On one hand, there is the hipster-purist, the comic-collector who finds it incomprehensible to think that a digital version of a comic even sniffs the tangible, artistic quality and glossy pages of a real comic book. To this crowd, part of the comic book experience is riding your Redline (with pegs) down to the local corner comic book store and purchasing the latest edition of Tales from the Crypt with the allowance left over from that can of Sunkist from the vending machine. However, the purist comic book collector will also appreciate that the value of the print comic book, when kept in pristine condition, can increase over time. The collection will be filled with tangible, physical items, that can be purused, admired and traded.

But, then again, there is the non-purist who is looking to enter into a wonderful world of over-the-top superheros who defend the just against villains in a black-and-white world of good and evil. For the comic newbie (do not be ashamed – everyone was at one point), the digital version of the comic may be your best bet: its cheaper, more accessible, and easily stored. Also, you do not need to drive to your parent’s house and drag your old 10 speed out of the garage (only to realize that the tires need to be pumped up).Downloading a comic book requires extreme minimal movement.

Digital comic books allow you to leisurely read over a bowl of cereal, without the worry thata drop of milk or a crinkle of the page will accidently ruin your prized possesion. However, as the item can be massed produced by manufacturers, and is stored as part of the memory on your computer or iPad, the is also no appreciable value to owning the comic book. Your collection will simply be a mass of files on a harddrive instead of something that can be admired like the standard comic collection.

If you are a comic collector, there is no question: print versions of comics are more valuable then the digital. Ultimately, comic book makers and sellers should not view digital comics as the newest super-villain, but rather, they should view the digital market as a brand new avenue for entreprenuership. If you are looking for a true collection, look no further the the print media. But if you are simply looking to enjoy a good graphic story; the digital versions of comics can provide you with the best accesibility and greatest monetary value.

The cover of Mighty Avenger 20. This title discontinued last year.

The Dark Angel Saga has concluded, but I still have not finish reading the series. As you can see in the picture below Maybe I’ll finish it during the Chinese New Year holidays since I don’t have any plans.

Not that I don’t want to finish it, but when it comes to a mini series inside the comic book, I prefer to read them in 1 shot. It’s more satisfying. When you work all day, and read the comics at night … if I only read one issue and then after two to three weeks only the next issue, I am sure that I have forgotten what’s the previous issue all about.

I don’t like the new DC Comics logo. To me, it is just horrible, but if they decide to stick to it, then it will take a while for me to get use to it.

What do you think?

Getting kids to read can be a tough prospect. For children, reading is associated with going to school, homework and learning. The last thing they want to do after coming home from school is to start reading again. And the last thing you want to do, as a parent, is fight with your child. But in a world dominated by TV, video games and the Internet, you don’t want to be a lazy parent and just give up.

According to Suzanne Stauffer, a professor at Louisiana State University, developing the habit of reading at a young age is critical to forming adult reading practices. Whether your child is reading traditional novels or comic books, both contribute to this essential habit of reading. Comic books are a great way to trick your kids into having fun while reading. As comic books are primarily picture-driven with text only to supplement the action within the pictures, kids are less likely to associate this type of reading with what they are forced to do in school. For reluctant readers comic books are especially helpful for developing interest in learning to read, as a comic does not seem as dense or daunting as a normal book. For boys, comics can be a good arena to find stories with the action they crave and male driven plot lines that they can relate to.

Introducing Your Child To Comics

One key to starting your childs’ reading of comics is not to approach the matter like a chore or piece of homework. Instead of asking your child to “read” the comic, show them how interesting the comic is by looking through it together. Focus your child’s interest on the pictures and plot of the comic instead of asking them to read the words aloud. This will allow your child to engage with the piece without feeling like they are “learning.”

It is likely that your child enjoys watching cartoons, even if you would prefer that they didn’t. There are many crossover characters and storylines from comic books to children’s cartoons that may help you when initially introducing your child to comic books. If your kids are fans of the X-Men, The Incredible Hulk or Spiderman on TV, they are sure to enjoy the comics these characters stemmed from. Marvel offers comic books featuring Spiderman or the Avengers, most of which are suitable to children.

Other Comics for Kids:

• DC Comics: Like Marvel, DC Comics feature some of the most popular and well-known superhero characters including Batman or the Green Lantern.
• Archie Comics: For children who are less inclined to enjoy superhero or fantasy type storylines, Archie provides a more realistic portrait of life in the suburbs. These comics may especially appeal to girls who are looking for romantic storylines, as there are mild romantic plots.
• Disney Comics: Like all parents, I am sure you have been dragged to your fair share of Disney movies. Since 1995 Disney has been producing comic books based upon their most popular characters, which i am sure will appeal to your family’s biggest Disney fan. Luckily for you, the comics comes without the singing.

Before handing your child their new comic, you should be sure to read through to make sure the comic is age-appropriate. Be especially careful when purchasing Marvel or DC Comics, as both of these companies do produce adult comic books featuring their well-known superheros which may not be appropriate for children.