eBay added digital comics to its lineup, but only a small number from a single seller. Nevertheless, it’s significant since it’s the first time it has allowed digital content to be sold on its marketplace since 2008, aside from the classified ad format.
In 2013, eBay added a digital comics category, but shoppers had to go to another site to purchase them through a deal with comiXology. The link to that category on eBay was not working when we checked today.
Why ever did eBay ban digital content in 2008? eBay’s Brian Burke explained at the time it was fear of sellers manipulating its feedback system (by listing thousands of the same item), as we noted in this 2011 blog post. How quaint that seems today, especially in light of the success rival marketplace Etsy has had with digital content.
eBay announced the new deal with digital comics platform Madefire on Friday. In the “condition” field in listings, it states “This is a digital item redeemable through the Madefire app.”
eBay noted in its announcement that it still maintains a strong commitment to comic shops, dealers, and traditional comic collectors who call eBay home.
Announcement follows:
eBay, in partnership with award-winning digital comics platform, Madefire, expands its premier comic destination to include digital comics and cutting-edge ‘Motion Books.’ This new partnership gives eBay shoppers access to digital comic books, adding to a selection that already tops millions of comic book listings from rare high-graded books to new releases. Today, ten digital comic bundles will be released with the launch of Madefire’s eBay store. The bundles include a diverse range of publishers – including DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics and Archie Comics – with up to 86% off at exclusive prices on eBay.com/deals.
“From exclusive variant covers to rare key issues, we’re passionate about giving our 171 million active buyers an amazing selection of comics and graphic novels in all forms,” said Sam Bright, Senior Director of Art & Collectibles at eBay. “Together with Madefire, we’re able to offer fans a new age of comics by broadening our offering to digital comics, while still maintaining eBay’s strong commitment to comic shops, dealers, and traditional comic collectors who call eBay home.”
“We’re extremely proud to partner with eBay and debut Madefire’s digital goods to the marketplace’s millions of buyers for the first-time. eBay is already the home for comics and collectibles, so it’s only natural to bring digital comics alongside the amazing selection of printed comics and all kinds of entertainment goods,” said Ben Wolstenholme, CEO and co-founder Madefire. “We want people to be able to enjoy even more of their favorite characters and stories – anytime and anywhere in a uniquely digital way with our digital comics and immersive Motion Books.”
The limited-time digital comic bundles include:
● DC Comics – Injustice: Gods Among Us Year One
● DC Comics – Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Two
● IDW Publishing – Transformers: Punishment Series
● IDW Publishing – My Little Pony: Friendship is Magical
● IDW Publishing – Star Trek: City on the Edge of Forever
● Image Comics – Spawn Origins: Resurrection and Satan Saga Wars
● Image Comics – Saga Digital Comics Bundle
● Dark Horse Comics – American Gods Shadows
● Dark Horse Comics – Black Hammer Issues #1-12
● Archie Comics – Greatest Hits
As the destination for all-things comics, collectors come to eBay to browse, discover and shop both physical books and now, digital comics together with Madefire, who has revolutionized the digital comics industry, with their award-winning Madefire App. All digital comic bundles sold on eBay will be available for interactive viewing within their app.
SOURCE: eBay Announcement
