Reading comics on the iPad
Even though comic book characters are rising in public attention with big-name films like The Dark Knight and Iron Man 2, that interest has not always translated into bigger sales for comic shops. One reason may be the price point of a standard comic–2.99-3.99 for one 32-page issue (featuring 22 pages of story and 10 pages of ads). Big-name comics publishers DC and Marvel are betting that some of those holdouts will be brought in by digital comics, which sacrifices hard copies for a lower price and ease of use.Both companies are offering free apps for the iPad which allows users to download individual issues of current series. For the most part, these comics are available after the print versions, although some smaller comics companies like Image have announced plans for same-day print-and-digital publishing. Still, for those interested only in reading and not in collecting, the digital option makes a lot of sense. 1.99 gets you a full issue, and you can sign up to keep downloading the newest issues.Reading on the iPad is easier than you might think. The iPad’s size works well for viewing pages, and you can also enlarge individual panels to admire an artist’s handiworkor if your eyes are going and you just don’t want to admit it.Apps aren’t the only option for downloading books. You can go to comiXology.com and start your own profile where you can download books from a variety of publishers. A special feature for users of DC’s digital reader is that all books downloaded can be accessed at this site. If you plan on going back and rereading stories, this is a great benefit. If not, it’s still a good way of protecting your investment, even if chances are that you’re not concerned about your comics in the future anyway. After all, there’s not exactly a market for digital back issues. Hopefully, digital comics will see an increase in comics fans and increase support for some classic characters.