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Based on posts I am seeing on other sites, some of those listed titles are only available as volume 1 collected editions. Volumes 2 and up is available outside of the Unlimited model, i.e., you get those only via purchase outside of your Unlimited service.

So the question might not be “what is the blackout period for new releases” but rather “what is the blackout period for these publisher’s back catalog.”

One danger I see here is the same effect that Netflix has on movie purchases, and Pandora has on music purchases: people who are paying a monthly fee for all the content they can consume are often reluctant to pay “extra” for content that isn’t included in the buffet.

Likewise, if Comixology Unlimited offers as much comics as a person is interested in reading (and more), they’ll be less likely to hand over additional money for comics that aren’t included. (Is this even open to the second-class “Submit” publishers?)

Even if that monthly fee is low, rather than thinking “I’ve saved a lot of money, so I can spend it on these other comics,” many will think “why do these other comics cost so much?” That can hurt sales, by price-comparison. And as many recording artists will tell you – even those who are let into the buffet system – this kind of commodity-content-rental tends to drive down per-consumer income for creators, by paying smaller royalties.

. Volumes 2 and up is available outside of the Unlimited model, i.e., you get those only via purchase outside of your Unlimited service.

Ah – so it’s more like the Amazon Prime of comics. Actually, that kind of makes sense.

The manga selection is crap for unlimited. I signed up for a free trial cause I saw they had viz, but when I go to try some titles out it just wants me to buy the book. This feels like it’s just a fancy front for a comic digital bookstore. I rather not until they fix that since there’s only so many western monthlies I buy, and they’re mostly DC and Marvel.

I kind of already follow this model, as I work in publishing, and have access to numerous review copies for “free”. (Yes, I balance my karma by donating regularly to the Hero Initiative. in lieu of royalties.) Some are via digital ARCs, some are actual books and magazines.

When I buy a graphic novel or comic, it’s specifically for my collection. Rarely is it because someone mentioned it as a great title to read… I have BOXES of great titles waiting to be read!

So, yeah, there will be people who read for free, just like at a library. (Lots of comics at your library. What they don’t have, they can either order for the collection, or request via Interlibrary Loan.)
Is the royalty model similar (the creator earns money from the sale of the volume to the library, but not on how often it circulates)?

What WILL happen is that you get people who are well read.
They will be literate fans, similar to what one finds in romance and science fiction fandoms.
You’ll get a more diverse fandom as well.
Some might actually produce new titles, adding to the rich tapestry of the format.

And, yes, some might actually be inclined to buy the next volume. Or to stand in line to buy a paper edition signed by the creators. Or recommend the title to someone else.

Which… is what creators want. To be noticed.

And really…. why are we even discussing this? Crossgen (Comics on the Web: subscription model, c.2002) and Boom (North Wind, via MySpace, 2008) proved that giving away free digital copies drives paper sales.

the world is changing. You either want to reach a new generation of customers in ways that are relevant and new or you dont.

Comic shops are important, but they’re not the only way. We’ve seen digital driving paper sales too.

“And really…. why are we even discussing this? Crossgen (Comics on the Web: subscription model, c.2002) and Boom (North Wind, via MySpace, 2008) proved that giving away free digital copies drives paper sales.”

Crossgen, a company that went bankrupt shortly after their failed experiment, and Boom’s NORTH WIND, a title which failed to make Diamond’s Top 300 when published, prove what exactly?

Librarian here.

If it’s available in your country, check with your local public library to see if they offer access to Hoopla Digital, an online collection containing tons of graphic novels, collected editions, and single issues from DC, Image, Darkhorse, Valiant, and many more publishers. If your public library doesn’t offer a subscription, make a formal request for them to begin one. Librarians love to honor requests!

Meh, I’ll wait and see if they offer it as part of an Amazon Prime account.

A Comixology account comes out to $72 / year, plus I’m paying $99 / year for Prime, and $104 / year for Netflix.

Listing all these, I realize my subscriptions and entertainment budget are adding up.