Paperkeg*

The Case for Digital Comics. Again.

As The ‘Keg is becoming recognized as a promoter of digital comics, I feel the need to throw my proverbial hat into the digital ring. Full disclosure: I buy almost all new releases in paper, unless it appears same-day in a comics app for iOS. That said, when DC reboots/relaunches/rewhatevers in September, I will not pick up a single paper issue, a floppy if you will, from that publisher ever again. I’ll be purchasing all DC content in-app to support same-day digital initiatives throughout the industry.

Currently the majority of my purchases are being made via the Comixology app as it offers the most options, though I do download Marvel titles in the dedicated app as well as the occasional Dark Horse book. Many people have suggested that I go back and read “classic” DC staples such as Superman: For All Seasons among other titles, and I was pleasantly surprised to find several of these titles available digitally. Much to the annoyance of probably everyone, I am an avid Tweeter (Twitterer?). I greatly believe in the concept of oversharing, and as such, regularly document my reading process and sentiments towards the various comics that I read.

This giant exposition on my digital comics experience brings me to my actual point: Debunking the Lack of Consumer Interaction at Point of Sale When Purchasing Comics Digitally. A common attitude from individuals that prefer paper to sweet, sweet touchscreens is the lack of a purchasing experience when buying digitally. This is an exceptionally valid feeling and is one with which I’ve had to struggle against. As a social creature, I love having a personal exchange every Wednesday with my comics retailer. Telling jokes, gossiping about industry news, or even a semi-friendly argument are all staples of the comics buying experience for myself and countless others. That socializing, that interaction is the real reason behind me going to a paper and glue retailer rather than downloading the book. Until recently, that is. During my exploration of a $.99 Wonder Woman sale on Comixology, I downloaded a series written and drawn by Matt Wagner. As I’m wont to do, I tweeted about it and shortly thereafter the CEO and co-founder of Comixology, David Steinberger, responded warmly and recommended several other books by the same artist/writer. Spurred by his genuine enthusiasm, I downloaded several of the issues and have had a ball reading them and admiring the unique art. Now, it wasn’t until after I had spent money on the issues and was reading them that I realized what exactly had transpired.

To simplify the situation: I was browsing through my LCS, the store owner initiated a conversation and recommended books, sharing the owner’s enthusiasm, I spent money and bought copies of a book I never would have read/picked out on my own. Replace “LCS” with Comixology, and “store owner” with David Steinberger. See what just happened? Meaningful, digital exchanges that transpired at a point of sale. Boom. Your argument is invalid.

Did I mention that I’m kinda a “b”?