Marvel.1 or Marvel.What?

abysslord · Post by **abysslord** » Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:03 pm

It's obviously just a way to get collectors and most readers to buy another issue. If they were really concerned about making a jumping on point, then why wouldn't they release a one-shot called "Amazing Spider-Man Recap" or something. In One More Day they had an unbelievably good write-up of Spider-Man's history from the beginning all the way to One More Day. Reprint that even though it was all text. Or better yet, since they care about money so much, make a mini-series and illustrate that recap.

And actually, there was a free Spider-man Saga comic a month ago or so, didn't that recap everything as well? Do the same for all the titles and you're done.

The only reason to make this jump on point "654.1" is to make it seem like part of the series so collectors and readers [who don't need a recap] will buy it anyway.

Paul Nolan · Post by **Paul Nolan** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 4:20 am

I just noticed the April .1 solicitations. And Marvel really are making a mockery out of the "jumping on" situation.

If you want a great jumping on point for Secret Avengers, wouldn't Brubaker be the best candidate for writer, rather than Nick Spencer.

I also have an issue with the .1 branding. Surely by having two of the same issue numbers on the shelf in one month, people will think its a variant.

Post by **JohnMayo** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:28 am

Paul Nolan wrote:I just noticed the April .1 solicitations. And Marvel really are making a mockery out of the "jumping on" situation.

If you want a great jumping on point for Secret Avengers, wouldn't Brubaker be the best candidate for writer, rather than Nick Spencer.

I also have an issue with the .1 branding. Surely by having two of the same issue numbers on the shelf in one month, people will think its a variant.

Or that maybe the #x.1 is a revised and lessy buggy version of the #x issue?

As I've mentioned on the podcast, I think this entire think is a *huge* mistake in the long term.

Paul Nolan · Post by **Paul Nolan** » Fri Feb 04, 2011 6:35 am

Looking at the cover dress to Iron Man 500.1 there is nothing that says easy access to the reader, there is nothing that draws new readers towards it, there is nothing that really differentiates from a standard issue.

This is looking more a more like an excuse to get an extra issue on the shelves in the year.

Marvel Point-'less'?

abysslord · Post by **abysslord** » Fri Feb 04, 2011 7:34 am

Paul Nolan wrote:Looking at the cover dress to Iron Man 500.1 there is nothing that says easy access to the reader, there is nothing that draws new readers towards it, there is nothing that really differentiates from a standard issue.

What do you mean? Everyone knows if you see ".1" it means you can get this and easily understand it. Hence, the popularity of "Learning Calculus.1" and "Understanding Advanced Astrophysics.1".

BobBretall · Post by **BobBretall** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 10:25 am

I wish I could say I'm surprised, but it just seems to be another example of the utter cluelessness of Marvel marketing.......

You're right, if the whole point of a point-1 is as a jumping on point, there should be SOME cover-dress to indicate this to a casual browser in the comic shop that tells them to "start here" and make it look different from being just another generic Iron Man cover.

Webhead · Post by **Webhead** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:10 am

I just finished read Iron Man 500.1 .... meh.

Nothing special, I would not recommend picking up the book unless this was your first time read an Iron Man comic .... ever. If you are somewhat familiar with Iron Man from the comics or from the movies you could easily skip this issue.

Cromics · Post by **Cromics** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:26 am

BobBretall wrote:I wish I could say I'm surprised, but it just seems to be another example of the utter cluelessness of Marvel marketing.......

Is it just me or does it seem like Marvel is just throwing s**t at the wall and waiting for something to stick? This .1 thing is just that. Thumbing through the Marvel previews this month...I found absolutely nothing of interest. It's sad really. Hope somebody turns it around.

BobBretall · Post by **BobBretall** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 4:22 am

Cromics wrote: Is it just me or does it seem like Marvel is just throwing s**t at the wall and waiting for something to stick? This .1 thing is just that. Thumbing through the Marvel previews this month...I found absolutely nothing of interest. It's sad really. Hope somebody turns it around.

I agree that their marketing does not have a clue, but saying they publish nothing of interest is a bit harsh. While perhaps true for you, I'm guessing maybe you were never a very big fan of Marvel in the first place.

They were my entry point into comics and while they do a lot of stuff that pisses me off, they also still have some pretty good books coming out each month.

Paul Nolan · Post by **Paul Nolan** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:02 pm

found at http://www.comicsbeat.com/2010/11/04/ex ... e-on-hulk/

Quote by Marvel's Sr. Vice President Sales & Circulation David Gabriel

"The Point One stuff is not a theme but it’s trying to get more readers back into the stores."

Post by **JohnMayo** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:23 pm

Paul Nolan wrote:found at http://www.comicsbeat.com/2010/11/04/ex ... e-on-hulk/

Quote by Marvel's Sr. Vice President Sales & Circulation David Gabriel

"The Point One stuff is not a theme but it’s trying to get more readers back into the stores."

So how are they marketing these .1 issues to readers not in the stores?

Cromics · Post by **Cromics** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:24 pm

BobBretall wrote:
Cromics wrote: Is it just me or does it seem like Marvel is just throwing s**t at the wall and waiting for something to stick? This .1 thing is just that. Thumbing through the Marvel previews this month...I found absolutely nothing of interest. It's sad really. Hope somebody turns it around.
I agree that their marketing does not have a clue, but saying they publish nothing of interest is a bit harsh. While perhaps true for you, I'm guessing maybe you were never a very big fan of Marvel in the first place.

They were my entry point into comics and while they do a lot of stuff that pisses me off, they also still have some pretty good books coming out each month.

Yes, sorry. I should have prefaced that with "I am not much of a Marvel reader". So mine is the casual Marvel fan's opinion.

GABE! · Post by **GABE!** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 2:03 pm

I feel that the .1 will be confusing for new readers or readers returning, who Marvel is saying these catching up issues are for. I can imagine a new readers asking for Spiderman 654 ( new Venom) and getting confused by a 654.1 comic.

BobBretall · Post by **BobBretall** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 7:23 pm

JohnMayo wrote: So how are they marketing these .1 issues to readers not in the stores?

Yes, one would imagine if you're trying to reach a non-comic store audience you'd want to have some indication on the comic itself that it's a "staring point for new readers".......

Post by **JohnMayo** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 9:35 pm

BobBretall wrote:
JohnMayo wrote: So how are they marketing these .1 issues to readers not in the stores?
Yes, one would imagine if you're trying to reach a non-comic store audience you'd want to have some indication on the comic itself that it's a "staring point for new readers".......

Sure, an indication on the cover would help but even that doesn't work for people not in the stores to see the covers.