Update: There is a more recent version of this post for deciding on a tablet for comics in 2023.
More often than not, decisions involving comic books don’t create too much financial stress. There are obvious exceptions (Nic Cage’s copy of Action Comics #1 comes to mind), but generally speaking a $2.99 (or, gasp!, $3.99) comic won’t break the bank.
This all gets thrown out the window when we start considering the device you want to use to read your digital comics. Do you stick to a laptop/desktop? Do you invest in a sleek 10 inch tablet? What about a mini tablet to save a few dollars? And what about the Kindle or Nook e-reader devices? What’s the best device for comic book reading?
It’s a tough question, and one I’ve been researching and wrestling with myself until recently. The answer will depend to some degree on your needs and liquidity (meaning both your access to cash and your ability to go full Hydro-Man at a moment’s notice). Nonetheless, I believe there’s a clear answer here to help you make an informed purchase.
Why Can’t I Just Roll With My Laptop For Comics?
For the first year and a half of my digital comic book reading lifespan, I used nothing but my laptop. This was made possible through an early subscription to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited and an uncanny ability to ignore significant degrees of wasted screen space.
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Although this screenshot is Marvel Unlimited specific, the general problem applies across desktop comic readers – they’re largely designed for vertical reading, a la an actual comic book. This is true of everything from Comixology to Dark Horse Comics to a .cbr file reader like ComicRack.
Naturally, tablets lend themselves towards these dimensions, where vertical displays trump width. Can you read comic books on your laptop? Of course – but the art and story is going to fill up the screen far more naturally on a tablet, with the added benefit of swiping panels like turning the page.
End of the day, a laptop is expensive enough, and it’s understandable if you want to use your nice computer as a one stop shop for all digital endeavors. Just know that your comic book reading is going to be severely limited by small font, tiny panels, and a far from smooth reading experience. Plus, the all-time downside: you can’t easily carry the computer with one-hand into the bathroom. Comics are the role tablets were born to play.
Beginning the Tablet Discussion: What Are You Looking For?
Ok, you get it, you get it, tablets are the best thing to happen to comic book reading since Scott Mcloud. What should you look for in one of these new age technological wonders?
Before you dive into any particular tablet for comics, it’s important to consider what you’re planning to use this device for. Considering you’re reading this post, the short answer is probably: a device that lets me enjoy digital comics the absolute most.
But before we get into the nitty gritty of comic book enjoyment, what else do you want from a tablet? Is the tablet for at home use only? Will you be commuting long distances with your new tablet? Are you going to be working on this tablet, or is it purely for entertainment purposes?
Go ahead and answer all these questions in earnest before you move on. And if you’re like me, and the answer is simply “I want to read comics, and lots of them at that,” our decision is much easier.
10 inch Tablet Vs. The 7 inch Mini Tablet: Does Size Matter?
The biggest debate of all is whether to lay down your money on the full-size or mini tablet.
On average, a full-size 10 inch tablet is going to cost between $150 and $250 more than a 7 inch mini. Given that potential savings, the temptation is to look very closely at the 7 inch tablet and consider if the screen size alone is worth an extra $200.
Looking at the above screen shot, you can tell pretty clearly that the full size tablets are going to approach the standard comic book reading experience much more accurately. My copy of Image Comics’ Saga is the biggest of the three reading options, but the latest version iPad is very close. The Google Nexus 7 mini tablet on the other hand, is quite a bit smaller.
So is the answer that cut and dry? Suck up the extra expense, roll with the iPad or alternate full size tablet based on the additional size, and enjoy your comics?
This is where I found myself around a month ago. I’ve had a new iPad through work for some time (yay, work supporting comics unknowingly!) and knew full well that the full-size tablet solved every digital comic book need I had. The resolution was amazing, the comics looked great, and I could leave every issue in single page mode and read no problem.
But… Google’s Nexus 7 is only $229! Based on the price I had to at least consider the quality of comic book reading on Google’s 7 inch tablet. I got some great feedback on Google+ about comic fans and the experience they’ve had with different tablet devices.
What you’ll take away from the discussion is that nearly all these comic fans who have a Nexus 7 love the device for comic books and everything else. Based on this feedback, I went ahead and got a Google Nexus 7 for myself. Comics on the tablet look great but I won’t pretend there isn’t a size disadvantage. See for yourself.
The 7 Inch Tablet Experience
As I mentioned, my verdict on the full-size tablet, a la the iPad, is that it’s absolutely perfect for comic book reading. The only question remaining is whether the full-size device is worth the extra expense.
Purely from a comic book reading perspective, I can now verify that that those extra Benjamins are seriously in doubt.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my Google Nexus 7 and have only rarely switched back to the iPad despite the size difference.
