Digital comics won’t be fully embraceden masseby fans until their shortcomings are addressed.
Until that happens, we, true comic book fans, should avoid buying digital comics.
Here are just a few reasons why…
1.
Digital Comics Are a Rip-Off
Digital comics should be cheaper.
Most comics are now $3.99, with some edging closer to $4.99.
So what are you paying for?
Art by Russ Leach
Printing and distribution, mainly.
Both of which are very costly.
While digital comics still need distribution, it’s nowhere near as widely or time-consuming as print.
On digital, you’re paying for timeliness.
ComiXology Unlimited gives “endless access” to anyone taking out a $5.99-a-month subscription.
In certain instances, if its a creator or story I love, Ill go straight for print anyway.
Art by Russ Leach
Ill always go for the latter."
You just have to know where to look!
Novels have morphed into serializations and short stories, but comics are defined by their unique format.
In other words, this is the best way to fully appreciate and enjoy them.
It comes down to narrative flow.
This is why artists aren’t asked to provide pin-ups of characters, but instead a full sample page.
It’s not enough to be able to draw; you gotta direct too.
The real test is to construct the page so that a reader can follow the action without word bubbles.
It’s a counter-intuitive way of reading.
Digital Comics Kill the Community
The first victim of digitization is bricks-and-mortar retailers.
If you don’t support your local comic store, they will die.
Away from vile commenters online, readers are generally amicable and always enthusiastic when face-to-face.
This fan experience is essential to properly belonging to that community.
It doesn’t mean you have to be gregarious; it means you have peers to talk to.
Even in a social-media-governed age such as this, primates love a gathering."
Conventions are a core part of this “gathering.”
If digital kills print, these would be very different beasts.
Mixing with fellow creators is stimulating for the process and meeting the fandom is humbling.
So many great people just enjoying the medium is wonderful…
Collecting would become an elite hobby.
Many of us would happily lend a comic to a friend;fewer would lend an iPadorAndroid devicethough.
As a youngster hungry for pulp fantasy I eagerly read comics of many types!
Comics are often picked up for their art but are kept and continued reading for their stories.
That’s how I think it works for kids as well.
The medium is easier to dip into and is visually engaging, thus delivering an immediate stimulating story experience.
The end result is a healthy dose of both mediums!"
Thelimited shelf life of deviceswould also kill your children’s inheritance.
Whereas with digital, you’re giving them some account details.
In fact,your comics could generate some serious dollar.
Digital comics, meanwhile, can’t be sold on.
To Be Continued… However,the argument won’t end here, and neither should it.
Nick concludes:
“I dont think digital will ever entirely kill off print.
A lot of people define themselves with the physical artefacts they keep its the old collectors instinct.
That will continue to change in response to technological advances, but I dont think itll go away entirely.
The important thing, of course, is tokeep buying comicsthrough thick and thin.
