Z-Cult FM Comic Community, a popular site specializing in comic book BitTorrents was contacted last week by Marvel and DC Comics to remove torrents of their respective comics. Z-Cult has announced they are complying with the demands of Marvel but have special rules regarding DC Comics.

This move comes a few weeks after Marvel launched its digital comic book service providing online versions of 2,500 comics for one monthly fee. I guess it was only a matter of time before stamping out the competition.

Major comic book companies have been mostly silent about downloading pirated comics. Almost 90 percent of Marvel and DC’s 70 year-plus libraries have been scanned and released on BitTorrent sites and other file-sharing networks.

Z-Cult points out that they are not located in the United States and thus not subject to its laws, but they will work with copyright holders. Z-Cult has also removed SLG’s Disney titles at SLG’s request, but still provides torrents for SLG’s titles with their permission (SLG also has a download site).

To Marvel and DC’s credit, they did not sue Z-Cult, but followed the DMCA and asked that their content be removed. DC, according to Z-Cult, has not responded so as a caution, Z-Cult will not allow new DC Comics until 30 days after being released in stores. Both companies provided phone numbers to remain in contact with Z-Cult and confirm the validity of their copyright claims.

On the downside, it’s worrisome to see Marvel and DC following the lead of other media companies. Marvel and DC could argue there’s lost revenue in downloading free comics, but there’s also tons of publicity to consider. Since new comics come out every month, reading a bunch of older companies might inspire someone to read a new one.

It’s unlikely this will be an isolated incident since there are hundreds of online resources to download pirated comics. Just like the movie and music companies, Marvel and DC might find it somewhat impossible to find all the sources. And for completist comic fans, there is no cost-effective alternative to pirating comics. Marvel’s online offering is minimal at present (and DC’s is non-existent). Trade paperback collections of comics are limited samples and the originals are rare and expensive. I just hope no comic fans get sued for downloading some old Amazing Spider-Man.