Are they finally going digital?

[Pseudicide]

Slowly but surely

http://www.wired.com/underwire/2010/06/dc-comics-ipad-app/

I know it's not an entire digital movement, but surely it is something? I mean, I like buying comics, but I'm a trade girl. I end up re-buying a lot because I want to have it in trade for re-read and storage purposes.

Do we think this might be signalling a more complete DC digital rollout?

~Dee

[Tenacious_AA]

I like digital for somethings but not comics.

I can see with this that the prices of comics going up, and less prints being available. I also have a fear of my struggling LCS disappearing.

[Pseudicide]

I like digital for somethings but not comics.

I can see with this that the prices of comics going up, and less prints being available. I also have a fear of my struggling LCS disappearing.

I am a digital comic fan, TBH. I do worry about the LCS, but at the same point, the ease of reading a digital comic, and the ease of storing make me a fan.

[4thHorseman]

Hate digital comics. If it works for people, great. But I would much rather hold the comic in my hand and read it then read it on a computer or tiny Ipod/Iphone screen.

[K-DoG7p7]

Uhhhhhh
no

They are going the Marvel route

WE WANT NEW! comics digitaly not just old (Both!)

[Free-Man]

I am a digital comic fan, TBH. I do worry about the LCS, but at the same point, the ease of reading a digital comic, and the ease of storing make me a fan.

The idea of having access to tons of back issues I'd normally have to desperately search for and then pay like ten bucks for is very appealing to me.

Plus getting to read a comic on an Iphone or an Ipad seems really awesome.

[Sagafan]

double post. sorry.

[Sagafan]

I'm on the digital bandwagon, so I hope so. I signed up for Marvel's service yesterday and I'd like to be able to read some DC too.

[omega8932]

Uhhhhhh
no

They are going the Marvel route

WE WANT NEW! comics digitaly not just old (Both!)

Actually they have Justice League Generation Lost on day and date at the regular store price from what I've heard. I didn't get a chance to look around too much after I just downloaded it. I assume they need some time to expand the catalogue a bit, but it looks like they're doing this right. The prices are decent AND there's a mix of new and old material. I'm ecstatic. If they continue releasing newer stuff on their, I will become much more of a dc reader. I don't read much now because DC's trade program is spotty at best.

[Gail Simone]

Look, I don't know a ton about this project, but I'm pretty excited about it. DC is doing some things the others are NOT, and it's going to make a big difference.

I am happy.

[Weetomuncher]

I want to switch over to digital comics but I want to buy everything I normally would on the actual day of release (US release day rather than a day later as UK readers need to put up with normally) and a reduction in the price from the paper version, nothing huge but maybe 10-15% off cover price as you aren't getting an actual book but just the images inside.

Comics would NEVER sell out and those massive boxes would stop piling up. It would also be great for people who don't live near a comic store.

If DC can give us all the new books and a big back catalogue of titles then I'll be happy.

[JadeCanary]

I'm with 4thHorseman on this one--I'm not a fan of digital comics, or any type of eBook period. I'm a traditionalist. I want to smell the paper and I want to feel the cover in my hand. It really bothered me when I went to Barnes & Noble last week, and the first thing I saw was a huge Nook e-reader stand right in my face when I walked in. Ugh.

[KevinTBrown]

Uhhhhhh
no

They are going the Marvel route

WE WANT NEW! comics digitaly not just old (Both!)

Generation Lost #4 is being offered the same day it's released.

