Given how few comics stores there are North America and how much of a crapshoot it is to get the comics you want (due to limited print runs, Diamond’s monopoly, etc.), I can’t help but think digital distribution would be an attractive proposition to many would-be customers. The major drawback is the effect it would have on comics retailers, who have done so much to support the industry over the years. And I don’t want comics to become crappy flash animation things either.

But really, given current trends, the shift to digital distribution seems inevitable. And unlike record companies, Marvel/DC own valuable intellectual properties that will ensure continued production of new material from popular creators.

I would adore a digital marketplace. I don’t think I’d be willing to spend more than $1/comic (at which price I’d buy regularly and in volume), but I might be willing to now and again subscribe to something digitally if the standard were a slightly higher price–for instance, I’d probably get Countdown digitally (when at current, I won’t get it at all) at a little high price. Anything above $1, though, wouldn’t exactly invite impulse buys. (It’s like the $20 thing for store purchases–anything higher, and people are substantially more likely to consider the purchase instead of impulse-grabbing it.)

I agree with the second commenter, Mike. I still buy novels, newspapers, magazines and other things in paper form. Although I’ve pretty much given up buying monthly comic books I still like to buy collected TPBs and graphic novels. I like the feel of the weight of the book, the glossiness of the paper and so on. The only way I’d consider buying a TPB in electronic form is if it’s cheap and isn’t something I really wanted in paper form. Perhaps it’s different for the young ‘uns out there?