By Glen Ludlow
If you have a device (or several) you can now read a comic book anywhere.
If you’re reading this you’re probably a fan of books, comic books, yes, the ones with words and pictures. Unless you’ve been living under a hedge, or a fence, much like the one I’m struggling to put up in my garden, you will know that comics have undergone a metamorphosis. They’ve gone from the fat, little caterpillar, sold only in little specialist stores and have regenerated and spread their digital wings, yes, if you have a device (or several) you can now read a comic book anywhere.
Comixology, basically a digital storefront where, as of recently, anyone can sell their comic book wares, be it the giants of Marvel or DC, or the pet project of a kid in his bedroom, led the way for the digital-comic boom. They have, without argument, just made getting comics a little easier.
You’re either reading this on a computer, or a tablet, or phone, so you know all that I’ve told you
But, this is information you probably already know. You’re either reading this on a computer, or a tablet, or phone, so you know all that I’ve told you, unless you’re slightly odd and have printed this out, how very retro of you.
Now I love digital comics, but only really for back issues, I don’t think I’ve ever bought a new release from the digital store, mainly because I refuse to pay the same amount I would pay for walking into my local comic book shop and getting a physical copy of the book. Digital comics are great for being able to read backstories and historical issues of some of the best storylines in the medium’s history. They’re also brilliant for the comic creator on a budget to get his name out and about. They’re handy for a quick read when you’re in a waiting room or taking a poo, but that’s about it.
They’re handy for a quick read when you’re in a waiting room or taking a poo, but that’s about it.
There still is nothing, well almost nothing, that gives me more pleasure than cracking open a new issue of something. Call me a romanticist if you will, but when you get the fresh smell of the paper hit your nostrils, and the paper cracks beneath the weight of your fingers, the way the subtle acids in your hands attack the pages the minute the two meet, ah, there’s nothing like it.
The other pleasure, and one digital comics can never, ever replace, no matter how hard you argue, is the beauty of a double-page spread. One of my favourite artists, and notorious peddler of the double-page and splash-page is Bryan Hitch (Ultimates, America’s Got Powers), I’ve tried reading issues with his artwork in digitally and it’s just not the same. It lacks the impact and intimacy that you get with the traditional comic book.
One of my favourite artists, and notorious peddler of the double-page and splash-page is Bryan Hitch
Neither am I a fan of motion-comics. To me, they’re just terribly animated cartoons made on the cheap. Yes, I know people love them and hail them as the future of the industry, but to me, they’re not a comic, they’re an oddity. They’re a crossbred medium of animation and comic book. Good luck to them, but they’re not for me.
So if digital comics get new audiences going into comic book stores, that’s even better, but I think for me I still like my new issues printed and in my hand. It’s not just the price, yes, it’s easy to get them, but the whole experience is a little sterile for my tastes.
Also, I don’t think most people like having their screens scribbled on at book signings.
Also, I don’t think most people like having their screens scribbled on at book signings.
For more comic views follow Glen on Twitter at @luddersonline
Posted on April 21st, 2013
Category: NEWS & VIEWS, PANELS OF INTEREST
Tags: Bryan Hitch, Comixology, Digital Comics, Double Spread, Glen Ludlow, Panels Of Interest