Virtual Comics: The + and the -

     The idea of having your entire collection of comics in digital format has been getting more and more hype as of late. But even before Marvel and DC had their virtual store, virtual comics were still available to readers in a way that was not very ethical or legal. So the real question is, are virtual comics being presented the best possible way? The convenience of carrying all of your favorite books around to fill in the gaps of time throughout the day in the palm of your hand is astounding; but can we honestly say that reading comics on a tablet doesn't depreciate the effect of reading the actual book. I was recently made aware of this idea when checking out Mark Waid's (Kingdom Come) website Thrillbent.com. There I was directed to a presentation that Mark did in February about how his website is testing different ways to view virtual content in a way that will not depreciate the art and still maintain the illusion; and I was blown away by what the site has to offer in free downloadable comics and highly recommend checking it out. Below is the video of Mark's presentation on reinventing virtual comics.

 

     Personally I am not a virtual comic reader. I like to support my local comic shop once a month and pick up a select few titles I have on hold; none of which have the virtual promo code. I like the idea that some comics offer the virtual comic, but for an additional cost I hardly see the benefit for just one person to have both. I recall being asked a while back that if it was morally acceptable to make a copy of a DVD you own because the original was scratched. The same pertains to music downloads and having a copy on every computer in your house. I feel that comics  are no different and that if you purchase the comic you should get the virtual one at no extra charge. Now, I understand that the cost might be there to pay for the maintenance of the website, but even then are those comics readily accessible at your whim? Last month Marvel.com announced a giveaway of over 700 marvel issue #1 titles on their virtual store for free. The idea was to invest in new readers but they received more online traffic than expected and had to shut down the promotion early. The Marvel store was running slow and no one, even paying customers, could open their comics because they were only available on their site. Since then I have been playing around with the app on my smartphone and found that you actually download the comics to your phone in order to view them; which is nicer but still I find myself deleting them after one read because they will take up too much space if left unchecked.

     After talking about virtual comics at my local comic shop the other day, one of the store patrons mentioned he had a friend from out of state who casually enjoyed comics and so he would buy the hardback and give the download code to his friend. You can't really say the comic book industry is losing money because the cost of the download was paid in full. After our conversation I got to thinking about what a great opportunity it would be to support our troops overseas if there was a site in which you could donate your virtual comic code to send to our troops. I am sure if Marvel or DC really wanted to, they could just donate them for free; but this would still help our economy and give to a good cause. Another thing that came to mind was the idea that if two friends wanted to go 50/50 on a book they would be able to do so, and both would have a copy of the book; of course if they wanted to get technical they could share the same online account and have the virtual comics readily available. Again this all comes down to what is morally acceptable, but the way people are reacting to the economy right now they choose to cut corners.

     I really don't see myself going virtual in the future. The feeling of having the comic in my hand is something I really cherish; and if you watched the video presentation earlier in this article you can see how the current state of virtual comics isn't the best that it could be. I still think virtual comics have a place in our future and I find comfort in the thought that if I travel I will never have to pack another book again; but its still a tossup that will benefit some more than others.

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