ComiXology Unlimited's Browsing and Reading Interface
ComiXology Unlimited isn't a standalone app, but rather an extension of the regular ComiXology app/website. For the most part that's a good thing, as ComiXology is one of the longest running and most well-established digital comics stores around. Subscribers can either search for and read comics directly in their web browser or download apps for Android, iOS and Kindle Fire devices. Both the app and website offer a mostly seamless experience, with the designated ComiXology Unlimited tab featuring a number of Netflix-style rows of recommended reads in different categories. Books can be borrowed and downloaded to a device for offline reading. [poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F03%2F24%2Fcomixology-logo1585057541084.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F03%2F24%2Fcomixology-logo1585057541084_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e7a0f09e4b08e237d61fdd8%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbjca%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Start%20a%20free%2060-day%20trial%20of%20ComiXology%20Unlimited%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22ComiXology%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"] The one downside to Unlimited being integrated with the rest of ComiXology is that it can be difficult to navigate the Unlimited library if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. There's no option to view a full, organized list of all available Unlimited titles. The website at least offers an option to filter search results to include only those books available on Unlimited. The app lacks that feature, which can result in a lot of trial and error if you're simply trying to find a new Batman comic to read. There is one other app-specific quirk worth noting. The iOS version doesn't allow users to directly purchase books in the app itself, instead directing them to the ComiXology website. This is a result of the eternal feud between Apple and ComiXology's parent company Amazon. However, that only impacts users looking to augment their Unlimited library by purchasing additional books. If you’re just here for the ComiXology Unlimited freebies it isn’t a problem. (See our guide for downloading ComiXology Unlimited comics to every device for more information.) The actual visual fidelity of the comics is one area where ComiXology Unlimited soundly trounces Marvel Unlimited. ComiXology's files are higher resolution, aimed at taking advantage of pricier tablets like the iPad Pro. Comparing ComiXology side-by-side with Marvel Unlimited, the images are sharper and the text is noticeably more clear. ComiXology books can either be viewed in full-screen mode (with either one or two pages displayed at a time) or through the "Guided View" option, which zooms in on individual panels so you can read them one at a time. While not necessarily the ideal reading experience, Guided View is an innovative way to make most comics readable on smaller devices like smartphones.ComiXology Unlimited's Comic Book Library
ComiXology Unlimited advertises "over 25,000 comics & graphic novels." Numerically, that puts the service on roughly equal footing with competitors like Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe. The catch is that ComiXology's library is divided among a number of different publishers. It covers a much wider scope of the comic book industry, but with much less depth as a result. Those 25,000 books comprise major publishers like Marvel, DC, Image, Archie, Valiant and Dark Horse and smaller publishers like Fantagraphics Books, Oni Press, Humanoids, Action Lab Entertainment, Aspen Comics, Zenescope Entertainment and Abstract Studio. Thankfully, the ComiXology Unlimited library has improved quite a bit from its original offering. Early on, ComiXology Unlimited didn't include any DC books, and the content tended to focus mainly on the first volumes of various popular titles. At that point, ComiXology Unlimited was really useful only as a starting point or testing ground for new readers. But over time, the library has grown to the point where a number of perennial, evergreen reads like Batman: Year One, Marvel's Civil War, Hellboy and Locke & Key are included. We've previously broken down the 25 essential ComiXology Unlimited reads all new subscribers should start with. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/09/14/dc-universe-review-is-the-subscription-service-worth-the-price"] One major advantage ComiXology Unlimited has over its competitors is that it includes mature readers titles like Preacher, Punisher MAX and Y: The Last Man. That's something both Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe lack. The service also features a growing lineup of "ComiXology Originals," graphic novels and manga volumes exclusive to ComiXology and free to read for Unlimited subscribers. Even so, a great many series included in the Unlimited library are still incomplete. With many longer series, only a quarter to two-thirds of the total number of volumes are included. The library can also be frustratingly inconsistent at times. For example, the service includes most of writer Geoff Johns' major Green Lantern crossovers... except for Blackest Night, arguably the most desirable of the bunch. For some reason, the second, third and seventh books in James Tynion's seven-volume Detective Comics run are missing. The library contains a number of annoying holes like these that can make binge reading unnecessarily difficult. The upside is that, because Unlimited is integrated into the larger ComiXology service, readers can purchase whatever missing comics they need to fill those holes. Many publishers even offer an exclusive discount to Unlimited subscribers (between 10-15% depending on the publisher). At 25,000 books, ComiXology Unlimited has plenty to keep readers busy, but sooner or later they'll need to make the jump to a la carte purchases.ComiXology Unlimited's Price
Whatever flaws ComiXology may have in terms of its back catalog, those are mostly canceled out by its affordable pricing. The service costs $5.99 per month (there's no discounted annual bundle). ComiXology normally offers a 30-day free trial, but it's been temporarily boosted to 60 days during the COVID-19 pandemic. That's plenty of time to binge some free comics before you ever have to pay for the experience. That $6 price tag undercuts the monthly prices for both Marvel Unlimited ($9.99) and DC Universe ($7.99), though the latter two are technically cheaper if you purchase the 12-month bundles. Not to mention the fact that comics are only part of the equation with DC Universe, as it also includes DC movies and TV shows. Those interested in saving the most possible money would be best served exploring free, library-supported options like Hoopla, though Hoopla's comic library pales in comparison to ComiXology Unlimited's. Any way you slice it, $6 a month for access to 25,000 comics isn't asking much, especially considering most new, single issue comics sell for $4 or more these days. The added discount on a la carte purchases makes the service an even better value if you’re serious about digital comic purchasing. That discount can even be combined with ComiXology's various sales. Depending how often you purchase digital comics on the service, an Unlimited subscription can easily pay for itself that way.from IGN Reviews https://ift.tt/3bwvtCD
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