In response to this, the good people over at Pulse did a little survey to find out what some prominent comic pros thought. You can read the full article here. The article focuses on what effect this price rise will have on the comics in question. But, one of the most interesting answers and an answer that highlights the point I was trying to make, was from CrossGen Head Mark Allessi:

THE PULSE: Why can't comics be prices in the US$1.00 to US$1.75 range again? What is going to happen to the industry if these rates keep increasing?

MARK ALESSI: I have always said that we need to find a way to provide more reasonable pricing for comics which is what we have tried to do with the " Pocket Size Compendia " which fans are writing us that they were originally worried about the size reduction affecting quality, but now that they have seen them they are amazed at the quality of reproduction. I mean 8 comics for 8 bucks, hard to beat !!! Comics on the Web are also a great price reduction option ! Even if you still want the hard copy on certain titles, it cost $2 dollars a month for unlimited access to over 180 titles and growing monthly , some with voice over and many in multiple languages. Two dollars for 180 comics seems like a legitimate bargain and since they have cellular support you can read them anywhere you can pick up a cellular connection. You will never get lost in our continuity with every title ever published available !!! Currently, we are releasing Brath, Crossovers and Lady Death " A Medieval Tale "plus two new mini-series one, " The Mark of Charon " and two, the long awaited return of Brandon Peterson in " Chimera " as well as George Perez's return to a monthly title in " Solus " . Some top flight stuff from some very talented creators . I hope fans will give them a look!

I really hope that Marvel will take notice of CrossGen's innovative plans and give fans like myself another option for enjoying their product!