“While news and book publishing are already in the throes of a digital revolution, comic books haven’t been as affected. The color, vertical format of comics doesn’t translate well to a horizontal computer screen, and Amazon’s Kindle can only handle black and white.”
Now, we like reading comics on our computers just fine. But what happens when artists and consumers are given access to a portable 10-inch color touch screen? The yet to be released Apple tablet may change the way we read comics.
(via PW)
3 responses
Blah.
Why blah? As a pretty avid comic reader I think comics on the tablet will make for an interesting experience: the limitless possibilities (can go in any direction, can go on forever, etc.) that a comic on a computer provides, but easier to transport and with a more iterative interface (touchscreen). Not saying it’s going to gut the industry, but it will most likely become a popular vehicle, don’t you think?
I’m intrigued by your response, especially as you’re a comic artist who has been working in that world for so long. So, why blah? (Let it be noted: I am very prepared to get taken to school right now).
I’m certain on-screen comics will sell very well (they already do), but it’s an entirely different beast. Imagine looking at a painting on a screen versus a museum wall. There’s no comparison. And the restrictions of a low resolution image and a predetermined aspect ration offer more restrictions than benefits.
Clearly there’s a place for digital comics, but the experience is too different to be something that will change the art form. It will change the industry in terms of business, especially with mainstream comics. But not for independent comics, where most of the innovation is.
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