I can see where having someone read the online one and then going to the shop to buy it and continue. That would be great for the local comic book store owner. But I fear is that many of the people who will see these are the casual comic reader and decide that instead of spending $2.99 a book, which can add up quickly if you are like some who buy five to ten books at a time, to only paying $4.99 or $9.99 or not even pay and just read the free ones.

If it does appeal more to the average reader to just do that and not spend there money at the local shop, that is where the potential for hurting the industry comes into play.

I have seen four comic book stores close down near me, including one that I had been going to for the last 13 years, because people aren’t reading comics like they did before. So if a dwindling readership is all ready hurting stores as it is now, I hope that what I fear doesn’t come true. Because who knows how many more shops that will affect.

Putting some of their comics online for free might actually help attract more readers, though. You know, read a comic like, say, New Avengers to see if you like it, and if you do then you might be encouraged to get your hands on some more (including the real thing). You have to also take into consideration that this is an electronic (heh) era, and digital comics are a very nice and convenient option. Plus, Marvel is choosing to put these comics on their website—it’s not like it’s bootleg versions, so I’d like to think they know what they’re doing and that they’ve figured out whether or not this would actually hurt the comic business.

So I can’t say I agree with you there, but I could be wrong, who knows. On the other hand, if you’re talking about the good ol’ fashioned love of comics and collecting them, then I can see your point. I still prefer comics in print. It’s just more authentic and wholesome—the same way I prefer books in print to electronic downloads of books. Still, the money is where it should be in a lot of cases now, so not to worry. At least they’re being read and enjoyed, and isn’t that what matters? But kudos to you for being a collector—that’s a lot more impressive to me and I regard that in higher esteem.

I have to say, though, that I think digital comics (whether on the Marvel website or by PDFs) are great for sharing the love and getting people interested—all in all, keeping comics alive.

Hmm … it would actually be interesting to get an inside view from Marvel on this …

Sigh, yeah, sixty bucks. It’s a little pricey for me, being a poor college student. I’ll have to stick to the free comics for now—but I’ve found some good ones on there so far, so it’s okay.

Hahahaha, sorry, *random*… Imma sign myself up like… right now!!