Comics is an app by comiXology and allows readers to enjoy a whole bunch of different comics. It also functions as a distributor for different publisher, be it household names such as DC and Marvel or something more off the beaten track.
But before I get into the features and why scrolling through comics virtually can be just as fun as flipping through a hardcopy, allow me to qualify a few things.
- When purchasing an edition you will have to do an in-app purchase, meaning you pay via Google Play and hence need a credit card, unless you want to link your account to an iPad or iPhone.
- Users can only access editions they have bought within the app, meaning Comics is a closed platform of sorts.
Now that that's out of the way, let's get to the features. As mentioned, Comics is both a reading platform and a digital comic book store that harbours everything (okay, many things) a comic lover's heart might desire. According to the developers there are currently over 20,000 editions on board.
A few comics are free, which I think is a wonderful feature (no big surprise there! We do love a good freebie!). In most cases the first of a series will be free of charge, allowing readers to become familiar with a narrative or style.
The app is set up in a straight forward manner that does what it promises to do: enable users to purchase comic books. This is where 'Guided View' technology comes into play. This is the term used to describe the way in which individual comics are presented, which is based on the same movements the human eye makes and enables reading comics on smaller displays.
Before we go any further let's address the fact that reading comics on a smartphone isn't quite the same things as reading on a tablet. The app performs really well on the tablet and there's nothing to whinge about here.
It goes without saying that results are not the same when viewing Comics on a smartphone. Quite simply, the size of the display sets the limits, and it isn't possible to see the entire screen content.
That is where 'Guided View' technology comes in; it takes some getting used to but once you do I think you will find it both fun and well though-out.
If ever you find yourself struggling with this technology you can also switch it off and navigate pages using pinch-to-zoom.
A few fun gimmicks such as little previews before 'turning the page' or an option to rate comics round things off nicely.
A few things that are missing: I would like to see better integration – especially in the shop – of social medias, as well as options to write reviews and insert bookmarks.
Bottom line:
Comics is great. If you're not fussed about the 'closed platform' aspect and in-app purchasing, you will find this to be a great source for comic books.
There's tons to choose from, and the app has been adapted for tablet use, as well as optimised for small displays.
That said, if you prefer an 'open market' type approach and already own a lot of comics that you'd like to view within an app, or don't want to make in-app purchases, my guess is this won't be the right app for you.
Omar
May 1, 2012 11:22:25 AM
Wont let me log in? Fail to log in message.Created 2 accounts and still tells me there incorrect? But I'm able to log in on there website? Very disappointing...
Todd
May 1, 2012 9:56:58 AM
Great app. Having the digital version of my favorite comics is great.
David
May 1, 2012 9:51:56 AM
Works great
Widebody, Jared, Jazzdood
May 1, 2012 5:25:13 AM
Well done Nice app. I like the panel by panel option most.
Jordan
May 1, 2012 1:34:02 AM
Great The sales available are superb, and some publishers like Red 5 give great prices all around. More options would be nice (like an option to override the clipping on larger frames in panel by panel mode) and sometimes purchases hang or fail, but otherwise this is a solid app, and has made reading comics and affordable leisure activity for me. I've really enjoyed the last few months catching up on my favorite characters and discovering Atomic Robo. Great range, great value.
OneRandomGeek, Jaames
May 1, 2012 1:20:58 AM
Great App! I love this app. It has reintroduced me to comics. The new update makes some big improvements to the ease of use. My only advice is to make sure they have every issue in the series before you get invested in an older series! Some series they only have one or two issues of for some reason, it can be very frustrating!
Chris
Apr 30, 2012 11:47:01 PM
Updates don't work The app prompts me that some of my comics have updates. However the updates don't download. Otherwise no complaints with this app.
Ryan
Apr 30, 2012 4:41:25 PM
Wow! This app is awesome! I'm so addicted but I'm glad I've found comics again!
dan tastic
Apr 30, 2012 8:24:57 AM
New interface? 1. Can't identify which books I've previously read (previously by colour-coded ratings) 2. Can't identify which books I have recently downloaded: no separate category, and series covers don't match book covers 3. New browse pages system has disabled ability to read full pages on my large device. Needs simplified Next page Previous page system 4. Crashes on pg 7 when selecting Browse Pages. Has done it 10 times now on my Samsung Glxy S Fscnte. 5. Please give me the option to delete a book by clicking on it.
Tony
Apr 30, 2012 3:55:25 AM
Amazing This app is awesome!!!