Not too long ago, the comics world seemed to view digital comics in the same way J. Jonah Jameson views Spider-Man: as a threat and a menace. In 2013, the world of comics has embraced and accepted digital, and at Comic-Con the discussion was more about how the comics medium should evolve and adapt to a world in which readers are experiencing comics on their phones and iPads rather than on paper.
"Apple has sold more iPads in the last minute than there are comic-book stores in America," said Mark Waid, noted comics writer and co-founder of digital-comics publisher Thrillbent, explaining why he felt it necessary to explore the world of digital-first comics. "We've stumbled a couple of times, but that happens when you lead with your face," Waid said. "We're learning as we go."
This is an era of experimentation, to be sure. There are "motion comics" that are nothing more than animated versions of paper comics. There are digital versions of paper comics, perhaps with some additional animation or special transitions if you view them on the right device. But some creators are searching for ways to create new kinds of comics with the help of some new tech tools.
A full-screen page from DC Comics' digital-first "Batman '66."
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