The Advantages of Digital Comics and Why I Will Never Like Them

By: Kurt Amacker
Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2006

No one tires of arguing about the future, even comic readers. Though we often find ourselves embroiled in the latest round of delays, controversy, and creator antics, in the back of every fan's mind looms a storm that won't veer to the east and leave us unscathed. The conflict over digital and online comics will likely shake the industry in a few years. With this week's COMICSCAPE, I'll examine the arguments for and against digital comics. For next week, I want to hear your thoughts. I'll run your e-mail with my commentary, and I hope I get slammed with mail. This is important, guys. E-mail me at either kurtamacker@yahoo.com or to comicscape@cinescape.com and let me know what you think.

For those searching for a quick answer, I don't care for digital comics. Whether online or on a DVD, I don't like reading comics on my computer. I'll listen to music or watch movies on my laptop, but I eschew reading much more than the comparably light fare one usually finds on the Internet. I can read news stories or blogs with little trouble, but concentrating on a book or comic book on my laptop requires an act of will usually reserved for sitting through someone's vacation photographs. I often get comics for review in PDF format, and reading them becomes a chore rather than a pleasure. Yet, I realize that digital comics boast a wealth of advantages over their print counterparts for creators, fans, and publishers.

Strictly concerning aesthetics, digital comics offer creators a nigh unlimited visual and narrative plane. You can make those images and stories as big and long as your readers will tolerate. Phallic imagery and double entendres aside, digital comics liberate artists. They don't have to confine their images within pages small enough to accommodate the average reader's hands. With a digital comic, your art can expand to a size proportionate to a dining room table. Readers only have to zoom in as needed. Digital comics also allow creators to incorporate other media into the story. Music, animation, and movable dialogue balloons can create a unique experience infeasible in print.

Lower operating costs can allow a story to continue for as long as people keep reading. Granted, that principle applies to monthly titles as well. But, as many web comics remain free, it liberates a creative team already working for nothing in a comparably inexpensive medium cruel logic, I realize, but still true. They don't earn a lot of money posting free comics online, but they also pay less upfront and don't have to worry about editors demanding results. I realize some of those creators would likely kill for an editor and a paycheck, but you can't lose what you don't have. Depending on your goals, that can serve to your advantage.

Creator owned web comics have little to worry about from corporate censors. With no shortage of web hosting available and virtually no online censorship, creators with extreme or avant-garde ideas can show their work with little interference. Granted, one can do the same thing with a self-published comic book, but printing costs and censorship laws make this a riskier venture. Just ask Mike Diana, creator of BOILED ANGEL. Go online and you can go crazy. A few readers may not see that as advantageous, but I appreciate the freedom the Internet affords everyone. That doesn't mean I approve of photographic or video depictions of every conceivable perversion legal and otherwise but, comics aren't real. Choosing to publish on the web over print could mean the difference between a prison sentence and freedom in some states.

As mentioned earlier, web hosting usually costs less than printing. Most aspiring comic creators will tell you that self-publishing costs an arm, a leg, and your firstborn. Hell, publishing a creator-owned work through Image costs quite a lot. If you don't have printing and shipping costs, you save money, paper, and time. Granted, you don't have that nice poly-bagged comic you made all by yourself to show mom, but the advantages might outweigh that. And, hippies everywhere will thank you for saving all those trees you didn't cut down for paper. In tandem, without physical media, web comics have little to no collectibility. Once the jpeg or PDF goes online, comic fans don't have to compete for a limited print run. Back issue hunting, grading, and haggling over corner bends all fly out the window in favor of a medium with virtually unlimited accessibility. Everyone can read an online comic, and no one has to wait for the trade if the title sells out.

Granted, some of the arguments about online comics don't apply to those sold on CD or DVD. Optical discs can still go out of print and land on auction for astronomical prices. Check E-Bay for that out of print 40 YEARS OF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CD set if you don't believe me. As a physical medium sold in stores, they can still suffer for their content. In 1996, the band Tool couldn't sell their CD Anemia in Wal-Mart, because they wouldn't release a censored version without the Parental Advisory sticker. While that example doesn't foretell the fate of every comic with a drop of blood, it remains a problem web comics will rarely encounter. If someone doesn't want to host your pornographic comic extravaganza of blasphemy and depravity, you can take it somewhere else in a few hours. If Barnes & Noble decides they don't want you if they carry you in the first place you have problems. And, while Marvel recently released DVD collections of nearly full runs of THE AVENGERS, UNCANNY X-MEN, and ULTIMATE X-MEN in conjunction with Graphic Imaging Technology, I don't see optical discs even working for monthly distribution. But, any publisher can still cram hundreds of issues on a single DVD, so we'll definitely see similar collections in the future.

