Recently, DC Comics announced that on Aug. 31 it will launch a "historic renumbering" of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues -- and that digital versions will appear alongside print versions.

The roll-out will start with release of "Justice League" by writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of "Justice League" #1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.

I have to think that DC is eyeing the iPad as the main focus of its digital publishing effort. Other devices will also figure into the equation, but the Apple tablet and comic books could be a match made in heaven.

I grew up reading comic books. Since I was a kid who worked (summers mainly at my Dad's sawmill), I had the money to buy them. At the time comics were affordable. Though it dates me, I can remember when they were 15 cents apiece.

However, these days, there's no way I can afford to buy even a small number of comic books that come out each month. They're just too expensive at three bucks and up per issue. That's why I think the future of the medium will be, at least in part, on the iPad.

Imagine comic books being offered for a buck or two apiece in digital form. A lower price than the print versions would allow comic book companies to sell more titles and draw in new fans.


Maybe, just maybe, that would return me to the wonderful world of comic collecting. After all, I never bought comics to resell them. I bought them because I loved the characters. I'd like to still be a part of that world without having to get a second job to support a comics collecting habit.

-- Dennis Sellers