For the first time Marvel Comics has announced the simultaneous digital and paper release for one of its frontline comics.  The double-sized, 80-page Invincible Iron Man Annual #1, written by Matt Fraction and drawn by Carmine de Giandomenico, will be on sale in comic shops on June 30th with all three chapters also available for purchase as iPhone and iPad apps the same day.

Matt Fraction’s epic retelling of the origin of the Mandarin is to be revealed the Invincible Iron Man Annual #1, which is the first day and date release for a digital comic from the one of the comics industry’s Big Two publishers (though IDW and other publishers have had occasional day and date releases for several months). 

Marvel announced what could be a Rubicon-crossing moment in comic book publishing history with relatively little fanfare on Friday.  It would appear that initially at least comic shop retailers should have a price advantage with the print edition selling for $4.99, while, if the three chapters are sold as apps at the standard $1.99 price, the total cost for the digital comic will be $5.97 (in spite of the lower cost of digital distribution).