Clearly, I agree that digital comics on the web boast several advantages over the print medium we all love. But, I still don't like them. Granted, I can read a few strips of PENNY ARCADE now and then, but I have no interest in a monthly web-only comic. Frankly, I love settling in with a stack of comic books. I've relaxed that way since childhood, and I have no interest in replacing that with my laptop. I already work in front of a computer all day, and comics give me a break from staring at a monitor for hours on end. I don't need my hobby to give me computer vision syndrome. I love walking into More Fun Comics every Wednesday and flipping through that week's pull. I could never feel that way about logging on to Marvel's web site and punching in my credit card number to download a bunch of PDF files. I take great pleasure in digging through my back issues. Besides remembering well-loved storylines, I can often recall what happened in my life when I bought a certain issue something read after a crushing break-up, another read after I returned from boot camp in San Diego, or that hardcover my wife bought me for Valentine's Day. I can't feel that when my collection resides on a 9GB optical disc.

The other problem with web-distributed media should seem obvious enough to anyone that uses iTunes. Apple controls what you do with those files or they try, anyway. You can only play the DRM-protected files on an iPod, and you can't remove the files without third party software. While I don't deny Apple the right to sell music however they want, the point remains with physical media, be it a paper comic or an audio CD, it's far more difficult for anyone to restrict it or take it. If you own a comic book, you can do whatever you want with it outside of obvious copyright infringement. You can read it as many times as you want, lend it to a friend, sell it, or line your cat's litter box with it. If a publisher sells digital downloads, they can take many of those options away from readers. While that sounds a bit paranoid, the fact that Apple controls how many times one can burn a CD from iTunes or how many computers one can play it on should serve as ample warning if you can't hold it in your hand and take it home, they can take it away from you. Try printing a page off of those Graphic Imaging Technology DVDs I mentioned. You'll see a Marvel watermark on them. But, that's fine. I don't begrudge any publisher the right to distribute their product however they want. It's their material, not mine. It doesn't mean I have to buy it, though. I'd rather pay $3 for a comic I can read and put in a long box than $1 for a download that comes with a set of conditions.

But beyond any from paranoid extrapolations of corporate interference, I just like settling in with a big stack of comics on a Friday evening during the lull between work and the weekend. I never want that to go away. I want kids to know the joy I felt emerging from a comic shop on Saturday afternoon, knowing that I had a great evening ahead of me. I accept that digital comics won't simply go away, but I pray they don't become the norm. Now, what do you think?

The Spinner Rack
By Al Brown and Kurt Amacker

DARK HORSE COMICS

Blade Of The Immortal #117 (MR) $2.99

Crying Freeman Vol 3 TP (MR) $14.95

Escapists #3 (of 6) $2.99

Reiko The Zombie Shop Vol 4 TP $12.95


Al: I'll take two zombies and a three-week supply of brains, please.
Zombie: Send...more...paramedics.

Scarlet Traces The Great Game #3 (of 4) $2.99
Al: Know what's a great game? Speed Racer quarters. That game is awesome.
Kurt: You know what else is a great game? What Did I Just Hit You With? Seriously, it rules.

Star Wars Legacy #3 $2.99
Kurt: So, I broke down and ordered the new Star Wars DVDs, non-anamorphic and all. I still feel kind of ashamed, but I haven't seen the unaltered trilogy in ten years. I know this means points on my Geek Card and everything, but I can't wait to see Han shoot first again.

Two Faces Of Tomorrow TP (PP #728) $19.95
Al: One of them is Suri Cruise. The other is Maddox Jolie-Pitt. Shut up and drink the Kool Aid.
Kurt: Have you heard the good news about Xenu?

DC COMICS

52 Week #19 $2.50

Aquaman Sword Of Atlantis #44 $2.99

Batman Gotham By Gaslight New Ptg $12.99
Al: Next: Gotham by jacklight. Gon' get me some deer.
Kurt: Dem's good eatin'.

Batman Legends Of The Dark Knight #210 $2.99

Batman Strikes #25 $2.25

Cartoon Network Action Pack #5 $2.25

DMZ #11 (MR) $2.99
Kurt: I wonder if we'll see guest spots from the RZA, the GZA, and maybe a resurrection of the ODB.

Doom Patrol Vol 4 Musclebound TP (MR) $19.99

Ex Machina #23 (MR) $2.99
Al: Part 3 of "Smoke Smoke." You put your weed in here.
Kurt: Is it just me, or has it been a while since the last issue?

Fables #53 (MR) $2.99
Al: Featuring a backup story by Josh Middleton, the great and anti-prolific artist.

Firestorm The Nuclear Man #29 $2.99

From Eroica With Love Vol 7 $9.99
Al: Don't get too excited, it's just a Target gift certificate. I know, it's like she didn't put any thought into at all. Bitch.
Kurt: You ask for CDs and comics and they get you soap. What gives?

