So today,  Marvel launched its Infinite Comics Line with the release of Avengers Vs. X-Men Infinite #1.  This is available on Marvel’s app and via Comixology with the purchase of Avengers Vs. X-Men #1 or separately for $0.99 if you don’t want to buy the “biggest event of the summer.”  You wouldn’t be doing yourself a favor, since AxX Infinite #1 is more of a prelude/prologue than last week’s AvX #0 was; it’s really just Nova’s story as he crashes to Earth.   Marvel has been hyping this as the “future of comics.” It even asks you in the comic, “Are you ready for the future of comics?” And yet Infinite Comics #1 is really nothing new.

What it does do is maximize the 4:3 ratio of the iPad screen when sideways, presenting fuller screen images and flash-in captions, word balloons, and other effects such as camera focus to give the comic a more film-like experience as you tap through the panels. I saw this used before on Alex de Campi’s Valentine when I downloaded that series to my iPad a few months back.  If you want to experience what “Infinite Comics” will be like in the long run, download this series for free. Yes, the whole thing is FREE.  As it so happens, it’s a fantastic read, which always helps. As usual, Marvel is posturing themselves as innovators, when really they’ve only copied something others have done before; Mark Waid’s Luther also utilize similar techniques and, by golly, it’s also free.

What I actually think is cool is Marvel’s AR (Augmented Reality) App, which is available on both iOS and Android devices.  Marvel would like you to believe that this only works on the print copies of their releases, but go ahead and pull up the comic on Comixology on your computer monitor. Then, yank out your iPad and point the App at the screen. It works; I’ve tried it.  Now THAT is extra bang for your buck, Marvel!