Marvel Comics has reportedly seen a surge in sales thanks to a unique marketing ploy featuring none other than Robert Downey Jr. The actor, known for his iconic roles as Iron Man and Doctor Doom, lent his artistic skills to the publisher's latest release, "Ultimate Endgame #1".
The comic book series serves as the final chapter of Marvel's relaunched Ultimate Universe, and its success has been largely attributed to the inclusion of Downey Jr.'s artwork. In a first-of-its-kind move, Marvel launched a True Believers Blind Bag program, which allows fans to purchase a bagged-up physical copy that could contain one of the book's variant covers or 500 hand-drawn sketches by notable artists, including Downey Jr.
The actor drew four different versions of his characters - two for his former role as Iron Man and two for his upcoming role as Doctor Doom - both signed and unsigned. The move seems to have paid off, with "Ultimate Endgame #1" potentially becoming Marvel's top-selling comic in years.
Marvel is also expanding its blind bag program with the upcoming Daredevil relaunch in March. Downey Jr.'s next appearance as Doctor Doom will be in Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, while the second issue of Ultimate Endgame is set to release on February 4.
This unusual marketing strategy has not only boosted sales but also added a touch of whimsy and excitement to the comic book world. As Deniz Camp, the writer behind Ultimate Endgame, once joked that this book is "if you want to understand Robert Downey Jr. as Doom."
The comic book series serves as the final chapter of Marvel's relaunched Ultimate Universe, and its success has been largely attributed to the inclusion of Downey Jr.'s artwork. In a first-of-its-kind move, Marvel launched a True Believers Blind Bag program, which allows fans to purchase a bagged-up physical copy that could contain one of the book's variant covers or 500 hand-drawn sketches by notable artists, including Downey Jr.
The actor drew four different versions of his characters - two for his former role as Iron Man and two for his upcoming role as Doctor Doom - both signed and unsigned. The move seems to have paid off, with "Ultimate Endgame #1" potentially becoming Marvel's top-selling comic in years.
Marvel is also expanding its blind bag program with the upcoming Daredevil relaunch in March. Downey Jr.'s next appearance as Doctor Doom will be in Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, while the second issue of Ultimate Endgame is set to release on February 4.
This unusual marketing strategy has not only boosted sales but also added a touch of whimsy and excitement to the comic book world. As Deniz Camp, the writer behind Ultimate Endgame, once joked that this book is "if you want to understand Robert Downey Jr. as Doom."
I'm loving this whole blind bag thing! Who wouldn't wanna buy a random comic that could be signed by RDJ? It's like Christmas in a box 
. The fact that he drew his own characters is so cool, and it feels super special for fans who get one of the signed versions. I mean, I'd totally shell out some cash for that! 
And it's awesome to see Marvel taking a risk with this marketing ploy – it's definitely working! 
The whole thing just screams 'fun' and 'excitement', you know? Can't wait to see what other surprises they have in store... 
It's genius marketing, and it's added a whole new layer of coolness to the whole comic book experience. And now, with Marvel expanding this idea to other titles like Daredevil... 
I'm expecting some serious sales boosts across the board! But what do you guys think? Are blind bag comics the future of geek culture? 
Robert Downey Jr.'s involvement in Marvel's Ultimate Endgame #1 has brought a whole new level of coolness to the comic world! The True Believers Blind Bag program is genius - who wouldn't want to buy a bag with a chance of getting one of his awesome sketches or variant covers? 
It's like a dream come true for fans! This move has definitely brought some excitement back to the comic book scene, and I'm loving every minute of it! 
Plus, it shows that even celebrities are willing to get creative and have fun with their passions... what's not to love about that? 
the blind bag program is such a genius idea, it's like a fun surprise for fans every time they buy one! 
and can we talk about how cool it is that he drew his own characters as iron man & doctor doom? 
i'm definitely gonna have to get my hands on those variant covers or sketches... good luck getting them though, maybe someone can sell them online? 
and also excited to hear that it's going to become one of marvel's top-selling comics in years! 
the whole thing just feels like a big surprise party for comic book fans 
it's genius marketing, tbh. the ultimate endgame #1 is literally flying off shelves. i need to get my hands on that book ASAP! 
