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.
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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.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.
Verdict
ComiXology Unlimited falls a little short of being the all-encompassing, Netflix-esque resource digital comics readers may be looking for. While it features a massive library of books from most of the major publishers, too many key series are either incomplete or missing entirely. However, it still offers a clean, refined reading experience at a low price. It's a great starting point for any reader looking to branch out, but be prepared to pay extra if you plan on finishing some titles.
FAQs
Is ComiXology Unlimited any good? ›
Comixology Unlimited is decent if you want to try the first issues of a series. It's also a great place to look for obscure titles or ones you might not have heard of.
What happened to ComiXology Unlimited? ›The update shuttered ComiXology's website, and the URL is now being redirected to a local subsite on Amazon. To continue using ComiXology, long-time customers are required to link their accounts to Amazon. Amazon also integrated its existing services to ComiXology, which made lines blurry.
How many books can you borrow on ComiXology Unlimited? ›"Comixology Unlimited has endless access to the content in the service," Mosher explained. "Customers have the ability to borrow up to 50 comics, graphic novels and manga from a selection of thousands.
Do you still have to pay for comics with ComiXology unlimited? ›Once you've joined Comixology Unlimited (CU), you can read the full selection of content available here on both Comixology and Amazon. When signing up for the first time, the first 30 days are FREE. After that you'll be charged 5.99/mo.
What is the best comic book subscription service? ›- Comic Mystery Box. From $31.00 per box. ...
- ComicBoxer for U.S. Customers. From $17.99 per box. ...
- The Heroes Tower Mini Mystery Box. From $16.00 per box. ...
- Comics Fan Box. From $23.95 per box. ...
- Comic Crate. From $27.42 per box. ...
- Mondo Size. From $18.33 per box.
ComiXology comes included with Amazon Prime — just like Prime Video and Amazon Music Unlimited — for the same $12.99 a month. A ComiXology account made through Amazon Prime gives you access to ComiXology Originals — comics, books, and manga exclusive to paying customers.
Why did Amazon get rid of Comixology? ›This is the outcome of Amazon's consideration that "keeping two different code bases just isn't sustainable," as per a thread on ComiXology's Twitter account, which resulted in merging the ComiXology app with the Kindle code base.
Is Amazon going to fix comixology? ›After making it worse, Amazon has plans to fix Comixology.
Which is better Kindle or Comixology? ›If you just want to read comics, and manga then Comixlogy Unlimited is the better option for you. Their selection is larger and it's cheaper. However, if you want to have access to a wider range of materials, including books and magazines, then Kindle Unlimited may be the better choice.
Why can't i buy comics on Comixology? ›Why can't I purchase in the Comixology app? To remain in compliance with Google's updated Play Store policies, purchasing is no longer supported in the Comixology app for Android. Comixology readers can continue to read and browse, and subscription members can continue to borrow in the app as they usually do.
Is Comixology any good? ›
Comixology has an excellent Guided View mode that makes reading a pleasure on small devices, digital comics that release on the same day as print editions, high-definition comic book files that render stunningly on HD displays, and an Unlimited reading plan that could potentially save you a lot of dough.
What can I use instead of Comixology? ›- DC Universe Infinite.
- Marvel Unlimited.
- Humble Bundle.
- Hoopla Digital.
- Libby.
In 2021, Amazon announced that it planned to close Comixology.com in favor of fully integrating the site into its Kindle department, but put off the change due to “community feedback.”
How do you read full books on ComiXology? ›While you can't download every comic in ComiXology to your computer, you can read them in the web app on the site. Just go to the "My Books" section and click the "Read" button.
What comics are included in ComiXology Unlimited? ›ComiXology Unlimited comics
Publishers you can read through ComiXology Unlimited include Image, Dark Horse, Archie Comics, BOOM!, Marvel, Valiant, Oni Press, and IDW Publishing.
The usual price is $50-$100 per box, depending on the age, and quality of the material. Even at $100 a long box, your per unit cost is still under 35 cents per comic.
What did Amazon do to ComiXology? ›When Amazon merged its digital comics platform ComiXology into the primary Amazon.com web presence earlier this year, what was intended as the solution to one problem – how to bring ComiXology in line with the larger Amazon apparatus – ended up creating another, by destabilizing the digital comics landscape as it ...
