The Internet as a distribution platform for comics

Apr2009

In the last few years, we’ve seen how the Internet can provide a platform with amazing reach for emerging artists. Whether through portfolio websites or web-driven experimental art, new technologies are transforming the way we communicate and transfer knowledge. On the lighter side of things, the web platform is ideal for new writers and artists who want to publish a little humour through comic strips, without jumping through the hoops of syndication or print media. While I still read the occasional newspaper, I rarely read the funny pages. Instead, I rely on RSS feeds from my favourite web comic creators.

I use Reeder or Newsrack on my portable device, and pull comics through RSS feeds with the incredibly useful Darkgate Comic Slurper. Using this method, I don’t necessarily have to go to the websites themselves; Newsstand automatically updates me when new comics are available. Here’s a few worth checking out:

PHD Comics: http://www.phdcomics.com

XKCD: http://xkcd.com

Cyanide and Happiness: http://www.explosm.net/comics

Of course, you can also find more established work like Dilbert and Zits, but there are many other online strips worth checking out:

• Ctrl Alt Del: http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php
• Sinfest: http://www.sinfest.net/
• User Friendly: http://www.userfriendly.org/
• Get Fuzzy: http://comics.com/get_fuzzy/
• Player vs. Player (PVP): http://www.pvponline.com/
• Penny Arcade: http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/
• Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal: http://www.smbc-comics.com/
• Joy of Tech: http://www.geekculture.com/joyoftech/
• The Oatmeal: http://theoatmeal.com/comics
• 8-bit Theatre: http://www.nuklearpower.com/8-bit-theater/
• MegaTokyo: http://www.megatokyo.com/
• Extra Life: http://www.myextralife.com/