My guess is that these companies are setting the stage to encourage the eventual transition from "most people buying hard copy versions of comics" to "most people buying soft copy versions of comics". Right now digital versions cost extra because they are taking advantage of the early adopters willing to spend more money.
Eventually we'll probably end up seeing a time when getting a digital version of a title will be directly cheaper than a hard copy version. There will be a market for people who are willing to pay $0.99 for a download rather than $3-4 for a physical book. Sooner or later the idea of getting a hard copy of something will likely only be a "specialty market" the same way vinyl albums for music is today.
Loth 50 Fire/Rad Controller [1392 Badges] [300 non-AE Souvenirs]
Ryver 50 Ele� Blaster [1392 Badges]
Silandra 50 Peacebringer [1138 Badges] [No Redside Badges]
--{=====> Virtue ♀
I like the idea of giving people a reason to shop at brick & mortar comic stores, but an extra buck for the digital version of the physical comic you just bought?!? Really?
At almost $4/book these days, it should be INCLUDED in the comic price. And you just KNOW they'll find an excuse to raise that 99cent price a year or 2 down the road.
From Newsarama
Craft your inventions in AE!!
Play "Crafter's Cafe" - Arc #487283. A 1 mission, NON-COMBAT AE arc with workable invention tables!