The release of the first event issue is a pretty big deal in comics as far as both of the "big two" are concerned, so it's not much of a surprise that comic stores across the country will be hosting events to commemorate the release of Marvel's upcoming AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1, due to hit stores on April 3rd on the day of the book's release. So, why is Marvel delivering AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 an entire week prior to the issue's official release?

According to Marvel's Senior Vice President of Sales David Gabriel, the publisher will be shipping copies of AVENGERS VS. X-MEN to shops across the country on March 28th to ensure that shops across the country have the issue in stock in time for the in-store events on April 3rd. Evidently, Marvel doesn't trust that Diamond's "Day Early delivery system" (where issues arrive in stores the Tuesday prior to their Wednesday release) will guarantee the book will be available in all shops across the country.

With a record-breaking number of retailers participating in our 'Avengers Vs. X-Men' launch parties, we wanted to make sure that everyone had their copies on hand and in time for the special Tuesday release...We couldn't be more excited with the overwhelming amount of support from our retail partners for the biggest event we've ever done. In turn we're guaranteeing that stores will be primed and ready as fans come flocking to their stores.

Apparently, Marvel seems to really want to ensure that retailers who plan on celebrating the release of AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 have the issue in stores. It does make sense, but isn't the publisher at all concerned with the possibility of the issue leaking online prior to the official release? Considering this is an issue Marvel fans have been at the edge of their seats waiting to dive into, given the chance to read it a full week early how many do you think would? While the possibility of an issue leak can be viewed as detrimental to overall sales, it might be good for Marvel PR. If the issue goes wide early more people might be inclined to give the issue a chance. This move could ultimately influence the overall sales of the second issue. We reached out to Marvel's Senior VP of Sales David Gabriel and asked whether or not he believes a leak would have a negative effect on issue sales. He has yet to respond to our request.

What do you think of Marvel's decision to ship AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1 a week early? Do you think it will leak? Are you looking forward to the first issue of Marvel's next big event? Will you be attending a launch party at your local comic shop?

Source: CBR

This will definitely leak and I kind of want to see stacks of this book gathering dust in the corner 

I don't realize the need to announce the fact that they are shipping a week early if they are not releasing a week early too... Seems to me that now because people know about it they'll fight for a copy to leak.

So they announce shipping a week early but the comic comes out on the same day....completely pointless

seems... pretentious

that being said, I am really excited for this. Go X-Men!

So... Anyone care?

Nice.

We are talking about Diamond here, always screws things up. In a year, I get around 3 orders a year that are correct. Thats not the greatest track record. If Diamond doesnt screw it up, UPS does, which Diamond forces us to use.

About the book, I've read it and I"m kinda disappointed in it so far. #0 was lacking, and seemed like"catchup story on Hope and Wanda.", #1 is slow, with nothing of real note happening.

@Or35ti said:

I don't realize the need to announce the fact that they are shipping a week early if they are not releasing a week early too... Seems to me that now because people know about it they'll fight for a copy to leak.

What he said..

This realy doesnt make sense why would they announce this and not keep this quiet?!

While I have to applaud Marvel for trying to get ahead of the issue. I think they are overestimating what is basically just another in a long running series of comic events. I don't see how this warrants a release party. The DC New 52 launch was worth that.

As already voiced, they are just increasing the risk of leaks. Do they really expect the first part in yet another in the series of "hero vs. hero" battles to sell that dramatically better? The only ones who will even know about this party are the most extreme fans.

again, free digital copy, yay

Anything that boosts the sales of comics is a good thing. But this seems slightly....dumb?

Whatever I'm Team X-Men all the way.

Not a week goes by that Diamond doesn't screw something up horribly. How hard is it to put X number of books into a box and have it match X, the number the store ordered?

Apparently, it's impossible.

I'm actually going to be looking more forward to the Shadow #1 release party that one of LCS's is having in about a month. At any rate, this bit of news makes it seem this announcement redundant and unnecessary and quite an interesting gamble for fear of leaks. I hope this isn't a possible sign that Marvel is thinking AvX might do badly for sales, but who knows for certain?

It might or might not get leaked but still want to read this also team avengers

@Gambit1024: neeope...

maybe this mean it'll be over faster

why does everyone on the cover have their mouths open? is there cotton candy air or something?

@SupremeHyperion: so they can breath each others hot hot air!

I guarantee that this will be scanned and available illegally a week early and I guarantee that it will dampen sales for Marvel... pretty stupid move, imo. Hell, the same happened to Kick-Ass #7; I had friends that read it last Wednesday and ruined the ending for me because Marvel apparently released a week early either through their website (which is easy to webrip) or it was done at a shop somewhere and someone scanned it.

@Gambit1024 said:

So... Anyone care?

I don't, but I've been diagnosed with event/crossover fatigue for a while. I hope some fans have fun with it, though.

@Gambit1024 said:

So... Anyone care?

Fraction does

Justice League would kick both x-men and avengers lol

They're definitely doing this out of fear that it'll bomb.

Desperation.

I just picked this up today and was confused considering that I thought it was supposed to release next week.

Anyone else get it?

@Deranged Midget: Are you sure it wasn't AvX #0

@KidSupreme said:

Justice League would kick both x-men and avengers lol

That's just crazy talk. Cyclops solos JLA

@vicioushero: No, it clearly states Avengers vs X-Men: Round 1.

@Deranged Midget said:

I just picked this up today and was confused considering that I thought it was supposed to release next week.

Anyone else get it?

Yeah, I was really confused also when I saw it because right next to it was AVX #0. I bought it regardless..shame on me, I know.

@ArturoCalaKayVee: I bought it too :P It wasn't anything mind-blowing and the art is extremely dated.

@Deranged Midget: The whole event probably won't be anything mind-blowing haha.

@ArturoCalaKayVee: Most likely not...