Essentially, Starbucks will give their customers (through their already frequently used WiFi) free access to Marvel's Digital Comics Unlimited, a normally $5 per month program that allows readers to browse thousands of back issues.
Comics Alliance is right in saying that this is a great use of digital comics. Frankly, this free access is a great way to grab new readers - something the comic book industry is constantly focused on. In fact, I'd say it was one of the smartest ideas in that regard since they created Marvel Entertainment and started to really get great movies out of Marvel properties.
Now, some people might point out that libraries are doing the same thing - by giving people free,easy access to e-books. And readers of this site will know that I don't think libraries should have free roaming e-books - they should either be in-house or not at all. That's the difference here - the digital comics stay firmly within Starbucks' walls. (Unless, of course, you happen to live above a Starbucks and you steal with WiFi.)
Same thing with Google Books - people shouldn't get complete access to books they haven't bought - especially books not in the public domain. People have to make a living, after all, and without those people making a living, they're wouldn't be books out there in the first place. Limited free access for a time, though? I'm all for that, 100%.
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