will increase the number of comic fans and increase comic sales. If there is any loss to comic sales, that will be more than made up by online subscribers. Somebody said that this online service could be revolutionary to the industry. I'm starting to agree.
Would they get 2 million subscribers? Probably not but I don't know, your guess is as good as mine, but that doesn't seem like an excessively high number to me. How many subscribers do you think they're going to get?
StoneGold
11-15-2007, 02:34 PM
Of course, it is screwing over the stores that have supported them for years... potentially it could take a big chunk out of their income. It could lead to alot of your LCS having to close if it takes off.
Ebay already did that.
Slumber Hulk
11-15-2007, 02:46 PM
I don't think there's much of a market to ruin. 99% comic printed in the last 20 years doesn't have much value because of the extreme volume of production. (Same is true of baseball cards IMHO)
Lorendiac
11-15-2007, 06:11 PM
Take a look at the 'catalog' Maybe it's not complete yet, but it's far from a threat to back issue buying or essentials as it stands. They have various issues, most not completeing a story (the first 'new FF with Hulk/Wolverine/'Rider/Spidey but not the second final issue etc)
Looking through it all made me think it was a ploy to make those old trades and essentials MORE desireable. You can read PART of the story online but not the whole thing. Charging folks to get suckered in in the first place is just icing on the cake :)
Then again, maybe the library will be more complete soon, but if not it's more of a tease to get folks to seek out those older issues and read the whole story..
That's a very interesting point about the possibility of a "ploy," just baiting the hook to lure people in so that they start spending money to see how the soap-opera continuity developed after the section they read as a free sample . . .
I don't know just how far Marvel intends to take this concept -- I've glanced at a little of the coverage, but I haven't intensively studied the subject -- but it does remind me of what Baen Books has been doing on its own website for several years. They have a "Free Library" with dozens of old SF and Fantasy novels that you can read for free in your browser, or download free copies in various formats and read them later, on your laptop or your Palm Pilot or whatever you use. It's all perfectly legal, because they never post anything there unless they get permission from the copyright holder to do so (usually the author himself, but sometimes I think they have to settle for arranging it with the next of kin if the author is no longer around).
I've read a bunch of the novels in their Free Library over the last few years -- and I've also recognized several that I'd already read the old-fashioned way, by buying them in stores or borrowing them from libraries. I haven't done a statistical analysis of the subject, but it is not terribly surprising that a lot of the novels they offer that way seem to fall into one or both of the following categories:
1. Fairly obscure early efforts by a novelist; stories that probably sold only a few thousand copies in paperback after their first publication; stories that are long out of print, so that practically nobody in the rising generation of potential SF/Fantasy fans would ever notice their existence if they weren't available for free online.
2. Novels that are the first installment in a series! (And sometimes they offer the second, even the occasional third, novel in the series for free!)
So I figure that in several cases, when Baen asked for permission to post one or two of their novels online as Free Library material, the authors in question probably said to themselves, "Hey, at this late date, so many years after the book was published, what have I really got to lose? It's not like this book is still selling like hotcakes in every Borders on the map! Think of it as free advertising! If someone who knows nothing about my work stumbles across one of my earlier efforts in the Free Library, then it's quite possible that he'll fall madly in love with my marvelous literary style and then rush off to [i]actually spend money on copies of some of my other works! Especially if the book is the start of an ongoing series with lots of loose ends in the first volume that a discerning reader will want resolved so he can see if he guessed right on where I thought I was going with all this!" :D
Mister Mets
11-15-2007, 06:50 PM
Probably not. Given the disadvantages of digital comics (you can only access the database online) it'll increase interest in back issues amongst the new readers who suddenly realize that they like a run.
Although Marvel doesn't make any money when people buy back issues, so it's not something they should be concerned with. They may get buzz when a book sells for a lot, but all that does is increase interest in the TPBs (which are a bigger competition for back issues.)
Dr.J.