[omega8932]

To each their own, personally I love being able to read stuff on my iphone. My wife sits in bed and does sudoku before we sleep and I frequently sit and read comics on my iphone. I really wish I had an ipad to read them on, but I can't justify a $400 comics reader. It's about the only thing I'd use it for I can't already do. Print is nice, but I'm just as happy with digital for space reasons. I really like that the older issues are $1.99 to $0.99 a pop. I can justify that a lot more easily to my wife. Looking at other companies buisness models for digital, I would just be happy with dc releasing same day comics at store prices without any discount. It'd be a heckuva lot better than paying MORE than the print copy. We'll see what happens, but DC has made me more excited than I have been in a while about comics. Honestly, most of my buying habits trend towards Marvel, but if DC carries through on this well I may shift my buying habits a lot. I'm already thinking about picking up a bunch of the wildstorm stuff just because it'd $6 for the equivalent of a trade. I'm a lot more likely to experiment with things I haven't read much of at that price. Sorry if I'm gushing, I'm just a little excited!

[K-DoG7p7]

Ohh and comixology is just one of those services i can't respect
While Longbox is developing their software for PC, Mac iOS and Android, comiXology is 100% iOS based

Hell longbox is even shipping with a Android tablet (starting to think its the Notion Ink actually)

[TomStillwell]

Generation Lost #4 is being offered the same day it's released.

Yeah, I saw that. If they are offering some of their titles on the same day of release I will switch to reading them digitally over hard copy.

I really like reading comics on my iPad. I'm not a comic collector really. I just want the stories. This solves the problem of me bringing in more and more comics to my house that I don't really want.

[JadeCanary]

Also, to not come across as a "Negative Nellie," I do see the good aspects of going digital and I think it's cool people are enjoying it. It's just not my cup of tea. :)

[Free-Man]

I really like reading comics on my iPad. I'm not a comic collector really. I just want the stories. This solves the problem of me bringing in more and more comics to my house that I don't really want.

Yes. I can see this being really good, especially since comics aren't really all that hot of a collector's item anymore. There are books I want to get rid of, but I'm sure I'd get no cash for.

And I understand the feeling of nostalgia over paper comics, but it just seems a tad silly to be upset about this. EVERYTHING evolves eventually.

[ceebee_eebee]

Oh, thank GOD. About fucking TIME, DC. Actually, I'm going to take the credit on this one because I was so annoyed that Marvel had an ipad app and DC didn't that I actually wrote a letter to DC telling them how they were missing out on a growing market. Because my words are JUST THAT POWERFUL.

I hate having to buy comics in print. I would much rather read them on my computer/ipad and not have to find room in my tiny living space for more crap I don't need. Plus, having to make time to go to a comic shop? SUCKS. I will happily pay for digital comics and not...procure them via other means if DC will provide me the option.

So, YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!

[AndrewCrossett]

I have no intention of buying an iPad. If they make them readable on other machines, I'll consider it. I really have very little storage space left for comics.

If they stop making print comics, and they don't make digital ones readable on my desktop machine, then I'll stop reading comics.

Digital comics will put an end to the idea of the comics shop, of course. I've been going to mine since about 1978. I'll miss it.

[TomStillwell]

I don't think it will end comic shops. I do think it will change the way comic shops function and what services they offer.

The key is making a comic shop more than a place you go to buy comics once a week. You have to make each comic shop a community of comic lovers unto itself, a place of congregation.

[ceebee_eebee]

I don't think it will end comic shops.

Agreed. Because I think the reality is, the people who are going to buy digital comics are not, for the most part, people who buy comics in comic shops. This isn't an either/or scenario. I have almost NEVER stepped foot in a comics shop so it's not like my buying comics online is going to cut into their revenue. It's going to open up comic buying to a larger audience of people who are a hell of a lot more willing to click a button on their laptop then track down a comic shop somewhere and make time to visit it.

[Weetomuncher]

I don't buy a massive amount of comics at the moment, mainly because my health stops me from going to the comic store every week but also because I have to travel 10 miles to get to a decent comic store.

About 6 years ago, I was buying over 40 books a month and going to the store weekly and having to travel 20 miles to the store.

It would have been a helluva lot easier to just download them and comic stores here are pretty expensive.

[Typo Lad]

Ohh and comixology is just one of those services i can't respect
While Longbox is developing their software for PC, Mac iOS and Android, comiXology is 100% iOS based

Hell longbox is even shipping with a Android tablet (starting to think its the Notion Ink actually)

This is a real issue for me. I want digital comics... but I want to be able to read them on my netbook or my desktop, not just one device from one vendor.

