DC Universe Infinite: Great In Theory, But Too Costly

So far, DC Universe has been a complete nightmare. To start off it was a great service. It had a long list of comic-centric original programming, access to their movie and television vault, thousands of comics, and special offers. However, now that HBO Max has launched the DC content has been shifted over. Now DC Universe is left in the dust, but no entirely. They’re rebranding DC Universe Infinite.

“Our fans love the platform’s robust library of comic books and, with the transformation, we will not disappoint,” said DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee. “I’m excited to share that not only will DC Universe Infinite members still be able to read all of the great comics that they’ve enjoyed but new issues are debuting on the platform quicker than before, digital-first exclusives are being created, and the members-only events will begin as soon as possible. There has never been a better time to be a DC fan!”

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Making a long story short, they’re cutting out the program and making it a comic book only service. At face value that is completely fine but one major issue, price. DCUI will keep the $7.99 price tag that the original DCU was charging.

Yes, that means you’re getting less content at the same price as before. To top it all off, if you want to watch the original programs you’ll have to include the $14.99 HBO Max. Now they’re up to $22.98 and even if they bundle, what will they get it down to $19.99? This stinks of highway robbery.

Then of course there is the release schedule. Even if you want to read newer comics, you’ll still have to wait six months after publication to keep up with newer titles on the digital platform. One of the greatest appeals to any form of media is keeping up with what’s new and exciting. Killing off the word of mouth with a six month waiting period will surely doom a lot of comic stories. By the time their subscribers get their hands on digital form, those reading physical copies will have long been over story arcs and moved on to the next ones.

DC Universe Infinite has a place in the world, but right like DCU before it, it seems like a half-baked idea ultimately doomed to fail.