What does Google’s mini tablet have going for it?
- Convenient transportation – The 7 inch tablet offers a degree of transportability that’s hard to beat. You can easily hold the device with just one hand while reading comics, the tablet is incredibly light, and you could even conceivably fit the device into a cargo pocket if needed. While this might not be much of a plus if you’re just reading at home, if you’d like to bring your comics on your commute, the 7 inch is an easier carry-on.
- Resolution – Comics look great on the Nexus 7. Again, I can’t sit here and pretend they look better than the new iPad, but I really don’t notice a discernible difference. I’ve now started watching FX’s Wilfred on my Nexus 7 while sitting in front of the TV. And I’d do it again.
- Savings – A Nexus 7 for $229 compared to a new generation iPad for $499, or even the Nexus 10 for $399 leaves you at least $170. For that price you could take advantage of Comixology’s current $.99 The Walking Dead sale and buy the first 100 issues.
The major downside is that single-page reading on the 7 inch tablet is generally not very practical. You will need to zoom some, or if reading in Comixology, use panel-by-panel reading. This is a slightly different experience than just having the page in front of you and may take some getting used to.
The Marvel Unlimited Conundrum – Or, Why I Rule Out the Nook and Kindle
If you’re wondering why there’s so little talk of Barnes and Noble’s Nook HD+ (voted CNET’s best tablet value) or Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX (voted CNET’s best media consumption tablet), the answer largely comes down to Marvel Unlimited.
I’ll explain: as a long-time subscriber to Marvel’s digital library service, it’s pretty important to me that my e-reader support the Marvel Unlimited app. With the Kindle and Nook, I just have no confidence that this will be the case.
The Marvel Unlimited digital app came to Android several months after it was released for iOS, and it’s Android supported form is clearly secondary to iOS. Don’t believe me? Just check out the MU reviews in Google Play. It’s appalling!
Personally, I don’t think the Marvel Unlimited on Android is particularly flawed, with one major exception: the comic fails to utilize the full screen space every single time.
Yes, you can zoom in with a simple pinch of the fingers, but having to do so on every page becomes tedious. It’s a weird flaw in the Marvel Unlimited Android app experience, especially on the Nexus 7 where size is already the major concern.
Which brings me to my potentially unfounded concerns with book the Nook HD+ and Kindle Fire: if the Marvel Unlimited Android app has weird technical glitches on Google’s Nexus tablets, how glitchy is it going to be on off-brand devices that simply allow access to the Google Play store?
If Marvel Unlimited is not a concern for you, though, then the Kindle Fire and Nook HD+ may become very real considerations. I would point you to this quality post from the Comic Book Reader Guide for more if that fits your need.
The Final Test – Which Device Will I Use?
In about 5 minutes when I complete this post, I’m going to plop down on my couch and continue reading Peter David’s excellent early Marvel Knights entry Madrox (a pre-cursor to David’s equally exciting X-Factor).
So far I’ve read the first two issues on my Nexus 7. But as I sit here, I realize the iPad is sitting right there. And that I wouldn’t have to zoom, or pinch, or worry about weird Marvel Unlimited size issues.
I’m going to read my comics on the full-size tablet. It’s a no-brainer.
Now, obviously, this is a bit of a luxury to even have this option. But it illustrates my final point, which is that if you have the resources, invest in the 10 inch tablet. You won’t have a single complaint about comic book reading ever, aside from the usual Dan Slott did WHAT?!
I’ll leave Android vs. iOS up to you, and personally I’ve come to like both operating systems. If you’re a Marvel Unlimited fanatic like myself, I’d drive you towards iOS as that app has cleaner functionality in my opinion.
If you’re looking to save upwards of $200, though, and you have a long commute, or travel consistently, I’ve loved the experience of owning a Nexus 7. It’s a fantastic device, and all things considered comic book reading is perfectly viable.
I should probably caveat that all this is coming from a guy so addicted to comics he developed a way to read comics on his tiny little iPhone 4, but you can totally trust me.
So what do you think? What has your experience with digital comic reading been? What devices do you prefer, or which are you considering getting? Do what feels right to you in the comments!
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1 2 Next »Ive been trying for weeks to load all my cbr and cbz files on the 128gb micro sd I use with my surface. And I don't know if it's the tablet, the card, or whatever... but shortly after I transfer from usb to the micro sd, the files disappear. It's strange because I have 7 or 8 movie, some music, pictures, and atleast 2000 video game roms I use with NESBOX... all that transfered and stayed on the card just fine, no problems. But my cbz and cbr files just disappear. Anyone had a similar issue? Or maybe a solution?
