Marvel and ComiXology Partner Exclusively for Floppies

Marvel Comics and ComiXology announced earlier today that Marvel's digital editions of their English language, single-issue monthly comic book periodicals will henceforth be distributed exclusively through ComiXology. Following the recent departure of GraphicLy, ComiXology's largest competitor, from the monthly comics market, it's not a surprising move. "As the industry leader, Marvel is committed to growing the comics market through digital innovation—and bolstering our existing partnership with comiXology continues that," said Peter Phillips, SVP & General Manager, Marvel Digital Media, in a press release. While the Marvel app will continue unaffected (it was supported by ComiXology anyway), the ComiXology digital storefront program will allow readers to buy Marvel Comics and give a percentage to their local retailers, something that Marvel's crosstown competitors at DC introduced when they rolled out the New 52 but which most retailers haven't yet taken advantage of. Marvel refer to themselves as "the industry leader in digital innovation," a title that might provoke a chuckle or two from the people at DC who beat them to linewide day-and-date digital release or even smaller publishers who have recently been trying out some pretty cool programs themselves. Still, their policy of including free digital editions with more and more of their comics reflects a commitment to changing the way fans interact with digital. "We're extremely proud that Marvel has chosen comiXology as its partner," said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. "Our expanded relationship will foster increased innovation and accelerate plans for more points of distribution and reading. I'm more than thrilled."