Avenging Spider-Man To Launch With Free Digital Copy

Marvel Comics is shaking things up in the digital comics world by including a free digital copy with the print copy of Avenging Spider-Man #1. The comic will be polybagged with a code inside for a free digital copy of the issue on the Marvel Comics app. This is not the first time a major comics publisher has polybagged a code for a digital comic with a print comic. DC Comics offered a polybagged edition of Justice League #1 that included a digital copy, but there was a $1 additional cost involved. "We've included our retail partners in crafting this program, and worked with ComicsPRO in determining what would make this program the most beneficial to consumers and retailers and I think we've come up with something that is not only unique and exciting, but a program that addresses most of the concerns retailers have had with previous digital programs. With the earliest initial orders already over 100,000 units, Avenging Spider-Man #1 is set to be one of the biggest new releases of the fall and demand can only increase with these free digital codes," said David Gabriel, who is the Marvel SVP of Sales. "Our goal here is to give consumers the extra added value that they have come to expect for their entertainment dollar as well as the very best in comics entertainment that they have come to expect from Marvel! And that's not all, for the first time, customers will be able to qualify their retailers for rewards by redeeming the digital codes! We're also developing a program designed to drive digital customers into brick and mortar comic shops to help increase their business. Bringing the worlds of print and digital together in this way gives the customer a great value and one we're sure will result in even greater sales for retailers." Avenging Spider-Man #1 is written by Zeb Wells with art and cover by Joe Madureira. Avenging Spider-Man #1 is scheduled to arrive in comic book stores on November 9, 2011 and will retail for $3.99.