I've been using an ASUS Zenpad 10, which has been pretty decent for a budget tablet. Battery life is my biggest, but most substantial gripe with it. Runs on an atrociously weak 4890 mAh battery which will require charging daily with use. Comparatively, the newest iPads are 10k mAh, with even the new iPad mini at 5120 mAh. Its 1280x800 resolution is serviceable, but also seems a little behind the times today.
Recently, I have been eyeing the RecPad10 as an upgrade. With the Apple Retina level resolution (2048X1536), much stronger battery (8900 mAh), and moderate upgrades over the Zenpad 10 specs at $180, it seems like a pretty good deal. If anyone gets this before me, please report back and let us know your thoughts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0106CAN12/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=35L3PI84RM3DO&coliid=I24MV7P3SQJTOO
@Derrick
Yes, I had that problem with some cheap, off brand 128gb microSDs. Bought some Samsung 64gb micros and have not had any problems since... although have not tried 128gb yet.
Great article, thank you! Although that plus the comments have simultaneously confused and helped me. I pretty much want a full display experience, and the Samsung Tabs are 10" or there's the Nook+ which is 9". (I would go iPad but Air would be better and that's slightly too much.) I think they're the cheapest options?
What do you think has the best reading experience with the app overall? Because while I could use it for other things I think a tablet just for MU would be a good purchase for me, the amount I read on there.
Also just to complain, the Unlimited app's failure to correctly load offline books has got better but it's the WORST.
First things first, offline reading is a darn travesty. I'm such a fan of the service, but man alive would I use it more if that worked well!
Marvel Unlimited for Android has gotten a lot better this year. So you'll be in a very good place with a 10" Samsung Galaxy. The Nook's a pretty flawed tablet, but I've been using it exclusively for MU reading for over a year, and it's a really great value. As I reconsider things, though, I'd probably just spend a bit more on a slightly nicer Galaxy. That's my take :)
Looking into a tablet mainly for reading comics, what's better 8" or 10"? Leaning more towards a 10" but if an 8" is still enjoyable and comfortable while saving a few bucks I'm willing to shave off 2" of screen real estate.
I've just bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (8") for £150 before going on holiday. Way better than the 7" and not as disappointing as I thought coming back from a no brand android 10". I would have gone for the Samsung Tab S 10.5 ( amoled etc etc) if I could have afforded it, as there's no way you can read my current model in direct sunlight. But the 8" is fine for anywhere else. I'm also using and have always used Perfect Viewer.. Perfect for 3months ( 11gb) of holiday catch-up reading.
Now if only the continuities could match up, or am I a month too early ;)
Full size is better.
That said, plenty of fans are happy with 8" devices. I find this to be especially true if you're comfortable using Comixology's smart panel view. Otherwise singe page view will occasionally require a bit of pinch and zoom.
I have Nook HD+ for a year and its great. The display size fits almost perfectly to one page, it has great resolution and colors, long battery life, microSD slot. And Marvel Unlimited worked just fine on my Cyanogenmod.
Finally got a tab. Picked up a Le Pan tc1020 10.1" is awesome for viewing comics. It's pretty much a Chinese ipad, but android op. Screen is beautiful and the price was $200 Loving reading comics on my Le Pan.
The Galaxy Tab Pro (with 12.1" screen) is pretty awesome for comics. I use a combination of Unlimited(which,yes is a little buggy, but bearable for filling in caps), and the Comixology Marvel App (though I only buy the 99c comics). As well as the huge screen, it has a stylus which means I can eat my lunch and swipe the pages with my stylus (preventing a horrible dirty screen).
Any comments on the updated Android app for Marvel Unlimited? I heard that it was updated a few months back and was curious how it works on the Nexus 7 and Nook HD+. Does it still fail to fill the screen, is it still buggy? It's a deciding point for me with purchasing one of those tablets. Thanks!
The Android app for Marvel Unlimited is hugely improved. I wrote my thoughts on the update, and it's only gotten better since then. A little buggy here and there, but fills the screen much better. Landscape mode isn't perfect, you'll have to pinch and zoom a little, but full page viewing on the Nook HD+ or Nexus 7 works very well.
Still highly recommend the Marvel Unlimited experience on the Nook. Been extremely happy with the price point on a device I use to read comics daily.
Bit the bullet and picked up a Nook HD+ for under 200 - thank you for the advice, this thing is perfect for Marvel Unlimited. It's already worlds better than the browser, which I was struggling to load from any desktop. The app might crash every once in a while, but since it opens back up in a second, it's no big deal. And the screen is large and sharp - I'm really happy with it.
