While it seems that mom and pop comic shops are shuttering their doors all across the country, there also seems to be a growing interest in comics. Yet without the small shops that offer new issues of everyone’s favorite titles, how will interest continue to grow? It seems that smartphones and tablets provide the most sensible medium. Of course, if you ask any long-time comic fan what they think about this development, they’ll say that viewing a comic on a digital device just isn’t the same. Yet when I ask them the big question — what would you rather have, comics on tablets or no more comics at all? — they hem and haw, unable to find an adequate answer. Clearly, comics on tablets is the better option, and with apps such as the DC Comics app, released by comiXology, we could see interest continue to grow for years to come. Back in December I raved about the comiXology app and how it handled the traditional comic interface. It transitions between panels in an almost cinematic way, giving you all the detail of the printed page, but without the paper. The DC Comics app is powered by the same engine, but it comes with titles from the vast DC library, including its popular Vertigo imprint. Best of all, you can enjoy the comics on not only your Android device, but also on the web and even an iOS device. It might take some getting used to, and it probably works better on a tablet than on a smartphone, but I think the transition from printed page to digital screen will be more seamless than people — at least the old school comic types — imagine. Hey, change like this isn’t always bad. After all, our parents listened to vinyl and ::gasp:: 8-track, while we got the high-fidelity digital awesomeness that was the compact disc. I don’t think anyone complained about that change. In any case, you can get the DC Comics app from the Market for free. Titles cost between 99 cents and $2.99 each, and the library is updated weekly.
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