CBR: Marvel Announces "Marvel's Greatest Comics"

[CBR News]

Marvel Comics has announced "Marvel's Greatest Comics," a new imprint dedicated to spotlighting various Marvel series with specially priced $1 issues. The first title, "Invinicible Iron Man" #1, will be sent to retailers for free.


Full article here.

[Gabe De Los Muertos]

This sounds like a good way to get new readers.





Then they can become fans and bitch about the actual price of the monthly.

[Brother Justin Crowe]

This sounds like a good way to get new readers.





Then they can become fans and bitch about the actual price of the monthly.

I like this. Sorta similar to what Vertigo's been doing.

I just wish a dollar was the highest price-point in the industry...

[NewMutant]

Great idea. I wonder if they are just doing first issues of series though.

[another_version]

Great idea. I wonder if they are just doing first issues of series though.

Yeah, first issues. It's similar to Vertigo first issues, and "After Watchmen". Good idea on Marvels part.

[StoneGold]

And just to complete the "They Steal Everything!" meme, the "greatest comics" bit and the books costing a dollar? Where do I remember that from?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comics%27_Greatest_World

[Blade X]

And just to complete the "They Steal Everything!" meme, the "greatest comics" bit and the books costing a dollar? Where do I remember that from?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comics%27_Greatest_World

They also stole the whole "reprint our most critically acclaimed titles for a $1 to attract new (older teen and adult) non comic book readers" idea from DC. This idea didn't work for DC and it won't work for Marvel either.

[cookepuss]

Also interesting that a MAX title was added to that mix. It shows a commitment to that particular audience.

As far as the $1 pricing, I can easily understand how new readers would sh** their pants at $4 for the ongoings.

Personally, I would happily take unknown artists, lower paper quality, & simpler coloring if it meant cheaper cover prices. I don't care about the hotshot flavor of the month artists, cardstock covers, or anything else like that. I'm all in it for the stories; stories which, incidentally, are more influenced by long term editorial guidance than any one single writer.

It's nice that Marvel is reaching out to new readers, but I can't help but think that this is a misguided tactic. Sticker shock is ultimately going to keep these potential new readers away. It's hard to recommend any one title to a new reader. For one thing, $4 is NOT the same as $1. For another, you know that you just committed him to a $24 not $4, as we're forced into the 6-issue arc structure.

Try justifying $24 to somebody who just became a fan of a $1 product. Tough, tough sell. When I was a kid in the 80s, $0.60 wasn't uncommon. Those days are LONG gone. I spend $2,600 a year on comics and don't even remotely get the same value.

[Iron Maiden]

And just to complete the "They Steal Everything!" meme, the "greatest comics" bit and the books costing a dollar? Where do I remember that from?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comics%27_Greatest_World

I just look at it as going back to the days when Marvel had ongoing reprints... Marvel's Greatest Comics reprinted the FF, Marvel Tales reprinted in its first issue

Amazing Fantasy #15
Reprints: Incredible Hulk (Vol. 1) #1
Reprints: Tales To Astonish (Vol. 1) #35
Reprints: Tales To Astonish (Vol. 1) #49
Reprints: Journey Into Mystery #83
Reprints: Tales Of Suspense #39
Reprints: SGT. Fury & His Howling Commandos #1 See

Or like they say everything old is new again.

[anthony!]

Great initiative, but the annoying thing is that once i read the issue and like it, i "buy" that first chapter again when i jump to the trades. I'd almost prefer a cheap $5 dollar trade or something.. a complete story ...

[Blade X]

Notice how all of these $1 reprint books are all books that came out under Quesada's tenure as EIC. God forbid if Marvel does a $1 reprint of books that came out before Quesada became EIC.

[anthony!]

Notice how all of these $1 reprint books are all books that came out under Quesada's tenure as EIC. God forbid if Marvel does a $1 reprint of books that came out before Quesada became EIC.

He's been EIC for some time now... makes sense. Besides, all these books are the first issues of relaunches that lead directly to currently ongoing stories...

Marvel probably doesn't see much use in reprinting a book from the 80s or 90s bogged in continuity. I could see reprinting the first issue of famous limited series like Marvels or Avengers Forever... but thats about it...

[Maestro]

^ who wants to read 90's comics anymore. it's the 21th century. don't be stupid

[Maestro]

Great initiative, but the annoying thing is that once i read the issue and like it, i "buy" that first chapter again when i jump to the trades. I'd almost prefer a cheap $5 dollar trade or something.. a complete story ...

give the comic away and share the goodness!

[raskal66]

The intent is good, and it is a good way to reach out to new readers if the ongoings weren't so expensive. This would have been a fantastic idea after the release of The Incredible Hulk movie or the watershed year for comic book movies that 2008 was. However, it really looks like Marvel and (to a lesser extent) DC completely squandered that opportunity and goodwill by not only raising prices but doing it in a recession. They can practically take to the bank that many of those who dropped them during that time will most likely not be coming back.

In the most recent Cup - o - Joe, there was a mention at the end of CBR getting 30 minutes occasionally with Stan Lee. I'd love to ask Stan if he thinks the big 2 and mainly Marvel ruined what was a golden opportunity to improve their publishing bottom line following the release of so many widely adored comic book movies. I know neither Stan Lee nor Joe Q actually prices the books, but I'd love to hear his opinion on the subject.