One question - do you know if there's a way to full-screen the app? Movies, for example, full-screen on the Nook HD+, but this (and some other apps) always has a black status/navigation bar on the top and the bottom, which shrinks the image down a little. I couldn't find any way to change it in the settings, so it might just be how it is (though the iPhone app doesn't do this). But still, thanks again!
Excellent, glad you're enjoying.
I haven't found a full screen workaround yet. Reading through the browser occasionally offers this option, but I prefer the app overall. Full screen reading is definitely an option I'd like to see added, though. Particularly true for landscape mode pages.
The Samsung Tab S is awesome for reading digital comics and Marvel Unlimited. It even comes with a free Marvel Unlimited subscription for 3 months.
Amoled display is gorgeous, incredible for reading. Nicer than a LED screen.
10.5 inch screen and weight is 1 pound (465 grams). Super light and does not make it uncomfortable holding for long periods of time.
You can add a Micro SD card for extra storage. 128 gb card = reading forever.
32 GB Tab S is 50 bucks cheaper than 32 GB Ipad Air. So just from a comic book stand point, I feel it is the ultimate reader.
Awesome feedback, thanks for sharing! I didn't know about the 3 months of Marvel Unlimited. That's really cool.
I use a 3rd generation iPad,but I find marvel unlimted doesn't fit properly in smart reading mode. Misses off speech bubbles, fails to load comics, wipes my library etc.. But that's the app, not the tablet. I'd always stick to full size rather than a mini, but I'd definitely recommend going for the air series after reading so much on this beast! Way too heavy!
Interesting about the device being too heavy. There's definitely an advantage to the lightness of reading a comic.
And yeah, those Marvel Unlimited app bugs are universal across devices. Actually even more pronounced outside of iOS. Still a good deal though :)
I have Nexus & and it is great.Bigger tablets start to make hand ache after sometime and not very convenient to read sleeping. Please suggest where I can get tablet editions of comics .Live in bandwith hungry region and hires for tablet is waste of Mb
Thanks for all the great advice and tips. I'm scouring the web trying to find good information on tablets for comic reading. One thing I can't seem to find is if any tablet can connect to a shared drive on my main computer where I store all my CBR files and read them remotely instead of downloading them to the device or to a cloud. Do any of the tablets you've mentioned allow that option?
So you don't want to download the CBR files to the device or have the available through the cloud? I know that trick :)
I think what you're looking for is a remote desktop app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id714464092?mt=8
Something like that maybe? And then the right app will depend on your devices / desktop OS. Let me know if that's what you're looking for!
What are your thoughts on the Surface tablet from Microsoft. I have a lot of .cbr files and like the usb/micro sd ports.Trying to decide what would be the best bang fro my buck.
Have to admit I don't know much about the Surface. Haven't spent any time with one yet. Be curious to hear from someone who has though :)
I was on the same dilema than you guys. After using and not being 100% satisfied with a Galaxy Tab Plus 7 inch, then a Kindle Paperwhite and a Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, finally I found my perfect, but bit expensive device.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is the perfect size and display to read comics and manga. I can easily read and collect mangas on the Manga Rock App. And on the same time read great american and european comics like The Worlds of Aldebaran.
Trust me Im very perfectionist, and I finally can say that I love my comic/manga devices.
Great article btw.
I got a Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 too and curious why Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is better. Would appreciate sharing your experience.
I'm also looking for a bigger one and my eye is on Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1.
Cheers!
Thank you :) Great feedback, thanks for that!
Thanks for this! I'm about to make a choice between a Kindle Fire HD, an Ipad Mini 2, and the iPad Air... haven't decided yet, but this article helped flesh out the arguments for different readers.
Thanks again!
Been reading on the 2012 Nexus 7 for about a year. Upgraded to the Nexus 10 today and I hope to be reading on it for a long time to come. The Ipad is a great device but for comics the Nexus 10 has it beat. The Nexus 10 has a better screen ratio for comics than the Ipad, so it fills up the screen without any bars on the side. Since it's been out for a while if you are patient you can find some deals on it, trust me, it's worth every penny for digital comic reading.
Thanks for the info - I've borrowed an old IPad for the weekend and am definitely considering plunking down for a ten-inch screen. Have you used the marvel app on yours? Having finally gotten the "read offline" to work on the old iPad showed me that it CAN work...
I use the Marvel Unlimited app very regularly on the iPad. It's not flawless, but it's a primarily smooth experience (Android is another matter).
I was particularly happy with the "next comic" feature Marvel recently added after you finish an issue. Anything that keeps me plowing through a series is a nice feature. I would definitely recommend it to any comic fans, with the caveat that there may be some patience required.