Comics Corner

Luis Vega

I stopped buying monthly comics in October 2018. It’s the fi rst time in more than almost 30 years that I wasn’t buying monthly comics for myself. Shortly thereafter, I started to subscribe to the DC Universe app. For $7.99 a month I have access to the whole historical library of DC Comics. The one draw back is that first run books are 6 months to a year behind.

When I first started interacting with the app, I was so much more drawn to the live action (Titans, Doom Patrol, etc.) and animated offerings (Harley Quinn, Hush) than I was with the comics offerings. I found it a little diffi cult to get into the fl ow of the comics on my phone. In fact because I was ahead of where the current books were (because of the release delay) I started to dive into classic runs of books that I had missed. Mid ’80s Legion of Superheroes, sign me up.

That has all changed for me in a big way during quarantine. In fact, I must say, I have used the app just about everyday during quarantine. It’s allowed me to catch up with Bendis’ run on Superman and Action Comics, King’s Batman, Snyder’s Justice League, Jones’ Catwoman, while also discovering books like Steve Orlando’s Martian Manhunter. While a completely different experience than thumbing through a paper comic, I’ve come to enjoy advancing panel by panel through the digital edition of the comics. My one recommendation would be to read it on a desktop or larger tablet as opposed to a phone as the narrow phone screen does not let the art breathe.

On top of rediscovering my love for comics (albeit in digital form), the live action and animated offerings continue to be top notch. Titans season 2 and Harley season 2 have been so much better than season one. I’m also very excited about the premiere of Stargirl. Episode 1 was very good and I can’t wait for the rest of the season. In all transparency, I’ve yet to delve into the Marvel app as my love for that brand was starting to wane when I gave up the printed books.