When it comes to comics in digital form, ComiXology is easily the go-to app for comic-lovers that prefer their books on a phone or tablet. Just about every major publisher has a rich library available on the application, and Marvel just blew people away with the release of over seven hundred #1 issues for download.
But it looks like they just weren't prepared for the kind of traffic a release like that brings.
Within hours of the announcement, ComiXology's servers were slammed, and it didn't take long for them to go down completely. According to Comic Book Resources report yesterday, many of ComiXology's publishing partners were not told of the promotion ahead of time, so it made things even worse when the massive influx of downloaders hit the site. Preparation is obviously an issue here, but a company can only do so much to prepare for an event like this, and they can only hope that they've done enough when the day begins.
For now, ComiXology is stopping the Marvel promotion until a later date, so if you planned on getting in on the seven hundred #1s, you may have to wait just a little bit longer. CEO and co-founder David Steinberger released a statement on the official ComiXology blog addressing the matter, and you can read it below.
To our customers:
It’s been a whirlwind weekend, and we’re fresh from SXSW where Marvel Comics launched their Marvel #1 promotion featuring over 700 free comics distributed via our platform.
We expected a high degree of excitement for the Marvel initiative – and had believed ourselves prepared – but unfortunately we became overwhelmed by the immense response. We’re still struggling to keep our systems up.
The result is that you aren’t getting your comics when and where you want.
We don’t like letting you down. Our teams are working around the clock to resolve these issues so that you can have the experience you’ve come to expect.
To that end, we’re pausing the Marvel Comics #1 promotion for the time being. For those of you that want to take advantage of the offer – you will get your comics! Until we are able to reinstate this program in our systems, please click here and fill out this simple form, so you can be informed as soon as there is an update.
We’ll be communicating with you as often as we can and deeply appreciate the outpouring of support we’ve seen from our customers while we right the ship.
David Steinberger
CEO and co-founder
comiXology
Check back soon for the latest news on ComiXology and Marvel's amazing offer!
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