Comics Apps

comiXology (Free. iOS, Android, Windows) One of the best cartoon, comic book, and graphic novel apps it has a library of over 50,000 titles. Publishers include: DC, Disney, IDW, Marvel, and Viz, but unfortunately not Dark Horse. The Android app allows purchase within the app but the Apple version requires comics to be purchased through the website (this is supposedly because Apple sells comics through iTunes / iBooks). There are free comics available for download, all purchases are saved to users account and can be accessed online. New comics are available digitally the same day as the print. Unfortunately, accounts require a credit card, in case of purchases, and mature content is available so parents may need to monitor their child's purchases. The reader / display is beautiful and easy to use making for great digital presentation / reading.

Marvel ($9.99/mo. iOS, Android) Like Netflix the Marvel comics app requires a subscription. To sign up users have to create an account at the website. Users have access to 70 years of comics 13,000 issues. The library updates weekly but unfortunately it takes 6 months or more for new titles to show up. Subscribers get access to discounts on various merchandise and exclusive rights to purchase limited edition items.

Comic Zeal ($4.99. iOS only) If users already have comics purchased from Amazon, Apple, CD-ROMs, or other files. Transfer to iPhone or iPad using Wi-Fi, cloud storage, or plug in an transfer via USB. The app boasts great organization tools sorting users collection various ways. Reading features include zoom, page lock, and auto rotation. There are parental controls to keep children from viewing mature rated materials.

Astonishing Comic Reader (Free. Android only) Users can automatically download comics from their collection stored in Dropbox. Powerful search and tagging functions create organization tools that make finding titles easy. The reader has easy-to-use buttons, page thumbnails, zoom, and auto scroll. Take snapshots of pages to share with friends or use as wallpaper for your device.

 Comicrack (Free. Android only) Companion app for the comic management and eReader program ComicRack for Windows; the app is optimized for phones and tablets it allowing users to read eComics anywhere. When used together with ComicRack for Windows it allows automatic synchronization of eComics with your Android device via USB, including reading positions, reading lists and bookmarks. Synchronized eComics are also converted and optimized so they can be read fast and reliably on your handheld devices. Supports most formats including PDFs and WebComics. eComics can even be size optimized during synchronization making the file size half without noticeable quality reduction.

ComicRack includes a Live Wallpaper that shows random covers from your library. Users can read by double tapping the background.

GoComics (Free. iOS, Android, and Windows) Fans of comic strips such as Calvin and Hobbs, Dilbert, Doonesbury, FoxTrot, Peanuts, and many more have access to over 20 years of material. Users can share a strip via FaceBook, Twitter, and text message. Over 30 comics are available to be read in Spanish. Political cartoons from both perspectives are available. Users can save strips for later reading. There is also a link to a comic strip blog that talks about the industry for those interested in a career as a comic strip writer.