Comixology may have solved the problem of reading comics on the small screen. The iPhone application takes advantage of the new in-app purchasing option of iPhone OS 3, allowing you to browse, search, download and pay for titles without leaving the application. The experience is similar to that of the App Store itself, only easier to actually find what you are looking for.
But although the buying of new comics is important (four of the five icons across the bottom of the screen are store controls, and only one takes you to your library), it is the navigation method that really stands out, making the tiny iPhone screen seem a lot more like a real, full-sized comic-book.
Central is the guided scrolling. You view one frame at a time and, when you tap the right side or swipe a finger, it moves to the next frame, filling the screen with that. But the crucial difference is that, if the next frame is on the next row down, it scans down and left to get you there, so you see the bits in between. This is what makes it feel like you are running an eye across the page.
There are lots more usability options in there, too. You can switch off auto-landscape mode, pinch to zoom in, and choose whether you want to see a shrunken, full-page layout at the start or at the end of reading page.
But the big surprise comes at the end of the video, and at the end of a comic. When done, you can opt to buy the print edition of the comic from within the app, using Amazon. Sounds dangerous for your wallet, right? Comixology will also come up with a list of local stores where you can buy the comics, for an even quicker fix. $1, and it comes with 30 free comics.
Product page [iTunes]
