ComiXology has just announced that the comiXology-powered digital comics store at ReadDC.com will be shutting down on January 14th, 2021.
All digital comics purchased at the store will still be readable via the comiXology site and on the DC Comics app for phones and tablets. However, you will only be able to read the comics on a laptop via the comiXology interface.
This is obviously paving the way for the arrival of DC Universe Infinite, their new online subscription service that offers tons of digital comics to read for a monthly fee. DCUI launches on January 21st.
DC’s shutting down of this version of their online store is a move similar to one that Marvel made several months ago, moving away from a website to an app-based purchasing system.
In an email to subscribers, comiXology wrote:
Thank you for being a loyal DC fan. As a purchaser of DC digital comics, we wanted to let you know that the DC Digital Comics Shop at ReadDC.com, operated by comiXology, will be closing on January 14, 2021. Service through the DC Digital Comics app on iOS and Google will not be affected by this change.
As a result of this change, please be aware of the following details related to your comic purchasing and reading:
• Please be sure to download the DC Digital Comics app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Any previous purchases made via ReadDC.com will be available under “My Books” when you log in to your account on the DC Digital Comics app.
• To redeem digital comic codes, visit https://www.readdc.com/redeem and view your comics in the DC Digital Comics app.
• To read your digital comics via a web browser, please follow the instructions here: https://www.dccomics.com/ReadDCFAQ. Please visit https://www.dccomics.com/
ReadDCFAQ for more information. Should you have any additional questions on this change, the comiXology Customer Service team will be handling inquiries and can be reached at support@comixology.com. – DC Comics
According to the FAQ:
Q: What will happen to my library of DC Digital Comic purchases?
A: Any DC Digital Comics purchases made previously will still appear in the My Books section when you log in to your account on the DC Comics App. You will also be able to access and read them by accessing the My Books section on www.comixology.com.
Q: Where can I buy DC digital comics now?
A: DC Digital Comics can still be purchased on the DC Comics App on the IOS and Android stores. Comics can also be purchased on www.comixology.com.
So you will still have all your comics — losing all purchases through some sunsetted technology being one of the gravest fears of the digital comics purchasers.
While this is a relatively minor change, it’s still another sign of confidence in the DCUI subscription service. Which, actually, is pretty smart based on how much success Marvel has had with their decade-old Marvel Unlimited subscription service.
