RAMBLINGS: Digital Vs Physical Copy

I've seen this argument all over the internet, and not just with Comicbooks, with what seems like the entire world trying to expand into the digital world. The majority of Marvel comicbooks are now available through the internet, on iOS and Android devices.

Many current series are also sold with a free digital edition, something I really appreciate as I like to keep my books in good condition whilst still being able to enjoy the books by reading them on my iPad wherever and whenever (for instance, in less than enjoyable University lectures). I also think it's a nice attempt at stopping illegal downloading by people who simply want to read it on a digital device.

I think the main advantage of having these digital editions available to everyone is that people who wouldn't normally be able to read the books have the ability to buy them through a couple of touches on a screen. Comixology the main provider of digital comics are great at getting them to you, and all the books are available every Wednesday like their physical counterpart.

They're also very easy to follow, with the screen following the panels as the writer/artist intended you to. This makes it easier for the user to see, of course you can still view it in the same way as you would with a physical copy with a normal portrait view.

I also like the idea of being able to get it now, rather than (if you're like me) waiting for them to come through in the post. There is something nice about the comic being downloaded instantly on the day of release.

But now, the downsides.

Now, I do genuinely love having the digital copy after buying the physical copy from my local store because as I've said before it's because I like to keep my books in the best possible condition. However, I would never move totally to a digital comic pull list because I don't think I could justify the $3.99 (around £2.65 in real money) on something that is intangible. You could argue that it's the enjoyment I'm getting from it, but if I ever eventually got rid of my iPad I wouldn't be able to read the books with the same ease, as a computer really doesn't feel the same.

I also feel that if you have access to buy the physical copies or to subscribe like I do and get them sent through the post, then the whole idea of being able to get them digitally becomes a little redundant (in my eyes at least). However, if P&P is an issue for you then absolutely go for it!