Comic Book apps
October 17, 2024 | Author: Maria Lin
These apps typically include a vast library of digital comics and provide a dedicated e-reader for this format. Some of the most popular comic book apps are listed below.
See also: Top 10 eBook Readers
See also: Top 10 eBook Readers
2023. Amazon is merging Comixology into Kindle

In a move as cosmically inevitable as Vogons reciting poetry, Amazon has unveiled a grand plan to unite the Comixology and Kindle apps into a single digital galaxy on iOS, Android, and Fire OS, with the grand convergence set for December 4, 2023. All those splendidly illustrated works previously orbiting exclusively in the Comixology app will now zoom effortlessly into your Kindle library, as if they'd always been lurking there, just beyond the next page turn. Until the cosmic alignment, you’re still free to read your comics on Comixology—but come December, Kindle will be the new command center. Fear not, for navigating the vast expanses of your new digital library is child’s play; the 'Comics & Manga' filter will summon forth your graphic treasures, while 'Books' lets you drift peacefully without the colorful clamor of comics, graphic novels, and manga. Long-pressing any title enables the classic 'Hide Book' maneuver, whisking unwanted stories into the 'Hidden' dimension, accessible only to the diligent explorer through the library filter menu. For those who dare to ponder the deeper mysteries of this epic merger, further details await just beyond the next click.
2023. DC Universe Infinite unveils Manga Reader

In the grand cosmic scheme of digital comics, where new features generally plod along in the hope of amusing at least a few bored earthlings, DC Universe Infinite has had the audacious notion to make a splash—a big one, mind you—by unveiling a shiny new manga-reader feature. This marvel of comic-consuming technology is designed not just for ordinary, left-to-right page-flippers, but for those rare souls inclined toward the exotic right-to-left world of Japanese manga, which, as it turns out, is currently in rather high demand. Now, intrepid readers can swipe, flick, or otherwise digitally maneuver themselves through stories with all the accuracy and immersion of a seasoned Tokyo commuter. But DC isn’t stopping there; no, they’re boldly venturing into the hallowed realm of serialization, inspired by popular manga and webtoon practices. Soon, DC’s own tales will unfurl in thrilling, chapter-sized morsels that may just trigger a bit of readerly anticipation—while quietly allowing DC to test the waters, because even in comics, one can’t be too careful.
2022. ComiXology to get integrated into Amazon Kindle

ComiXology was acquired by Amazon eight years ago but continued to operate independently; however, that is about to change. Upcoming changes include a complete prohibition on downloading DRM-free comics and the ComiXology app itself will be integrated into the Kindle app. The ComiXology app will soon be retired and fully merged into the main Kindle app for Android and iOS. A FAQ page is available to assist users in transitioning to the Kindle app and accessing comics. Additionally, the Kindle app has been upgraded to display the panel-by-panel ‘Guided View’.
2021. You can now read Comixolgy comics on the Kindle app and e-readers

Comixology users can now read digital comics from their platform on the Kindle app for Android and iOS. This feature isn’t enabled by default, so to access it, simply click on “Show your ComiXology books” in your ComiXology settings page. Then, go to your Kindle app and pull down to refresh and your library comics will appear. (You can also tap on More and then Sync to refresh your library.) To hide your ComiXology purchases on Kindle at any time, select “Hide your ComiXology books” in the ComiXology settings page. If you want to read ComiXology comics on a Kindle e-reader, visit your Content and Devices page, select the book and choose to Deliver the book to, or Remove the book from, your registered Devices. Due to memory constraints, ComiXology advises sending no more than 25 books to your e-reader device at once. It is also recommended that you remove the book from your device after reading it, as the files are quite large.
2021. Bibliotheca Cloud Library now offers comic books

Bibliotheca Cloud Library is now partnering with ComicsPlus, which provides unlimited, concurrent access to over 20,000 digital comics, graphic novels and manga, now available for purchase by libraries globally. ComicsPlus’ extensive collection offers age-appropriate digital comics for both adult and young readers in curated assortments. Selections include popular titles such as Avatar: The Last Airbender & The Legend of Korra, Big Nate, Bone, Disney Princesses, Geronimo Stilton, Stranger Things, Locke & Key, American Gods and timely, award-winning nonfiction like March and They Called Us Enemy. Bibliotheca Cloud Library serves as a strong alternative to Overdrive, supporting over 30,000 libraries across 20 different countries.
2019. DC Comics now available on Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited

Amazon has just finalized an agreement with DC Comics, making select titles now accessible on Comixology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading. Broadening access to these three platforms makes it simpler than ever for Amazon customers to enjoy DC’s Super Heroes. With the inclusion of thousands of select DC single issues, collections and graphic novels – including exclusive fan-favorites from the DC Vertigo imprint – comiXology Unlimited continues to be available for $5.99 a month, featuring a 30-day free trial for new users. Kindle Unlimited subscribers will also have access to a variety of single issues, collections and graphic novels, while Prime Reading members will be able to enjoy a curated and rotating list of acclaimed DC and DC Vertigo graphic novels at no extra cost. This expansion across the three services offers ideal entry points for newcomers to DC and DC Vertigo.
2018. Kobo app gets new comic viewer