Green Arrow #66 $2.99

Green Lantern #13 $2.99

Green Lantern Corps #4 $2.99

JLA Classified #27 $2.99

Jonah Hex Face Full Of Violence TP $12.99

Land Of The Blindfolded Vol 9 $9.99
Al: Where men are men and women get groped a lot.
Kurt: As opposed to the Land of Al's Apartment, where the parents are gone and the children are crying.

Man Called Kev #3 (of 5) (MR) $2.99

Martian Manhunter #2 (of 8) $2.99

Pride Of Baghdad HC (MR) $19.99
Al: Brian K. Vaughan writes his first original graphic novel, the based-vaguely-on-true-events story of a pride of lions who break out of a zoo in Baghdad during the Iraq War. It's a great idea, it's a great writer, the art looks gorgeous and I'll be checking it out.
Kurt: For...once...I...totally...agree...with...you. I have no gay jokes, no Al-diddles-kids jokes, and nothing about your mom. I've never felt this way before.

Rokkin #3 $2.99

Shazam Family Archives Vol 1 HC $49.99

Superman Infinite City SC $17.99

Wildcats Nemesis TP $19.99

Wonder Woman And Serpents Mini Statue $59.99
Al: Remember that time Britney Spears was on some show with a big snake wrapped around her? Yeah, that was weird.
Kurt: It wasn't a snake. I was standing behind her.

IMAGE COMICS

Casanova #4 (MR) $1.99

Girls #17 (MR) $2.99

Phonogram #2 $3.50
Al: I heard the first issue was really good, but I just can't buy anything that includes the word "phonomancer."

Sam Noir Samurai Detective #1 $2.99

Strange Girl Vol 2 Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now TP $14.99
Al: You know that one Goth girl that always wants to complain about her miserable home life, and for a while you're willing to listen because you think she might be easy, but it turns out she's not and then you just really wish you weren't friends with her anymore? Yeah, she got a trade paperback now.
Kurt: She just won't sleep with you, Captain Normal. The rest of us have already been there and done that. By the way, I capitalized "Goth" for you.

Top Cow's Best Of David Finch TP $19.99

Truth Justin & American Way #4 (of 5) $2.99

MARVEL COMICS

Annihilation #2 (of 6) $2.99

Captain America #21 $2.99

Civil War 3rd Ptg Mcniven Sketch Var #2 (of 7) $2.99
Kurt: Wow, this totally makes me feel better and closes the gaping wound felt by retailers across the country. I hope Marvel makes a hundred variants for every issue!

Civil War Captain America Unleashed Var #1 (of 7) $3.99
Al: Remember that Jet Li movie, Unleashed? I never miss a Jet Li movie. But that one sucked.

Civil War Files $3.99
Al: Here's what I hate: specials that contain either "Files" or "Daily Bugle Edition."
Kurt: Last week, you wouldn't stop talking about From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Why the change of heart?

Claws #2 (of 3) $3.99
Al: With any luck, this ends in a big sissyfight between Wolverine and Black Cat.
Kurt: I'd rather see a big sissyfight between the Black Cat and, say, Emma Frost one that ends with a pillow fight and some cuddling.

Essential Hulk Vol 4 TP $16.99

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Vol 1 Derailed TP $14.99

Incredible Hulk #98 $2.99
Al: As the second third of this 12-part storyline starts to wind down, I have to admit that I've lost interest. We got off to a strong start, but I don't like any of the other characters in Planet Hulk and I'm more than ready for the big green guy to get back to Earth and kick Reed Richards's ass.
Kurt: It would be funny to watch the Hulk tie Reed Richards to a lamppost and run down the street with him. I hate that smug bastard.

Incredible Hulk Sketch Var #98 $2.99
Al: Just like the normal Incredible Hulk #98, but less finished!
Kurt: When I bought my car, the dealer asked if I wanted to buy the Primer Gray variant, so I could see my car frozen in that stage of the creative process. I tore my shirt off and told her what I thought of variants. She totally wouldn't stop calling me after that.

Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Vol 4 Concrete Jungle Digest TP $6.99

Ms Marvel #7 CW $2.99

New Avengers Vol 4 Collective Premiere HC $19.99

New Excalibur #11 $2.99

New X-Men #30 $2.99
Al: Ha...zombie Sentinels. Seriously.
Kurt: Seriously, who doesn't like zombies? They're the new vampires.

Thunderbolts #106 $2.99

Ultimate Marvel Team-Up Ultimate Collection TP $29.99

Ultimate X-Men #74 $2.99

Wolverine Classic Vol 4 TP $14.99

Wolverine Origins #6 $2.99
Al: Knock knock!
Kurt: Who's there?
Al: Omega!
Kurt: Omega who?
Al: Omegawd, Omega Red's such a lame villain!

Questions? Comments? Let us know what you think at comicscape@cinescape.com.