eBay launched a new category called Digital Comics, but it’s not as groundbreaking a development as it sounds. eBay doesn’t actually sell digital comics on its site (nor can its sellers) – you must go to another site to purchase them. In fact, eBay banned digital content from its site in 2008 (aside from classifieds), a rather short-sighted policy given the popularity of all kinds of digital content.
eBay has partnered with comiXology – if you drill down into the comics category on eBay (Collectibles & Arts – Comics), you’ll see “Digital Comics” at the bottom of the genre list. Clicking that will take you to eBay.com/bit/comics. There, you can browse digital comics – “Discover books with amazing characters through our featured books, fan favorites, and the latest releases,” eBay says.
But when you find something you like and click on it, eBay will redirect you to the comiXology website where you will have to create a comiXology account (or log in with an existing comiXology account if you have one), in order to make the purchase.
ComiXology just began accepting PayPal this month, and you can also pay via credit card.
ComiXology was founded in 2007 and offers over 40,000 comics and graphic novels from publishers such as Marvel, DC Comics, Image, IDW, Dynamite, Boom! Studios, Oni Press, Top Shelf and independent creators.
Why make eBay shoppers go to the comiXology site to purchase digital comics? eBay explains:
“We want to quickly bring our customers accessibility to a wide range of digital comics. ComiXology is a trusted eBay partner and the leader in providing immersive comic reading experiences in the digital comic’s space. You can pay with PayPal or a credit card to purchase digital content on the comiXology site. We are working to provide you with the ability to purchase digital comics on eBay.”
It’s not clear what eBay gains from sending shoppers to comiXology, which doesn’t just sell digital comic books, but also provides services to comic book stores including a “Comicshop Website” for between $60 – $80 a month.
eBay recently began marketing the new category on its website and through social channels but as of the time of this writing has not officially announced eBay Digital Comics.
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