How much is ComiXology annual? ›There are three primary comics subscription services: Comixology Unlimited ($6 a month) Marvel Unlimited ($10 a month or $70 a year)
Why can't I read anything on comixology? ›As as of June 30, 2022, the apps are no longer available for customers, which means you are no longer able to access, read, or re-download previous purchases. If you've already connected and synced your library with your Amazon account, you can continue reading all your comics from the Comixology app.
Has Comixology been fixed yet? ›
On February 14, 2022, comiXology 4.0 was officially rolled out, replacing the popular industry-leading app with its parent company's Amazon Kindle architecture. Reviews at the time – including from this parish – were largely not favourable.
Can I add my own comics to Comixology? ›Contact support@comixology.com to have your comics added for nomination into Comixology Unlimited. You can opt into Kindle Unlimited at any time by publishing your comic through KDP and enrolling the comic in KDP Select. Click here to learn how to enroll your comics in KDP Select.
Does ComiXology unlimited work on Kindle? ›Yes. You can now sync your Comixology and Kindle library, which will allow you to read your books on either or both apps. Your reading location and bookmarks will be synched automatically once the feature is enabled.
Do ComiXology purchases show up in Kindle? ›To have your comiXology purchases appear on Kindle: Click on Show your comiXology books on your Comixology settings page. Open your Kindle app and pull down to refresh your library. The books will appear.
What is the best way to read digital comics? ›How Do I Read Digital Comics? Tablets are the best way to read your favorite titles due to their comc book-like dimensions, but smartphones and web browsers can do the job, too. Fortunately, there are many free and paid desktop, Android and iPad digital comic book readers.
Is ComiXology any good? ›Comixology has an excellent Guided View mode that makes reading a pleasure on small devices, digital comics that release on the same day as print editions, high-definition comic book files that render stunningly on HD displays, and an Unlimited reading plan that could potentially save you a lot of dough.
Is Amazon going to fix ComiXology? ›Although Amazon acquired ComiXology in 2013, it only completed its merging in February 2022, when it incorporated ComiXology into the Kindle ecosystem. However, the changes that the merger brought about also sparked anger among ComiXology users. Amazon says it plans to fix ComiXology.
What comics are included with ComiXology Unlimited? ›ComiXology Unlimited comics
Publishers you can read through ComiXology Unlimited include Image, Dark Horse, Archie Comics, BOOM!, Marvel, Valiant, Oni Press, and IDW Publishing.
In 2021, Amazon announced that it planned to close Comixology.com in favor of fully integrating the site into its Kindle department, but put off the change due to “community feedback.” When that integration did show up in February 2022, the results were immediately controversial.
Is Kindle or ComiXology better? ›If you just want to read comics, and manga then Comixlogy Unlimited is the better option for you. Their selection is larger and it's cheaper. However, if you want to have access to a wider range of materials, including books and magazines, then Kindle Unlimited may be the better choice.
Why is ComiXology gone? ›
When Amazon merged its digital comics platform ComiXology into the primary Amazon.com web presence earlier this year, what was intended as the solution to one problem – how to bring ComiXology in line with the larger Amazon apparatus – ended up creating another, by destabilizing the digital comics landscape as it ...
What can I use instead of ComiXology? ›- DC Universe Infinite.
- Marvel Unlimited.
- Humble Bundle.
- Hoopla Digital.
- Libby.
As as of June 30, 2022, the apps are no longer available for customers, which means you are no longer able to access, read, or re-download previous purchases. If you've already connected and synced your library with your Amazon account, you can continue reading all your comics from the Comixology app.
What percentage does comiXology take? ›After the mobile distributors are paid their fee of 30%, comiXology splits the remaining revenue 50/50 with the comic's publisher – meaning comiXology gets 35% of the cover price and the publisher and creative team gets the remaining 35%.
How do you read full books on comixology? ›While you can't download every comic in ComiXology to your computer, you can read them in the web app on the site. Just go to the "My Books" section and click the "Read" button.
How do you read full comics on Comixology? ›Your Comixology comics, graphic novels and manga won't appear by default on your E-reader devices. If you want to read one on those devices, you can head to your Content and Devices page, select the book, and choose to Deliver the book to your registered Devices.
Can I add my own comics to comixology? ›Contact support@comixology.com to have your comics added for nomination into Comixology Unlimited. You can opt into Kindle Unlimited at any time by publishing your comic through KDP and enrolling the comic in KDP Select. Click here to learn how to enroll your comics in KDP Select.