The Kobo app for iOS has just received a major update for those who enjoy digital comics. It now features a new comic viewer that lets you read horizontally or vertically, navigate by page or in a grid view and access your comics before they’re fully downloaded. There is also a new animated page-turn engine that allows you to glimpse what’s on the next page. Kobo’s comic selection isn’t extensive; most of their content comes from their Writing Life self-publishing platform. They lack comics from major publishers like DC, Image, or Marvel, so it's surprising that Kobo is expanding comic book support given the limited scope of their catalog.
2016. Comixology launched Unlimited Comic Book Service

Comixology has introduced a new digital comic subscription service. For $5.99 per month, you can gain access to a range of comics and graphic novels. Numerous publishers are participating in this new venture, including Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, Kodansha Comics, Oni Press, Valiant Entertainment, Archie Comics, Fantagraphics Books, Humanoids, Action Lab Entertainment, Aspen Comics, Zenescope Entertainment and others. Marvel is notably missing from this new initiative, primarily because they operate their own service called Marvel Unlimited. DC is also not involved and has yet to create their own solution.
2016. Kindle for PC allows to read children’s books and comic books

Amazon Kindle users can now access comic books and children's books on Kindle for PC. This is the first time you can do this without needing any Amazon hardware or their various smartphone apps. In 2014, Amazon acquired ComiXology, the largest digital distributor of comic books. Amazon has been gradually incorporating all their content into the Kindle store, including comics from major publishers like DC and Marvel. In addition to ComiXology, Amazon also collaborates directly with thousands of publishers around the world. If you have purchased any children's or comic books directly from Amazon, you can now read them on Kindle for PC or Kindle for Mac. If you already have these apps installed, you'll need to download the update.
2015. Google improved Comic Book reading in Play Books for Android

Google has released an update to its Google Play Books app for Android that will enhance the experience of reading comics on your phone and tablet. Reading comics (or graphic novels, if that’s more your preference) on small screens has never been ideal. The new reading interface on Android (with iOS support coming soon) will activate when you are in landscape mode. In this mode, you can now smoothly scroll through a story with just a vertical swipe. Google has also introduced personalized comic recommendations to help you discover similar series, as well as a selection of curated series pages for comics in the Play Store.
2015. Scribd adds 10,000 comic books for unlimited subscription

In case obtaining unlimited access to a vast library of e-books and audiobooks for $8.99 a month wasn’t sufficient for you, Scribd is announcing today that it’s branching out into comic books. The service is adding over 10,000 comics and graphic novels from publishers including Marvel, Archie, Boom! Studios, Dynamite, IDW/Top Shelf and Valiant. The subscription service, available across iOS, Android and the web, will provide readers the option to search for comic books and graphic novels by category, publisher and even prominent characters. Scribd also has around a dozen individuals on its marketing and editorial team who curate collections on the platform.
2014. ComiXology starts offering DRM-free backups of its digital comics

Digital comics platform comiXology, which was acquired by Amazon in April, will now allow users to download DRM-free copies of titles from participating publishers, enabling them to store and read them offline. After purchasing, eligible comics can be downloaded as PDF or CBZ (a compressed format for comic books) files. The caveat is that the major comic book publishers, Marvel and DC, are not making their titles available DRM-free. However, smaller publishers — including Image Comics, Dynamite Entertainment and MonkeyBrain Comics — are participating. Authors using comiXology’s self-publishing platform, comiXology Submit, also have the option to make their titles available DRM-free.
2014. Amazon acquires comic book ecosystem Comixology

In a move that one might describe as the sort of thing Amazon does before breakfast, the company has decided to acquire comiXology, which is essentially the Hitchhiker’s Guide to Comics—though without the reassuring “Don’t Panic” written in large, friendly letters on the cover. This digital emporium offers a galactic range of comics from Marvel, DC, and more, operating rather like the Kindle Store or iTunes, but with capes and cosmic battles. Users can purchase a comic, then read it on the web or via the company’s apps, presumably while muttering, “So long, and thanks for all the pixels.” Boasting over 50,000 comics, comiXology also introduced a self-publishing platform in 2013, a move that aligns swimmingly with Amazon’s passion for letting anyone with an idea upload their wares into the void. The announcement, cheerfully confirmed by comiXology CEO David Steinberger, notes that the brand will remain intact as a subsidiary of Amazon, much like a Vogon ship tucked into hyperspace.
2013. Comic Zeal 5.2 gets new engine and locking options

The new version Comic Zeal 5.2 features a lot of internal changes, including a big update to the code that shows you menus but there is only one really new feature and that is locking. Locking of Series in Comic Zeal and Pages and Notebooks in ThinkBook has been a very requested feature. The developer has implemented a very simple system that just stops these items from being opened in the app. You can use the options menu for a comic series, page or notebook to apply a lock to it. Then, whenever you want to open that item again you will have to enter a 4 digit passcode. The passcode is the same for all locked entries and you can set or change it through the application options menu. There is also a fairly lightweight system to reset the passcode which uses iTunes file sharing to import a particular file. When that's done the passcode will be reset.