I had a quick web chat with Eric Reedy of Madcap Studios about their comic book viewing app DIGITAL COMICS, and what to look forward to in the future.
BSR: With all the comic book reading apps available what makes the Digital Comics app so different?
Eric: Our App is focused around the ability to let comics play out FOR you, in an automated, almost animated way. We feel very strongly that this is the way things are headed, and that we’re positioned at the forefront of that movement. We still keep our prices competitive, at $0.99 per comic, with several free issues available to all.
BSR: Other than the vibration during action scenes, it flows like a regular comic book.
Eric: Yeah, a lot of people LOVE the vibration feature. They say it really adds to the experience, when a panel suddenly jumps, and the device vibrates further implying a gunshot, earthquake, or explosions, and for those who don’t prefer it, we provide an off switch in the settings.
BSR: Where are you at development wise?
Eric: 1.1.5 is in development , which adds 10 new features, along with general refinements, tweaks, and bug fixes. 1.1.6 is already in review, and includes additional features / refinements as well as final / minor bug fixes.
1.5 is in development, and its primary feature will be that it’s iPad-native. We’re hoping to have it out in time for Comic Con.
BSR: Will you have a booth at San Diego Comic Con?
Eric: We won’t have a dedicated booth, but we’re featured at several booths, including Top Cow and Joe Phillips, so we’ll be floating around, handing out fliers, demoing, etc
BSR: After downloading all the free comics and enjoying the presentation I wanted to see more, besides Top Cow and Antarctic do you have more publishers lined up?
Eric: I know the one thing we need to improve is the amount of content we have available. We do have publishers lined up, but nothing to publicly announce yet. Soon, hopefully.
BSR: That’s wonderful I’d really like to use this app more, and purchase newer issues.
Eric: We’re working on that, and in addition to other publishers, the speed at which issues are released should soon dramatically increase as well.
BSR: Any plans for an online reader?
Eric: Yep. And we’ll be going above and beyond there, as well. It’ll be entirely HTML5. No flash. Which means it will work in any modern browser, on any device, and we intend to keep any content you purchase available to you, whether viewing it on the web, or our platform apps. Buy once, view anywhere.
BSR: Nice to see you moving away from flash and onto other mobile devices, that will make it accessible to more readers.
Eric: Yeah, flash is pretty bad. It’s a privately owned platform that has never been particularly fast, efficient, or stable. I’ve been eagerly waiting for a capable alternative, and things are starting to look good.
BSR: Thanks for your time, enjoy the con I hope you turn a few heads.
Eric: Thanks.
You can download the DIGITAL COMICS app FREE on your iPhone Ipod touch or iPad and see demos of the app in action at madcapstudios.com