Just in time, it seems, GlobalComix has unveiled a refresh to their web browser platform for reading digital comics, and they claim it “kicks competition to the crypt.”
In case you haven’t been following along this is a not very subtle allusion to the end of the Comixology standalone app, as we reported last week. It also refers to The Walking Dead compendiums, which you can now read in digital format on GlobalComix. A multi-use metaphor then.
The new layout offers a customizable reading experience available in vertical scroll, single or double page layouts. Here’s a video explaining more:
Move up and down pages and panels with ease. Use the tracking mousepad and point to either side of the page; it transforms into a unique arrow on either side to move pages back and forth! Click in the center. On the top left corner, the title, creator(s), and genre. The bottom corner QR code leads to the app. At the center is the page number, with the full page count of the comic in view as well. The top right corner shows a tool icon to switch page view, with collated series pages to open a preview in the sidebar. Below are icons that feature additional series info, an option to follow the creator and add to your digital library, including the options: reading, on hold, finish, read later, re-read, add push notifications; or leave a comment! Click the bottom center (i)con to retrieve series info and product description in full view.
Readers can set up their comics any way they prefer, and on any device. Best of all, never lose your place! Pick up where you left off if you nod off; track and organize each title by adding all things Walking Dead to your personal library. Run out of Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore tales? GlobalComix offers similar title suggestions, so there’s no hiding from the zombies. Talk about a corpse reviver…
GlobalComix All-New Web Reader – Complete Overhaul Part 2
And another video.
The folks at GlobalComix also passed along some statistics and charts to show their growth since they launched their new app back in October.
Since launch, new user acquisition is up 1000%; users following creators and publishers is 1500%; and users adding or liking comics to their library is up 3,600%.
GlobalComix supplied the Beat with some charts; as with charts they’ve released in the past, there are no index numbers, however, they do show significant upwards trends.
Here’s user growth since launch, above.
And engagement – likes and adding to library – growth, above. Up up and away!
Indie creators uploading and promoting their work continue to find readers on the platform. Indie manga webcomic Black Lotus recently became their first series to get 1 million views on the platform.
Getting more readers for more traditional publishers is a focus for ‘24, we’re told, as well as linking publisher’s e-commerce sites to digital purchases – readers can seamlessly purchase DRM free PDFs and print editions from existing webstores from the new reading experience.
And here’s some screen shots showing the new navigation features.