[AndrewCrossett]

Many (most?) comic shops, except for the big ones in major cities, are barely surviving as it is. I think anything that cuts into their revenues to this degree will do the same thing to them that online sales have done to brick-and-mortar music stores and bookstores. And those music and bookstores have the advantage of being chains with corporate backing, rather than the mom-and-pop operations most comics stores are.

[scout1279]

Yeah, I saw that. If they are offering some of their titles on the same day of release I will switch to reading them digitally over hard copy.

I really like reading comics on my iPad. I'm not a comic collector really. I just want the stories. This solves the problem of me bringing in more and more comics to my house that I don't really want.

can I ask you a question about your iPad? Have you ever tried reading outside in the sun? Can you actually see the screen, or is there too much glare, like on a laptop?

[Tenacious_AA]

Many (most?) comic shops, except for the big ones in major cities, are barely surviving as it is. I think anything that cuts into their revenues to this degree will do the same thing to them that online sales have done to brick-and-mortar music stores and bookstores. And those music and bookstores have the advantage of being chains with corporate backing, rather than the mom-and-pop operations most comics stores are.

Ear Xtacy a local music store, had to sell out because... they couldn't make it because of digital music.

I'm hoping LCS will be able to find some kind of silver lining in this, that will help them keep going.

[Free-Man]

Ear Xtacy a local music store, had to sell out because... they couldn't make it because of digital music.

I'm hoping LCS will be able to find some kind of silver lining in this, that will help them keep going.

That's just business unfortunately. As time goes on, certain things become obsolete and disappear.

Hopefully, comic shops hang in a little longer, but the digital transition is something that is gonna happen anyway.

[ceebee_eebee]

can I ask you a question about your iPad? Have you ever tried reading outside in the sun? Can you actually see the screen, or is there too much glare, like on a laptop?

I can answer this. In direct sunlight, there's too much glare.

[Xiroteus]

Big fan of digital comics, I find reader digital comics easier then paper comics as they are always flat, single issues have to be read flat which ends up hurting my neck looking down for to long while reading them on my computer or tablet device causes no issues at all. Ease of access, just type it in and have the issue in five seconds. There is also the storage issue, I do not mind having hardcovers on a bookshelf, boxes and boxes of comics does not look that good nor is it all the fast to access. I used to be a collector and for years have been just about being a reader and having access to comics in whatever form is the easiest.

[TomStillwell]

can I ask you a question about your iPad? Have you ever tried reading outside in the sun? Can you actually see the screen, or is there too much glare, like on a laptop?

Too much glare. Fortunately, I don't usually sit outside and do much reading of anything. I don't even do that with regular reading material.

[K-DoG7p7]

can I ask you a question about your iPad? Have you ever tried reading outside in the sun? Can you actually see the screen, or is there too much glare, like on a laptop?

the only devices that do not have a real glare problem is E-ink and PixleQi devices
E-ink can't do color, so that leaves PixleQi
However the only PixleQi tablet announced is the Notion Ink Adam and it runs Android and given that Comixology is iOS only..

[galactica]

I see myself reading single issues online and buying physical trades and GNs. Of course it's easier and cheaper to order trades/GNs online form Amazon or whathaveyou, so I don't know where that leaves the LCS.

[scout1279]

Too much glare. Fortunately, I don't usually sit outside and do much reading of anything. I don't even do that with regular reading material.


the only devices that do not have a real glare problem is E-ink and PixleQi devices
E-ink can't do color, so that leaves PixleQi
However the only PixleQi tablet announced is the Notion Ink Adam and it runs Android and given that Comixology is iOS only..

BOO! I read outside as often as possible, every day in the spring and summer, weather permitting.

Thanks for answering the question though.

