Marvel “Greatly Reduces” Newsstand Distribution

by Rich Johnston, Source: Bleeding Cool.com

It was only a few years ago that Marvel was following the Panini model by collecting 2-3 copies into one and selling them on newstands for $3.99 or $4.99. It was seen as a solid way to “get them when they were young”, expanding out, beyond the traditional comic store.

But of late, Marvel has been calling digital the “new newsstand”. So what happens to the old one?

I now understand that Marvel is all but withdrawing from newsstand distribution. The phase is a “greatly reduced” newsstand service and I’ve heard from some comic stores who use the newsstand distribution system for some stock that there are no Marvels coming in to them at all.

Marvel Expands Digital Scope with INFINITE COMICS, AR App

By Albert Ching, Source: Newsarama.com

Unveiled at the South by Southwest interactive conference in Austin, Texas, “ReEvolution” will initially consist of the previously teased “Infinite Comics” and a new “Marvel AR” app for iOS and Android devices.

Infinite Comics is a new publishing format of comics specifically designed for tablets and smartphones, debuting with Avengers vs. X-Men #1 Infinite on April 4, from the creative team of writer Mark Waid and artists Stuart Immonen and Marte Gracia. The comic will be available for free with a digital purchase of Avengers vs. X-Men #1 or via a redemption code found in that comic’s print edition, and available separately for 99 cents.

Introducing Archie’s “New Crusaders”: The Shield

Source: CBR.com

This May, one of the oldest superhero universes in comic books is reborn with a 21st Century twist as Archie Comics rolls out its digital-first series “New Crusaders” as a dedicated app for Apple’s iOS. And while many modern comic readers may be familiar with the Red Circle franchise characters from their recent run at DC Comics, the “New Crusaders” launch will be the first to bring back the original continuity of the superteam in nearly 30 years. With a history that stretches back to he Golden Age, CBR News is checking in with writer Ian Flynn and members of Archie’s Red Circle brain trust to see what stories, concepts and creative twists will prove most important for fans to know come spring. And we start our series today with an exclusive first look at artist Ben Bates take on the Crusaders original leader: the Shield.

“Each superhero line has their stand-out characters — the one people can pick out of a line-up and go, ‘Oh, yeah! I remember that one!’” said Flynn. “Shield is that for the Red Circle line. We have a ton of characters to choose from, and a lot of new ideas, but Shield is the cornerstone to it all. He is the Red Circle brand.”

It’s No Lie – PINOCCHIO: VAMPIRE SLAYER A Digital Hit

By Vaneta Rogers, Source: Newsarama

With their story of Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer, artist Dusty Higgins and writer Van Jensen have won loyal readers over by utilizing the classic tale of the small puppet to portray his revenge on a horde of bloodsucking vampires.

This month, the 250-page Volume 3 of the series, titled Of Wood and Blood is being released digitally, along with the first two volumes on ComiXology, introducing a new audience to the story already beloved by its fans.