DC's New Digital Comics Strategy: Same-Day Releases, Print Copy Bundle

Thats cool. But wait, the first four physical issues of Justice League will cost $3.99?

Huh. I just noticed that Green Lantern doesn't have his ring on in that picture. Now it's bothering me. 

Lately my collection has been getting out of hand just trying to keep up with current books. I really like the idea of digital new releases. I would buy some manner of tablet for this. 

I like digital comics with my print copy, this is good new.   
 
I like print because I like it in my hand.  Plus, I like to collect for my library. 
 
I love Digital because the ART IS SO DAMN beautiful when you have it blown up on a big HD screen, just gorgeous.  I can see myself forking out for the books I really love, if there are any left to love.  heh.  :}

I rock bound copies of things I read myself, but for those who do want to read on the go and still have a print copy this is a really cool idea

DC really likes the number 52

So is every issue going to come in a polybag like Wizard used to, or is there going to be adhesive or an insert in the comic with the code in a tiny little bag?  If the latter, what's to stop someone from stealthily ripping out the codes and taking them home for a free digital comic? 
 
Honestly, I think I'd rather they move to a straightforward subscription model.  2.99 for any physical comic completely separate from a 14.99 a month for access to the entire digital DC library with same-day releases and every back issue (but nothing physical that may accrue value...maybe...although it's looking more likely if digital comics make paper ones vanishingly scarce).

So is every issue going to come in a polybag like Wizard used to, or is there going to be adhesive or an insert in the comic with the code in a tiny little bag?  If the latter, what's to stop someone from stealthily ripping out the codes and taking them home for a free digital comic?

@dorsk188 said:

So is every issue going to come in a polybag like Wizard used to, or is there going to be adhesive or an insert in the comic with the code in a tiny little bag?  If the latter, what's to stop someone from stealthily ripping out the codes and taking them home for a free digital comic?

It says right in the article quote that they are coming wrapped in a polybag so it would be exactly like Wizard used to be. And I'm sure you won't just be able to enter the code and get the comic free and clear, you will more then likely have to register an account and it will store identifiable information that can be used to track the person down if needed.

Oh, I see.  I misread that originally.  I had this image of an insert with the code, but since they're selling two different editions of each comic (one in a bag, one not), I was just confused.  I've got to say I'm skeptical that it's a good strategy, though.  Retailers only have so much space available and I'm not sure how effectively doubling the catalog (though not the actual number of comics)  will shake out in the shops.

Does anyone else feel like this? 

Does anyone else feel like this? 

Wow, DC is doing some great stuff in the digital market. Marvel better get their stuff together.

If you check one of my earlier comments I mentioned my thoughts on the retailer side.

I think it's for the best. Even if material issues stop being released someday.
I'm a Trade Paperback kinda guy. And combining the digital market with the 1st printing is a great thing.
 
Hey! In Europe comics do just fine (better?) by simply being released in collected volumes and not being "prepublished" in magazine formats anymore.

i dont want digital comicbooks.

I like that this allows retailers to sell digital copies, I don't like that it only goes one direction RETAIL >> DIGITAL. That will convert customers away from stores. It'd be nice if DC ran a promotion that would push some customers the other way, meaning you could buy a digital bundle that comes with a coupon through Diamond or something for redeemed purchase in a local shop.

We are now on our way to whole new age of comics: The Digital Age.

We are now on our way to whole new age of comics: The Digital Age.

I like this idea, I hope the digital version are in good quality! This would be very handy.

I'll stick to physical issues. Just doesn't feel right reading them digital. Plus I enjoy collecting and completing runs.

This is fantastic news!  One of the reasons I stopped collecting comics over 12 years ago is because I just didn't have the storage space anymore.  If I had unlimited storage space I would prefer printed issues but I've been impressed with the reading experience offered by Comixology.  This might be the incentive for me to get back to reading/buying comics again. 
 
I have an idea of how to help local comics shop make the transition to digital comics!  I used to love going to the comics shop every week to pick up my new comics and hope to see them be able to survive and thrive in this transition period.  Here's my idea: 
 
Develop a system where customers can "register" their tablets at the local comics shop and have the ability to download their comics at the shop for a discount.  In other words, you can download your comics at home but if you buy and download it at the local comics shop, you'll get a discount!  The local shop gets a piece of the pie, comic readership is (hopefully) increased as old readers (like me) come back and new readers are generated with the new media and the weekly comics buying, gathering and discussing at the local shop is kept alive!  Yay!  Everybody is happy!

I hate the potential impact on Comic shops but love the idea. The Comic Book Industy is just starting to experience what our friends in the Newspaper and Magazine industry have dealt with for the last decade. I like technology and progress but hate that it has a negative impact on the livelihoods of people I call "friend."

This is fantastic news!  One of the reasons I stopped collecting comics over 12 years ago is because I just didn't have the storage space anymore.  If I had unlimited storage space I would prefer printed issues but I've been impressed with the reading experience offered by Comixology.  This might be the incentive for me to get back to reading/buying comics again.  I have an idea of how to help local comics shop make the transition to digital comics!  I used to love going to the comics shop every week to pick up my new comics and hope to see them be able to survive and thrive in this transition period.  Here's my idea:  Develop a system where customers can "register" their tablets at the local comics shop and have the ability to download their comics at the shop for a discount.  In other words, you can download your comics at home but if you buy and download it at the local comics shop, you'll get a discount!  The local shop gets a piece of the pie, comic readership is (hopefully) increased as old readers (like me) come back and new readers are generated with the new media and the weekly comics buying, gathering and discussing at the local shop is kept alive!  Yay!  Everybody is happy!

@pikahyper: Actually, what I was thinking of was a method to encourage people to physically go to their LCS.  I have a Nook Color (that I specifically bought with the hope that it could become a good digital comic book reader someday) and if I physically take it with me to my local Barnes and Noble store, I can use their wi-fi for free and get special deals.  I've never actually done this yet but my brother has an original Nook and he has done this and he told me that he would see coupons appear on his Nook that he could use at the store.  Anyways, what I was thinking was a system where customers can take their reading device (Nook Color, Android Tablet, or iPAD etc.) to their LCS and register it so they could use the store's wireless system to buy digital comics more cheaply than at home or through a website.  It would be sort of like the subscription service I had at my old LCS where I would go to the store and they would have my comics already picked out for me.  So every week, we would go to our LCS with our reading devices -- log into their wireless system and grab our latest issues.  Instead of a group of people carrying a stack of the latest issues and talking about comics, you would have a group of people carrying their digital reader device and talking about comics with the other customers.