[TomStillwell]

I see myself reading single issues online and buying physical trades and GNs. Of course it's easier and cheaper to order trades/GNs online form Amazon or whathaveyou, so I don't know where that leaves the LCS.

If they are available I usually buy the digital trades as well. I did that with Walking Dead.

Walking Dead is also an example of how a digital comic led to me now buying traditional issues from a brick & mortar store. I used Comixology to catch up as far as I could on Walking Dead from the series start with digital issues, I then moved on to regular trades and now I'm buying the regular monthly issues since I don't want to wait for the digital books to come out later.

[AndrewCrossett]

That's just business unfortunately. As time goes on, certain things become obsolete and disappear.

And one of those things is "employment."

I wonder what the plan is for maintaining people's livelihoods in the "push-button world of tomorrow?" When everything is automated, what the hell do people do for a living?

[K-DoG7p7]

BOO! I read outside as often as possible, every day in the spring and summer, weather permitting.

Thanks for answering the question though.

Its not really anything to boo over.
The Notion Ink adam is due next month, its cheaper then the iPad, has more features (like a God damn USB port and camera) and we allready know Longbox is 100% compatible


Here is a video showing the iPad vs a laptop with a PixleQi display in sunlight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NotK4TVQ-6E

[K-DoG7p7]

And one of those things is "employment."

I wonder what the plan is for maintaining people's livelihoods in the "push-button world of tomorrow?" When everything is automated, what the hell do people do for a living?

build the stuf that is automated and manage it

[jesse_custer]

For me, there's something very antiseptic about reading comics on a computer and, therefore, unexciting.

[DavidAllred]

Maybe its just me, but the $1.99 price tag seems a bit high. If they keep it for new releases, then you are just $1 away from owning the real deal.

I too wish that I had digital copies of the stuff I already own, because it is a pain to go back through six longboxes in the closet, take off the protective tape and cover, and carefully re-sheath it after reading.

But at $1.99 per issue, I would be looking at having to drop over $250 on just my Green Arrow Volume I collection. Dropping $250 to get digital access to something I already paid $250 or more for is not something I could see myself doing. And that's just one collection of my books. Repeat that across GL, Nightwing, Titans, Outsiders, Secret Six, etc., etc. then I would have to spend thousands, maybe upwards of 10K.

If they start doing new releases this way, I'd be game. But I like Digital Longbox's theory, that being once you've dropped money on the digital version, that should count as a discount toward getting the hard copies on the stuff you really, really love and want in your permanent collection.

[Xiroteus]

If the screen is rotated a 24" comic page. :D

[Linkara]

About friggin' time. While I still refuse to get an iPad, I've been saying they needed to get onboard digital comics for a while now.

[Free-Man]

And one of those things is "employment."

I wonder what the plan is for maintaining people's livelihoods in the "push-button world of tomorrow?" When everything is automated, what the hell do people do for a living?

Building, overseeing, and directing said automations.

[AndrewCrossett]

Building, overseeing, and directing said automations.

And as for the other 99% of people displaced by automation and digitization?

As I said, it takes a tiny fraction of the workers to run an automated industry as it took before. What happens to the others?

[ceebee_eebee]

And as for the other 99% of people displaced by automation and digitization?

As I said, it takes a tiny fraction of the workers to run an automated industry as it took before. What happens to the others?

The same thing that's been happening since the beginning of the industrial age. Not to be overly flippant, but isn't this fear about a century too late?

[Free-Man]

And as for the other 99% of people displaced by automation and digitization?

As I said, it takes a tiny fraction of the workers to run an automated industry as it took before. What happens to the others?

Who knows? What happens to people who are out of work whenever an industry goes under?

I honestly don't see what you're upset about here.

[AndrewCrossett]

Who knows? What happens to people who are out of work whenever an industry goes under?

I honestly don't see what you're upset about here.

About the fact that nobody seems to care what will happen in this country when we have 10 times more people needing jobs, than we have jobs that need doing.

