One of the biggest prospects people have mentioned as a good use for a device like the new Apple iPad has been the potential of comic books. Marvel Comics wasted no time with getting its application out there, and while it has potential, there are still some issues.

The application is also available for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but of course things are going to look better on the 9.7-inch screen of the iPad.  I’ve only used it thus far on the iPod Touch, but everything looks gorgeous, zooming in is a cinch, moving from panel to panel and so on all works beautifully.  Speaking only on the technical merits of the application, Marvel pretty much hit a home run.

Where the problems are has to do with the content.  The most recent comics I can find so far in the current offerings is from 2008.  The overall selection ranges from the 1960′s to a few years ago, but I’m not seeing anything current.  I can understand not wanting to totally cannibalize their current print sales, but what about a six-month delay or so?  Why not work it like DVD sales and sell it a few months later.  While it might be cool to look at some of these older comics, how many people are going to race to buy Amazing Spider-Man #1 through #10?

While there are a few free comics to whet your appetite, the majority are going to set you back a $1.99, which for really old comics is a bargain, and for recent ones it is also a bit of a deal, but is it enough?  Comic books are known to be an item for collectors, and casual readers have become an endangered species due to the rising prices.  So, yes, it is cheaper than what is on the rack, but those are selling to collectors now, but is it enough of a discount to lure the casual reader into jumping back in, or even trying comics for the first time?  Are parents going to say, “Sure, Billy, go spend $20 on ten comics that don’t even exist in reality.”

While I find it an interesting exploration into digital comics, but I think Marvel may have missed some of the problems that actually need to be addressed in the overall market.  DC Comics is also supposed to be working on an app, and if they want to go old, capture back some of those casual readers, I’m going to say right now that $1.00 per comic is the key price point.  You made your money a long time ago on these books, and yes you had to digitize the files for the format, but you’ll be amazed how many more copies you’ll sell if you do so.

Here is a video review from Boing Boing.