My guess as to why Marvel keeps doing it is because it keeps working. They keep having sellouts, they keep getting media attention, and the product moves off the shelves. I see no problem with it as a general business practice if it is working.
And what good is the surprise if no one had ever heard of this kid beforehand? The surprise is only there if it is some one we know who dons the mask. If it is an unknown the only real surprise is wondering who the heck is that guy?
The way the did they brought attention to reveal and got people who would not normally be interested talking about it. If Bendis was not writing the book I would have immediately pre-ordered #1, and I have never read an issue of Ultimate Spider-man.
Marvel reveals the new Ultimate Spider-Man (spoilers)
Moderator: JohnMayo
I've never bought a comic book specifically based on the main character's race. I wasn't interested in Ultimate Spider-Man before and now that he's been revealed as mixed race it doesn't change my opinion. I'm not black or hispanic so maybe for people of those races it's a big deal. I hope Marvel expands their readership in those communities. Time will tell.
Or if sales drop.GABE! wrote:The only thing that bothers me about this, and what also makes this feel pretty cheap and a grab for attention is, I think that once the new Amazing Spider-Man movie, or the Ultimate Spider-man cartoon comes out next year Peter Parker will return as Ultimate Spider-man.
