Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2020 8:54:00 GMT -5
Marvel UK began in 1972. As discussed here once, they published titles such as The Mighty World of Marvel and Spider-Man Comics Weekly.
In the mid-to-late 90s, Marvel UK sort of morphed into Panini UK. Since 1995, Panini Comics have published various Marvel reprints, including Astonishing Spider-Man, Essential X-Men, and The Mighty World of Marvel. They began by reprinting 2 US issues a month (52 pages). As time progressed, the reprints increased their page count to 76 pages, reprinting 3 US comics per issue.
And now many are questioning the future of monthly Marvel reprints here in the UK.
The Mighty World of Marvel was recently cancelled, the latest volume having started in 2003. And now the remaining 6 reprint issues are decreasing their page count to 52 pages again. Many readers are being vocal about it on Facebook. There'll be a slight price reduction from £4.99 to £4.50. But many are wondering if this is the death knell.
Two US comics per issue for £4.50 is still better value for money than buying 2 US comics which will be £3-4 each. However, I am wondering if monthly reprint titles are old hat in 2019. Could they be?
I grew up in an era without trades. And there wasn't comiXology, Marvel Unlimited, etc. So reprints were the only way to get everything curated in one place. From 1992 to 1995, I read The Exploits of Spider-Man. For £1.99 a month, you got 3 Spidey books, Stan Lee/Steve Ditko issues, and Spider-Man 2099. Pretty good value for money. The curated nature of reprints was convenient for Brits like myself.
As time has gone on, though, monthly reprints have lost their lustre. I have known Brits who subscribe to Marvel Unlimited. Some buy the US issues either from a store (such as Forbidden Planet) or via comiXology. Plus, Panini Comics put out trades and graphic novels. With the decrease to 52 pages, it does feel like the end. Even moreso with decompressed storytelling. UK reprint titles that are 6 or more months behind the United States don't appeal to many in 2019. And with decompressed storytelling, most are opting for trades.
Any views?
In the mid-to-late 90s, Marvel UK sort of morphed into Panini UK. Since 1995, Panini Comics have published various Marvel reprints, including Astonishing Spider-Man, Essential X-Men, and The Mighty World of Marvel. They began by reprinting 2 US issues a month (52 pages). As time progressed, the reprints increased their page count to 76 pages, reprinting 3 US comics per issue.
And now many are questioning the future of monthly Marvel reprints here in the UK.
The Mighty World of Marvel was recently cancelled, the latest volume having started in 2003. And now the remaining 6 reprint issues are decreasing their page count to 52 pages again. Many readers are being vocal about it on Facebook. There'll be a slight price reduction from £4.99 to £4.50. But many are wondering if this is the death knell.
Two US comics per issue for £4.50 is still better value for money than buying 2 US comics which will be £3-4 each. However, I am wondering if monthly reprint titles are old hat in 2019. Could they be?
I grew up in an era without trades. And there wasn't comiXology, Marvel Unlimited, etc. So reprints were the only way to get everything curated in one place. From 1992 to 1995, I read The Exploits of Spider-Man. For £1.99 a month, you got 3 Spidey books, Stan Lee/Steve Ditko issues, and Spider-Man 2099. Pretty good value for money. The curated nature of reprints was convenient for Brits like myself.
As time has gone on, though, monthly reprints have lost their lustre. I have known Brits who subscribe to Marvel Unlimited. Some buy the US issues either from a store (such as Forbidden Planet) or via comiXology. Plus, Panini Comics put out trades and graphic novels. With the decrease to 52 pages, it does feel like the end. Even moreso with decompressed storytelling. UK reprint titles that are 6 or more months behind the United States don't appeal to many in 2019. And with decompressed storytelling, most are opting for trades.
Any views?
