Reading comics on your smartphone just got a hell of a lot better

Google Play Books has supported comics and graphic novels for years, but the user experience has never been the best, especially when compared to apps like ComicRack that are dedicated solely to reading comics. Fortunately, Google has decided to give the app a long-needed update that makes it much easier to read comics on Android devices. In fact, it’s so easy and smooth, and Google has added so many useful features, that Android may very well be the best platform for reading comic books at the moment. 

Even though the Google Play Books store has contained digital versions of graphic novels and comic books for quite a while, reading them has never been the easiest experience – especially when compared to dedicated apps such as ComicRack and comiXology. But now, Google wants to change this with an update to its Book app that will make reading and discovering comics a lot simpler. In order to improve the experience of reading comics/graphic novels on mobile devices, the update will offer a scrolling, landscape layout that users can access by simply flipping their devices on their sides. “Reading a comic book is all about following the story and enjoying the art, dialogue and pace the way you want,” says Google. “But navigating a comic can be tricky on a small phone or tablet screen. So, we’re introducing a new vertical scrolling experience for comics in landscape mode.” Furthermore, the update will make it easier to search through the Play Store’s library of comic books by organizing curated collections into volumes, issues and editions. Google will also offer personalized recommendations to users based on what comics they are searching for.