Thanks to the combination of globalization, automation and digitalization, we're heading that way very, very quickly.

[Free-Man]

About the fact that nobody seems to care what will happen in this country when we have 10 times more people needing jobs, than we have jobs that need doing.

Thanks to the combination of globalization, automation and digitalization, we're heading that way very, very quickly.

As Ceebee pointed out, it's not anything new.
And you can't fight technological advance anyway, so it's a moot point.

[omega8932]

About the fact that nobody seems to care what will happen in this country when we have 10 times more people needing jobs, than we have jobs that need doing.

Thanks to the combination of globalization, automation and digitalization, we're heading that way very, very quickly.

And then one day, we will cast off our robotic bourgeoisie. It will be a technological communist revolution. We will destroy modern society and return to simpler times tilling the land and keeping sheep. I'll be fine because my wife is a horticulturist so I'm sure our crops will do well. The rest of you nerds are screwed though.





Sorry that's just the funny image that went through my head. Seriously though, it's kind of a silly worry. Technology has been on an upward trend since the dawn of time. What do you expect? I'm happy the comic book industry has moved into the next century with the rest of us. Hopefully they'll all do it soon enough not to tank the industry.

[Typo Lad]

About the fact that nobody seems to care what will happen in this country when we have 10 times more people needing jobs, than we have jobs that need doing.

Thanks to the combination of globalization, automation and digitalization, we're heading that way very, very quickly.

Actually, there are jobs that can be done. There just jobs no-one wants... so we hire illegals.

[AndrewCrossett]

As Ceebee pointed out, it's not anything new.
And you can't fight technological advance anyway, so it's a moot point.

At some point it all collapses, as unemployment continues to rise and rise, and finally not enough people can afford to take advantage of those technological advances, which stop due to lack of profitability.

[ceebee_eebee]

At some point it all collapses, as unemployment continues to rise and rise, and finally not enough people can afford to take advantage of those technological advances, which stop due to lack of profitability.

And it all starts with DC comics giving me the opportunity to legally do something that I was already doing. Who knew?

[AndrewCrossett]

It hardly started with it. It's just the death warrant for yet another industry. Comics retail and distribution is going to largely go away because of the digital availability of comics, and almost everyone working in that field is going to lose their jobs. I realize nothing can be done to stop it. Doesn't mean I have to like it. And yes, I'll probably buy digital comics when they come out regularly and reliably on my platform of choice. In fact, I won't have any choice, if I still want to read comics.

[scandalsavage]

Good to see this. I suppose the timing makes sense with the drop in prices the iPhone will have after tomorrow.

I think they need to tinker with their pricing structure. I can pick up back issues for .25 to .50 -- I won't pay $1.99. I would, however, pay for a subscription to the archive. I would love to be able to read some of their titles that are not traded online but at an all I can read price. And I wu

But I am having fun with the app on my iPhone. I like seeing the WW logo along the bottom of the store.

Now I have to get an iPad!

[ceebee_eebee]

Now I have to get an iPad!

It is pretty much the best toy I've had since I was in single digits.

[Teal_Lantern]

I never thought this day would come.

Luckily, I got a PSP, so I don't need to buy an iPhone.

[Corrina]

It hardly started with it. It's just the death warrant for yet another industry. Comics retail and distribution is going to largely go away because of the digital availability of comics, and almost everyone working in that field is going to lose their jobs. I realize nothing can be done to stop it. Doesn't mean I have to like it. And yes, I'll probably buy digital comics when they come out regularly and reliably on my platform of choice. In fact, I won't have any choice, if I still want to read comics.

Print comics sales have been trending downward since their peak decades ago.

Who knows? The digital sales may suddenly cause an uptick in people reading comics--which might mean more people employed writing comics.

I've been following the whole digitalization of prose for a while now, especially with my books available in eform. Print is still king, for now. But it is possible that the tipping point has been reached and, suddenly, more books are read because they're instantly available.