11-15-2007, 11:19 PM
Today Marvel launches their online back issues. Are they killing off the back issue market doing this? With Spidey's OMD possibly retconning decades of stories is this contributing? How about cd-rom back issues sold in entire collections? Just wondering other peoples thoughts.
Heres my bit on the matter of cd rom collections.Those who have never read these old back issues,who balk at the high back issue prices,as well as those who have read most of them, but for one reason or another, let their issues go,will buy them.Those of us, who are after many years,have just a handful of issues left to fill,will most likely pass.In as much as the low price allows many thousands of comic readers a chance to read books,that they cant afford,or refuse to pay such prices for, on what they bought as kids for 12 cents a book,I say huzzah for such collections, and may there be many,many more of the product of the golden and early silver age,collected.
DeadXMan
11-16-2007, 12:04 AM
do realize how much it would cost to get the first hundred issues of spider-man, in singles? :eek:
Crimson
11-16-2007, 02:04 AM
Nah. Hell, my LCS sells most of the back-issues for a buck a pop anyways unless it's something that's really valuable. If your local shop is dependant upon back-issue hunters to stay open, there isn't much hope for them anyways. Personally, I think it's a great idea. Now say if soemone sees Spider-Man 3, and wants to read a Spidey book, they can now go to Marvel.com and check it out.
But this would also eat into their trade sales, potentially.
If it really took off all comic stores would have as their big "Hey, you need us and only us" is recent releases.
I don't think there's much risk of Marvel losing profit. Anything they lose from sales, if any, will easily be made up from online subscription fees. I did a little rough number crunching just for the hell of it. For example, according to cbg numbers...
$300.6 million for comic and tpb sales for 2006. Just using the last few months for that year, Marvel had around 39% market share of that. So it adds up to about $117 million sales for Marvel.
Assuming I'm figuring right, if Marvel got around 2 million annual subscribers for their online service, they would double their dollar sales. In other words, even if Marvel never sold another hard copy, 2 million subscribers and they'd still be making the same money.
I don't see how the online service is much risk at all, in fact it's more likely just gravy from an income source that never existed before. There could even be a chance that the service will increase the number of comic fans and increase comic sales. If there is any loss to comic sales, that will be more than made up by online subscribers. Somebody said that this online service could be revolutionary to the industry. I'm starting to agree.
Would they get 2 million subscribers? Probably not but I don't know, your guess is as good as mine, but that doesn't seem like an excessively high number to me. How many subscribers do you think they're going to get?
You misunderstood. For Marvel it's very little to no risk. I'm talking about the comic shops that have sold their products for years now. This could potentially eat into back issues and trade sales.
Probably not. Given the disadvantages of digital comics (you can only access the database online) it'll increase interest in back issues amongst the new readers who suddenly realize that they like a run.
Although Marvel doesn't make any money when people buy back issues, so it's not something they should be concerned with. They may get buzz when a book sells for a lot, but all that does is increase interest in the TPBs (which are a bigger competition for back issues.)
But comic stores can and so sell them. Lots of them. That's all I'm saying. If it takes off it could really screw over the only guys who have sold Marvels books consistently for decades.
From a business point of view Marvel doesn't need to care but ethically, it could hurt alot of really good guys and small businesses.
Mister Mets
11-16-2007, 06:59 AM
But this would also eat into their trade sales, potentially.
If it really took off all comic stores would have as their big "Hey, you need us and only us" is recent releases.
You misunderstood. For Marvel it's very little to no risk. I'm talking about the comic shops that have sold their products for years now. This could potentially eat into back issues and trade sales.
But comic stores can and so sell them. Lots of them. That's all I'm saying. If it takes off it could really screw over the only guys who have sold Marvels books consistently for decades.
From a business point of view Marvel doesn't need to care but ethically, it could hurt alot of really good guys and small businesses.
You do make a case for how this could hurt stores that rely on the back issue market, as they don't make money from this the way they make money from TPBS and even the CD Rom collections. But I think this could bring more interest to specific back issues, when new readers read an issue online and decide that they like it enough to buy physical copies (and many copies of other issues from that run).
