iPad: Digital Comics

The iPad can be used for a lot of things. Email, games, and watching movies. They also double as sweet digital comic-books.

Whether you think the iPad is a productive, life-changing tool or just a wanky, expensive toy – there is little doubt that Apple has still delivered a pretty beautiful device. Those with one already have probably noticed a dedicated section toward comic books on the App Store lately. Everyone knows that the iPad can handle e-books but the crisp and high-resolution colour screen is even more ideal for comic books and graphic novels. While the Kindle and other e-book readers are a bit easier on the eye, their e-ink and monochromatic display technology means that the iPad excels for more illustrative publications.

To be honest, it was one of the more compelling arguments for me to purchase an iPad. Being a comic-book geek, the ability for me to sit on a plane or on my sofa and read a comic discreetly was a definite plus. While to others it might look like I'm reading up on some business related pie-charts, I am actually just finding out what Hal Jordan plans on doing on with a mutant creature attacking Earth-Two.

Apple and the big publishers have obviously recognised this major crossover of geekdom with iPad owners and the comic-book reading population. Both Marvel and DC Comics have their own respective iPad apps that allow users a wide selection of their back catalogue and new releases. Of course, all comics and graphic novels purchased are "trapped" within the app itself and cannot be distributed anywhere. However users can build up an impressive collection of comics all accessible at the touch or swipe of their fingers.

Marvel and DC Comics - iPad App (FREE)

The app itself is free and installs to your iPad in seconds but it is simply a shell or portal for users to browse and purchase comics or graphic novels. Both the Marvel and DC Comics apps have free samples for users to download, but often these are teasers to entice the reader to purchase the full comic. It’s certainly an economically smart way for newbie comic-book fans to get a sneak-peak at a new series. Also you don’t look like that cheap dude treating your local comic store like a library.

The Marvel and DC Comics app both look and function in a very similar fashion, featuring a slick cover-flow navigation with genre or author browsing. It works basically the same as the iTunes app store and features in-App purchasing that simply asks for your iTunes password when you go to buy.

Apart from the freebies, just about every publication costs $2.59 (NZ). Marvel followers can expect the usuals like Ultimate Iron Man, Wolverine, X-Men, Hulk and even the classic 70's series of Invaders. The not-so-mainstream titles are available too, for example Hit-Monkey makes an appearance. Meanwhile DC Comics feature Batman, The X-Files, Superman, Gen-13, Jonah Hex and the brilliant Sandman series. New franchises like the Fringe comic-book series are also available.

On top of the two comic-book giants, there are plenty of other comic related apps floating around including some from the smaller publishing houses. For geeks like myself there is a ton of reading goodness to grab for your brand spanking new iPad. Of course the only problem is the impact on your wallet.