DC Comics has announced the launch of DC Universe Infinite, billed as the premiere destination for DC fans. In 2018, DC launched the DC Universe subscription service. Available only in the United States, this was designed to be the hub for all digital DC content. It included a popular range of DC Universe Originals, shows such as Titans and Stargirl, but for comic book readers the real highlight was an impressive collection of digital comics.
Sadly, the streaming service failed to grow, with the promised Canadian rollout never happening. The development of HBO Max was the final nail in DC Universe’s coffin, and the original shows have been migrating to either HBO Max or the CW. But, naturally, that left one gap – what to do with this impressive and ever-growing comic book library? In September, DC confirmed it would find a new home on the DC Universe Infinite platform.
DC has officially confirmed the launch of DC Universe’s successor, DC Universe Infinite. Available in the United States on January 21 and due to expand globally later this year, this is billed as a fan-first platform featuring over 25,000 digital comics and graphic novels – the largest collection of digital DC comics anywhere. Starting at launch, the platform will continuously add selections from DC’s iconic labels, Vertigo, DC Black Label and Milestone Media, with new books added six months after their in-store availability. This is a similar approach to the one taken by DC’s main competitor, Marvel Comics, with their Marvel Unlimited platform. But it also includes a range of other features that should make it stand out above other comic book reader services.
DC Universe Infinite will be priced at $7.99 a month/$74.99 a year. This will perhaps raise eyebrows among subscribers to the current DC Universe, as it’s the same price-point for a smaller range of services, but it’s important to note this still makes DC Universe Infinite very competitive – specifically, cheaper than Marvel Unlimited. Current DC Universe accounts will be automatically converted to DC Universe Infinite accounts, and reading histories and saved collections will be transferred to these new accounts. New and current annual subscribers will also get a $25 voucher to the DC Shop, while monthly members will get a $10 voucher. DC stress that the library will expand dramatically on January 21, clearly anticipating objections from some subscribers and hoping to prove this service is worth it. In truth, the comic book reader on DC Universe was already impressive in its own right – expanding dramatically in January 2019 – so hopefully the further expansion will satisfy subscribers.
In addition to the normal releases, DC Universe Infinite will include a range of digital exclusives. DC also anticipate it becoming a hub for the fan community, with the press release confirming they will be running fan events through the service. Given the promise of international expansion, the promise and potential of DC Universe Infinite is immense.