I figured that the back issue market was already dying from the fact that an estimated 70-80% of all Marvel and DC comics are available illegally online.
It's only 80%?
do realize how much it would cost to get the first hundred issues of spider-man, in singles? :eek:
A lot more than it would to buy them in the Marvel Tales/ Classic Spider-Man reprints.
drwho
11-16-2007, 09:07 AM
Also people forget that back issues are rarer in other countries. This allows marvel to bring more content across the planet. If people want an issue bad enough they will buy it.
DeadXMan
11-16-2007, 01:34 PM
A lot more than it would to buy them in the Marvel Tales/ Classic Spider-Man reprints.
ah
but there lies the problem with that
unlike avengers or x-men
spidey has had multible titles years before it was the norm
you have spectauilar, and web of spiderman,
which one of these books stories do you reprint?
Parch
11-17-2007, 01:18 PM
You misunderstood. For Marvel it's very little to no risk. I'm talking about the comic shops that have sold their products for years now. This could potentially eat into back issues and trade sales.I understood. Marvel obviously needs somewhere to sell product, but they don't owe comic shops anything. Keep in mind that lot of these comic shops sell used comics. Marvel gets nothing from that. How many times has a customer bought a handful of used comics instead of a new one. The secondary market hurts Marvel, and comic shops are a big contributor to that.
Marvel has to care about Marvel, not comic shops. If they need to sell more product online, via Amazon or regular books stores instead of comic shops, then so be it.
I can't blame Marvel for wanting to cash in on their back issues instead of comic shops and ebay.
Alex Dragon
11-17-2007, 04:11 PM
After reading all the posts on this subject the biggest surprise to me is that people still buy back issues. I understand someone buying back issues a few months old to catch up on a current series but I'm surprised that there are still that many people who collect stuff from decades ago.
Most of the important or best stuff from the past have been reprinted in trades, specials, Essentials, etc...I very rarely see people buying the old stuff and from what little I've seen, except for the "rare" stuff it seems most comic shops would almost rather not have to deal with back issues at all. They aren't really worth much theses days.
The Shadow
11-17-2007, 04:14 PM
After reading all the posts on this subject the biggest surprise to me is that people still buy back issues. I understand someone buying back issues a few months old to catch up on a current series but I'm surprised that there are still that many people who collect stuff from decades ago.
Personally I enjoy the hunt.
I'm compiling a complete Avengers run and need just 15 issues. I'm also just 2 issues shy of a complete Invaders run... and (on the DC side) I'm trying to get all the Mike Kaluta Shadow series.
I LOVE finding a missing book in NM condition and adding it in.
IMO trades are good for getting the super expensive Amazing spider-Man stuff (or things I'll never be able to afford) but I like having the actual issues in my collection.
SUPERECWFAN1
11-17-2007, 05:45 PM
And for those who enjoy the hunt of back issues..... be it Marvel or DC , I have a BACK ISSUE HUNT thread at the community board. So drop by and post your latest finds....
The Shadow
11-17-2007, 08:41 PM
And for those who enjoy the hunt of back issues..... be it Marvel or DC , I have a BACK ISSUE HUNT thread at the community board. So drop by and post your latest finds....
I doubt you have what I'm hunting for.
Alan2099
11-17-2007, 08:44 PM
I know when I first started collecting, my shop had a HUGE back issues selection. I'd rummage though it and usually end up buying as many back issues as I did new stuff. I've kinda gotta out of that since, but mainly just because the store I use now doesn't have a good back issue selection.
Capt Hunter
11-17-2007, 09:25 PM
I like the hunt for back issues, which means going to conventions and such, but I just bought a house. I spend my weekends doing my wife's "Honey Due" list. "Honey Due this, Honey Do that" I don't have as much disposable time left and winter is on its way...
Getting to my point, trades have just worked for me because they are easy to order and they get here when they get here. I also have a side effect to trades, my wife will read them. Yup... thats right, she will read trades. She hates reading singles. After 9 years of marriage, she is actually buying her own. She is knee deep into Ultimate Spider-man right now...
