It’s the end of an era for Marvel Digital Comics. As reported by Bleeding Cool, the publisher will be shutting down its digital comics shop on June 2. After that point, those who wish to purchase titles digitally will need to do so through the Marvel app on Android or IOS devices. 

 

“Thank you for being a loyal Marvel fan. As a fan of Marvel digital comics, we wanted to let you know that the Marvel Digital Comics Shop at comicstore.marvel.com will be closing on June 2, 2020,” Marvel said in a letter sent to users of its current digital comics service. “After June 2nd, you will still be able to purchase Marvel digital comics and read your existing Marvel digital comics library via the Marvel Comics app and the comiXology store.” 

 

This comes at a time when the comic book industry is rapidly changing. Physical books have been delayed and disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Comic book shops all around the U.S. were closed down for weeks. Some are now offering pickup or curbside services. But the interruption has still affected the way comic book companies have had to approach business. 

 

For those who still wish to purchase digital comics in the future, the company outlined what to do in detail. 

 

“ To purchase Marvel digital comics after June 2nd: Download the Marvel Comics app on the App Store or Google Play Store, and/or Visit comixology.com,” Marvel explained. “To read your existing Marvel digital comics library after June 2nd: View your past purchases in ‘My Books’ when you log into your account on the Marvel Comics app, and/or Sync your current Marvel Digital Comics Shop account with a comiXology account to continue to read your books on a web browser. Please note you can continue to redeem digital comic codes at Marvel.com/redeem and view your redeemed comics in the Marvel Comics app.” 

 

As for why the publisher is deciding to shut down its digital store now? That wasn’t explained. The company has opted not to release new books as digital-only releases during the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, they have simply shifted their release schedule back. 

 

Another key element of the change outlined in the letter relates to pre-orders. Those who had subscribed and pre-ordered books beyond June 1 will need to shift over to Comixology, as those services won’t be provided through the Android and IOS apps. 

 

“Unfortunately, preorders and series subscription will not be available on the Marvel Comics App,” Marvel explained.” All preorders and series subscriptions for digital comic and collections on the Marvel Digital Comics Shop released after 6/1/20 will be canceled.  Preorders and series subscriptions of Marvel digital comics will still be available at www.comixology.com and purchases can be read in the Marvel Comics App if your Marvel account is synced to a comiXology account.  For information on how to sync accounts, please refer to the question above “

 

So what do you think? Is Marvel making the right move? Or would you prefer they keep the digital comics shop open? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!