Amazon’s ComiXology update has users justifiably upset

The new updates to ComiXology may cause the app and Amazon hundreds of subscribers.

ComiXology has been the leader in digital comics for years. It’s not just for fans of Marvel and DC Comics. There’s an assortment of other companies like Dark Horse, Image, Top Cow, and other independent companies. It also made it easy for comic book creators to upload content if they weren’t working for a major company. ComiXology Unlimited allowing people to read certain comics for free before investing in an entire series was a brilliant idea.

Recently, Amazon and ComiXology merged even more. Complete with a new update to the online app and website. Unfortunately, almost all of the reviews have been less than favorable. In fact, they’ve been abysmal. This lead to an email to users saying,

"“Hello comics fan,As you may have seen, I announced our team-up with Amazon and some big changes to your Comixology experience.I know when apps I love change, that new experience can be a little jarring at first. More updates are coming and we thank you for coming on this journey with us!”"

When this writer went to read his comic books, the ComiXology app was noticeably different. Like most people, seeing it was jarring. Instead of immediately detesting it, this writer gave it a shot. There was a major drop off from the accessibility. The most obvious was the smart list section. This is where a reader could easily see what they’ve recently read, downloaded, purchased, and more. Now, it looks like a congested and confusing mess. Especially the library.

The biggest issue this writer sees is one that affects him directly. Reading from the computer has become impossible. The former comixology.com website leads directly to amazon.com. This made things even more difficult. Reading comic books on a laptop or desktop was nice. It really brought the pages to life. For now, it’s a phone or nothing at all. A very frustrating and abrupt change to readers.

ComiXology changes need to be made soon

Then there’s Amazon. This company has more than enough money to create something of its own. They have their own podcast and music streaming services. Yet, they don’t have a phone or computer where you can specifically listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and so forth.

They have the means to get them but haven’t produced them. However, they do have the Kindle. This could be a move specifically to create hardware for Amazon products. Not just comic books. Podcasts, music, and more could be part of the plan.

Hopefully, some changes to the ComiXology app and the website will be made soon. There are a lot of upset users ready to jump ship. There are other comic book streaming services that smell blood in the water. They know that they’re about to get an opportunity to become the place comic book fans go to read their issues. Amazon may be a giant, but we’ve seen giants toppled in comic books more than a few times.

What do you think, readers? Will Amazon and ComiXology make adjustments to keep users happy? Let us know in the comments below.