Marvel is Changing EVERYTHING?!

Overview

Kneon and Geeky Sparkles argue that interest in Marvel and DC comics has declined, and that weak sales and corporate pressure could drive major changes across the industry. They focus on Marvel’s digital plans and comments from its new editor-in-chief.

Marvel’s Digital Plans

Marvel Unlimited is reportedly being replaced by a Webtoon-based app. The video says new Marvel Unlimited subscriptions have ended and the service is expected to close in December 2026. A new Marvel Comics app on Webtoon is scheduled to launch on November 16, 2026. Existing subscribers are expected to have access during the transition, and users may be able to transfer their libraries and reading progress, though details were unclear at the time of the video.

The reported subscription options are:

• Standard: $9.99 per month, with access to new issues 90 days after print publication.
• Ultimate: $12.49 per month, with access after 30 days. A $59.99 annual option was also reported.

The app is expected to include about 35,000 digital comics.

The hosts see Webtoon’s large audience as a possible way to reach digital readers, but not a guarantee of commercial success. They note that online popularity does not necessarily translate into paid readership or strong print sales. They also worry that digital releases closer to print publication could hurt comic shops.

Steve Wacker’s Comments

At New York Comic Con, Steve Wacker reportedly questioned whether Marvel publishes too many comics. He said the company should consider whether each title has a clear reason to exist, a committed creative team, and a plan to help it sell. He also praised retailers for their role in connecting readers with comics.

Wacker pointed to manga as an example of books that can appeal to younger readers: they are relatively inexpensive, substantial in length, and easy to carry. The hosts say compact editions could help attract readers, though they may not suit every comic.

The Hosts’ Criticism of the Industry

The hosts support the idea of publishing fewer, stronger books, but doubt Marvel will have the freedom to follow through. They argue that monthly issues can be expensive for the amount of story they contain, while collected editions may offer better value. They also criticize the industry’s reliance on variant covers, frequent relaunches, and movie-inspired changes to comic characters. In their view, Disney’s financial demands may ultimately outweigh Marvel’s stated goals.

The discussion also touches on broader concerns about comics-industry economics. The main host says creators are often poorly paid and that some leave for better-paying work. He recounts his own experience and alleges that hiring priorities in the mid-2010s disadvantaged some creators; these are presented as his personal views, not independently established findings.

The hosts briefly speculate that corporate changes at Warner Bros. and Paramount could also affect DC Comics.