Artifacts publisher Top Cow is offering fans and retailers something special in celebration of their signature ongoing series, Witchblade, turning 15 years old next month. With every purchase of a physical copy of Witchblade #144, fans will receive a download code for e-book website wowio.com, where they can then use the code for a free download of the digital copy of the issue. Furthermore, as an incentive to comic book speciality shops, these codes will be available exclusively through them.
“An anniversary like this one was something that we wanted to throw the kitchen sink at," said Director of Sales and Marketing Atom! Freeman. “So, not only have we put together a special anniversary issue with origin story, pinups and more, but we wanted to make sure that our digital readers also got a crack at it during the first 4 weeks.”
“Our partners in comics retail make this and the previous 15 years of Witchblade possible. So, not only will they be the exclusive place to receive one of these download codes, but we are then going to give participating retailers a credit toward future Top Cow inventory for every download credited to them by the fan.”
Witchblade #144 will be available for download from Wowio the same day as print release, but it will not be available on other digital platforms until a month or so later.
This is an interesting model for comics to take, seemingly taking a cue from the current DVD/Blu-ray trend of including free "digital copies" with purchases. Programs like this could really improve awareness and readership on digital platforms, so here's hoping it's a success!
