Marvel releasing some 700 No. 1 issues digitally

In comics, the first issue is where the story starts and the legend begins.

For readers, a print copy of issue one can be hard to find and expensive to buy. But those rules don't apply to tablets, laptops and smartphones both for comics fans and those curious about characters they may have seen in film or on television.

Part of that fascination with superheroes and their growing cachet in popular culture is why Marvel Entertainment, home to the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the Avengers, among others, is making more than 700 first issues available to digital readers starting on Sunday for free through the Marvel app and the company's website. After Tuesday, they'll be sold for US$1.99 to US$3.99 per issue.

The titles go from the 1960s Silver Age to contemporary issues with characters including Mr. Fantastic, Wasp, Power Man and Iron Fist, said David Gabriel, senior vice-president of sales.