As far as Marvel ruining the back issue market, nah. I hate reading off a monitor and I do all damn day at work. Why should I come home and curl up with a monitor... blah They need to work on the interface a bit... but regardless, I still buy back issues and they seem to be holding their value.. I think that things are pretty safe.
SUPERECWFAN1
11-17-2007, 11:07 PM
I doubt you have what I'm hunting for.
The thread basically is open to whatever issue or company you find. Greg Hatcher used to post his e-bay finds of old Marvels , Gold Keys and DC. If you wanna brag up your latest find....you can there...
Its just us posting what awesome back issues we bought somewhere.
murphy452
11-18-2007, 12:59 AM
i mentioned elsewhere that i recently came across several of the "complete collections on dvd-rom" and am now completely addicted to getting every one available, but i just saw last night on the website of the company who distributes the dvd-roms http://www.gitcorp.com/ that they will no longer be sold or made after they release the "civil war" and "house of m" editions.
marvel comics has chosen to not renew the contract with gitcorp and will instead insist that the fans can only VIEW the comics through their monthly subscription service, and not save them to their hard-drive or print them out or put the .pdf files of the comics onto their pda's or anything like that. no longer can we just read an issue whenever or wherever we want, now we need to be looged into their site and paying them a monthly fee. personally i think that just sucks. i was looking forward to the daredevil dvd-rom coming out in a couple months, but now it's been canceled. i enjoy the ability to read all the back issues that i've never seen before without having to pay a monthly subscription for them. and mostly, i LOVED owning the complete packages on dvd-rom. it REALLY sucks that they won't be making more of them.
murphy452
11-18-2007, 01:02 AM
sorry guys, i double posted this message and can't figure out how to delete it without saying something so lemme say again "i'm pissed at marvel for not renewing their contract with gitcorp!"
Alex Dragon
11-18-2007, 07:38 AM
Personally I enjoy the hunt.
I'm compiling a complete Avengers run and need just 15 issues. I'm also just 2 issues shy of a complete Invaders run... and (on the DC side) I'm trying to get all the Mike Kaluta Shadow series.
I LOVE finding a missing book in NM condition and adding it in.
IMO trades are good for getting the super expensive Amazing spider-Man stuff (or things I'll never be able to afford) but I like having the actual issues in my collection.
Okay, if that's the case guys like you should be thrilled Marvel's putting their stuff on line because it would mean you'd be able to get those back issues cheaper if anything. The way I see it there are two groups that buy older back issues (1) The people who actually want to read those issues because they never read them before and can't get them anywhere else and don't mind paying and tracking them down and....(2) The people like you enjoy collecting, tracking down and completing entire runs.
With that sizable chunk of people who just wanted to read those comics out of the equation that means that there are less people willing to pay a higher price for those books. That in turn means the prices will drop. The only people who should or will be upset about this move is those who already own those books and had plans to sell them down the road at higher prices or are just annoyed that their collection won't be worth what it once was...which was already happening anyway...
Parch
11-18-2007, 02:52 PM
i just saw last night on the website of the company who distributes the dvd-roms http://www.gitcorp.com/ that they will no longer be sold or made after they release the "civil war" and "house of m" editions.
marvel comics has chosen to not renew the contract with gitcorpThis is significant. Perhaps sales of these retail collections were not selling very well, or like you say Marvel wants to attract more people to their subscription service instead of buying ROM collections. This is disappointing. I'd like the choice.
StoneGold
11-18-2007, 02:59 PM
I like that the company's name is Gitcorp. That's funny.
murphy452
11-18-2007, 10:35 PM
I like that the company's name is Gitcorp. That's funny.
stands for Graphical Imaging Technology Corporation.
and i just read on their site that their new venture will be...archie and jughead comics.
seriously??? they go from marvel masterpieces like iron man, captain america, spiderman and the xmen...to archie and jughead??? that's a freaking shame. (although i always did have a thing for veronica...she's so much hotter than betty ever was)
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