Holy Digital Future, Batman!

[Stephanie]

Virtual editions of comic books are pouring onto a variety of mediums—and no, I'm not talking about the ye ol' illegal rite of piracy. Companies who normally delve into other areas are beginning to show interest in the visually spearheaded, papery pages of superheroes and indie icons. In a modern age where books are now preferred on electronic, wireless Kindles and people check their email on the go, will fans relinquish the printed page in exchange for a more convenient and suitable format? Should we be worried or thrilled?

Digital comic platforms increasingly populate the industry's news. From exclusive purchases on iTunes to Rantz Hoseley's upcoming Longbox contender and Sony's push through unfamiliar barriers with their PlayStation Digital Comics offerings, publishers' hands are full collaborating with other industries. The major incentive besides tapping into a newly discovered and sprightly well of cash flow? The business deals maximize the audience, which strengthens the comic medium's power, overall impression, and future potential.

Of course, the easy access could threaten the livelihood of country-wide local comic shops (LCS) already struggling to vanquish troublesome flames caused by the influence of piracy, for instance, or simply attracting customers. Not to mention our own Impulse Creations, your source for comics shipped straight to your doorstep! Clicking a few buttons and legitimately downloading user-desired comic book issues encourages fewer trips to an actual store, and digital sources are usually cheaper than the print process, as well. Not to mention availability and even home storage would be a cinch. If digital comics quickly become a fad and readers aren't buying physical copies, then comic stores could face towering boxes of unwanted orders, leading to a major decline in subsequent inventory.

Longbox Digital Comics

However, some comic shop owners aren't terribly concerned. When asked about the trend, Brandon Wilt, who runs a LCS called Bent Wookee Comix in Pennsylvania, said he did not see its rising popularity as a threat to the printed form or the overarching industry. "When people started filming their own short films and posting them online it didn't destroy the movie industry, did it?"

Admittedly, though, some publishers and titles may survive better than others. According to Wilt, "Digital may hurt some of the weaker titles if people decide they're just going to read them online, but I think most of them probably wouldn't have bought the issue anyway. And I think if they do read something that they really like, they'll hunt down hard copies of it."

Other disadvantages can be found within the new platform, including the interactive experience of reading comics that many long-time fans savor. Wilt explained, "I just think there's something about actually having a hard copy of something you own that digital comics would never be able to replace. It's a collector mentality that seems to be the driving point of this industry. Saving something on your hard drive is just not the same."

PlayStation Digital Comics on PSP

Indeed, pirated comics regularly storm the internet, yet publishers and retailers alike continue to keep their heads above water with sales. Wilt also commented on the unique nature of local comic shops and the industry's recuperative abilities. "I think going to a good comic shop," considered Wilt, "provides a sense of community that a lot of people support by buying comics there. People can interact with others all across the planet and online from the safety of their homes, yet they still go to conventions ... And artistically, as long as you're producing quality comics, in whatever form, that should be a good thing."

Most fans enjoy the opportunity to discuss their favorite titles with other readers, and even activities like the national Free Comic Book Day bolster the industry's foundational success. But whether it's curling up with a good comic book in a relaxing spot, arguing superhero facts with local friends, or just purchasing a few issues via digital form, the goal remains keeping the industry alive and thriving. As long as our passion endures and we can share that love with others interested in comics, the future looks as bright as our Yellow Sun.

Special thanks to interviewee Brandon Wilt. Visit Bent Wookee Comix at bentwookeecomix.blogspot.com.