Marvel: Point One Begins In February 2011

Here's the official press release:


Marvel: Point One Begins In February 2011
Top-Selling Marvel Series Feature Jumping On Points For New Readers


Geared for new and long-time readers alike, the all-new Marvel: Point One initiative delivers the perfect jumping on points for the biggest super hero series in the world! Beginning in February 2011, select Marvel comic series marked with a “.1” after the issue number feature full-length, self-contained stories by Marvel’s top creators, laying the groundwork for the next year of storylines. From Invincible Iron Man to Avengers to Amazing Spider-Man, each Marvel: Point One issue of the associated series not only begin major new storylines, but also seamlessly introduces new readers into the dynamic Marvel Universe and its popular super heroes.

Additionally, each issue bearing the Marvel: Point One branding will be followed in the same month by another issue of that series, delivering new fans another exciting installment of the series they enjoy. Below is a full list of Marvel: Point One titles:

FEBRUARY 2011
* AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #654.1
* INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #500.1
* WOLVERINE #5.1

MARCH 2011
* CAPTAIN AMERICA #615.1
* DEADPOOL #32.1
* HULK #30.1
* THOR #620.1
* UNCANNY X-FORCE #5.1

APRIL 2011
* AVENGERS #12.1
* SECRET AVENGERS #11.1
* UNCANNY X-MEN #534.1


“Marvel is absolutely committed to providing new readers with easy entry points into all our comic book series and Marvel: Point One is the next step in our new reader initiatives,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Circulation, Marvel Entertainment. “And to make sure readers can sample all of Marvel’s top series, we’ve priced every Marvel: Point One issue at $2.99. Utilizing our top characters, top creators and employing a huge marketing push, we expect a lot of new faces in comic stores nationwide to check out Marvel: Point One. Retailers should stock up on these titles and the subsequent issues.”

The biggest super heroes in the universe. The biggest creators in comics. And now, it’s time to jump onboard the biggest comic book series with Marvel: Point One, beginning in February 2011!

Not sure what I think about this. Thoughts? Comments?

Sounds a bit silly, but it's a good way to give readers jumping on points. I'm a bit confused though..so issue 500 of Iron Man would come after 500.1?

I don't really see the need for a "jumping on point" for readers for a comic that's only 11 issues old like Secret Avengers.

Maybe I'm cynical but it just seems like a grab for cash from collectors who feel the need to buy the issues to keep their collections complete. I really don't see why this should suddenly attract new readers to these comics.

I am kind of glad they are doing this, as I mentioned in other posts, I am cominb back after a year and half break, while I have minor details of what's going on I think something like this will help me with my buying decisions. My only real complaint is that I see no reason why they have to go the .1 route, just make them a regualr issue.

Meh, I'll just stick to my usual books.

I think if they really wanted to get new readers with this initiative, they'd drop the price down to $1.99 or $2.50.

It's also interesting to see which titles were left out. Fantastic Four & New Avengers both spring to mind. Are they not "important" enough?

I'm curious as to what "big marketing push" means. Because promoting it on comic sites and in Wizard doesn't do a damn thing to bring in new readers.

Lee wrote:I'm curious as to what "big marketing push" means. Because promoting it on comic sites and in Wizard doesn't do a damn thing to bring in new readers.

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing.

These are just one shots to make the people who already buy the books buy another issue of it that month. I don't think that this will bring in new readers.

Interesting idea, but I don't know that it'll really work so well.

comicgeekelly wrote:These are just one shots to make the people who already buy the books buy another issue of it that month. I don't think that this will bring in new readers.

Seconded.

If these are just one-shots I'll probably just get Deadpool/X-Force.

Lee wrote:I'm curious as to what "big marketing push" means. Because promoting it on comic sites and in Wizard doesn't do a damn thing to bring in new readers.

For Marvel "new readers" = fans of the competition who don't usually care for Marvel. The mass promotion will keep on going over at CBR, Newsarama and the rest. (Wizard? Really? Even Marvel severed their connections, far as I know.)

prescribeddrone wrote:If these are just one-shots I'll probably just get Deadpool/X-Force.

What's the point (no pun intended) in doing this "jumping point" shit if the stories won't continue from there and attempt to keep the new readership interested?

Tomer Soiker wrote:For Marvel "new readers" = fans of the competition who don't usually care for Marvel. The mass promotion will keep on going over at CBR, Newsarama and the rest. (Wizard? Really? Even Marvel severed their connections, far as I know.)

Which would be me. I haven't read Marvel in awhile and I have to say that out of sight, out of mind and I haven't really looked back since.

comicgeekelly wrote:These are just one shots to make the people who already buy the books buy another issue of it that month. I don't think that this will bring in new readers.

I don't either. It's not going to be bringing me in.

Aussiemandias wrote:Maybe I'm cynical but it just seems like a grab for cash from collectors who feel the need to buy the issues to keep their collections complete. I really don't see why this should suddenly attract new readers to these comics.

That's how I see this as well