The History of Webcomics
This video elaborates on the benefits of publishing comics on the internet. It addresses the roots of webcomics and, thanks to the lack of gatekeepers, how the internet fosters a dynamic and creative environment. Successful webcomics have some unique element that draws in an audience and the size of that audience is dependent on how relatable that element is. These fandoms can grow to such incredible sizes thanks to the massive number of people reading webcomics around the world.
Since distribution of a comic is no longer limited to a small area, a webcomic can grow far beyond the comic itself. Although not mentioned in the video, Penny Arcade debuted in 1998 and has since evolved into a major influence on the modern gaming culture. This evolution is in large part due its tremendous following within the gaming community. It has led to the creation of its own convention, Penny Arcade eXpo (PAX), and the children's charity, Child's Play. Penny Arcade has become incredibly successful, but its fandom is the exception to the rule. Most webcomics are similar to the ones in the video: simple expressions of creativity that generate interest in some fraction of the public.
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What are Digital Comics?
Wilson, Jeffrey L. "Everything You Need to Know About Digital Comics." PCMAG. Ziff Davis, LLC., 25 Mar. 2015. Web. 01 Apr. 2015.
Digital comics are either created entirely on a computer or distributed solely online. This article focuses on well-known publishing houses, such as DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse, which release digital content and how to access it. Unlike other webcomics, digital comics from publishing houses are rarely free and the prices are similar to their physical counterparts. Readers use desktop comic book readers and tablet apps manage these comics. For more information on these readers, see the “Comic Reading Software” tab.
Digital comics are either created entirely on a computer or distributed solely online. This article focuses on well-known publishing houses, such as DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse, which release digital content and how to access it. Unlike other webcomics, digital comics from publishing houses are rarely free and the prices are similar to their physical counterparts. Readers use desktop comic book readers and tablet apps manage these comics. For more information on these readers, see the “Comic Reading Software” tab.
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There are two important points to consider when using digital comics. The first is that it is important to verify whether your digital comic is DRM-free. DRM stands for digital rights management: technology that protects copyright holders and controls the distribution of digital content. Most digital comics are DRM-free, but beware – any comics purchased with DRM are essentially leased content. The second point is that, although DRM can be a pain to deal with, it does provide some measure of copyright protection. With the number of torrent sites available to the open public, there is a great temptation to download copyrighted material illegally. It is up to you to weigh the pros and cons of digital comics.
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How to Navigate the World of Webcomics?
Davis, Lauren. "Sites That Make Your Webcomics Reading Easier." Io9. Io9, 24 June 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2015.
This article presents six different ways to find a webcomic for a patron. At first, this article seems like an ideal resource, but it is a good example of how careful we must be when evaluating reference material. The author assumes that the searcher is browser savvy, knows how to setup an RSS feed, and is already familiar with webcomics. It is important to remember that ability varies with user. Although there are issues, the following websites are still active and accessible for all skill levels:
This article presents six different ways to find a webcomic for a patron. At first, this article seems like an ideal resource, but it is a good example of how careful we must be when evaluating reference material. The author assumes that the searcher is browser savvy, knows how to setup an RSS feed, and is already familiar with webcomics. It is important to remember that ability varies with user. Although there are issues, the following websites are still active and accessible for all skill levels:
- Just the First Frame: Sometimes readers just do not know what they want to read. Rather than stressing over it, guide them to this website. These single panel ‘snapshots’ of current webcomics let the readers scan through quickly until they spot one that appeals to them.
- Comic Rocket: One of the largest clearinghouses of webcomics. Signup is free and anonymous. Readers can choose comics from categories, such as popular, staff picks, and type of genre. When readers pick a comic, they can save the information to their ‘My Comics’ page. It tracks where you left off reading and the publication of any new pages.