Five Top Comic Book Reader Apps

The Coronavirus pandemic left a mark on almost every industry including arts and entertainment. One media genre that has been severely affected is the comic book industry, especially independent comic stores. The anthologies and physical issues associated with comic books have worsened the situation for sellers. Luckily, technology and innovation have produced digital comics allowing readers of almost any language access the best comic magazines directly in the web browser or by dedicated comics apps. The rise of smart gadgets such as tablets, smartphones, and other portable devices has led to the sudden boom in comic book apps that let you read and organize comic books on your device.

With these apps, you can collect your heart’s favorite content and carry it with you anywhere you go. The key to the experience is a good app.

Read on to find out the five top digital comic book reader apps you can use to get started.

1.ComiXology

Renowned as the granddaddy of digital comics, ComiXology stays to date with all the latest comics from Marvel, DC, Image, BOOM!, Dark Horse, and many other publishers. Founded in 2007, the Amazon-owned company service is considered an all-in-one option for users seeking a digital fix. As a pioneer of the industry, the ComiXology app has guided navigation that allows you to read comics panel by panel.

Essentially, the ComiXology app marketplace offers a variety of digital comic book services that can be accessed individually through great deals offered by the company. You can capitalize on even more great opportunities during holidays or comic book movie launches.

2.Marvel Unlimited

If you’re an enthusiast of Marvel Universe adventures, Marvel Unlimited is a great starting point. The app offers a fantastic way to catch up with the histories of Spider-Man, The Hulk, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Batman, Avengers, and Black Panther, among others. Marvel's official app offers a wide range of comic issues to read. Interestingly, some of these comic books are tie-ins with movies, while others are standalone adventure stories.

Just like ComiXology, reading comics using the Marvel Unlimited App is smooth due to the app's ability to zoom and swipe through pages. Although you’re only limited to 12 issues that you can read offline, the app is still one of the best digital platforms to familiarize yourself with Marvel Universe tales.

3.Madefire

This is by far the unique comic books app reader that we’ve come across. The app doesn’t just mirror the ink-on-paper style used in most digital comics. Instead, it presents a new media category that focuses on "motion comics," which combines music, visuals, animated transitions, and dynamic panels to bring life to tales and deliver a rich media experience to users.

Madefire stocks a wide range of comics by Dark Horse, DC, IDW, Valiant, Archie Comics, and Top Cow. With paid and free content available for both static and motion comics, there is doubt that Madefire has something for everyone. And although there aren’t many comic issues from a particular publisher, the varied genres and titles offered by the app are worthwhile.

4.DC Universe

Although it is currently only available in the United States, DC Universe is an all-you-can-eat service that provides more than just comics. Along with its reads, the app allows users to stream animated movies, series, and live-action adaptations of DC's popular superheroes such as Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and more. As a top dog in the industry for decades, the DC Comics digital platform offers access to many DC comics that date up to 80 years back. For example, you can comfortably access and read Action Comics#1 from 1938.

Overall, the app has a navigable UI and a well-produced artwork, although its comic collections pale compared to Marvel. If the DC Universe expands outside the US, it has real potential, although it remains to be seen with rumors about folding into HBO Max currently heating up.

5.Dark Horse Comics

Dark Horse Comics is known for its groundbreaking comics that promote both left-to-right and right-to-left progression by covering both Manga and western comics. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, the company has over 5,000 comics to choose from. These books are available via the official Dark Horse Comics app and range from Hellboy, Astro Boy, The Last Air bender, Disney Frozen, Black Hammer, Call of Duty, and many more.

The app has an intelligent panel-zoom interphase that almost matches that of ComiXology to enhance the user's experience. You can download and use the app for free, although it is associated with in-app purchases.

With any of these 5 apps you will always have great comics ready to read! They are all available on Google Play and if you like this article you will find many more here - enjoy!