David Loftus of AK Comics in Beloit, Wisconsin writes in to comment on the recent discussions on digital comics, price increases and damages.

Yes, the unavoidable onslaught of the digitization of comics has begun.  I'm sure all of us saw this coming.  I know most true fans/collectors won't be dissuaded from buying "hard copies" of comic books, but this will definitely put a crimp in casual sales.  But like I said, it really is unavoidable (dang progress).  The only part of this that bothers me is releasing the digital copy and print copy on the same day.  We all know THAT is also inevitable.

My biggest gripe is about the ridiculous price jump that Marvel started and that DC Comics is now supporting.  A $1 increase?  Really?  Not a quarter and then build up to a dollar -- but a dollar right out of the gate?

And with that extra $1 increase, a comic that we're all getting stuck with, I expect better quality control from DC and Marvel.  I'm really getting sick of receiving comics with printer errors in my shipments.  Covers with streaks of color missing... comics that have pages stuck together... spines bent to crap... and how does a printer tear the center 3 pages at the lower staple?  Yeah, sure, I can call my rep and get my damages replaced but I shouldn't have to.  I should be able to unpack my comics and not have to worry about missing or damaged books before it gets sold out and goes to a second print.  And don't even get me started about damages caused by UPS (if you can't pick up and set down a 60lb box of comics without dropping it then maybe you should get a job at Dunkin' Donuts).

And of course DC's big announcement regarding their digital comics came the day after I renewed my lease!

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