While cell phone users have downloaded games and music on their handhelds for years, reading comics on a phone wasn’t practical until the iPhone’s larger, clearer screen hit the market. In addition to its size, the pinch-zoom, finger-scrolling capability of the iPhone adds to the idea that, yeah, reading comics on it just might work.
iPhone Comic Readers: To hack or not?
App makers have been busy helping reading comics on the iPhone come to fruition. Several developers introduced Apps that allow users to download readers via the internet or from iTunes and others have created native Apps that require users to “jail break” their iPhones.
“Jail Breaking” is not recommended for the less tech-saavy, however there are plenty of alternatives available at the Apps store that will do just as well for reading comics.
iComics: Best “Hacked” iPhone Reader for Comics, Manga
For users who know what they’re doing with their nifty new iPhone, comic fans have been pleased with the iComics App. With this App, users can download and read comics or manga in ZIP format. Unfortunately, iComics comes in Japanese. Several tutorials can be found with a Google search that will enable an English interface, which must be installed after an already lengthy “jail breaking” process. iComics is definitely for the advanced iPhone comic book fan.
iPhone Apps Available at iTunes: ClickWheel and iVerse
These two Apps are available for free at the iTunes store and don’t require a complicated installation, however both Apps have drawbacks. Both allow users to view comics one frame at a time, which some users find irritating. Also, neither App offers a wide variety of mainstream comics.
The Click Wheel App is a free App that allows you to search and download original comics from the iPhone itself. Some are free and some cost money. iVerse is forthcoming from Apple and will also be free. iVerse allows users to buy adapted comics from the Apps store and Apple estimates most comics will go for around $1.
Free Golden Age Comics for the iPhone
The Comics Zeal App allows users to download and view copies of Golden Age comics for free. This App takes advantage of the iPhone’s pinch-zoom and finger scrolling capabilities and is well-received by users. This App doesn’t require any Hacks or Jail Breaks and is available for both the iPhone and iPod Touch on iTunes.
Reading .CBR or PDF Comics on the iPhone
Unfortunately, no App exist that allows users to read their digital comics (that come in CBR format) on their iPhones. Most Apps don’t allow any DRM protected downloads at all, so reading .CBR or any other versions of the latest DC and Marvel releases is still wishful thinking. However, there is a way to view any comics in PDF format. While the iPhone has yet to include an Acrobat Reader, PDF are viewable by emailing an attachment and then opening it on the iPhone.
Check out Find Free Comics for other ways to find and read comics books for free and Games for the iPhone for the best and worst gaming downloads.
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