CBR has learned that Marvel Comics will not release any new comic book titles digitally on April 15. This follows previous weeks that the publisher has declined to release comics digitally, following Diamond Comic Distributors halting the shipment of new comics due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley released a statement the week of April 1 outline the publisher's plans to not release any comics digitally. "As you know, unfortunately there will not be any new print titles available at your shops this week. Marvel will also not be releasing any new comic book titles digitally on April 1," the statement read. "This is a fluid situation with details changing every day, so we appreciate your patience and understanding as we all navigate our way through this. As soon as more information is available, we will outline our longer-term plans and opportunities to support you and the industry."
With no physical comics being shipped or sold for the foreseeable future, publishers have decided on an individual basis whether or not to release digital comics, with a majority of the bigger publishers deciding to forego their release for the month of April.
Diamond Comic Distributors CEO Steve Geppi released a statement on COVID-19's disruption of the comic book market, promising to "work with our publishing partners to develop programs that will address product already in the pipeline and what will happen when we resume distribution."
Many comic book creators have started fundraising efforts to help their collaborators and retailers, with Jim Lee launching a charity sketch auction and Donny Cates offering to buy commissions from artists.