PSP Digital Comics Reader Review

One of the most unique things I've discovered about the PSP is that it allows you to download and read digital comics. I love this feature! Keep reading below for all the deets:

The Basics
Digital Comics puts some of the world's greatest comics and graphic novels on your PSP. You can download them from the Playstation Digital Comics site and read them on your PSP whenever you want. Comics cost $1.99 each (at least the ones I've checked), and they have several issues available for free.

Here's more information about Digital Comics on PSP:
Digital Comics has revolutionised the way fans enjoy comics and graphic novels. With Digital Comics and a PSP you can: Take your entire collection wherever you go Listen to music while you read Get loads of titles from major and independent publishers Access many new issues each week Download direct from PlayStation®Store, with no UMDs With AutoFlow, the page slides and zooms from frame to frame just as the artists intended. Simply turn it off and navigate yourself when you want to appreciate a scene for a little longer. The PSP's high-contrast screen delivers it all in vivid detail and vibrant colours, and you can even listen to music as you read.

photo courtesy of Comic Book Resources

The Bongga
With the ability to read digital comics, the PSP becomes even more of a one-stop-shop for entertainment on the go! Here's what I like about the PSP Digital Comics reader:

* They've got a great range of comics, from the Marvel superheroes to Transformers to GI Joe to Wallace & Gromit to Archie, Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, Judge Dredd and more.

* It's no hassle at all to get the comics onto the PSP, just browse the Playstation Digital Comics site to find what you want (beats driving your kid to all the comic stores!) and download it onto the PSP.

* The graphics are amazing, so sharp and colorful.

* Most important, at $1.99, the Price is definitely Right!


The Blah
Here are some things that don't have me jumping for joy:

* They do have a wide range of comics, but I guess I'd like to see even more variety. How about getting Tintin or Asterix there, guys?

* The panning tool is cute, but kind of useless; to see the whole page of the comic book you need to zoom so far out that the words get too small. Because of the small screen, the only way you can really read the words is with the AutoFlow feature.


The Bottom Line
The PSP's Digital Comics reader is a fun, unique way for kids to add to their arsenal of entertainment options on their PSP.


What digital comics would you like to see on the PSP? Any comment you leave here counts as an extra entry into my $50 PlayStation Network gift card giveaway!

Disclosure: I am participating in Sony's PSP Summer Family Fun blogger program; I received a "Summer Fun" kit which included a Sony Playstation Portable (PSP-3000) , an assortment of content (games and movies) for the PSP, as well as a journal and videocamera to capture our summer adventures. I have not been paid or required to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.