Comedian Patton Oswalt is in a major beef… with ComiXology?
The app recently underwent some new modifications and updates that didn’t sit well with fans, Oswalt included!
Patton Oswalt: ‘Ohhhh ComiXology, What Have You Done?’
Ohhhhhh @comixology what have you done?
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 18, 2022
Many took issue with the app’s new formatting. As one user explained:
“Librarian here. @comiXology was an invaluable reference for us in both cataloging and patron interaction. It’s 💯 useless now,” she commented.
“Why is it useless for that now? What changed in that regard?” another asked. “I’m just a reader of the ComiXology app on iOS for iPhone, so I don’t see so much has changed.”
Librarian here. @comiXology was an invaluable reference for us in both cataloging and patron interaction. It’s 💯 useless now.
— Meg – in an open relationship with SJ Sharks (@bookgirlmeg) February 18, 2022
“Since few of us are dedicated comics readers, we used it heavily to trace series, arcs, one offs and reboots so that they’re cataloged in a way that makes sense for a new reader,” she explained. “If we searched ‘Batman’ we could get results leading us down the rabbit hole of the series’ start and end dates as well as when writers switch etc. This allowed us to make sure patrons were able to find complete series or the latest book. Rolling it into a standard Amazon layout got rid of all of that functionality.”
“We could also back trace anything we were unsure of. I have whole spreadsheets of comics lineage because of the searchability of the old ComiXology,” she concluded. “Now I will spend my Friday trying to find another resource 🤷🏻♀️🤬”
Patton Oswalt: ‘Just Switch It Back And No Hard Feelings’
Guys, just switch it back. You can do it. C’mon. Switch it back and no hard feelings. https://t.co/kcWNBzU0A5
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 18, 2022
When ComiXology posted a new announcement, many fans were quick to explain that the new app was riddled with problems.
“None of the books I made are searchable since the update,” one user wrote. “I’m also not searchable as a creator either. As a do-it-myself indie creator, I kind of need this to work a little better. Needless to say, I’m not a fan of it lol.”
“Someone wanna give me the two sentence version?” another asked. “They broke everything. Nothing works,” another user replied.
“Admit you made a mistake, roll it back, and make sure it works like before when you decide to update again,” another user wrote.
“The only acceptable solution,” another added. “I’ll happily use an updated version of the app but not as half-a–ed as this. I spent very good money on Comixology in past, but I won’t spent another dime on it in it’s current state.”
Over a day later, Oswalt revealed that they had actually reached out to him about the current state of the app.
Patton Oswalt Is Going To Go Back To Physical Comics For The Time Being!
…I can’t even navigate the new app, let alone pre-order and find the smaller publishers. It is beyond user-hostile, and I’m just gonna go back to buying physical comics on Wednesday for the time being…
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 18, 2022
“I’ve received some very kind outreach from @Marvel and @DCComics after this whole @comixology mess,” he began. “They both have wonderful digital platforms and if you like their comics you should definitely use them. BUT…
…as much as I enjoy @Marvel & @DC books (and @Image and @DarkHorse) there are dozens of other, smaller companies (like @AfterShockComix, @OniPress, @thevaultcomics, @AhoyComicMags) putting out some of the most innovative, exciting new books…”
“…and @comixology was always this terrific, one-stop location to not only download (and pre-order) from the major publishers, but a great way to explore newer, smaller, riskier outfits, and help get them exposure…”
“…I can’t even navigate the new app, let alone pre-order and find the smaller publishers. It is beyond user-hostile, and I’m just gonna go back to buying physical comics on Wednesday for the time being…”
“…I hope this all shakes out, that @amazon and @comixology hear these concerns and go back to their old model, which was PERFECT. And I REALLY hope this doesn’t hurt the smaller publishers, all of whom have been doing beyond stellar work these past few years.”
“Maybe @comixology is just as much a victim of larger, short-sighted greed. But the old site and app were clearly designed by comic book lovers, and this new design feels like hedge fund sharks thinking, “Eh, Batman and Spiderman whatever. Run the beta version I could care less.”
PATTON!!!!!! You are the best. Thank you! Thank you for shouting out so many amazing indie pubs, who work with such awesome creators. https://t.co/H4gKyC9yio
— Vault Comics (@thevaultcomics) February 18, 2022
Patton’s words drew high praise from indie publishers. It remains to be seen if ComiXology is going to revert their app back to the way it was, but, in the meantime, it has given comic book fans plenty of incentive to head to their local comic book shop and support local businesses.
