Free Comics – Comics by comiXology

Recommendation (with caveat) for comixology as a platform and place to peruse:

I don’t know how many people know that comiXology has a freebie section. It’s curated and usually has some good stuff in it. It’s one of the ways I find new stuff and remember old stuff to re-buy in digital form so if nothing else, do use it for that. They have, at least until recently, done some very nice incremental upgrades to the website including finally being able to subscribe to a series and have it auto deliver to you.

And here comes the caveat: comiXology has been swallowed by Amazon in the not too distant past which means you don’t own what you buy, you have a license to it. With that in mind, go forth and shop and know that you are subject to the whimsy of Amazon’s business practices.

If you find something there you can also look elsewhere to get it. Marvel has their own portal (but I believe it loops back through comixology), Dark Horse is stand alone, as is Vertigo, etc. 

About digital comics in general:

comixology is an easy portal/way to go if you’re dipping your toe in for the first time. You buy through the website and then view it there or through their app on your device. There are apparently ways to crack the comixology app (or were) and rescue out your cbr files and own them, haven’t done it.

Other portals: You usually download a .cbr file and then find a comic reader app to read your awesomeness. There are some great free ones out there.

Pirated: Yep, if you know where to look there a lot of places to find pirated books, usually the same day they come out. It’s also often the only way to find a lot of the older comics (especially silver and golden age) and the nerds have usually put them into collections in order so you don’t have to try and figure out what to read next (non-trivial).

I’m old school and I want paper:

Ah yes, your LCS isn’t local or isn’t so great with the pull list or you don’t want to cope.  Here is where I go to one of the old school behemoths – Midtown Comics. Especially good if you want to actually get your hands on the variant covers or other collectibles.

Free Comics – Comics by comiXology