Marvel’s iPad app is good, but it’s a first step

Quickly established as one of the coolest uses for Apple’s recently launched iPad device, the Marvel Comics app permits users access to over 500 of the publisher’s greatest works.

It isn’t, however, as interesting as it could or should be. A press release on Marvel’s website states that the intent of the iPad is to “drive these new fans into the App Store and local comic shops each week to find even more,” according to publisher and CEO Dan Buckley.

When I heard about the app, I assumed it was built to facilitate comic book fans with all the titles they read, every month, much like the series passes offered on TV shows via the iTunes Store. That doesn’t seem to be the case – the available titles are offered almost as an introduction, rather than a means of revolutionising Marvel’s business model.

Still, it’s a decent start – I just hope Marvel maximises the potential in full digital distribution before iPad use becomes widespread.