Digital Comics

[samurainoir]

I'm not sure what shape this discussion can take, but I'm kind of interested in how guys our age are responding to Digital Comics.

I was just having a discussion with my brother about how it has changed my evolving comics habit.

In recent years I've become a "wait for the trades" kind of guy. All my favourite stuff is generally serialized and reads better in a collected format. This had not really changed my weekly visit to the comic store however. There are always new trades waiting for me to buy every week, but I also like to flip through whichever books I'm following in order to keep up with any new developments before their spoiled anyhow on the various comics related forums I hang out in.

In the past few months, I've recently discovered that generally within 24 hours, the new comics that come out on Wednesdays are already scanned and can be found online!

I'm still buying trades, but I no longer have been making my weekly Wednesday trip to the comic store. I've been reading them on my computer from the comfort of home. The only drawback is that when I finally do go back to the comic store to get my trades that are being pulled for me, I am walking out with enough book-weight to kill an elephant.

The other thing that has happened is that I've been discovering quite a few books that I would not have otherwise picked up, and as a result have added those trades to my pull list. (this of course has been what folks have been saying about music downloads for years and years)


Talking to my brother about this hwoever, he had only one comment. Not everyone has a huge screen imac like I do (two pages fit nicely and read legibaly on my monitor), and he still prefers the tactile sensation of reading a comic book.

I'm also of the opinion it will be only a matter of time before e-book readers (or our phones/PDAs) become another way we read comics.

Thoughts on the future of Digital comics? Particularly with Marvel's new initiative?

[thunderbolt]

Didgital comix don't interest me. I'm sort of a caveman when it comes to tech, no cable, no cell phone, and books printed on paper. I'd much rather do my reading kicked back on the sofa instead of hunched over a too bright computer screen.

[The Toyroom]

I need the paper and ink fix on a weekly basis...digital comics just ain't my bag!

[The Toyroom]

Plus, it isn't about just reading them with me...it's about collecting. Which is why I don't go for the "wait for the trade" attitude either....

[BlackKnight]

I don't have a Computer in my Bathroom,.. & In moments of Extreme Deep thought, as well as Consintration, I need to be able to read something of interest. The BS mags My oldLady gets just does not do it for me.

.. So no, I'd rather have me books.

[jds1911a1]

read the String "Classic Marvel Comics Online" many of us chimed in there

[Bo8a_Fett]

I don't have a Computer in my Bathroom,.. & In moments of Extreme Deep thought, as well as Consintration, I need to be able to read something of interest.

LOL I thought I was the only one to do this LOL
I much prefer the physical contact off actually holding onto my comics when I read them...I like trades but only if i've missed a few issues ar they are of a set that i'm gonna re-read so I don't have to dig out my originals. Loving them Essentials though...never really got into Thor until I picked up Essential Thor 1 then I was hooked big time.Even the black and white versions (although that was my first introduction to marvel and dc characters due to UK reprints) are better than digi comics.

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

I MUCH prefer an actual book. I don't need batteries/a wall socket/ monitor, etc with a book. BUT I do think it's nice that a lot of really old and obscure stuff has been released digitally. (Like them Marvel CD compilations.) It's a good way for people to get reading copies, and it shows that in some vestigial way at least the companies understand that there are people actually interested in READING their books, and not just hoarding them away.

But the guys who scan new stuff I don't understand. What makes someone want to take all that time to scan, edit and post a new book? Especially one readily available?

Don C.

[samurainoir]

I don't have a Computer in my Bathroom,.. & In moments of Extreme Deep thought, as well as Consintration, I need to be able to read something of interest. The BS mags My oldLady gets just does not do it for me.

.. So no, I'd rather have me books.

Oddly enough, I was just out last night drinking with some friends and one of them made the comment that he had started taking his laptop into the bathroom with him as part of his morning ritual.

[samurainoir]

Plus, it isn't about just reading them with me...it's about collecting. Which is why I don't go for the "wait for the trade" attitude either....

I've also heard the argument that having digital copies of the comic to read will keep your collectibles prestine. Particularly if you have a collection of older more fragile (and valuable) comics.

Which is also a pro for the trade collections of Golden and Silver Age material.

[samurainoir]

But the guys who scan new stuff I don't understand. What makes someone want to take all that time to scan, edit and post a new book? Especially one readily available?

Don C.

I would think it is the same reason why people rip their CDs and DVDs and share them online with others. It is just another extension to the entire peer to peer file sharing phenomenon.

My understanding is that it's a community endeavor. I'd guess that it would start with a small group who share that weeks new release comics with each other, since not everyone can afford to buy everything off the racks these days with the glut of material. Each member of the group would take the time to scan a couple and then upload them.

Given the fact that the work is already done once the files have been collected and distributed to all the contributers, it is no big deal to post them online for others to share as well.

[The Toyroom]

I'd rather plop down the $2.99 for a book than "share" it online....that's just me. Old school and proud of it!

[samurainoir]

I'd rather plop down the $2.99 for a book than "share" it online....that's just me. Old school and proud of it!

Although as a collector, I guess it depends on if you would share your comics with someone else in the first place.

I know that I like to recommend stuff and lend them to people, and the trades have made it that much easier. I don't have to worry about that the comic doesn't come back in less than mint condition.

I'd say digital comics could be an extension of that once more people start upgrading to the larger sized monitors in the next few years.


Back in the day I used to lend out my movie collection constantly to friends. Now if someone mentions that me that they want to see a certain movie, what I do is just make a copy for them and my DVD collection remains at home at all times and intact.

[The Toyroom]

Although as a collector, I guess it depends on if you would share your comics with someone else in the first place.

I know that I like to recommend stuff and lend them to people, and the trades have made it that much easier. I don't have to worry about that the comic doesn't come back in less than mint condition.

I learned the hard way years ago...I used to lend out comics in school until I never got back my "Howard the Duck Magazine" with the Batman spoof by Marshall Rogers. The kid stonewalled me for the entire semester. Since then the library has been closed.

[samurainoir]

I always loved that issue.