When it comes to reading comics, there used to only be a few ways one could attain their fix. For myself, it was either corner stores or grocery stores that would be able to offer me their slim pickings of the most popular issues. With dedicated comic stores becoming fewer and further apart, I am incredibly excited for the Comics, Comixology’s offering on Apple’s iPad.
I’ve been using their app on the iPhone for reading comics, but its screen size leaves something to be desired when you want to soak up an artists work. Upgrading from a 3″ screen to a 9.7″ screen opens up a whole new world for comic consumption.
When you launch the application, you are greeted with a very iTunes store like interface. You can browse the 30 published offerings of over 1300 comics with a tap and swipe of a finger.
After browsing the selection available, simply tap on the cover art of the issue you are interested in learning more about. A preview screen flips around displaying some information. Included is a synopsis of the issue, creator credits, reader starred reviews, an option to see the rest of the individual comics in the series and a “Buy in Print” button. Tapping on the “Buy In Print” button uses your current location and supplies you with a list of brick and mortar comic stores nearby. Tapping on the name of one of these stores will launch the iPad’s Maps app so you can get directions on where to get a physical copy.
Since the launch of the iPad, Marvel, DC and Image have licensed the technology behind Comics and created their own app/store. As the availably of comics grows, the various Comics apps have the tech to send you push notifications when a comic you are interested in is released in their store.
I welcome the transition from print to digital with arms wide open. Similar to how the music industry suffered growing pains and splintered distribution models during the iTunes and digital distribution switch over, it will take some time before all the comic majors get on board with this new way of consuming their wares. The convenience of not having boxes upon boxes of comics sitting around the basement and the ability (once the medium takes off and a larger selection of comics become available) to browse a selection equal to a real store without having to hunt down or special order a collection is exciting.
Just as there will always be consumers who purchase CDs, DVDs, BluRay discs and books, there will still be a need for physical stores to exist to cater to these customers. For the people who want the entertainment on demand, I am thrilled to see publishers like Marvel starting to embrace the new technology at their disposal.
– The Jolly Gamesman
~The Fine Print~
Comixology Price: Free
Comics Price: $0.99 – $1.99
