I met Joe at LSCC – here are his thoughts on digital comics!
1. Who are you and what are you working on right now? (2 questions in 1, I know!)
Well, my name is Joe Glass, and I’m a writer who works on a couple indie comics projects. Firstly, The Pride, my book about a team of LGBTQ superheroes and its sister project, The Pride Adventures. I also co-write on a horror comedy set in the South Wales valleys called Stiffs.
2. What drew you to digital comics?
I’ve been a fan of the comics medium for years, since my early teens. Digital comics is still new for me, but I enjoy the extension to the medium it provides.
3. Webcomics or digital comics?
Well, why not both? There’s room for many different kinds of stories and storytelling in comics, so we should celebrate every kind.
4. What do you think works with digital comics?
Well, I think the instantaneous access to massive libraries of comics at your fingertips is a huge thing, and a benefit to comic creators at every level. I think we still need to explore the new things this technology allows us to do, but I definitely love the ability to create fluid panel transitions and guided reading structures.
5. Can digital comics replace print comics?
Oh, never. Just as digital books will never completely replace printed books. There is something special in the tactile nature of a book or comic. With comics, it’s the sensation of being so much closer to the art. So no, it would never replace print comics…nor should it aim to.
6. How can print comics work with digital comics?
I think they’re already doing it. Just offering both methods for the audience to enjoy is enough.
7. What don’t you like about digital comics?
There’s not really anything not to like.
8. What digital comics/webcomics do you read?
Oh wow, we could be here all night. With webcomics, I like to see them as like comic strips I enjoy alongside those in the papers. Like PvP, Penny Arcade, Questionable Content, and more. Digital comics, well, I tend to use Comixology to pick up a lot of indie books and the Submit titles that may not be found in brick and mortar stores.
9. Where do you see digital comics going from here?
Hopefully, just continuing to rise.
10. Who do you think we should look out for in digital comics?
I think you should always look out for new releases, and check Comixology Submit regularly, to maybe find the new stories that you will love and can share with others.