Out With The Old & In With The Digital

Before I start my article about the differences between digital and hard copy comics, I must first mention that I am in no way promoting one or the other! Digital comics are the new thing lately and a lot of fans have flocked to this new form of reading comics. In my post this week, I will be looking at the advantages of both hard copies vs. digital comics.

The first aspect I'm going to analyze is the price, but this is where it gets a bit hard to determine. The reason I say this is because downloading contents on certain sites can be free, but for this argument, I will be referring specifically to paying for the digital comics. I have found from my trips to local comic shops that it's cheaper to pay online for books. There are factors as to why I believe this. For instance, transportation (driving, bus, cab fare) to get a comic(s) at your local store will cost you some change just to get there unless you're lucky enough to live near one. On the other side of the coin, digital comics can be bought without leaving the comforts of your very own home. I also found through looking online that it's cheaper to order a book than at your local shop just because some shops will charge more for a variant cover book which has the same material inside but with a different cover (which most readers can't afford or want).

One thing I will say that digital comics doesn't have is the experience of going to a comic store. For myself, comics shops are all unique and have their own personalities. I find that going to comic shops is nostalgic for me and the smell of the print is something digital comics can never replace. However, digital comics can be stored on your devices (computer, iPad/tablets, laptop) which saves way more space. I love my comics but the boxes, book shelves and endless piles of books on the floor make it difficult to keep my books in near mint condition.

Another aspect of this debate are the profits and support to the artist/writer. I know if we use the legal download point, then it's equal both ways. But in a day and age where people have bills to pay and there being sooo many free downloading sites, it seems like the poor creators get the short end of the stick.

This topic about which is better can go on forever but it's nice to have a look at how digital comics has changed the comic industry.

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This week's, On My Shelf item is Amazing Spider-Man # 300 (1988). With Fan Expo quickly approaching, I thought it would be nice to feature an item of one of its guests. This book is not only the first appearance of Venom, but it marked the come out party for one Todd McFarlane!! If you don't know who McFarlane is, just look up Spawn (among other projects he's done). As one of the founders of Image Comics, McFarlane will be at Toronto Fan Expo this weekend. So if you get a rare chance to meet him, definitely take advantage of it!