It could also put print books out of business, too. But I don't have facts nor figures on how large digital sales could reach versus current print sales or how many jobs there are creating software and hardware for things like the iPad.

I'd love to see some stats, if you have some. I suspect there are lots of jobs creating & building the hardware but they're currently not in the USA.

[Teal_Lantern]

Shops have been losing business and readers for years. Even without digital comics, most shops would have eventually lost business. The only way to save them would be an overhaul in how they work.

It seems like their doom is inevitable.

[scandalsavage]

Comic shops are going to have to continue to evolve. Their sales have been declining so many turn to other things -- game nights, collectibles and other merchandise such as used DVDs and CDs. And there are always going to be people who enjoy long box diving and having floppies for a collection.

[Pseudicide]

Oh, thank GOD. About fucking TIME, DC. Actually, I'm going to take the credit on this one because I was so annoyed that Marvel had an ipad app and DC didn't that I actually wrote a letter to DC telling them how they were missing out on a growing market. Because my words are JUST THAT POWERFUL.

I hate having to buy comics in print. I would much rather read them on my computer/ipad and not have to find room in my tiny living space for more crap I don't need. Plus, having to make time to go to a comic shop? SUCKS. I will happily pay for digital comics and not...procure them via other means if DC will provide me the option.

So, YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!

You truly are, my dear.

I'm with you. I mean, I'll still go to my LCS and buy things, cause I'm like that, but I have so many back issues that are so hard to find in trade or in single as I'm a relative newcomer to DC (last twoish years). I'd love to be able to buy them and store them digitally.

[mistergoodman]

Oh, thank GOD. About fucking TIME, DC. Actually, I'm going to take the credit on this one because I was so annoyed that Marvel had an ipad app and DC didn't that I actually wrote a letter to DC telling them how they were missing out on a growing market. Because my words are JUST THAT POWERFUL.

Thanks, dude! Now you need to write them back and tell them to offer Birds of Prey digitally!

By the way folks, comics purchased from ComiXology (including DC comics) can also be read on a laptop or PC or Mac. They're branching out. The iPad is still the coolest way to go for reading on the sofa tho.

[ceebee_eebee]

Thanks, dude! Now you need to write them back and tell them to offer Birds of Prey digitally!

My pleasure! And consider it done. As soon as they see who it's from, I'm sure they'll get right on it. :-)

[Xiroteus]

I do not like the idea of anyone losing their job, things movie around and shift all the time and maybe something else good will come out of it for others in a some way.


Actually, there are jobs that can be done. There just jobs no-one wants... so we hire illegals.

Horrible pay?

[Pseudicide]

And it all starts with DC comics giving me the opportunity to legally do something that I was already doing. Who knew?

The digital medium will be the death of our online forums!!!

Seriously though, these things are always a concern. My father worked 25 years of his life at a factory that was closed because of advances in technology that led to consolidation and downsizing. But industries must change and as a whole people insist on cheaper goods and services. This in turn forces wages down, leads to outsourcing to other places (shoes made in china anyone?) etc, etc. It's a much larger issue than DC comics choosing to go digital.

We are in the midst of a massive change as to how we read. Online newspapers have supplanted print for many, kindles and the like are gaining in popularity, the change is happening. DC is doing what they can to try and move with those changes and make it work for their business model.

I'd love to see this get smaller and newer books more exposure though I doubt that'll happen immediately.

~Dee

[Mercurialblonde]

I prefer digital comics. Easier to organize. Unfortunately I don't have an Ipad or Iphone or PSP :(

Hopefully they start selling through itunes or something and let us read them on our computers that way. They'd get a lot of money from me.

[Mercurialblonde]

By the way folks, comics purchased from ComiXology (including DC comics) can also be read on a laptop or PC or Mac. They're branching out. The iPad is still the coolest way to go for reading on the sofa tho.


Oh wow. Really?

[omega8932]

Oh wow. Really?

It's still relatively new. Here (http://comics.comixology.com/) I think.