Marvel Comics makes 700 first issues free until Tuesday

Illustrating the value of digital readers to the comics industry is Marvel Comics' latest promotion, which offers over 700 first issues of new and classic comics via the Marvel Comics app and digital store until 11PM ET on Tuesday, March 12 (3am GMT, 2pm Sydney on the 13th).

Titles offered include a mix of modern launches ("Uncanny Avengers," "All-New X-Men," "Civil War," "Avengers vs. X-Men") and classic debuts such as the first ever "Amazing Spider-Man" or "Captain America."

Marvel, owned by Disney since 2009, has been working its portfolio hard, with plenty of cinematic tie-ins including "The Avengers" and 2013's "Iron Man 3," "The Wolverine," and "Thor: The Dark World," while Warner Bros' fellow comic company DC Comics has Superman film "Man of Steel" and Bruce Willis-starring "Red 2" on its 2013 slate.