A couple weeks ago, IDW announced their plans to push their comics in the digital market. They have not abandoned the printed format but are now making their comics available digitally one month after being printed. One month isn't too long to wait consider some people wait for trades to be released.
Marvel's digital releases were more random and sometimes with a six month wait to go digital. At least that used to be the case.
== TEASER ==
For consumers, options are great. If comics are released in both formats on the same day, consumers can choose which they prefer. Just like you can with music or movies. In those cases, you're usually paying the same price or sometimes paying less for the digital version. That doesn't seem to be the case with Iron Man. The 80 page comic will cost $4.99 but the digital price wasn't in the press release. The digital version will be available in three "chapters." Normally Marvel charges $1.99 for a 22-page comic.
It appears the digital version could cost more than the printed version. If this is the case, it may be a relief for comic shop owners. Unlike the big chain stores selling movies and music, they (usually) have the option of returning inventory that is not selling. Comic shops can't do that. Let's say a comic shop orders 50 copies of the Iron Man Annual but half of their usual customers decide to get it digitally. The store is now stuck with those extra copies. Comic shop owners might have to be more conservative when it comes to placing orders and might just order the amount closer to the number of customers with pull lists. Having a bunch of "inventory" sitting on store shelves is not in the store's best interest. This would be bad for the new casual reader that walks into the store looking for a new comic. This would also be bad for the store because they could be losing potential new customers. Store owners will really have to take a gamble when deciding on their orders.
Most long term comic readers are traditionalists. We've been reading with a physical comic in our hands for years. Despite this, you can't argue over the convenience of the digital format. Whenever I go on a trip, I like to take a few comics and a couple trades with me. With the hassles of checking in luggage and possibility of being charged for carry-ons, having comics on a digital device might become an easier option.
What is the answer? Will same day releases bring in more readers and help the industry and will it hurt the local comic 'direct market'? You could argue that those that would read them digitally might be readers that would never step into an actual comic shop or don't have the means to (if there aren't any "local" shops). Someone reading a comic digitally might also decide to hunt down back issues that aren't available in a digital form. Do you think digital comics should cost more or less than printed comics? We'll just have to wait and see if same day releases is a good or bad idea and if it will have any affect on the market.