Marvel Comics App Debuts on iPad

[SpiderMatt]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Legally?

Of course not but Marvel doesn't have to compete with other legal digital comic sellers. For one, it's main competition, DC, is almost nonexistent in the legal digital marketplace, so far as I can tell. Two, Marvel obviously has a monopoly over its own content (i.e. copyright) so people who want a digital Spider-Man comic have one legal digital option. Sadly, it is a very poor experience compared to the illegal alternative. Comic scanners do an amazing job converting paper comics to a digital platform and it's so sad that Marvel has failed to realize the appeal of pirated comics' simplicity or flat out ignored it in favor of its web-based platform because it's the only DRM scheme it could come up with. For better or worse (I would argue "for better," although it's a moot point here), people who deal in copyrighted content need to compete with digital pirates because as of right now it is the pirates who offer that same content in better quality through a more convenient distribution model. Copyright is all about centralized control so it's difficult for these companies to compete when they're not willing to give up some of that control in order to allow for a better consumer experience. Hulu does a great job of offering a centralized hub for free television programming but many television networks have chosen to forgo that site and offer their content solely on their individual networks' sites, often times with different kinds of players and you can't use any of these web-based players on tablets like the iPad that don't have flash. This is an example of a system doomed to fail.

[mrkarl]

Originally Posted by pagansoul

MrCarl, Do you have any idea what the cost of a new comic book is today? The days are gone when you can get a Batman, Spiderman, whatever for 25cents. You even pay a buck at flea markets for a used edition in not the best condition.

joblack, don't read under the blazing sun, not even with an e-ink device. You and the device will live longer.

I just checked the price from the comic on top of the pile(jack of fables, so it's not a junk comic)............2.99 US.

so yeah, 1.99 for an electronic comic that has no value after it's been bought is too much, and I'm not even one of those people who put's the things in bags to keep in perfect condition forever either.

[Teddman]

Originally Posted by K-Thom

I discovered the iPhone Marvel App just yesterday, and I must say I love it how Marvel presents their comic books.

This zooming in and out really adds some cinematic touch (no pun intended) to splash pages where you first see part of the scene, read the text and then get a flawless zoom to the whole panel. Very nice, indeed.

This actually isn't an iPad/iPhone innovation. It's called "Smart Panel" view and it's been available on the Marvel Digital subscription website service for over three years.

[stustaff]

Originally Posted by mrkarl

I just checked the price from the comic on top of the pile(jack of fables, so it's not a junk comic)............2.99 US.

so yeah, 1.99 for an electronic comic that has no value after it's been bought is too much, and I'm not even one of those people who put's the things in bags to keep in perfect condition forever either.

why does it have no value? I dont get that to me all my comics have value to ME, I will reread them occasionally.

if I bought the physical it would cost me $1 more for the same thing. yes I could sell iton but would I get more than a $1 for it? thats certainly questionable. $1.99 seems reasonable.

[mr ploppy]

Originally Posted by stustaff

why does it have no value? I dont get that to me all my comics have value to ME, I will reread them occasionally.

if I bought the physical it would cost me $1 more for the same thing. yes I could sell iton but would I get more than a $1 for it? thats certainly questionable. $1.99 seems reasonable.

It would depend on how scarce or sought after it was. I'm sure I would get more than cover price for my Miracleman comics if I sold them. But if they were digital comics I wouldn't be allowed to sell them, of course.

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by SpiderMatt

Of course not but Marvel doesn't have to compete with other legal digital comic sellers.

Really?

[Frankr]

I have 3 requirements. 1. Ability to download the comics and keep them. 2. Ability organize them into folders that I choose. 3. Ability to see them one panel at a time or easily zoom the text.

[stustaff]

Originally Posted by mr ploppy

It would depend on how scarce or sought after it was. I'm sure I would get more than cover price for my Miracleman comics if I sold them. But if they were digital comics I wouldn't be allowed to sell them, of course.

Of course but I was thinking more in terms of buy a comic today from the high street and then sell it next week, not keep a limited edition or rare comic for 20 years then sell it.

[mr ploppy]

Originally Posted by stustaff

Of course but I was thinking more in terms of buy a comic today from the high street and then sell it next week, not keep a limited edition or rare comic for 20 years then sell it.

You asked why a digital file has no value. The inability to resell it is the reason.

[SpiderMatt]

Originally Posted by mr ploppy

You asked why a digital file has no value. The inability to resell it is the reason.

Actually, the fact that's it's easily reproducible for almost $0 is why it has no value. Artificially creating scarcity through copyright law doesn't really create value, which is why record companies are struggling right now.

[mr ploppy]

There's a couple of Brian Keene books that used to be available as ebooks (legally), but they have been withdrawn now. But since there is no secondary market for ebooks they are not scarce they are just unavailable.

[DawnFalcon]

Originally Posted by Phogg

Really?

Right. I read eight webcomics on a regular basis (OOTS, Schlock Mercenary, Kevin and Kell, Sluggy Freelance, Freefall, Girl Genius, SSDD and Erfworld), while "mainstream" comics, despite having worked for a company which published comics? Er well... I only like Rogue Trooper and The Authority from said "mainstream" comics. (Also, I liked Birds of Prey the TV series. Batman fans, bite me)

[stustaff]

Ok so another option is comic reader mobi $15 which is a lot but it is a nice app and lets you view any comic format you may already have downloaded.

Its one of teh first apps i will be getting.

[fugazied]

The display is beautiful and the comics look incredible. However! I would like to see more options as to how the camera moves between panels and a two page view.

Reading comics was one of my main reasons for getting an iPad ad they look just great, not disappointed at all.

[joblack]

Originally Posted by fugazied

The display is beautiful and the comics look incredible. However! I would like to see more options as to how the camera moves between panels and a two page view.

Reading comics was one of my main reasons for getting an iPad ad they look just great, not disappointed at all.

The glare display is out of question. A little external light and you can use your ipad as an expensive mirror.